Angela Watson's Truth for Teachers

In this summer reflection episode, I’m sharing a small story—just a quiet moment at an airport breakfast counter—that brought me back to the kind of person I want to be. It’s a simple action, one that no one asked for or expected. But it reminded me that our small choices matter… especially now. Because let’s be honest: it’s not always clear what the “right” choice is anymore. Social norms are shifting fast. Families have vastly different beliefs about what should be taught in school. Everyone’s following their own path, and as educators, we’re constantly navigating conflicting expectations. You can’t make everyone happy. And trying to please every person or reflect every worldview just leaves you feeling pulled in a dozen directions. So how do you decide how to show up—when there’s no one-size-fits-all answer? For me, it comes back to personal integrity. To who I want to be, even when there’s no rulebook. This episode is an invitation to use this summer season to realign with your inner compass and reflect on what kind of world you want to help build—starting with the small, almost invisible choices you make every day. We’ll reflect on: Why integrity and empathy are more important than ever in a divided world How to center your actions around who you want to be (not who you’re expected to be) Questions to help you define your personal values and vision Ways to leave things better than you found them, even in tiny, almost invisible ways This isn’t about perfection. It’s about intention. It’s about being the kind of person who shows up with clarity, even when no one’s watching. And it’s about using this summer to reconnect with the kind of world you want to help create. Get the shareable article/transcript for this episode here.

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.

Discover exciting updates and insights about the future of teacher professional development. Learn how artificial intelligence is reshaping education and explore new programs aimed at boosting productivity. Find out about an upcoming live PD experience and get a sneak peek at the newly completed Finding Flow curriculum. Excited plans for the summer and fall are on the horizon, offering teachers every tool they need to reconnect with their sense of purpose!

PD is supposed to help teachers grow, but so often, it feels like a missed opportunity. In this episode of Truth for Teachers, I’m sharing five things teachers wish PD presenters understood—straight from your thoughtful comments and the experiences I've had attending and delivering professional development over the past 25 years. If you’ve ever been frustrated by PD sessions that feel irrelevant, condescending, or like a waste of time, you’re not alone. This episode explores what makes PD meaningful for teachers and what presenters can do differently to better serve the educators in the room: Treat us like professionals. Teachers don’t need to be managed like students—we want PD that respects our expertise and autonomy. Give us practical tools we can use. We value strategies, materials, and ideas that are immediately applicable in our classrooms. Stop reading the PowerPoint. We can read—we’d rather spend the time diving deeper into the content. One-size-fits-all doesn’t work. PD should be differentiated to reflect the diverse needs of teachers based on grade level, subject area, and role. Inspiration is key. Great PD leaves us motivated and energized—not overwhelmed or bogged down by irrelevant details. This episode is a must-listen if you’ve ever felt like PD doesn’t meet your needs as a teacher. It’s also a great resource to share with PD presenters and decision-makers in your district who are designing professional learning experiences. Get the shareable article/transcript for this episode here.

What if education prioritized student agency over standardized testing? Discover how Fannie Lou Hamer Freedom High School in the Bronx redefines learning by emphasizing real-world experiences and deep relationships. Students engage in personalized learning without standardized tests, showcasing their portfolios instead. The school’s innovative advisory system and block scheduling foster a supportive community, while technology and extended learning opportunities prepare students for the future. This approach proves that reimagining education can truly empower students.

AJ Juliani, an educator and author from the University of Pennsylvania, dives into keeping students engaged in a distraction-heavy world. He argues that simply removing devices won’t fix engagement issues. Instead, he emphasizes meaningful, student-centered learning and the importance of choice in education. Juliani also discusses methods to integrate technology effectively and build self-regulation skills among learners. His insights highlight the adaptation needed in education to resonate with today's digitally-oriented students.

Starr Sackstein is an experienced educator and consultant dedicated to transforming education. In this engaging conversation, she shares her journey from the classroom to a leadership role, discussing the challenges and vital lessons learned along the way. Starr emphasizes the importance of staying connected with students while navigating leadership responsibilities, overcoming imposter syndrome, and advocating for your goals. With practical tips on building trust and managing initiatives, this dialogue inspires educators to confidently embrace leadership opportunities.

Feeling unmotivated? You're not alone! This discussion emphasizes the power of sitting with your emotions instead of forcing happiness. It introduces four strategies to reignite your passion and encourages taking small, manageable steps. You’ll learn that rest and self-compassion are crucial, not selfish. Redefining success as meaningful progress shifts the perspective on productivity. Sometimes, just making it through the day is enough. Tune in for uplifting insights that remind you that it's okay to feel how you feel.