Advertise on podcast: Angela Watson's Truth for Teachers

When he got his ADHD diagnosis at age 30, the first thought Andrew Gardner (https://www.agardner.com/about) had was, "Okay, now what? I'm still an idiot." That negative voice had been with him his entire teaching career, driving him to work 80-90 hour weeks trying to prove he wasn't failing at the basics everyone else seemed to handle easily. In this conversation, Andrew walks us through what it's actually like to teach with ADHD. He shares the invisible struggles no one could see from the outside, the white-knuckling through administrative tasks, the depression that came from years of that critical inner voice telling him he couldn't do basic things that weren't actually that hard … and eventually, the reframing that changed everything. Andrew now has over 25 years experience innovating in teaching, learning, facilitation, technology and management. He's taught students from preschool through post-graduate at Yale, Columbia, NYU, and Harvard, advising on and evangelizing the use of technology to help students and teachers become future-ready. He spent over a decade building and leading a professional learning department, certification program, and teacher community at BrainPOP (where he and I were coworkers!)  Since then, Andrew has combined his passion for organizational alignment with his foundation in constructivist teaching and learning into coaching leaders, professionals, and parents. As an ADHD coach, Andrew is especially attentive to supporting the needs and strengths of neurodiverse clientele. Andrew shares how ADHD shows up differently in the classroom (spoiler: "attending to everything all at once" has some serious superpowers), the link between undiagnosed ADHD and depression in adults, and what it takes to start seeing neurodivergence as a strength rather than something to overcome. Andrew also shares practical insights on what schools could do differently, how to help students with ADHD build metacognitive awareness, and why getting on the balcony to observe your own thoughts might be the most important skill for managing ADHD as an adult. Get the shareable article/transcript for this episode here.

Introducing Sales Expert Shelby Sapp: The Simple Sales Framework You Can Use in Work, Money, and Relationships (Follow THIS Method to FINALLY Get The Life You Deserve) from On Purpose with Jay Shetty. Follow the show: On Purpose with Jay Shetty We’re not failing at life. We were just never taught how to speak up, handle rejection, and confidently ask for what we want. Today, Jay sits down with sales leader and entrepreneur Shelby Sapp to unpack why sales isn’t about convincing others, but about understanding people, building trust, and believing in yourself. Shelby shares how the skills that helped her go from door-to-door sales to building a thriving business are the same skills we use every day: advocating for ourselves, navigating rejection, and communicating our value. She reframes sales as a mindset shift, from seeing “no” as failure to seeing it as feedback, explaining why learning how to sell is really about learning how to think, speak, and lead with confidence. Jay and Shelby break down the core principles that make sales applicable to every area of life: identifying leverage, creating real value, keeping things simple, and having the courage to ask for what you want. Shelby explains why people don’t buy products, they buy solutions, outcomes, and relief and how rejection becomes easier when you stop taking it personally. They also dive into the deeper mindset shifts that separate those who stay stuck from those who grow. Shelby challenges the idea that confidence comes before action, revealing instead that confidence is built by doing uncomfortable things repeatedly and overcoming rejection. Jay reflects on how sales skills teach resilience, the ability to keep showing up with belief even after setbacks, and why handling rejection well can unlock opportunities in every part of life. In this interview, you'll learn: How to Sell Without Feeling Manipulative How to Communicate Your Value Clearly How to Handle “No” Without Taking It Personally How to Ask for What You Want (and Get It) How to Identify What Truly Motivates People How to Stop Overexplaining and Keep It Simple How to Create Momentum When You Feel Stuck Progress isn’t about perfection, it’s about momentum. Trust yourself enough to ask, to act, and to keep going. The skills you build today will shape the confidence, freedom, and purpose you step into tomorrow.  With Love and Gratitude, Jay Shetty JAY’S DAILY WISDOM DELIVERED STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX Join 900,000+ readers discovering how small daily shifts create big life change with my free newsletter. Subscribe here.  Check out our Apple subscription to unlock bonus content of On Purpose! https://lnk.to/JayShettyPodcast  What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro 01:23 You’re Already Using Sales in Your Every Day Life  02:53 The Power of the Reframe  04:42 The Core Sales Skills Everyone Needs 08:03 Sales Isn’t Manipulation, It’s Emotional Leadership 12:59 One Connection Can Change Everything 17:41 Building a High-Income Skill is Essential  19:51 Why Mindset Is the Real Advantage 21:35 A Simple Sales Process That Actually Works 27:31 The Most Memorable Thing You’ve Ever Been Sold 30:55 How to Spend Money More Mindfully 34:44 How to Get Started in Sales (Even If You’re Scared) 35:42 Are Networking Events Worth Your Time? 39:39 There’s No Limit to What You Can Earn 43:15 How to Create a Major Salary Jump 46:19 Jobs That Sharpen Your Sales Skills 47:49 The Mindset That Keeps People Stuck 49:35 The Power of Believing in Yourself  51:59 How to Sell Any Product Effectively 56:44 Sell Me This Pen 01:02:41 Why Assumptions Kill Sales 01:04:09 How to Handle Rejection Without Losing Momentum 01:07:27 How to Reframe Any Objection 01:12:07 The Right Way to Ask for a Raise 01:15:44 What Employers Are Really Looking For 01:20:06 It’s Not a No, It’s a Lesson 01:21:22 How to Talk About Your Wins Without Ego 01:23:24 The Most Challenging Deal of All 01:25:29 Why the Best Sellers Preempt Objections 01:27:12 Why We Struggle to Invest in Ourselves 01:30:57 Shelby on Final Five  Episode Resources: Shelby Sapp | https://shelbysapp.com/  Shelby Sapp | https://www.instagram.com/shelby.sapp/  Shelby Sapp | https://www.youtube.com/@Shelbysappyt  She Sells | https://shesellsremote.com/  She Sells | https://www.instagram.com/shesellsacademy See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].

"If AI can write my essay in 30 seconds, why should I spend 30 minutes doing it myself?" I believe students asking this question deserve a thoughtful response ... or even better, an invitation to think critically about their own values and personal philosophy around artificial intelligence. In this episode, I'm offering some tools to help you facilitate these conversations with students, breaking down the neuroscience of why writing matters in ways AI can't replicate. We'll explore three core principles: 1) Writing is brain-building: When students write, they create neural pathways through neuroplasticity. Every time they struggle to find the right word or rewrite a sentence, they're strengthening cognitive infrastructure they'll use for life. When AI does the writing, those pathways never form. 2) Writing is thinking: Writing isn't just a way to show your thinking—it IS the thinking itself. The act of translating thoughts into words forces a level of clarity that thinking alone doesn't require. 3) Writing is uniquely human: Students are still discovering who they are as thinkers and writers. They haven't written enough to find their unique voice yet. When they default to AI, they skip the process of discovering their authentic perspective. I also address the question teachers hear constantly: "Why can adults use AI but students can't?" The answer lies in understanding the critical window of adolescent brain development and why students need to build these skills before they can effectively use AI as a tool. If you're looking for language to help students understand what they're losing when they default to AI—and a framework for teaching them why their thinking and voice matter—this episode is for you. Resources mentioned: "Stay Human: Protect Your Brain Power in an AI World" 3 lesson mini unit  https://shop.truthforteachers.com/products/ai-literacy-lessons-teaching-students-why-writing-and-thinking-matter Get the shareable article/transcript for this episode here.

Growing up, every report card comment and parent conference involved my teachers expressing some version of the following: "Angela is smart, but not working to her potential." "Angela needs to focus and apply herself." "Angela is a capable student but does not put forth effort." "Angela could do the work if she wanted to but she appears lazy and unmotivated." I shared a little of this story a few years back, and how I was labeled as gifted at first, and then diagnosed with a learning disability in math: EP163: I was a disengaged student who nearly failed high school For years, I believed something was fundamentally wrong with the wiring in my brain. Despite everything I'd accomplished, I felt inconsistent, unfocused, and unable to just ... do the thing like everyone else seemed to. Normal adulting tasks felt like they required herculean effort. It took decades to understand: I'm not lazy. I'm neurodivergent. And that changes everything. In this episode, I'm sharing my journey of understanding my brain, from my bipolar diagnosis in my early 20s to discovering CBT and mindset work, to finally creating the resource I wish I'd had all along.  I'll tell you about Motivation Lab, a new coaching app I've built that translates the neuroscience principles from my Finding Flow curriculum into a format for teens, young adults, and anyone who's ever felt like traditional productivity systems just don't work for their brain. This is the story of why I created Motivation Lab, who it's really for (hint: maybe not you, but possibly someone you care about), and why I'm asking for your help in getting it to the people who need it most. If you've ever wondered why consistency is so hard, why motivation feels unpredictable, or why no single productivity system works for everyone, I think you'll relate to what I'm sharing. Check out Motivation Lab here: studio.com/motivationlab/ Read or share the blog post. The first official podcast ep of 2026 will be out on January 11th. Thank you for listening to this interlude / announcement!

