Posts by Gretchen Schultek Bridgers

Blogging has become more than a hobby for me. I’ve grown professionally through both reflection on my own teaching practices and networking with other educators. That is fulfilling enough on its own, but when Word Press sent me my annual blog stat report I couldn’t be more appreciative for my journey and growth as a…

I came across an article in a magazine called “Wilmington, North Carolina.” Amongst the beautiful beach scenery and southern architecture, came the article entitled “A Passion for the Classroom.” The author Jennifer Glatt introduced and interviewed three 2013-2014 Teachers of the Year from the New Hanover County school district. She asked each educator a series of questions…

When I say I am a teacher, many people respond in a way similar to “oh wow! I could never do what you do” or “man, they sure don’t pay you enough!” Although I know each individual has the best of intentions when saying this, it does bother me somewhat. Yes, it takes a special…

I came across a post called “5 signs kids are struggling with entitlement” and my ears perked up (well, considering I read it maybe I should say that my eyes widened). I have been struggling with this exact notion for quite some time now. Generations of students have an attitude that is completely unfamiliar to…

  I stumbled upon a passionate blog entry from a loving mother [see post here]. I immediately connected to her message- love your child just enough that they feel cherished but not too much that you disable them as individuals. As a teacher, my philosophy has been and always will be to help a child…

This year has been extremely challenging for me in a new way. Over my 8 year career, I have taught third grade for 6 of those years. I have seen multiple instructional programs and approaches come and go, and with these changes lots of new learning occurred for myself. However, this year, just when I…

Last year I had to opportunity to experience an in-house field trip. I normally do not find these events as engaging, exciting, nor memorable as going out into the community for a traditional field trip. However, this experience was like no other! [see post here]. So, I had to reach out for the opportunity again…

Public speaking tops most people’s list of fears. Not mine. I absolutely love to talk to people. I may not know everything there is to know about a subject, but I know how to share information in a way that relates to people and comes off more like a story than a list of facts.…