What really happens behind the scenes of great teaching? In this episode, we pull back the curtain with educator Craig Randall to talk about the realities of the classroom that don’t always make it into lesson plans or professional development sessions. From the behind-the-scenes decisions teachers make every day to the mindset shifts that help sustain energy and passion, Craig shares honest insights, practical wisdom, and relatable moments that every educator will recognize.

• "It takes focus on one thing to really really grow. "
• "Choice matters so much."
• “We have to model what we want with kids.“

• Episode 240: Trust Based Observations with Craig Randall
• Trust Based Observations Book:https://amzn.to/4oXEoTz
• Website:https://trustbased.com/
• Email:[email protected]

• Join here and grab a freebie!

• Email: [email protected]
• Blog: Always A Lesson
• Facebook: Always A Lesson
• Twitter: @gschultek
• Instagram: Always.A.Lesson
• Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers
• Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College

• Search for my show on iTunes or Stitcher.
• Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’
• Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.”
• Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info
• Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best)
• Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast
• Click ‘Send’

Music from #Uppbeat:

• "Model, practice, praise."

• "Reflect before you restart."

• "Choose learning that feeds your strengths."

• Join here and grab a freebie!

• Email: [email protected]
• Blog: Always A Lesson
• Facebook: Always A Lesson
• Twitter: @gschultek
• Instagram: Always.A.Lesson
• Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers
• Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College

• Search for my show on iTunes or Stitcher.
• Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’
• Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.”
• Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info
• Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best)
• Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast
• Click ‘Send’

Music from #Uppbeat:

We’ve hit the midpoint of the school year—congratulations! In this episode, we’re taking a breath and reflecting on what’s working, what’s not, and how to finish the year strong without burning out. From classroom engagement hacks to managing mid-year chaos, we’ll unpack practical ways to keep your students motivated and protect your own energy.

• "Let student’s present. However you go about, let them present what they know."
• "Don’t forget to communicate and celebrate."
• “Kids really want to talk, and kids really want to move—so use it to your benefit.”

• Join here and grab a freebie!

• Email: [email protected]
• Blog: Always A Lesson
• Facebook: Always A Lesson
• Twitter: @gschultek
• Instagram: Always.A.Lesson
• Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers
• Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College

• Search for my show on iTunes or Stitcher.
• Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’
• Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.”
• Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info
• Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best)
• Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast
• Click ‘Send’

Music from #Uppbeat:

• "Great questions don't just test students knowledge. They actually ignite them to want to know more or go deeper."
• "Think time is powerful."
• "Let the dang kids talk. That’s the message."

• Join here and grab a freebie!

• Email: [email protected]
• Blog: Always A Lesson
• Facebook: Always A Lesson
• Twitter: @gschultek
• Instagram: Always.A.Lesson
• Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers
• Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College

• Search for my show on iTunes or Stitcher.
• Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’
• Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.”
• Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info
• Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best)
• Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast
• Click ‘Send’

Music from #Uppbeat:

In this episode we dive into one of the biggest challenges teachers face—getting students to actually care about what they’re learning. Great lesson planning isn’t just about standards and objectives—it’s about connection, relevance, and engagement.

Join us as we explore how intentional planning can transform your lessons from “just another class” into experiences that matter to your students.

• “Personal growth over grades. ”
• "That classroom environment has to be a place where they want to take risks."
• "When students feel known, they feel respected, and their more likely to find meaning in what their working on. "

• Join here and grab a freebie!

• Email: [email protected]
• Blog: Always A Lesson
• Facebook: Always A Lesson
• Twitter: @gschultek
• Instagram: Always.A.Lesson
• Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers
• Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College

• Search for my show on iTunes or Stitcher.
• Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’
• Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.”
• Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info
• Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best)
• Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast
• Click ‘Send’

Music from #Uppbeat:

Jennifer is a literacy trainer, consultant and author working with schools and districts to help teachers and leaders make reading joyful to teach and learn from the earliest of ages. As teachers, we go through observe, reflect and create cycles in teaching. This applies to daily lesson planning and teacher professional growth. We are learning to observe and take notes better. We are learning to reflect on what our notes mean. And we are learning how to create impactful lessons. That is what Jennifer has created in the book Building Readers From The Playground to Print for the youngest of readers and what she work with schools to do with all readers.

Music from #Uppbeat:

• "Everyone had ownership in the space, and their option mattered."
• "When they [students] reflect, it really opens up that door for that ownership to come later."
• "It [routines] allows you to do what matters, and it allows them to run the classroom."

• Join here and grab a freebie!

• Email: [email protected]
• Blog: Always A Lesson
• Facebook: Always A Lesson
• Twitter: @gschultek
• Instagram: Always.A.Lesson
• Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers
• Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College

• Search for my show on iTunes or Stitcher.
• Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’
• Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.”
• Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info
• Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best)
• Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast
• Click ‘Send’

Music from #Uppbeat:

Music from #Uppbeat:

Music from #Uppbeat:

Music from #Uppbeat: