Angela Watson's Truth for Teachers

Angela Watson

Truth for Teachers is designed to speak life, encouragement, and truth into the minds and hearts of educators and get you energized for the week ahead.

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373 episodes
Updated July 19

Episodes373

Newest first

Sep 20, 2015 · 19 min
S2EP08 Can a teacher really work a 40 hour week and do a good job?
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’s not aspirational—that you can’t do a good job in 40 hours a week, so you shouldn’t even try to attempt that as a teacher. In this episode, I'll share my own experiences and observations, and share ways you can cut 10+ hours of your workweek.
Sep 13, 2015 · 13 min
S2EP07 Getting real about grit: 6 things every teacher needs to know
“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 character education programs so they can teach their students about how to put in the effort and determination that’s needed in order to be successful. But here’s the thing about grit. I’ve done a lot of research on this topic, and I’ve seen grit get a lot of pushback because it’s been misused and misinterpreted. And while I believe in the value of teaching grit to students, I think we as educators have the responsibility to be informed about what being “gritty” really means, and what it doesn’t mean.
Sep 6, 2015 · 9 min
S2EP06 How can I keep my team's positivity and innovation from alienating coworkers? (Ask Angela Anything)
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 their positive, innovative attitudes from wedging a divide between them and other colleagues? In this epsiode, I share 6 tips for extending a bridge to distrustful co-workers and reaching out to isolated teachers who may be interested in joining the collaborative spirit.
Aug 30, 2015 · 12 min
S2EP05 James Sturtevant's Truth: How to build relationships with students through personal stories
High school teacher and author of "You've Gotta Connect" James Sturtevant shares practical, concrete ways he builds relationships with students in his social studies classroom. Listen as James helps you find ways to share YOUR stories and personal life in your classroom using a template he calls “Show and Tell."
Aug 23, 2015 · 13 min
S2EP04 How to be pro-active with uninvolved (and overly-involved) parents
You can tell from your very first interaction with some parents that there will be challenges ahead. Every teacher encounters both "helicopter parents" as well as those who are impossible to get in touch with. In this episode, you'll learn how to plan ahead and avoiding being caught off guard when parents don’t fit your expectation of the Perfect Amount of Involvement. Learn how to do everything you can to contribute to a good working relationship with your students’ parents, and go the extra mile without taking forever to get there.
Aug 16, 2015 · 11 min
S2EP03 How to figure out what you really NEED to buy for your classroom
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 your money in order to get the most bang for your buck? Create a budget, then consider the 3 reasons to buy that are given in this episode.
Aug 9, 2015 · 13 min
S2EP02 7 beliefs about teaching routines that will cause you to lose your mind
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 that your frustration is stemming from one (or more) of 7 mental traps. Once you identify and root out these unhealthy, unproductive beliefs, you’ll find the process of teaching routines far less frustrating.
Aug 2, 2015 · 9 min
S2EP01 How to turn back-to-school anxiety into excitement
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 anxiety into excitement by shifting your focus to 3 awesome things you'll be gaining when the new school year begins. For the transcript, links to recommended resources, and to share your thoughts on the show, visit TheCornerstoneForTeachers.com/S2EP2.
Jun 24, 2015 · 56 min
BONUS Extended Episode: How YOU can build a positive school culture, no matter where you teach
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 reflected carefully on school culture and created systems that work. Learn practical, actionable tips for supporting kids and colleagues, winning over negative co-workers, creating change in toxic school environments even when no one else is supporting you, and more. Highlights include: (5:45) What a positive school culture looks like (21:00) How school leaders can support staff and how teachers can support one another (35:35) How to work with colleagues who are negative and don't share the positive vision (40:00) The #1 thing teachers in positive school cultures do to keep it all about the kids (48:45) What one individual teacher can do to create change even in a toxic school culture
May 31, 2015 · 15 min
EP24 Season 1 wrap-up and reflection
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 podcasting. I'll share which episodes resonated most with listeners (and which ones didn't), my plans for changing the podcast in the fall, and an idea for some bonus extended episodes I'd like to try. I'll also share some final thoughts to remember as you approach the end of the school year and summer. Please share your thoughts on Season 1 here in the survey: http://bit.ly/1Req2ck. Thank you for listening and for your feedback!
May 24, 2015 · 12 min
EP23 How to share your teaching expertise & get paid for it
Looking to earn extra money this summer? Why not create long-term passive income for yourself through sharing your teaching ideas! In this episode, you'll learn how you can establish yourself as an expert in the education field and start getting paid for your teaching ideas and resources. Explore different possibilities that can help you not only earn extra income to support your family, but also help other teachers and impact education on a greater scale.
May 17, 2015 · 13 min
EP22 How use summer to re-energize your teaching and yourself
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 you in life, and schedule in activities that are energizing for you as a person and as a teacher. You'll also discover 3 exciting online PD events I'm supporting this summer--I hope to connect with you there!
May 10, 2015 · 11 min
EP21 How to keep from giving up on apathetic students (Ask Angela Anything)
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 powerlessness that comes from working with unmotivated students, and break free from the trap of trying to nag and shame them into working harder. Learn where to focus your energy--and how--in order to make the greatest difference for the greatest amount of kids. Truth for Teachers has been nominated for a Bammy Award! The Bammys are designed to honor all that's good in American schools and seek to elevate the public perception of educators. If you enjoy the podcast, you can cast your vote here now through the end of the week. Thanks for your support!
May 3, 2015 · 24 min
EP20 Speaking out about race, poverty, riots, and our students
In this episode, I'm digging deep into the systemic issues and misplaced outrage that are holding back our youth in impoverished communities. Learn what you can do to make sense of what's happening and educate your students about it, too. These issues affect ALL of us, and we all have the ability (and responsibility) to work for change.
Apr 26, 2015 · 10 min
EP19 How to balance test prep and authentic learning
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 and your daily practice. Discover specific, practical tips for getting creative with test prep so it feels more like the authentic learning activities that matter most.
Apr 19, 2015 · 9 min
EP18 Vicki Davis' truth: The courage to speak out about injustice
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 the Cool Cat Teacher Blog challenges classroom teachers to speak with boldness and create change in our education system. Your voice is needed and you can make a difference!
Apr 12, 2015 · 11 min
EP17 How to reconnect daily with the reasons why you teach
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 profession. In this episode, I’ll share 3 specific strategies for reconnecting with your initial motivation and the inherently rewarding moments in education. Learn how to be truly present in your classroom by celebrating your accomplishments, focusing on the kids you’re making a real difference for, and reframing your work to recognize and appreciate the magnitude of what you do.
Apr 5, 2015 · 12 min
EP16 Ask Angela Anything: Classroom clutter--what to keep and what to toss
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, you’ll hear how I was once forced to pare down my classroom to the most essential items, and the incredibly impact that had on my teaching. You’ll learn strategies for deciding what to keep and what to toss out, and how to be more selective about the materials you allow into your classroom.
Mar 29, 2015 · 11 min
Ep 15 Figure out what's "good enough" and be satisfied with it
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? Discover 3 strategies for breaking free from perfectionism, guilt, and obsession over minor details in your teaching practice. Learn how to identify an appropriate, healthy stopping place in your work and cultivate a sense of accomplishment in a job well done.
Mar 22, 2015 · 11 min
EP14 Dave Burgess' truth: Collaborating with colleagues who don't support your creativity
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 Dave Burgess of “Teach Like a Pirate” fame shares how you can express your creativity even when co-planning with colleagues who are reluctant to innovate. Discover how collaboration can be used to improve your teaching practice, not standardize it.

