Posts by Gretchen Schultek Bridgers

This week is so bittersweet. I am forever grateful for this year’s experiences, from my wonderful principal to my amazing class. My room parents were the best I have ever had, my classroom was outfitted with state-of-the-art technology and had ample space, and my teammates became great friends. I am so blessed to have had…

I love how everyone thinks teachers have “off” in the summer. Not only do I have to work another job, but I am never truly “off.” I am always thinking of how to do things better, how to reach all of my children, and how I can mix things up to keep it fresh. Many…

At the end of every school year most schools host some sort of “Field Day” where their students compete in games learned throughout the year in P.E. class. Our school makes the event similar to a mini Olympics. Each classroom chooses a country and makes a banner. We begin our Field Day with a procession…

Have you ever experienced a change in leadership at your school? It creates a lot of anxiety as most changes do. I recently left my first job at a title-one school for the past 5 years to join a team of teachers at a high performing school in town. I knew I needed to gain…

Over the years, I have collected materials that have honed my teaching style. Looking back, I can’t imagine I ever taught without them at some point. Below is a list of items I cannot teach without and what I use each one for. Bell– Used during small group workshop times to signal transition to a…

Okay, okay you caught me! I am making a confession that I love my class this year. For whatever reason, the combination of students has made for an easy year. We not only get our work done, but we have a blast together. Years prior, I have enjoyed my classes too. But, there was often…