EP306 How to get TRUE student buy-in for your "no phone" policy (with Ashly HIlst)
Angela Watson's Truth for Teachers
Release Date: 07/21/2024
EP319 Teaching creatively within the constraints of the system (with Trevor Muir)
Angela Watson's Truth for Teachers
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...
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EP318 How to use AI to plan a lesson and still make it YOURS
Angela Watson's Truth for Teachers
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, to fit your planning needs. The step-by-step process for using AI to brainstorm, outline, and enhance lesson plans. Prompt examples for generating lesson ideas,...
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EP317 It’s never just about the behavior (with Claire English from The Unteachables)
Angela Watson's Truth for Teachers
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. Here’s what we cover in this episode: Why traditional behavior management strategies often fall short. How self-regulation in teachers sets the tone for the...
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EP316 Radical acceptance and the power of "we’ll see” in 2025
Angela Watson's Truth for Teachers
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 from fear to hope by embracing the opportunities hidden within unpredictability. You’ll hear about my own struggles with anxiety, my word of the year...
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EP315 Humans Who Teach: A guide for centering love, justice, and liberation in schools (with Shamari Reid)
Angela Watson's Truth for Teachers
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 “teacher superhero” to understanding he’s a human who teaches. Like many of us, Shamari once believed that it was his job to save his students and fix...
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EP314 How you–and your students–can use movement to increase work quality, focus, and creativity
Angela Watson's Truth for Teachers
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. I’ll then share 4 practical ways to incorporate productive movement into your instruction, not as a break from learning but as a critical...
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EP313 What students need to know about artificial intelligence (and how to help them learn it)
Angela Watson's Truth for Teachers
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 critically about its limitations and impacts. In this episode, I’ll explain exactly what to say and do to help students to be thoughtful, tech-savvy learners in an...
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EP312 5 brain-based ways to help kids who shut down in class (with Dr. John Spencer)
Angela Watson's Truth for Teachers
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 transform schools into bastions of creativity and wonder. Listen in as John and I explore how to: 1. Intentionally cultivate self-empowerment (the ability to self-regulate and self-direct.) 2....
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EP311 Soft starts: a gentle, inviting way to begin the school day & foster self-regulation
Angela Watson's Truth for Teachers
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 self-regulation, self-direction, and self-management. I’ll break down why this approach is beneficial (and super simple to implement!) for all age groups,...
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EP310 Unlocking the secrets of effective lesson design (with Gretchen Bridgers)
Angela Watson's Truth for Teachers
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 Empowering Educators podcast which I often recommend to Truth for Teachers listeners, as there's a lot of overlap between Gretchen's mindset and areas of interest...
info_outlineHere’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 managing cell phone use in the classroom, and it was so impactful I wanted to make sure more teachers had a chance to hear about it.
Her method focuses on conveying the message that "phones don't make good moments, people do," drawing from personal experiences to connect with students.
In this episode, you’ll learn from Ashly how to establish clear expectations and consequences for phone use while allowing flexibility and gentle reminders.
Discover for yourself how Ashly's approach reduces stress levels and enhances the teaching experience by promoting responsible phone habits in the classroom.
Get the transcript + free copy of Ashly’s slideshow here: https://truthforteachers.com/truth-for-teachers-podcast/how-to-get-true-student-buy-in-for-your-no-cellphone-policy/