Angela Watson's Truth for Teachers

We’re tackling one of the biggest challenges educators face today: keeping students engaged in a world full of distractions. 

AJ Juliani joins me to explore how to create meaningful and relevant learning experiences that resonate with today’s learners, even in the age of TikTok, smartphones, and endless notifications.

He’s an educator, author, and speaker who serves as an instructor for the University of Pennsylvania Graduate Scho...

Are you considering stepping into a leadership role in education but feeling unsure of where to start? In this episode, I sit down with Starr Sackstein, an experienced educator, consultant, and author, to talk about the journey from teacher to leader. Starr shares her personal story of leaving the classroom, the challenges she faced in leadership, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

We dive into practical steps for prepari...

Feeling blah these days? You’re not alone. Let’s dive into what it really means to keep going when motivation feels out of reach. 

Spoiler: it’s not about forcing yourself to feel happy or productive right away. 
Instead, we’ll explore how to sit with your emotions, honor what your body and mind need, and take small, manageable steps forward—even when you don’t feel like it.

I’ll share why motivation isn’t always the answer, how “...

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 persona...

AI tools are transforming the way teachers plan lessons, but how do you use them without losing the personal touch that makes your teaching unique? In this episode of Truth for Teachers, I’m showing you how to use AI as a time-saving tool while still keeping your lessons authentic, creative, and tailored to your students.

Here’s what you’ll learn :

• How to choose the right AI tools, like ChatGPT, Curipod, and Canva Magic Write,...

What if the key to managing challenging student behavior isn’t about "fixing" the kids—but about regulating yourself? In this episode, we explore a sustainable approach to classroom management that shifts the focus to what you can control. Join me and my guest, Claire, as we discuss how self-regulation empowers teachers to create calmer, more effective learning environments while building trust and healthier responses in students.

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Feeling unnerved by the unpredictability of our world right now? You’re not alone. In this first Truth for Teachers episode of 2025, we’re diving into how to practice radical acceptance as we navigate uncharted territory as educators (and as a society.)

Join me as I share practical strategies I’m using right now for staying grounded, making my world smaller, and focusing on what’s within my control. 
We’ll explore how to shift fro...

In this last episode of 2024, I want to leave you with a powerful conversation to marinate on deeply.

I’m talking with Dr. Shamari Reid, an assistant professor of justice and belonging in education at New York University. He has taught Spanish, English as a new language, and ELA at the elementary, secondary, and post-secondary levels in Oklahoma, New York, Uruguay, and Spain. 

Shamari shares the journey from seeing himself as a “te...

There’s a powerful connection between movement and cognitive performance. Standing up and moving around can both foster diffuse thinking—the kind of relaxed mental state that encourages breakthroughs and innovative ideas.

In this episode, I’ll share Cal Newport’s research on training the brain for deep work through “productive meditation”, a practice that involves focusing on a specific problem while engaged in physical movement. 
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Many teachers are already seeing incredible results when their students use artificial intelligence to brainstorm creative project ideas, get instant feedback on their writing, and even generate unique artwork.

The potential is there for a lot of good…but also, a lot of bad. As educators in this particular moment in time, we have a unique opportunity to guide students in harnessing AI’s potential while teaching them to think critic...

When students give up on assignments or get overwhelmed, it’s tough to find ways to help them re-engage.

So, I’ve invited Dr. John Spencer (https://spencereducation.com/) of The Creative Classroom podcast (https://spencereducation.com/podcast/) to help us uncover 5 brain-based ways to help kids who shut down in class. John is a former middle school teacher and current college professor on a quest to tran...

Starting the school day doesn’t have to be chaotic or rushed. In this episode, I’ll explore how soft starts are transforming classrooms by offering a calm, low-pressure beginning that allows students to ease into their day.

Soft starts accomplish more than just setting a calm tone—they’re a powerful tool for promoting social-emotional learning and giving kids the autonomy they need to feel in control of their learning, fostering s...

Ever feel like you're spinning your wheels trying to improve your teaching, but not seeing the results you want?

In this episode, we delve into the transformative power of sequential lesson design with Gretchen Bridgers of Always a Lesson.

Gretchen is a teacher coach and trainer who has spent more than 2 decades mentoring and coaching educators, and leading professional development. has a fantastic podcast called Always a Lesson's...

Even young students can learn how to understand and combat misinformation, and it's a key information literacy skill in 2024.

In this episode, I'm talking to Melanie Trecek-King of Thinking is Power, because I love how her approach to the topic of misinformation is characterized by compassion and empathy. 

Melanie emphasizes that everyone is susceptible to misinformation, and falling for it doesn't indicate a lack of intelligence...

Yes, we’re talking about accommodations FOR TEACHERS…

I recently asked educators on social media if neurodivergent staff were being offered any support, and folks had a LOT to say! In this episode I’ll share:

• What we mean when we talk about neurodivergence
• Why neurodivergence isn’t a deficiency, just a difference
• What teachers say about accommodations that are (and aren’t) happening in their schools
• The legal rights that U.S. ...

"Transformative change means feeling different, having different experiences every day, not just little changes that feel like a band-aid."

These are the words of today’s guest, Elena Aguilar, an instructional coach whose latest book is called Arise: The Art of Transformation Coaching. (https://amzn.to/3Srseot) Through her book and our conversation today, you’re invited to teach in a “human-centered, compassionate, wildly optimisti...

Here’s an innovative way to get student buy-in for your cell phone policy, reduce distractions, and maximize class time.

Today you’re going to hear from Ashly Hilst, a secondary teacher at North Clackamas Christian School in Oregon City, Oregon. Ashly has taught high school English for 7 years in both public and private schools. 

For the 2024 Summit for the 40 Hour Teacher Workweek, Ashly unveiled her innovative approach to managin...

It seems like every tech tool we use has now integrated generative artificial intelligence. Open a Google Doc, you’re prompted to use Gemini to help you write. Read a post on Facebook, Meta prompts you to “ask anything” via their AI. It’s powering our phones and our email, and the customer support chatbots on nearly every website when shopping online and even with utility companies.

AI is everywhere, and it’s designed to help save ...

We know there’s potential…but let’s talk about the larger implications for the profession.

In this episode, I’m sharing how AI has already transformed the way many teachers work, and exploring the ethics, best practices, and future trends for AI in schools.

Listen in to hear:

• What surprised me in a survey about schools' AI policies
• 3 principles that guide my approach to AI
• Why educators MUST shape the direction of AI (and not ...