Angela Watson's Truth for Teachers

Need something to look forward to in the final weeks of school? This new Wednesday morning podcast series will provide 5 minutes of audio encouragement and sound therapy instruments. It's designed for you to listen mid-week to get re-energized. If you'd also like a written version/transcript, sign up for the 6-week email series of free bonus teaching support + encouragement here. In my experience as a teacher, this time of the school year always felt uniquely challenging. It's like the finish line is in sight, but not close enough to feel motivating yet. Student engagement drops off drastically, and it's right at the point where you're panicking that there's still a ton of content you didn't teach yet and you need your students to ramp UP, not DOWN. I can only imagine how that feeling is magnified for this past school year. My intuition is telling me that for educators, the next few weeks are going to be about powering through and making the very best of a difficult situation until the school year is complete. And to do that, I thought it might help to have a realistic + regular pep talk from someone who's rooting for you. That's where this series comes into play. For each of the next 6 Wednesday mornings, I'm going to release a mini episode of encouragement to help you power through the end of the school year. They're going to be super short: around 5 minutes each, and will be perfect to listen to just before class starts for a bit of encouragement and practical mindset shifts. I'll also be incorporating some sound therapy instruments periodically in the episodes: you'll hear short segments of the words accompanied by me playing the koshi chimes, a few different kalimbas, and a hang drum. As I started producing this series, I realized that each week's focus was centering on a word that starts with "r", so I decided to go with that: Rest. Reconnecting in relationships. Resilience. Reframing. Reflecting. Release of regrets. I'm calling this series "Power Through", because I think that's probably the most realistic approach for most folks. Powering through means "to continue in a strong and determined way until the end of something, even when it's difficult." That's the task ahead of us in the next few weeks, and I hope this mid-week encouragement will give you a boost of energy and help equip you for whatever challenges come your way. Now I know that your time alone for listening to podcasts can be limited right now, and I know you probably have teacher friends who would benefit from this, but they're just not into podcasts, or maybe they are hearing impaired. I'm also offering this Power Through series in written form, and it can show in your inbox each Wednesday morning if you'd like. Just click the link in the show notes to enter your email address, and you'll automatically receive a message of support each Wednesday morning for the next 6 weeks. Your first "Power Through" message will come right to your inbox immediately so you'll know you're signed up and can get some helpful advice and resources right away. That email includes links to ways you can cultivate engagement in remote/hybrid learning, reduce grading and simplify assessment for digital assignments, teach students time management skills for online learning, and more. Sometimes just a small shift in the way you approach your workload can help you feel less stressed and overwhelmed. See if you can choose just one idea to try out — whatever seems easiest at the moment. And of course, you can unsubscribe from anything, anytime, using the link provided at the bottom of every email. So that's what you get if you also sign up for the email version of the Power Through series. But know that the weekly 5 minute audio encouragement is not about giving you more things to do or learn. I'm just offering a few short, kind words each week to help clear away overwhelm and shift your perspective so you feel more energized. This series will carry you through the spring here in the northern hemisphere, ending at the beginning of May. At that point, you can work back through the series a second time if you'd like, or revisit messages that particularly spoke to you that can help with the final weeks of school. I just didn't want to wait to release these messages too close to the end of the year, when I know folks need them now. So, the first Power Through episode will release next Wednesday--click the link in the show notes to get it + the bonus tips/resources sent to you via email. I hope these resources help you feel like we can continue together in a strong and determined way until the end. Remember that everything happening right now is temporary. Teaching will not be exactly like this forever. And, you're not alone … we're going to power through this together. Sign up for the 6-week email series of free bonus teaching support + encouragement here

