Angela Watson's Truth for Teachers

Engagement is not the same as "fun." It's the foundation for meaningful and lasting learning. Join me as I talk with Katie Powell, author of Boredom Busters: Transform Worksheets, Lectures, and Grading into Engaging, Meaningful Learning Experiences. Katie shares simple yet powerful strategies that help teachers transform their classrooms into spaces where students thrive. Whether you’re trying to bring more fun into your lessons, address curriculum pressures, or manage student behavior during engaging activities, Katie’s practical advice can help. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why engagement is essential for learning and how it primes the brain for retention. Simple strategies like “deploying worksheets differently” to make learning more interactive. How movement, humor, and creative activities reduce behavioral issues and improve focus. How to balance the demands of standardized curriculum pacing with engaging strategies. Practical ways to manage transitions and behavior during high-energy activities. How engagement fosters a sense of belonging, safety, and fun in the classroom. The value of empowering students to understand their own learning needs and self-regulation strategies. How to start with small, manageable shifts to make your teaching more engaging and effective. Our conversation is packed with practical tips and real-world insights to help you make learning fun, meaningful, and memorable. Book link: https://amzn.to/3JamUUJ Website: teachbeyondthedesk.com Get the shareable article/transcript for this episode here.

I’m partnering with Rocket PD to offer a live-virtual cohort called Unlocking Teacher Productivity starting in late January. (Originally the date was in October, but we've pushed things back to accomodate a major release in federal funding that won't reach schools until later this fall.) This isn’t a self-paced course you sign up for and maybe forget about. It's a deep-dive, interactive experience where we’ll meet every Thursday for five 90-minute sessions. Here’s how it works: each week, we’ll meet over Zoom. There will be a mix of my teaching (you’ll see my face and slides), short periods for quiet reflection—meaning I’ll pause periodically for you to complete exercises so you don’t have to do them afterward on your own time—and opportunities for discussion with other educators during the 90-minute session if that’s something that appeals to you. I’ll also answer questions afterward if you’d like personalized advice. We’re going to cover practical systems and strategies to help you get control over your time and your work. You’ll learn how to: Get your email under control once and for all. Organize your digital files so you can actually find what you need. Build a to-do list system that doesn’t live in your brain 24/7. Plan lessons in advance in a way that’s flexible and responsive to your students—no more scrambling the night before. Prioritize high-impact work so you can spend less time on busywork and more time on what really matters for learning. Explore time-blocking, AI tools, productivity for students, and more. Now, if you’ve taken my 40 Hour Teacher Workweek Full Year course, yes—there’s some overlap in concepts, like the target number planner. But this cohort is live and interactive, rather than self-paced, and has built-in accountability because we meet each week and check in to see how the strategies are working for you. And, it’s only a five-week commitment. I’ll give a variety of options for “homework” between sessions: stuff you can just reflect on if that’s all you have time for, easy actionable steps to try out, and deep dives if you really want to get results. Regardless of which option you choose, you’ll have time each week to reflect, discuss how to apply what you’re learning, and report back the next week. It’s accountability in the best sense—you’re not just consuming information; you’re actively putting it into practice. Remember, you don’t have to attend every live session. You’ll get recordings of every session plus a downloadable workbook. Templates, systems, and strategies are all included—it’s ready to implement immediately. Plus, you’ll receive a nationally recognized PD certificate for CEUs. This cohort is designed to be practical and doable: real solutions that will stick with you for your whole K-12 teaching career, no matter what or where you teach in the future.  This is only offered once per year, so if you’ve been waiting for a chance to finally get your teaching life organized, to feel on top of your time, and to plan ahead without burnout—this is it. Spaces are limited. Sign up below for my cohort or others happening this fall, winter, and spring: https://rocketpd.com/cohorts/unlocking-teacher-productivity-with-angela-watson/

Explore the art of time blocking to create a sustainable schedule that's tailored for teachers. Discover how to prioritize tasks based on their importance and align them with your energy levels. Learn to estimate how long tasks really take and effectively plan for interruptions. Embrace a guilt-free approach to managing your workload, ensuring that you dedicate time to what truly matters. This insightful discussion offers practical strategies to boost productivity and prevent burnout.

