Bridgette Donald-Blue

Bridgette Donald-Blue believes that teaching is a social justice endeavor and that a quality education is the right of every child. This outstanding fourth grade teacher begins each day with a social-emotional learning lesson. She knows that being hungry, tired, or suffering emotional trauma impacts learning. Through activities, role-play, and discussions, students express themselves, which is essential to their emotional well-being. 

While in college, Bridgette had a psychology professor whose class motto was, “Lift While You Climb.” She took it to heart and joined Teach for America. Bridgette says, “It was to be a two-year commitment, and 30 years later, I am still teaching!”

Bridgette’s students participate in the Breakfast-in-the-Classroom program, which used to be a messy, disruptive time. So, she decided to use the time to teach manners, how to serve food, and how to clean up. She expanded to graphing fruit and milk choices, and her students used the data to create a math themed iMovie. Her children wrote dialogue and acted in the movie, which they shared with parents and their school community. As a result, there was less tardiness because they wanted to attend school and be part of the Breakfast Club.

Investing in their own learning by setting target goals, having data chats, and reviewing assessments and portfolios with their teacher is critical. Through progress monitoring, differentiated instruction, and intervention, Bridgette gives her students the tools they need for success.

Facilitating innovative programs that spark creativity is one of Bridgette’s many passions. She hosts a school-wide Math Olympics that includes not only students, but also their parents, in fun exploration activities such as playing Math Jeopardy and building things mathematically. 

When learning about the solar system, students research planets and complete a graphic notes study guide before embarking on Bridgette’s Space Realtor project, where students “sell” homes that they have designed to be viable on their selected planets. They work together to create a brochure on a Google Slide and some even record commercials. This engaging unit culminates with presentations and a field trip to Griffith Park Observatory. 

How fortunate are they to have Bridgette Donald-Blue as their teacher!