It's the final episode of the 2025 season, and I want to leave you with something meaningful. I'm sharing some personal thoughts as I prepare to step away for my December internet sabbatical. I'm thinking deeply about alignment, presence, and what it means to move forward with clarity and purpose. If you've been feeling the tension between what you have to do and what you're called to do … this episode might resonate. Key highlights: Why I'm shifting directions in 2026 to focus on deeper connections with educators (and serving more than just folks in K-12) How my personal life has come into greater alignment after moving and establishing new daily practices My launch of teacher retreats after years of dreaming and planning (you're invited!) An introduction to Due Season Press, my new website showcasing retreats, retreat/event planning services, editing and publishing support for authors, and more Opportunities for schools and districts to host custom retreat experiences Reflective questions to help you find your own alignment and mission heading into 2026 Get the shareable article/transcript for this episode here. This episode is brought to you by MiaTiagoBooks.com. P.S. If you'll miss having new episodes to listen to from now until January, here's a way to work back through the archives without having to scroll endlessly through episode titles. I have a set of recommended Truth for Teachers playlists you can access. They're a careful curation of the episodes I'm most proud of—and that I think will help you most—from my ten years of podcasting. I've organized the playlists around four topics: The Encouragement Playlist, if you need a boost of inspiration and motivation The Productivity Playlist, if you want practical strategies for time management and getting things done The Student Engagement Playlist, if you want tools for building relationships with students and enhancing your lessons The Greatest Hits Playlist, which covers a wide variety of topics that have been really popular over the years but aren't necessarily connected to any larger theme. The Greatest Hits playlist offers a really nice variety of episodes. If you're a longtime listener and accessed one of these playlists a while back, know that I updated them this month so they include newer episodes, too. Go to TruthforTeachers.com/playlists and enter your email address to receive the playlist you want. I'll send you a PDF with a description of each episode, a link to its blog post/transcript, and a link to the MP3 file for listening. It also shares some special bonuses and other related resources I think you might like.    

"The adults in the building need healing just as much as the kids do. Self-compassion isn't soft. It's the most radical act of self-preservation an educator can practice."  That's a quote from my guest in this episode, Marisol Quevedo Rerucha. She's the author of Beyond the Surface of Restorative Practices and the CEO of Heartset Consulting Group. A former teacher, principal, and district leader, she now supports individuals, communities, and systems in building high-trust, equity-centered spaces. Together, Marisol and I explore what a restorative way of being looks like, how to build a classroom culture rooted in belonging and accountability, and why self-compassion is a foundational part of this work. Marisol also shares her personal story of healing, offers real classroom examples, and closes with an unforgettable metaphor about facing life's hardest moments with courage and community. In this powerful conversation, Marisol Revucha shares why so many educators feel disillusioned with restorative practices and what needs to shift for true transformation to occur. Whether your school is fully immersed in restorative practices or you're just starting to explore what it means, this conversation offers both heart and strategy. You'll walk away with a clearer vision for what's possible—not just for your students, but for yourself. Topics include: Why restorative justice often fails in schools How to build a culture of repair and accountability The role of self-compassion in restorative work Real-time responses when students act out Restorative practices for staff—not just students "Being the buffalo": facing the storm together Get the shareable article/transcript for this episode here. This episode is brought to you by MiaTiagoBooks.com.

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.

