We were lucky to catch up with Bridgette Donald-blue recently and have shared our conversation below.
Bridgette, appreciate you joining us today. Have you ever had an amazing boss, mentor or leader leading you? Can you us a story or anecdote that helps illustrate why this person was such a great leader and the impact they had on you or their team?
The Best Boss You Ever Had…I have been a teacher for over 30 years. Throughout those years, I have taught various grade levels in many amazing schools led by talented principals. When I think about the best boss I have ever had, I think about Dr. Ajala. You see, I had just gotten a promotion as an elementary school administrator. I was assigned to the school where Dr. Ajala was the principal. I could not have asked for a more amazing boss. The unique thing about Dr. Ajala was that she was a blend of supportive boss, pushy boss and consummate leader,
As a supportive boss, Dr. Ajala carefully explained the job. She was on-hand daily for questions and adjustments. There was never a dumb question as far as she was concerned and she didn’t mind reviewing information or procedures if I needed it. She was truly supportive. Dr, Ajala allowed me to be creative and implement new and innovative strategies, curriculum and programs at the school. She was open to new ideas and helped me to develop and implement the best ideas for the school.
Dr. Ajala was a pushy boss, in the best way. She constantly reminded me to set goals and to strive for the next level. I was new to the job, but she encouraged me to get my master’s degree and pursue certifications and or degrees to improve my skills. She never let you rest on where you were, on what you had already achieved. She encouraged me to make new goals and strive to achieve them. Dr. Ajala did this by example too. While I work at her school, she completed her doctorate degree. Always striving to be the best and provide the best to the students and community we serve.
Dr. Ajala is a consummate leader. She is the type of person that has a vision and leads in a way that helps others to see the vision and join the cause. The five years I worked with her were amazing. She was. a visionary that leads from the front. If we had a school fundraiser, she would buy the first item. When we had school beautification day, Dr. Ajala picked up the first broom. She always lead by example. She encouraged others to follower her by leading from the front, not just telling people what to do, she would show them. Lastly, Dr. Ajala is generous. As a consummate leader, she still found time to support me in a deep and meaningful way. If I had an idea, strategy, curriculum, she reviewed it and allowed me to facilitate/present to the staff. If it worked, she gave me all the credit. She told the staff and the district has amazing I was. If I had an idea, strategy, curriculum, that failed, she took the hit. She told the staff and on one occasion her director that it was her idea. This allowed me to work and grow in a very nurturing environment. For this reason, Dr. Ajala is the best boss I ever had. Because of Dr. Ajala, I was able to work at a successful, thriving school community. She knew how to engage families and staff and I had a front row seat to all of it. I am grateful for her leadership example, her bold vision, and her generosity.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I am Bridgette Donald-Blue, the 2023 California Teacher of the Year. I am a teacher through and through! I am a Florida native who was raised in Ocala, Florida. I was a blessed to be raised by my great grandmother and aunt who were very encouraging about education. I am a graduate of Howard University where I majored in Psychology and English. My original plan was to become a lawyer, but a chance encounter with the Teach for America organization during my senior year set me on a new path. Investing well beyond the two-year commitment required for Teach for America, today, I have over 30 years of teaching experience. I hold a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from Cal State University Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) and have been a National Board Certified Teacher since 2004. I have served as an adjunct professor at UCLA in the Center X National Board for Certification and CSUDH in the teacher credentialing program. When I am not teaching, I am an avid supporter and volunteer for The Girls Scouts America.
Criss crossing the US seeking opportunities to teach in underserved communities, I currently teach K-5 mathematics in the heart of Los Angeles. My husband, and two daughters, are at the core of my support system of love and family.
In 2022, I became a Los Angeles County Teacher of the Year and LAUSD Teacher of the Year. In 2023, I became a 2023 California Teacher of the Year.
Being a 2023 California Teacher of the Year has been amazing. The year was a blur of news spots and t.v., radio, and print interviews, but nothing compared to getting the call late in July of 2023 to replace Vanna White for one week on Wheel of Fortune. Everyone, was really surprised by the call from Sony Studios asking me to come audition to fill in for the incomparable Vanna White. At the time, Vanna White was recovering from COVID-19. I was truly worried if my sneakers could ever fill the high heels of Vanna White for even a second. The shows aired October 2-6, 2023 and caught national attention from The Today Show with Hoda & Jenna, GMA with Michael Strahand, and ABC World News with David Muir, to name a few.
My experience with The Wheel of Fortune show, support of my family, and holding strong to knowing that education is something that no one can take away from you, has inspired me to take things to the next level. I am adding on to my titles of being a mother, wife, and teacher, to become a speaker and author by expanding my “Letters from Mrs. Blue” brand to educate teachers, parents, administrators and all who care about education. During the week of the Wheel of Fortune show, “Letters from Mrs. Blue” was born. In the letter format, I discuss aspects about teaching, family and community involvement and other aspects of education. Now I have launched a website www.LettersfromMrsBlue.com. I use this platform to increase teacher support, parent involvement, audit curriculum across the US and encourage everyday people to volunteer, mentor, fundraise, and share expertise in our public schools. I have also been doing keynote address speeches, teacher conference sessions and other public speaking events.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
The lesson that I had to unlearn is from my childhood. “You don’t to talk or boast about your talent or accomplishments, just do good work and others will take notice.” I had to unlearn this because I have found that you can’t wait around for others to notice or promote you. You have to know your value and worth. You need to sell and market your brand. When I was growing up their was a fear in my community that you should not go around singing your praises, that it would be looked upon as haughty. What I have come to discover is that you need to promote yourself. You can not and should not wait for someone else to promote you. I know this from personal experience. One year, I was interested in a new position in education. I asked my current boss at the time if she would write a letter of recommendation. She stated that she didn’t think I was ready for the position, so, I withdrew my application. After a year a so later, I was talking with someone from the committee, who knew I was interested and asked why I withdrew the application. I explained about comment of my current boss, she stated that I should submit another application, even without her recommendation. I did and I got the position. I enjoyed the position and was very successful. I allowed someone to devalue what I thought about myself. I also waited for someone else to promote me before I would take a chance on me. This is a lesson I had to unlearn.
Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?
I know this will seem simple, but I feel that what is most helpful for succeeding as a teacher is respect for the students and the community in which you work. After 30+ years of teaching, I have seen occasions where a lack of respect for a student, their family or culture can lead to a less than ideal educational experience. We all come from very diverse backgrounds. Even if you have race in common with another person, there could be cultural differences, geographical differences, etc. I feel that when we start with respect for the student, the whole student, meaning family, community, culture, this is a great start for success. Students learn and thrive when they know that their teachers care. When you demonstrate respect for a student, you let them know that you see them and you are listening. Students need us, teachers and other supportive adults in their lives. This respect prompts teachers to provide curriculum that supports and inspires students. Respect for the students allows for parents/guardians/families to feel welcomed in the school. When teachers have respect for the students, families and communities where we work, we lead with our heart and provide the very best educational experience, which is what every child deserves.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lettersfrommrsblue.com
- Instagram: lettersfrommrsblue
- Facebook: Bridgette Donald-Blue
- Linkedin: Bridgette Donald-Blue
Image Credits
Teal Studio Photography
YouTube