Angela Watson's Truth for Teachers

S2EP08 Can a teacher really work a 40 hour week and do a good job?

S2EP07 Getting real about grit: 6 things every teacher needs to know

S2EP06 How can I keep my team's positivity and innovation from alienating coworkers? (Ask Angela Anything)

S2EP05 James Sturtevant's Truth: How to build relationships with students through personal stories

S2EP04 How to be pro-active with uninvolved (and overly-involved) parents

S2EP03 How to figure out what you really NEED to buy for your classroom

S2EP02 7 beliefs about teaching routines that will cause you to lose your mind

S2EP01 How to turn back-to-school anxiety into excitement

BONUS Extended Episode: How YOU can build a positive school culture, no matter where you teach

EP24 Season 1 wrap-up and reflection

EP23 How to share your teaching expertise & get paid for it

EP22 How use summer to re-energize your teaching and yourself

EP21 How to keep from giving up on apathetic students (Ask Angela Anything)

EP20 Speaking out about race, poverty, riots, and our students

EP19 How to balance test prep and authentic learning

EP18 Vicki Davis' truth: The courage to speak out about injustice

EP17 How to reconnect daily with the reasons why you teach

EP16 Ask Angela Anything: Classroom clutter--what to keep and what to toss

Ep 15 Figure out what's "good enough" and be satisfied with it

EP14 Dave Burgess' truth: Collaborating with colleagues who don't support your creativity