Angela Watson's Truth for Teachers
Episodes
EP245 I'm back! Here's what's coming in 2022.
23 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
I wanted to kick off Season 15 of the podcast with an update on what I've been up to during my time off, and what I have planned for you in the coming...
EP244 How to take a sabbatical with me over your winter break
21 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What might be possible if you use some of your days off this December to take a true rest from not only DOING school work, but THINKING about school? ...
EP243 Reclaim your weeknights by balancing the "task triangle" (with Marissa Minnick)
14 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Although each day holds the same 24 hours, there is something that we have come to accept as being innately different between "5:00pm on a Friday" com...
EP242 Is this our toughest school year yet?
07 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
If you're among the educators who find 2021-2022 is shaping up to be even more challenging than last school year, this episode is for you. I want to v...
EP241 6 myths about English Language Learners I wish I'd debunked sooner (with Houa Yang-Xiong)
31 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
ELs don't earn differently from native-English speakers, but they do have specific needs that are often misunderstood. Today I'm sharing 6 myths about...
EP240 The big 5 tips for productivity to reduce overwhelm (with Amy Stohs)
24 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
There are 5 overarching principles that can help you streamline and simplify your workload so that you feel less overwhelmed. I call these principles ...
EP239 Five things I've learned as a white teacher working in a Black community (with Sara Singer)
17 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
If your cultural, racial, or socio-economic background is different from that of your students, there can be a learning curve as you build rapport. In...
EP238 Get your grading under control via these 7 mental shifts + habits (with Megan Faherty)
10 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is going to be a game changer! I'm talking with Megan Faherty, a long-time user of the 40 Hour Teacher Workweek program who's currently i...
EP237 How to push past limiting beliefs to uncover what's truly possible in your teaching (with J. Benedith)
03 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
If you're feeling jaded or frustrated with how little systemic change you believe you can make as a teacher, this episode is for you! I'm talking with...
EP236 Six high-impact, low-burnout strategies to differentiate your lessons for neurodivergent kids (with Dr. Laura Fitzpatrick)
26 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Differentiating learning for every student in your classroom can be incredibly exhausting and time-consuming. So, I've invited Dr. Laura Fitzpatrick o...
EP235 If a parent accuses you of teaching critical race theory...
19 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We're losing some of our best educators (particularly educators of color) due to pushback from community members who say teachers are brainwashing and...
EP234 Ten tips for making sure data meetings are actually useful (with Melissa Forbes)
12 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Inefficient, unproductive meetings can drain so much energy. If you find that meetings to discuss student progress always turn into complaining and de...
EP233 Five ways to use playfulness in your lessons to prevent burnout (with Laura Gellin)
05 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
If you and your students are already losing motivation this year, here's how to inject focused energy, student agency, and joy back into your classroo...
EP232 The coaching mindset: How to think like an instructional coach to refine your teaching (with Nicole Turner)
29 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever wanted to coach yourself, use peer coaching, or better utilize an instructional coach assigned to your school? In this episode, I'm talk...
EP231 How to differentiate parent communication while setting healthy boundaries (with Erika Walther)
22 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Some families want detailed updates on EVERYTHING...and others only want to be contacted for the most important stuff. How can you meet individual fam...
EP230 Your most powerful tool for creating a respectful, inclusive class culture (with Jennifer Brinkemeyer)
15 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
If you've assumed class meetings wouldn't work for your grade level or you don't have time, this conversation with teacher Jennifer Brinkmeyer will be...
EP229 Something NEW is coming to Truth for Teachers...
08 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
I'm back, and kicking off Season 14 of the podcast! Listen in for a quick personal update about my summer, what new changes are coming to the website ...
Better than normal: How to craft an inspiring vision for the new school year
26 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This special bonus episode explores how we can find a more sustainable way to teach in coming school year. Because while it's natural to hope for "ge...
The 40 Hour Workweek is here...for teachers, admins, AND instructional coaches
15 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Systemic problems need systemic solutions. Here's what's new to support your school in creating better work/life balance. Click here to skim the tran...