How much effort is enough—for you and your students? In this episode, I'm weaving together three listener questions about navigating effort, expectations, and balance. We'll explore how to recognize whether you lean more toward Type A (overextending) or Type B (holding back) tendencies, and how to make small, mindful adjustments so you're not burning out—or stagnating. You'll hear practical advice for: Reworking your expectations of yourself during seasons of low energy, burnout, or chronic illness. Knowing when to give yourself permission to do less, and when to gently push yourself to do more. Supporting students who either overextend or under-extend themselves without trying to individualize every message for every learner. Listen in for a simple framework you (and your students) can use to calibrate effort in healthier, more sustainable ways. 🔗 Want to submit a question for a future episode? Share it at truthforteachers.com/podcast. Get the shareable article/transcript for this episode here..

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.

Time blocking sounds simple… but if you've ever sat down during your prep period with a plan and still ended the day feeling behind, you know it's not always that straightforward. In this episode, I'm walking you through a flexible, teacher-centered approach to scheduling your time. This isn't about squeezing more into the day—it's about protecting time for what matters and letting go of the guilt about what doesn't. I'll share how to: Allocate time for high, medium, and low-priority tasks (without spinning your wheels) Match your work to your energy levels using deep vs. shallow tasks Set realistic work hours and assign tasks to those blocks Get better at estimating how long things actually take Plan for interruptions and adjust when life throws off your schedule If this feels like the kind of support you need right now, there are two ways to go deeper:  Join me for the Unlocking Teacher Productivity cohort through RocketPD fthis winter for a guided experience, or check out the 40 Hour Teacher Workweek if you prefer a self-paced, affordable option. Both can help you create systems that are sustainable long-term. Let's figure out how to build a schedule that honors your time, energy, and values. Get the shareable article/transcript for this episode here.

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.

One of the most exhausting parts of teaching is the constant decision-making. You're answering questions like: Where do I turn this in? Can I go to the bathroom? What do I do when I'm done? My pencil broke—what now? Over and over. All day long. You're managing behavior, passing out materials, troubleshooting tech, resetting the room, redirecting energy, keeping everything afloat. And underneath all of that is the belief—often unspoken but deeply ingrained—that YOU have to be the one holding it all together. But what if that's not true? What if your students—yes, even the littlest ones and the disinterested teens—were capable of taking more ownership than you've been led to believe? What if a well-run classroom doesn't require your constant presence, attention, and redirection? What if you could stop doing so many things your students could actually learn to do for themselves? That's what this week's podcast episode is about. It's not a list of procedures. It's not a call to tighten control. It's an invitation to shift the way you think about classroom responsibility. Here's what I walk you through: Why students want to take ownership—and what's been getting in the way How we unintentionally train them to be dependent on us What it looks like to release control without lowering expectations How to build routines and roles that don't rely on reminders or perfection I'm also sharing four practical pillars that prop up the self-running classroom so you know how to take action and empower your students to share the responsibility for daily routines. Listen in, and when you're ready to go deeper, consider:  The 40 Hour Teacher Workweek program is now open for enrollment. It gives you the tools and structure to design a classroom that runs smoothly—without sacrificing your nights and weekends. https://join.40htw.com/full-year This October, Rocket PD is offering my live virtual training called Unlocking Teacher Productivity. It's a practical, high-impact session to help you simplify systems and protect your time. https://rocketpd.com/cohorts/unlocking-teacher-productivity-with-angela-watson/ Get the shareable article/transcript for this episode here.

We often assume students should already know how to stay organized, manage their time, and start tasks independently—but these are skills that need to be taught, modeled, and practiced.  In this episode, I'm talking with Mitch Weathers, a former high school teacher and creator of Organized Binder, about how a consistent daily routine anchored by a physical binder can help students build the habits they need to succeed. You'll learn: Why organization isn't a one-time fix, but a daily skill that must be practiced How predictable routines reduce cognitive load and help students feel safe and ready to learn How a physical binder—even in a digital classroom—can provide structure and support executive functioning What a table of contents can do for student ownership, memory, and task follow-through How teachers can implement this system with minimal prep and maximum impact Whether your students lose work, struggle to start tasks, or seem overly dependent on your directions, this conversation is packed with practical, low-lift solutions you can start using right away. Learn more at OrganizedBinder.com or reach out to Mitch at [email protected]. Get the shareable article/transcript for this episode here.

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.