Angela Watson's Truth for Teachers
Episodes
S3EP20 Season 3 Wrap Up: 6 simple steps to your best summer ever
14 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
As season 3 draws to a close, I'm challenging you to decide what you want your life to look like a few weeks from now when school begins again. Use t...
S3EP19 The rest of my journey from teacher to teacherpreneur
08 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In last week's episode, I shared how I got started as a teacher, educational consultant, instructional coach, and author. This week, I'll share the ...
S3EP18 The start of my journey from teacher to teacherpreneur
01 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Wrong episode playing this week? Please refresh the podcast feed. :) If this episode were a movie on the Lifetime channel, it would be called Behind t...
S3EP17 Intentional connectivity: why my phone no longer controls me (& how you can take charge, too)
24 Apr 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Almost every teacher I talk with feels like it’s impossible to turn off his or her brain at night and rest. Teachers feel like there’s always too ...
S3EP16 Eight keys to avoiding teacher burnout (Part 2)
17 Apr 2016
Contributed by Lukas
This episode picks up where we left off last week in examining eight keys to help you regain your confidence and avoid burn-out. These are principles...
S3EP15 Eight keys to avoiding teacher burnout (Part 1)
10 Apr 2016
Contributed by Lukas
My inbox is typically bursting with messages from overwhelmed teachers. Help! I can't do this! I feel so inadequate—it's just too much for one perso...
S3EP14 Ten tips for conveying bad news in a parent-teacher conference
03 Apr 2016
Contributed by Lukas
It’s the conversation we all dread: telling a parent their child a) is failing a subject, b) needs to be tested for a disability, c) doesn’t have ...
S3EP13 Six ways to prevent your students from misbehaving for other teachers
27 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
There are few things that annoyed me more as a teacher than picking up my students from P.E. or lunch, or having a small group return from a resource ...
S3EP12 Stop overworking Future You: why NOW is the perfect time to make changes in your classroom
20 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
One of the big principles that we’re always coming back to in The 40 Hour Teacher Workweek Club is that implementing small changes right away is mor...
S3EP11 Four ways I sabotaged my success as a teacher (and how my thinking has changed)
13 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
There’s no question that being a new teacher is tremendously stressful. But when I reflect on my teaching practice and how it evolved over the years...
S3EP10 Ten simple ways to create more class time for instruction
06 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Every teacher needs more class time. And every year, it seems like there's more and more content that needs to be covered and less time to teach it in...
S3EP9 Responsible rewards: using the "now-that" principle
28 Feb 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In last week’s episode, I explained why ‘reward’ isn’t a bad word and argued my case for why rewards can be an integral part of your classroo...
S3EP8 Should teachers reward students for doing what they're "supposed" to do?
21 Feb 2016
Contributed by Lukas
I wanted to do an episode about how to reward students responsibly--in a way that considers the long term results and the type of character and work e...
S3EP7 Let go of expectations around testing so it feels less stressful
14 Feb 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Listen in as I answer the following question from a Truth for Teachers listener: "We teach students and prepare them for exams--of course we have so...
S3EP6 Six ways to make lesson co-planning more efficient
07 Feb 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Lesson planning is too important (and too challenging / time-consuming) for you to try to do all of it on your own. It’s wonderful to utilize the ex...
S3EP05 When is it okay to say you've done ENOUGH for a student?
31 Jan 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Listen in as I answer the following question submitted from an exhausted teacher: "How much is enough time to give to each student? There are stude...
S3EP04 Five things I learned from quitting my teaching job twice
24 Jan 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Some of you are barely making it through the school year, and the idea of going into school each morning just makes you sick with stress and anxiety....
S3EP03 How to support kids who don't take ownership of their learning
17 Jan 2016
Contributed by Lukas
How do we get kids to go from saying “Just tell me what to do!” to truly taking ownership of their work? In this episode, you'll learn 6 strategi...
S3EP02 The lies teachers tell themselves (and how to uncover the truth)
10 Jan 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In last week's episode, I shared 10 growth mindset shifts you can take to enjoy teaching more, and gave examples of negative, fixed mindset thoughts ...
S3EP01 Ten ways to cultivate a growth mindset & enjoy teaching more
03 Jan 2016
Contributed by Lukas
As much as we’d like to believe that we’re growth mindset oriented, most of us (myself included!) will likely discover upon reflection that there...