EP228 Preparing to regroup after a stressful school year...what comes next?
16 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
LAST EPISODE OF SEASON 13! Education is in a time of transition. We're not quite to the point of post-pandemic teaching, but we can see the light at ...
EP227 Five things teachers wish their admins knew
09 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
There's a big focus now on the teacher attrition and shortage crisis. So what does that mean for the teachers that stay? How can schools keep their be...
EP226 Seven takeaways from this school year that simplify teaching from now on (with Amy Stohs)
02 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What made teaching easier and more sustainable this school year, and how can we carry those principles over into next year? Those are the questions I'...
Power through with...release of regrets
28 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This was the most challenging school year of almost every educator's career. We're used to certain aspects of the work getting easier over time, but...
EP225 To solve for ALL kids, start with ONE...
25 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
When a problem seems insurmountable, try creating change one name at a time. Because if you can solve a problem for one person, that means it IS a sol...
Power through with...reflecting
21 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
There are few things more frustrating than working hard and not seeing a ton of results. It's even worse when your hard work is unappreciated, an...
EP224 Deciding what matters: Authentic teaching through setting boundaries (with Gerardo Munoz)
18 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
How do you develop confidence in your teaching when you're constantly hearing about everything you're doing wrong? How do you know what you should and...
Power through with…reframing
14 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We've all had moments this school year when making it to summer felt impossible. You might even be feeling that way right now: like your job has just ...
EP223 A powerful way to help kids (and ourselves!) with time management
11 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Constantly issuing reminders and following up with kids is exhausting. Helping kids understand how their brains work and explore ways to funnel their ...
Power through with...resilient thinking and planning
07 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The uncertainty and constant changes have been one of the most stressful parts of this school year. Nearly every teacher I know has invested countl...
EP222 Bring back joy by teaching outdoors: A how-to guide for any classroom
04 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What if this is the perfect time to normalize outdoor learning and make it a permanent part of how we do school? What exactly does outdoor learning lo...
Power through with...relationship reconnection
31 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Has your workload created a huge strain on your family, friendships, and/or marriage/partnership? Being a teacher often means making an impossible ...
EP221 Three ways to make social-emotional learning REAL for students (with Dr. Byron McClure)
28 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
How can we make SEL more than a buzzword? School psychologist Dr. Byron McClure is here to go beyond what's trendy, and give an honest overview of the...
Power through with...rest
24 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
I know what many (most?) of you are being asked to do right now is NOT reasonable or sustainable. And because you could never have enough time and ...
EP220 How to use podcasts in the classroom (with Listenwise)
21 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
"Better listeners are better learners," says my guest Monica Brady-Myerov. She's the Founder and CEO of Listenwise, an award-winning listening skills ...
Power Through: A special 6 week Wednesday series on Truth for Teachers
17 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Need something to look forward to in the final weeks of school? This new Wednesday morning podcast series will provide 5 minutes of audio encouragemen...
EP219 Processing pandemic teaching: An honest, healing conversation (with Pernille Ripp)
14 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
"I've never worked so hard in my life to try to reach students, and yet never felt like such a big failure. That carries a lot of emotional weight. Bu...
EP218 Ten tips for teaching critical thinking + information literacy (w/ LaGarde & Hudgins)
07 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Want to develop your students into digital detectives? Join me as I talk with Jennifer LaGarde and Darren Hudgins, who are co-authors of the book Fact...
EP217 Good things ARE happening: How to find thoughts that feel better
28 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In a time where there's so much to be sad or upset about, we have the power to choose thoughts that feel better. And, we can actively look for evide...
EP216 How to be an informed media consumer + advocate for truth (with the News Literacy Project)
21 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
investing in our own news literacy is one of the best things we can do for kids. But with so much disinformation, how can we as educators ensure what ...
EP215 When no one's showing YOU grace, make space instead
14 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Extending grace shouldn't be a one way street. And yet, many educators feel like they are constantly told to accommodate students and families while t...