"I've never worked so hard in my life to try to reach students, and yet never felt like such a big failure. That carries a lot of emotional weight. But when we are dismissed to 'just figure it out', we're not actually given credit for all of the incredible work that has happened." Those are the words of my guest Pernille Ripp, a 7th grade ELA teacher, author, blogger, keynote speaker, and passionate advocate for education. We are here to hold space for you to process the heaviness of the past year. Pernille illuminates some of the common emotions that come from teaching in a pandemic under the weight of so many expectations, and talks about the impact on her own mental health. We're offering this conversation to you not as advice and how-to tips, but as a release valve for the pressure that so many educators are feeling. We're dismantling the narrative that kids have "lost a year of schooling" and are "falling behind," and examining how teachers have been the easy scapegoats for the systemic problems COVID has exacerbated. Pernille talks about the challenges of teaching while also supporting her own 4 children in their learning. And, she shares how she creates moments of joy and things to look forward to for herself, her family, and her students. "I don't know what the future is going to hold, so I'm not going to prepare for it," Pernille says. "But I'm going to focus on the things that will continue to sustain me as an educator and as a human being. I'm going to try to be in the best mental state that I can to welcome all of the kids in and to say, 'Whatever happens, we're going to meet it together, and I'm going to be by your side, no matter what that looks like'." Click here to read the transcript and participate in the discussion or, join our podcast Facebook group here to connect with other teachers and discuss the Truth for Teachers' podcast episodes.

Want to develop your students into digital detectives? Join me as I talk with Jennifer LaGarde and Darren Hudgins, who are co-authors of the book Fact vs. Fiction: Teaching Critical Thinking In the Age of Fake News, and also a new book coming out in July 2021 called Developing Digital Detectives. This is the second episode in our 2 part series about media literacy. Episode 216 with Peter Adams of the News Literacy Project shares how educators can be informed media consumers and advocates for truth. This is an important first step, because we can't teach skills to students if we don't have those skills ourselves. In this episode, we're doing a deeper exploration into how to support students in information literacy. Jennifer, Darren, and I will talk a bit about big picture issues, like making time for instruction on digital literacy, and how to teach kids to think critically about conspiracy theories when those conspiracy theories are widely believed among the community you teach in. But we'll spend the vast majority of our time talking about specific, practical things you can do with your students right now to help them be smart media consumers: Teach thematically and help kids make connections between topics/subjects Use mobile devices — not just computers — when having kids analyze information Create learning environments that value questioning, not just finding the right answer Guide students to understand their brains and examine bias/assumptions Move from a checklist approach to an investigative approach for fact-checking Teach kids to be specific about the falsehood rather than claiming "fake news" Illuminate the people behind the information that's shared Help kids analyze information not only in long-form articles, but also in the mediums they frequently consume, such as video, memes, and social media images Teach kids HOW to think, not WHAT to think Remember that information literacy is a human problem, and even small steps to tackle it are worthwhile Click here to read the transcript and participate in the discussion or, join our podcast Facebook group here to connect with other teachers and discuss the Truth for Teachers' podcast episodes.

In a time where there's so much to be sad or upset about, we have the power to choose thoughts that feel better. And, we can actively look for evidence that those thoughts are true and that good things are happening. In this article and podcast episode of Truth for Teachers, I'll share a couple of examples of how this has worked in my own life and work, and how it might be useful for you, too. I'll also outline 4 specific steps you can take to choose a better-feeling thought about something that's bothering you right now, whether it's personally or professionally. Click here to read the transcript and participate in the discussion or, join our podcast Facebook group here to connect with other teachers and discuss the Truth for Teachers' podcast episodes.