S2EP15 Season 2 Wrap Up + Balancing Teaching & Family During the Holidays
08 Nov 2015
Contributed by Lukas
It’s always tough to strive for great teaching AND a great personal life, but that battle seems to ramp up exponentially during the holidays. If you...
S2EP14 Five attention grabbers that refocus kids quickly
01 Nov 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Have you lost patience for refocusing your class and fallen into the trap of just barking at the kids (“No talking!”) or pleading with them (“I...
S2EP13 You can't do it all, but where can a new teacher really cut corners?
25 Oct 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Everyone knows that a new teacher is not going to perform at the same level as a 30 year veteran. But which areas are most important to focus on? Lea...
S2EP12 Lisa Dabb's Truth: Thriving--not surviving--with support from a virtual mentor
18 Oct 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Do you wish you had more support and encouragement from other teachers in your school? Consider virtual mentorship! Lisa Dabbs shares why she's so pa...
S2EP11 How teachers can beat the October Blues
11 Oct 2015
Contributed by Lukas
If you’re feeling completely discouraged right now and don’t know how you can possibly make it until June, that is completely NORMAL! In this epis...
S2EP10 Extreme student behavior--7 traps to avoid when NOTHING seems to work
04 Oct 2015
Contributed by Lukas
What do you do for a student who continually chooses to misbehave? What happens when you feel like you've tried everything, and you're starting to...
S2EP09 How to prioritize teaching tasks when EVERYTHING seems urgent
27 Sep 2015
Contributed by Lukas
The foundation of using your time effectively and being efficient is knowing how to prioritize your tasks. In this episode, I'll share 7 guiding princ...
S2EP08 Can a teacher really work a 40 hour week and do a good job?
20 Sep 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Whenever I mention a 40 hour workweek for teachers, people tend to have one of two objections. Either they think it’s not possible, or they think it...
S2EP07 Getting real about grit: 6 things every teacher needs to know
13 Sep 2015
Contributed by Lukas
“Grit” is a huge buzzword right now that’s used to refer to perseverance and resilience. Many schools are rushing to adopt grit curriculums and ...
S2EP06 How can I keep my team's positivity and innovation from alienating coworkers? (Ask Angela Anything)
06 Sep 2015
Contributed by Lukas
A TfT listener wonders how to cope when her cohesive team is mocked by other teachers in the school. How can collaborative groups of teachers prevent ...
S2EP05 James Sturtevant's Truth: How to build relationships with students through personal stories
30 Aug 2015
Contributed by Lukas
High school teacher and author of "You've Gotta Connect" James Sturtevant shares practical, concrete ways he builds relationships with students in his...
S2EP04 How to be pro-active with uninvolved (and overly-involved) parents
23 Aug 2015
Contributed by Lukas
You can tell from your very first interaction with some parents that there will be challenges ahead. Every teacher encounters both "helicopter paren...
S2EP03 How to figure out what you really NEED to buy for your classroom
16 Aug 2015
Contributed by Lukas
August and September are very expensive months for educators as we try to navigate all the back-to-school advertisements. So where should you spend yo...
S2EP02 7 beliefs about teaching routines that will cause you to lose your mind
09 Aug 2015
Contributed by Lukas
The ninety-millionth time you’ve reminded kids PUT YOUR NAME ON YOUR PAPER, you might feel like you’re about to lose your mind. Chances are good...
S2EP01 How to turn back-to-school anxiety into excitement
02 Aug 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Have the back-to-school nightmares started for you yet? Are you feeling a sense of dread over losing your family time? Learn how to channel your anxie...
BONUS Extended Episode: How YOU can build a positive school culture, no matter where you teach
24 Jun 2015
Contributed by Lukas
BONUS extended episode! Join Jimmy Casas, Krysta DeBoer, Hope King, and Amber Teamann as they share a behind-the-scenes glimpse into schools that have...
EP24 Season 1 wrap-up and reflection
31 May 2015
Contributed by Lukas
In the final regular episode of Truth for Teachers until season 2 begins in August, I'm taking a moment to reflect on my first five months of podcast...
EP23 How to share your teaching expertise & get paid for it
24 May 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Looking to earn extra money this summer? Why not create long-term passive income for yourself through sharing your teaching ideas! In this episode, y...
EP22 How use summer to re-energize your teaching and yourself
17 May 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Summer break always goes by quicker than we imagined, leaving a long list of tasks undone. Learn how to create time for the things that matter most to...