EP214 Simplify your blended learning workload (with Dr. Catlin Tucker)
07 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Need practical tips for doing "fewer things better" in a remote/hybrid setting? Check out this episode with Dr. Catlin Tucker. We'll talk about simpli...
EP213 The breaking point that led to my sabbatical (and what's next)
31 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The spring and summer of 2020 were some of the darkest times of my life, both personally and professionally. In this episode, I want to offer a bit mo...
EP212 The train's leaving the station. Are you on board?
24 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
For 2021, I want to have a single-minded focus on the destination ahead. A train can't go in multiple directions at once. So, what is my mission? My c...
EP211 Find the small good things. Take the next right steps.
18 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
This is a deeply personal podcast episode, so if you're new here, I encourage you to revisit previous eps that are probably going to be more helpful a...
EP210 How to be quietly subversive and make the standards meaningful (with Dr. Robyn Jackson)
11 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
What happens when you're asked to follow bad pedagogy or teach topics that seem irrelevant for kids? You can do exactly as you're told...or you can qu...
EP209 For the teachers who are not okay right now...
04 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
I decided to scrap the topic I had planned for this week and speak to the teachers who feel like they're drowning. I know what's expected right now of...
EP208 The best ideas from the Distance Learning Playbook: An uplifting convo with Doug of Fisher & Frey
27 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
"We didn't forget how to be teachers. It's the same passion, engagement, and relationships — you already know how to do that. What we have to learn ...
EP207 Do you hold these 3 limiting beliefs about students?
20 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
If you're frustrated with kids who don't seem to be putting forth any effort, this episode can help you shift your mindset and think about the problem...
EP206 Humanizing your classroom so kids are known, valued, respected, & safe (with Dave Stuart Jr.)
13 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
When teaching from a distance — either 6 feet away or remotely — it can feel challenging to get to know your students well. "The top thing we can ...
EP205 When doing your best just isn't good enough...
06 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Sometimes what you're able to give is not sufficient. It's frustrating when you know what you're capable of under optimal circumstances, but also know...
EP204 Differentiation: What new opportunities are possible now?
30 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Breakout rooms are transforming how we do one-on-one conferencing and small group work. There are so many things we CAN'T do right with kids, so in th...
EP203 Feeling like a first year teacher again? Remember these 5 things.
23 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
When the learning curve is overwhelming (especially with technology), these 5 guiding principles can help: Start with the outcome you want to achieve...
EP202 How to plan activities that work for in-person, remote, AND hybrid instruction
16 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Adapting a flexible, resilient pedagogy will allow us to roll with any changes that might come, and will carry us through to post-pandemic teaching, a...
EP201 Freedom dreaming & who we need to BE for kids this year (with Tanesha Forman)
09 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In our rush to figure out logistics, we can't forget that who we ARE impacts how we teach more than anything else. Unpacking our own identity and the ...
EP200 How to plan for the first weeks of school when everything feels uncertain
02 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Whether you're with kids face-to-face daily or a few days a week or totally online, I think it's fair to say that your lessons for back-to-school this...
Flexible resilience: My manifesto for the coming school year
24 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
I've been thinking a lot about where I personally can add the most value, and how I can offer support and resources in the way I do best. I'm going to...
A message of hope + call to action
04 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
If you've been feeling like you can't make a difference right now, listen in for how you can stand up for racial justice and create positive change...
EP199 Ending the school year virtually + crisis classroom closeout tips
10 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
We're wrapping up Season 11 of the podcast in this episode, and talking about how to wrap up the school year, as well. The usual end-of-year activitie...
EP198 Three sneaky ways perfectionism is holding you back (even if you think you're not a perfectionist)
03 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Perfectionism is not always about needing things to be perfect. It can look like an "all-or-nothing" mentality that keeps us from creating the change ...
EP197 Creating systemic change and solving problems before they happen (with Dan Heath)
26 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
How do we reimagine schools and use this interruption to our lives to create a better normal post-pandemic? My guest in this episode is Dan Heath, a N...
