Angela Watson's Truth for Teachers EP319 Teaching creatively within the constraints of the system (with Trevor Muir)
How can teachers embrace creativity in their classrooms when faced with rigid curriculums, standardized testing, and limited time? That’s the question I’m exploring today with Trevor Muir, an educator, author, and advocate for creative teaching. Trevor’s taught at the middle, high school, and college level, and applies that experience to his numerous books, courses, and in-person PD sessions.
In this episode, Trevor shares personal stories from his own classrooms, including how vulnerability helped him connect with students and why storytelling is one of the most powerful tools for engaging learners.
We cover topics such as:
- How to redefine creativity beyond art and big projects to include everyday teaching challenges
- Why vulnerability and failure are essential for creativity and how to model these for your students
- Practical strategies to encourage student risk-taking and buy-in through feedback and collaboration
- How storytelling can make lessons more dynamic, memorable, and relevant
- The benefits of involving students in the creative process to empower and engage them
- Why cultivating creativity in your personal life can positively impact your teaching.
By embracing creativity, you can create a classroom experience that energizes you, engages your students, and brings joy back to teaching.