EP21 How to keep from giving up on apathetic students (Ask Angela Anything)
10 May 2015
Contributed by Lukas
You can't lose sleep over disengaged students, but you can't give up on them, either. In this episode, I'll share how to overcome the feeling of power...
EP20 Speaking out about race, poverty, riots, and our students
03 May 2015
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I'm digging deep into the systemic issues and misplaced outrage that are holding back our youth in impoverished communities. Learn wh...
EP19 How to balance test prep and authentic learning
26 Apr 2015
Contributed by Lukas
You’re a teacher, not a tester. In this episode, you’ll learn strategies for staying focused on what’s really important, both in your mindset an...
EP18 Vicki Davis' truth: The courage to speak out about injustice
19 Apr 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Don’t be afraid to make your voice heard and stand up for what’s best for kids. Listen and be inspired as teacher/author/speaker Vicki Davis of th...
EP17 How to reconnect daily with the reasons why you teach
12 Apr 2015
Contributed by Lukas
When the reality of teaching doesn’t match what you envisioned at the start of your career, it’s easy to lose sight of reason why you chose this p...
EP16 Ask Angela Anything: Classroom clutter--what to keep and what to toss
05 Apr 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Is your classroom overflowing with stuff? Are you holding onto random materials and supplies “just in case” you need them one day? In this episode...
Ep 15 Figure out what's "good enough" and be satisfied with it
29 Mar 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Do you feel constant guilt about not giving 110% to every aspect of your work? Do you worry that no matter how much you do, it's never enough? Discov...
EP14 Dave Burgess' truth: Collaborating with colleagues who don't support your creativity
22 Mar 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever shared a great teaching idea with a co-worker who immediately shot it down and discouraged you from thinking outside the box? Listen as ...
EP13 How to be unshakeable in your enthusiasm for teaching
15 Mar 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Passion cannot be faked. Students can tell when we’re just going through the motions. But how can you summon the energy to teach with passion when t...
EP12 How to cope when a parent just doesn't like you
08 Mar 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Are you feeling discouraged by a parent who seems impossible to please? You can develop a realistic, productive outlook on relationships with students...
EP11 How to keep teaching when your personal life is falling apart
01 Mar 2015
Contributed by Lukas
When you’re experiencing deep personal loss or serious problems at home, it’s difficult to be the teacher you want to be. Learn how to minimize th...
EP10 A.J. Juliani's truth: overcoming frustration due to constant change
22 Feb 2015
Contributed by Lukas
New standards, new assessments, new leadership, and more...just when you think you’ve mastered the game, there’s a brand new set of rules. Listen ...
EP09 Avoiding discouragement in a thankless job
15 Feb 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Teaching involves a lot of hard work that is rarely acknowledged. Learn strategies for staying encouraged despite a lack of appreciation, and stay fo...
EP08 How to approach teaching with a spirit of adventure
08 Feb 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Don’t let the hard parts of teaching steal your sense of accomplishment and keep you from recognizing the magnitude of the awesome work you’re doi...
EP07 Find & embrace your unique classroom management style
01 Feb 2015
Contributed by Lukas
There are a dizzying number of effective ways to lead a classroom. How can you figure out which style is right for you? Learn from a mistake I made in...
EP06 How to stop being overly critical of yourself
25 Jan 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Many teachers are far too hard on themselves and constantly feel guilty about things they're not doing. You can make 3 small changes that will create...
EP05 Motivate students to take ownership of their learning
18 Jan 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Are you working harder than your students? Learn practical strategies for making the learning really matter to kids so they’re self-motivated in the...
EP04 Gain energy from kids instead of letting them drain you
11 Jan 2015
Contributed by Lukas
The flow of energy in a classroom is often one way, with the teacher constantly giving and students sitting by as passive recipients. But kids can be ...
EP03 Dealing with negative co-workers
04 Jan 2015
Contributed by Lukas
These simple tips will help you head off chronically complaining coworkers at the pass. Learn how to redirect unproductive conversations and prevent c...
EP02 Beat the Sunday night blues
31 Dec 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Do you get a sense of dread on the weekends thinking about all the work ahead? Learn how to beat the Sunday blues by increasing your productivity, and...
EP01 What is Truth for Teachers?
27 Dec 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to my new weekly podcast, designed to speak life, encouragement, and truth into the minds and hearts of educators and get you energized for th...