By: Jana Safieddine, 2027
- What is the Bridge Program about?
The Bridge Program is all about providing a supportive space where students can strengthen their academic and executive functioning skills while developing strategies for managing stress, organization, and their overall well-being. I like to frame it as a space for “learning how to learn”. For some people, school and academics come naturally, so they don’t always have to think about the skills that make learning possible. That isn’t always the case though, and Bridge is a great place for students to recognize and improve those skills, and build habits and strategies that help them succeed not just in school, but everywhere.
- How long have you been working in this program?
This is my first year at Bedford High School, and my 15th year teaching overall. I started as a study skills and executive functioning teacher before spending the last 10+ years teaching History.
- What are some of the challenges you faced with the work you do?
I would say that it is difficult at times to find the balance between structure and flexibility. Students come in with different needs and priorities every day, and the goal is to ensure that they are getting the support they need in many areas, not just academics.
- Why did you choose this job?
If we’re talking teaching in general, it wasn’t something that I always planned on doing. I was undecided on a major my first few years in college, and got to a point where I had to declare what it was I would study. I still wasn’t entirely sure, until my advisor noted that I never skipped class (which can be somewhat out of the ordinary in college!), and took an abundance of history classes. He mentioned teaching, and that was how I chose it.
If your question is about the Bridge program specifically, I found that after over a decade of teaching history, I most looked forward to teaching the functional skills of reading, writing, and organizing projects. I viewed the opportunity in this program as a chance to focus much more on that idea.
- What is your favorite part of working in this profession?
It’s been the opportunity to try to help students with areas/skills that I felt anxious with or lousy in when I was in their shoes. Presentations are a good example! I only remember being told that I would be presenting in front of the class, then all of a sudden the time came. There was never any teaching or focus on how to actually present effectively. I always carry that with me, and make sure to always discuss what “skills” are being built during a given class period, and to make sure they are being taught! I eventually taught a Speech and Debate class for 4 years, and it was always my favorite. I’ve been fortunate enough to have had multiple students come back to me over the years speaking to how much that type of class helped them, which I suppose is also a favorite part of the profession!
