Angela Watson's Truth for Teachers

Angela shares her transformative journey from being labeled 'lazy' to understanding her neurodivergent brain. She discusses her challenges with mental health and inconsistent motivation, revealing how traditional productivity systems fell short. The highlight is her creation of Motivation Lab—a personalized coaching app that adapts neuroscience insights into engaging practices. It aims to support teens and busy professionals in navigating motivation with flexibility and creativity. Angela emphasizes that it's not about fixing motivation, but finding the right strategies for each individual.

In this season finale, the host reflects on the importance of alignment and taking time for personal growth during a December sabbatical. She announces exciting new teacher retreats aimed at fostering deeper connections among educators and emphasizes the significance of offline community to combat screen fatigue. Plans for a new website and publishing services are shared, alongside a heartfelt invitation for listeners to engage in reflective practices that help clarify their own missions as they move into 2026.

In this engaging conversation, Marisol Quevedo Rerucha, author and CEO of Heartset Consulting Group, emphasizes that restorative practices should be a way of being, not merely a checklist. She advocates for self-compassion as a vital tool for educators, urging them to heal alongside their students. Marisol shares personal stories and practical strategies for creating a culture of accountability and belonging in classrooms. This insightful dialogue also tackles misconceptions about restorative justice and highlights the importance of community and support in facing challenges.

Metacognition — "thinking about your thinking" — is one of the most powerful skills we can teach students, and it doesn't require adding anything new to your already packed schedule. In this episode, you'll learn four simple, one-minute routines you can weave into your daily classroom flow to help students notice, analyze, and adjust their own thinking. We'll explore: How to use attention checks so students can redirect focus in the moment Why brain break signals teach learners to connect physical energy with mental clarity (and how to manage them without chaos) How mistake moments reframe errors as valuable information A fresh take on end-of-day brain checks that builds awareness of learning strategies, not just content recall Whether you teach kindergarteners or high school seniors, you'll walk away with concrete ideas for creating a classroom culture where students take ownership of their learning process. Plus, I'll share how my Finding Flow Solutions K–12 curriculum can give you ready-made, no-prep lessons to teach these skills — and where to grab your free downloadable sample lesson. Get the shareable article/transcript for this episode here. This episide is brought to you by Listenwise and MiaTiagoBooks.com.

"Giving kids, and yourself, language to wrap around the idea that we have an inner leader (our kindest, best self) is transformative." Join me as I talk with Lily Howard Scott, a NYC-based parent, educator, and author, who shares insights from her book The Words That Shape Us: The Science-Based Power of Teacher Language. We're exploring how our internal self-talk shapes our perceptions of students and ourselves, and how intentional language can transform classroom culture. Lily shares practical strategies for helping students of all ages: Notice and separate from their thoughts and feelings ("feelings as visitors") Understand they are always good inside, even when they make a bad choice Access their wisest self to respond thoughtfully instead of reacting automatically Lily also introduces tools like "outer shells and inner swirls" to help students notice assumptions and guide interactions in more mindful, empowering ways. Whether you're looking to improve classroom culture, support student self-reflection, or strengthen your own teacher mindset, this episode offers actionable strategies and inspiring reminders about the words we choose and the impact they have. Get the shareable article/transcript for this episode here.

Explore the fine line between Type A and Type B teaching tendencies and how they impact effort and burnout. Learn to recognize your own tendencies and make mindful adjustments to avoid overflow or stagnation. Discover strategies to support students in identifying their effort levels, along with practical classroom scripts to help them set realistic goals. The key takeaway? Focus on doing what matters, rather than doing more, ensuring a fulfilling and sustainable teaching experience.

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.

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.