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Bridget Halverson has been teaching at Walker Elementary in West Allis, Wisconsin for the past 18 years. She has taught 1st-3rd grade in almost every environment including single class, multi class, multi-age, looped and co-teaching environments. She is a vocal support of the personalized learning movement and a strong support of co-teaching.
SHOW NOTES
i am ME. Statements
i am involved. i am committed. i am trustworthy.
GETTING TO KNOW BRIDGET
What is one thing that makes you unique as a teacher?
I like to give a lot of myself to my students, because the more I give, the more they give back.
When and why did you decide to become a teacher?
I was inspired by my 5th and 6th grade teacher by her out-of-the-box teaching styles and her connection.
SIMPLE CONNECTIONS
Please share with us a simple connection where you feel you made a long-lasting, powerful impact on a student.
I built a strong relationship with both a student and his mother. Years later after his mother passed away, this student would come to me for help and I still keep in contact with him today.
PERSONALIZED LEARNING JOURNEY
What is it about Personalized Learning Pedagogy you believe will have the greatest impact on education as we know it today?
Students taking ownership of what they are learning, why they are learning it, and seeing themselves as successful learners has a huge impact.
OVERCOMING OBSTACLES
Tell us about a challenging situation that could have resulted in a bad outcome, but because you persisted — and perhaps made tough decisions, the now painful memory serves as a great lesson?
I had a difficult time adjusting to a personalized learning approach in the classroom. My co-teacher had to push me, but it turned into something great.
SECRETS TO SUCCESS
What one strategy would you suggest teachers in personalized learning environments apply everyday that would result in powerful outcomes?
Modeling is our number one strategy. We want to model the way we do things, so the students can self-direct their own learning.
Imagine you are standing in front of a room full of educators — just like you when you started your personalized learning journey. They too have fears, worries and doubts as they struggle to find their footing. What are two to three key things they should focus on to ensure success?
Take small steps when transitioning to a personalized learning approach.
i am ME.
Can you share with the i am Me. audience one thing that makes you GREAT?
I have no problem admitting when I am struggling with something.
CONNECT WITH BRIDGET