EP196 Some parts of teaching are BETTER with remote learning. Here's how to leverage that.
19 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Crisis distance learning has improved teaching and learning in some surprising (and not-so-surprising ways) over the last couple of weeks. There's no ...
EP195 How to stop being annoyed by personality differences (with Kara Lowentheil)
12 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Spending a LOT of time in a confined space with the same people day in and day out can exacerbate tension. If you're finding yourself increasingly ag...
EP194 Yes, work/life balance IS possible when teaching from home
05 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Work/life balance doesn't mean creating a total separation between teaching and everything else. It's about integrating work with the rest of your pri...
EP193 12 ways to connect with kids when teaching remotely
29 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
During distance learning, look for small, simple ways you can center kids' physical and mental well-being, which will, in turn, be energizing and upli...
EP192 Schools are closed. This is our chance to reimagine them.
22 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
A sudden switch to teaching remotely is so difficult to manage. But what if it allows us to let go of all our previous assumptions about what we "have...
5 calming reminders about what matters most during pandemic panic & school closures
18 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
With all the COVID-19 upheaval in our world right now, I wanted to do a special check-in with you. We are all struggling with the uncertainty, but thi...
EP191 How to motivate and engage reluctant learners (with Dr. Robyn Jackson)
15 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
"You can break motivation barriers for disengaged students by recognizing that motivation is an investment decision. Students have time, attention, an...
EP190 Healthy teacher lunch ideas that are quick prep and decision-free
08 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Lunch can be a surprisingly big stressor for teachers: figuring out what to pack, being scheduled for a 10:30 am lunch slot when you're never quite hu...
EP189 How to transition out of teaching (with Daphne Williams of Teacher Career Coach)
01 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
What career options are available for teachers? Is it true that other industries don't value education degrees or teaching experience? What else is po...
EP188 What are your secret rules for how everyone else should behave?
23 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Sometimes a relatively minor issue — like students not remembering to put their names on their papers — can create an outsized reaction in us. Tha...
EP187 Eight simple ways to move toward a zero-waste classroom (with Heidi Rose)
16 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
"Our end goal isn't to be perfect consumers; it's just to have a different mindset about our relationship with the world. In my classroom, the relatio...
EP186 Is your "invisible throne" creating power struggles and unnecessary work?
09 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
We've all had moments where we lose our temper with students and pull rank to get them to comply. So how do you shift from micromanaging, controlling,...
EP185 Using inquiry to help kids develop critical consciousness (with Jess Lifshitz)
02 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
How can you design learning experiences that help kids understand themselves and their place in the world? A 5th grade teacher shares how she creates ...
EP184 When you're doubting your abilities as a teacher...
26 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
You can't just positive-think your way into confidence: real confidence comes as a result of consistently taking action, and seeing growth in yourself...
10 personal things I learned about myself this decade
21 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
As we move into 2020, I'm sharing some very personal self-reflections about the course my life has taken over the past 10 years, and new insights I've...
EP183 How one teacher set boundaries and stopped bringing work home
17 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Jessica H. shares how she balances home and work: "I realized that being a good teacher came at a really high price for me, at the expense of my famil...
EP182 The Weekend Effect: Why your time off is worth fighting for (with Katrina Onstad)
10 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
The history of the weekend is a fascinating one, and author Katrina Onstad is here to tell us why (and how) workers' rights have evolved over time. Sh...
EP181 Four things your school psychologist wishes you knew about sped referrals (with Dr. Rebecca Branstetter)
03 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Why does it take so long to test kids for special education services? What are you supposed to do in the meanwhile? And what exactly does the school p...
EP180 Real talk on communicating with difficult colleagues at school
27 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Do you have co-workers who are passive-aggressive, controlling, or even outright bullying others when you're supposed to be collaborating? Are you app...
EP179 Out the door by 4: Streamlining Friday afternoon planning (Rebecca's coaching call)
20 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In this coaching call, a 25-year veteran teacher explores why it's taking her so long to get out the door on Friday afternoons when she's trying to pl...