How can you meet the needs of every learner in your classroom while keeping your workload manageable? In this episode, Robert Barnett shares how self-paced learning can transform your teaching and create a more personalized, effective, and sustainable experience for both you and your students. We dive into the Modern Classrooms approach, breaking it down into actionable steps that any teacher can take—whether you’re ready to fully embrace self-paced learning or just want to try one small change tomorrow. From recording simple instructional videos to using mastery checks, Rob shares what works, why it works, and how to adapt it for your students’ needs. In this episode, we discuss: How to get started with self-paced learning by taking small, manageable steps. The three core components of a modern classroom lesson: warmups, instructional videos, and mastery-based assessments. Practical strategies for motivating students, including how to encourage those content with “the minimum” to push themselves further. How to use mastery checks as quick, actionable assessments that inform your next steps without creating a data overload. Ideas for creating collaborative group work that ensures all students are engaged and appropriately challenged. Tips for addressing chronic absenteeism and ensuring all students can succeed, no matter their attendance. How schools can support teachers in implementing self-paced learning by providing time, autonomy, and collaboration opportunities. Why relationships are at the heart of any successful approach to personalized learning. Whether you’re looking for ways to individualize learning, reduce stress, or build stronger connections with your students, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical ideas you can use right away. Get the shareable article/transcript for this episode here.

Teaching can be overwhelming with endless questions and behavior management. Discover how students can take ownership of their learning and responsibilities, easing the teacher's burden. Learn effective strategies to foster independence in the classroom. Explore how to create routines that empower students while maintaining high expectations. The focus is on shifting your mindset from control to collaboration, allowing for a self-running classroom that invites student engagement and reduces stress for educators.

Mitch Weathers, a former high school teacher and creator of the Organized Binder, shares insights on teaching essential executive functioning skills. He emphasizes that organization is a daily practice, not a one-time fix. Mitch discusses how a predictable routine can reduce cognitive load and foster a supportive learning environment. He highlights the effectiveness of a physical binder in both traditional and digital classrooms to boost accountability. Fun anecdotes illustrate the transformative impact of organization on student confidence and motivation.

A quiet moment at an airport inspires a reflection on personal integrity and the importance of small choices. Educators face conflicting expectations in a rapidly changing world, making it crucial to define personal values. Introspection and empathy are highlighted as vital tools for self-discovery. The conversation emphasizes navigating morality with kindness and curiosity, encouraging listeners to focus on how they can positively impact their surroundings, even in minor ways.

Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist and author of The Anxious Generation, dives deep into the impact of technology on childhood. He argues that while we've overprotected kids in the real world, we've given them unchecked access to social media and smartphones, leading to rising anxiety and social disconnection. Haidt stresses the need for schools to rethink phone policies and highlights the importance of play and independence in fostering resilience and social skills. The conversation reveals how we can balance tech use to support healthier development in children.

Discover innovative ways educators can partner with AI to enhance teaching and learning. Learn how AI tools can create accessible scaffolds and personalized resources for diverse learners. Explore practical applications of tools like Diffit and Insta-Lesson to streamline lesson planning and foster student independence. Reflect on the balance between leveraging technology and maintaining the human aspect of education. Plus, get insights on upcoming training and resources to deepen your understanding of AI in the classroom.

Self-advocacy can feel like a challenge, especially if you’re conflict-avoidant, culturally conditioned to prioritize group harmony, or simply unsure how to speak up without fear of being labeled “difficult.” In this episode, we’ll explore how to advocate for yourself effectively while balancing cultural expectations, professional norms, and personal boundaries. Neelu Kaur brings her unique expertise to the discussion. With a business degree and a masters in Social & Organizational Psychology along with her experience as a coach and master practitioner certified in NeuroLinguistic Programming, Yoga, and Ayurveda, Neelu has a really unique and comprehensive framework for tackling this topic. You’ll learn: How cultural upbringing in collectivist vs. individualist societies influences our ability to speak up. Why advocating for yourself isn’t selfish—it’s a collective act that paves the way for others. The concept of being “a part of and apart from” group efforts to gain recognition for your contributions. How to shift from problem-framed to outcome-framed questions to open up possibilities. Practical tips for navigating conflict-avoidance and building confidence in difficult conversations. Why modeling self-advocacy as educators is essential for empowering students. How mindfulness, movement, and non-attachment can ground you before challenging situations. Whether you’re negotiating for resources, managing peer dynamics, or striving to be heard or advance in a professional space, this episode provides the tools you need to find your voice and advocate for what matters most. Get the shareable article/transcript for this episode here.