Leading Hard Conversations For Educators

Build Connections & Manage Hard Conversations with The BRIDGE Model

What you'll learn

Navigate difficult discussions with skill and confidence

Use The BRIDGE Model to anticipate concerns and respond effectively

Reduce anxiety and regulate your emotions under pressure

Build trust and communicate with clarity and compassion

Requirements

No prior experience is needed. You will learn everything you need to know about managing hard conversations in educational settings.

Description

Having Hard Conversations: A Framework for EducatorsManage hard conversations with confidence and clarity! Designed for K-12 educators, this course teaches The BRIDGE Model for building connections through constructive dialogue.  The BRIDGE Model is a practical technique for managing difficult conversations with professionalism and empathy—ultimately strengthening collaboration and trust within school communities.Key Topics:Applying The BRIDGE Model for resolving conflicts constructivelyManaging sensitive discussions with parents, students, leaders, and colleagues  Anticipating concerns and responding effectively  Ensuring that all voices are heard and valuedRegulating emotions under pressure to de-escalate and find common ground  Building trust and fostering collaboration through clear, compassionate communication  Strengthening relationships and school culture through strategic dialogue  Format & Resources:Concise, research-backed video lessons  Reflection exercises to enhance learning Capstone activity to help you apply new skillsFREE posters & digital resources! By the end of this course, educators will have the skills to confidently navigate complex discussions—ensuring clarity, trust, and constructive solutions in any educational setting.  Professional Development & Continuing Education Credits:This course may be eligible for continuing education or professional development credits. It is the learner’s responsibility to confirm eligibility with their district or school administrator before purchasing the course. Once the course has been completed, participants will automatically receive a Certificate of Completion from Udemy. If your district has questions about the course, contact the instructor for more information.

Overview

Section 1: Introduction

Lecture 1 Welcome

Lecture 2 Course Description

Lecture 3 What to Expect

Lecture 4 Meet the Instructor

Lecture 5 Continuing Ed & PD Credits

Section 2: The BRIDGE Model

Lecture 6 Fundamentals

Lecture 7 Introducing The BRIDGE Model

Lecture 8 FREE Posters!

Lecture 9 FREE Course Handouts!

Section 3: "B"- Be Present

Lecture 10 Be Present Overview

Lecture 11 Maintaining Focus

Lecture 12 Establishing Psychological Safety

Section 4: "R"- Reflect on Yourself

Lecture 13 Reflect on Yourself Overview

Lecture 14 Framing the Narrative

Lecture 15 Building Emotional Intelligence

Section 5: "I"- Inquire & Listen

Lecture 16 Inquire & Listen Overview

Lecture 17 Asking Open-ended Questions

Lecture 18 Active Listening

Lecture 19 Additional Tips for "I"

Lecture 20 Mid-Course Review

Section 6: "D"- Define Priorities

Lecture 21 Define Priorities Overview

Lecture 22 Consensus, Direction, & Correction

Lecture 23 Clarification & Reassurance

Lecture 24 Best Practices for "D"

Lecture 25 Common Ground & Divergence

Lecture 26 Open-ended Questioning

Lecture 27 Charting, Mapping, & Dialectical Methods

Section 7: "G"- Generate Solutions

Lecture 28 Generate Solutions Overview

Lecture 29 Get Specific

Lecture 30 Make It Feasible

Section 8: "E"- Engage in Action

Lecture 31 Engage in Action Overview

Lecture 32 The Strategy Blueprint

Lecture 33 Goals

Lecture 34 People

Lecture 35 Tactics

Section 9: Capstone Project

Lecture 36 Congratulations: Capstone Summary

Section 10: Additional Content: Logistics, The "Surprise" Conversation, & PD Training

Lecture 37 Additional Content Overview

Lecture 38 Preparing for Hard Conversations

Lecture 39 The "Surprise" Conversation

Lecture 40 Building a BRIDGE Team

Section 11: Final Thoughts

Lecture 41 Congratulations & Next Steps

Lecture 42 Continue Learning

Education administrators supervising staff or teams,Teachers, Coaches, and Counselors interacting with parents and school leaders,Superintendents or principals seeking new communication strategies for their communities,Educators at all levels working with peers and colleagues