EP178 How to act (rather than react) and stop wasting class time when kids are off-task
13 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Are you constantly losing instructional time to minor disruptions and off-task behavior? What if you shifted your focus from eliminating misbehavior a...
EP177 Rage Becomes Her: Supporting students — and ourselves — in expressing our full range of emotions (with Soraya Chemaly)
06 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
"Men and women are far more alike than they are different. And yet in our society, all of the emphasis is put on the difference. Everybody feels anger...
EP176 Radical acceptance: How to deal with teaching frustrations you cannot change
29 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
How much energy are you wasting complaining about or resisting reality? Radical acceptance can help you deal realistically with the facts of the situa...
EP175 Four myths about great teaching debunked (with Jennifer Gonzalez of Cult of Pedagogy)
22 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Jennifer Gonzalez of Cult of Pedagogy and I are breaking down misconceptions about what effective instruction really looks like. Listen in as we discu...
EP174 Eight ways to move out of overwhelm when everything feels exhausting
15 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
What happens when even looking at your to-do list makes you want to shut down? How do you get yourself re-energized when basic adulting feels like too...
EP173 Breathe for Change: Tools for teacher well-being and mindfulness
08 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
The best way to help students be more empathetic and self-aware is for us to first develop these qualities in ourselves. Dr. Ilana Nankin has created ...
EP172 Some things a teacher shouldn't be "neutral" about...
01 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Your worldview shapes your classroom management and curriculum choices, whether consciously or not. Let's examine and question the belief that "neutra...
EP171 Teach Like Yourself: Why YOU are the person your students need most (with Dr. Gravity Goldberg)
25 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
What if being your best in the classroom didn't mean changing yourself or "fixing" things that are wrong with you? What if you didn't need gimmicks to...
EP170 Five ridiculously unhelpful things I've said to students
18 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Our automatic reactions — the things we say to kids without even realizing the words are coming out of our mouths — are usually things we've heard...
EP169 The workshop model: beyond the basics (with Jen Bengel)
11 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Workshop-style teaching generally has four basic parts: an opening, mini-lesson, work time, and debriefing. You can use the workshop model with ANY ag...
EP168 Tell yourself a better story this school year
04 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
The new school year is a fresh start, and the perfect time to let go of old stories and thought patterns that aren't serving you well. You can examine...
Summer Series Pt 4: Purpose
21 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In the last episode of our self-development summer podcast series, we're talking about living with PURPOSE. This is not just about the things you want...
Summer Series Pt 3: Authenticity
07 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
We're taking a break from school-related topics as we continue our special summer series. These 4 episodes in June and July are designed to be a short...
Summer Series Pt 2: Alignment
23 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
"There can't be any large-scale revolution until there's a personal revolution, on an individual level. It's got to happen inside first." --Jim Morris...
Summer Series Pt 1: Presence
09 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In this special 4 part summer series, we're focused on self-development instead of professional development. Every other week in June and July, I'll b...
EP167 Five summer traps to avoid so you can slow down and rejuvenate
26 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
This is the last episode of Season 9! I want to leave you with a short and sweet message to help you get more enjoyment out of your summer break. The ...
EP166 How Kim Lepre trimmed 15 hours off her workweek
19 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Kim Lepre is a 7th grade English teacher and the founder of the Teachers Need Teachers podcast. She's also a Beginning Teacher Mentor and Ed Tech Spec...
EP165 Overcoming mom guilt / dad guilt
12 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
What happens when you spend more time with other people's kids than your own? Parenting guilt is real, and there's no easy solution when it seems like...
EP164 How do you know when it's time to quit teaching?
05 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
I think there comes a time for many educators to re-evaluate whether the work they're doing is something they'd like to continue. You might wonder: D...
EP163 I was a disengaged student who nearly failed high school
28 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
This is not a guest interview — it's my story. That kid in your class who learns differently and feels impossible to reach within the structures of ...