investing in our own news literacy is one of the best things we can do for kids. But with so much disinformation, how can we as educators ensure what we're finding and sharing is accurate? Join me as I talk with Peter Adams. He's the head of the education team of the News Literacy Project, a national education nonprofit offering nonpartisan programs that teach students how to know what to believe in the digital age. We'll begin by talking about why information (and misinformation) is more prevalent. Peter gives a brief overview of how extremists of all kinds have become better networked and influential, and how hate groups and conspiracy theorists have leveraged our polarization to promote their own agendas. Then we discuss: How we can identify point-of-view or propaganda in our news sources Why objectivity does not mean staying neutral What's actually news-worthy ("How come the media isn't talking about this?") The difference between a conspiracy and conspiracy theory Intellectual humility and not demonizing everyone on "the other side" Looking for disconfirming evidence of our beliefs Having open, offline conversations with people who think differently What it means to "do your own research" Overcoming cynicism and relentlessly pursuing truth How social media and search engine algorithms shape our thinking about what's true How educators can ensure they're relying on and sharing accurate info Why investing in our own news literacy as educators is one of the best things we can do for kids For ongoing support in these areas, you can sign up for The Sift, a free weekly newsletter for educators distributed by NewsLit.org. It's a rundown of what happened the week before that you can use in the classroom to teach news literacy. It includes a distillation of the most news-literacy-relevant pieces of news and information that were published the previous week to help educators stay informed. It also includes a Viral Rumor Rundown of about four or five viral rumors that circulated the week before, with ideas for discussion, classroom activities, and links to resources. NewsLit also offers a free e-learning platform called The Checkology Virtual Classroom, with 14 lessons to help teach students about many of the topics you'll learn about in my interview with Peter, including how to understand conspiracy theories. Checkology is primarily aimed at middle school and high school grades, but some teachers in upper elementary adapt the lessons and folks in higher ed have utilized them, as well. Click here to read the transcript and participate in the discussion or, join our podcast Facebook group here to connect with other teachers and discuss the Truth for Teachers' podcast episodes.

Extending grace shouldn't be a one way street. And yet, many educators feel like they are constantly told to accommodate students and families while they themselves are held to rigid, unrealistic standards. When you start to feel the resentment and frustration building, here are 3 shifts that can help: Instead of giving grace, think of giving people space to be themselves. Rather than trying to fit people into narrow boxes, expand the space you offer so folks are free to be inconsistent in how they think, feel, and behave. It's natural to have good days and bad ones, low moods and high moods. Allowing students and families space to move back and forth between these states of being can ease your stress and resentment. Stop making your work look effortless, and invite folks into the process. Teachers in general — and women especially — are conditioned to make everything we do look easy and natural. But this often backfires because it causes people to expect even more of us. Let families and students peek behind the scenes so they can see not only your hard work, but also your humanity. Say "thank you" instead of apologizing. Set a class culture of thanking one other for bearing with each other's faults, and giving each other space to be your full selves. Apologies are necessary when someone's been hurtful or offensive, but making minor mistakes is part of being human, and not necessarily something to feel sorry for. Gratitude is a more positive, uplifting emotion that people feel good about participating in, so substitute thankfulness for apologies whenever possible. Click here to read the transcript and participate in the discussion or, join our podcast Facebook group here to connect with other teachers and discuss the Truth for Teachers' podcast episodes.

Need practical tips for doing "fewer things better" in a remote/hybrid setting? Check out this episode with Dr. Catlin Tucker. We'll talk about simplifying assessment, virtual station rotations, student engagement, and more. We'll also discuss specific steps teachers can take to advocate for more realistic expectations for themselves and their students. Check out the blog post/transcript with links to my favorite resources from Catlin here. You can also join our podcast Facebook group here to connect with other teachers and discuss the Truth for Teachers' podcast episodes. Learn more about Catlin here: https://catlintucker.com Follow her on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/Catlin_Tucker Check out Catlin's blended learning courses here: https://catlintucker.teachable.com/?affcode=685936_arhw3kaz

The spring and summer of 2020 were some of the darkest times of my life, both personally and professionally. In this episode, I want to offer a bit more of myself and my journey with you: My struggle with depression and anxiety Professional burnout and lack of motivation COVID and the disillusionment of offering solutions for schools when there aren't any good ones Where my train metaphorically derailed and I lost sight of the destination The choice to cut out non-essential obligations and go offline in December The response (and pushback) to my sabbatical announcement Why I've never seen stepping away from work as a weakness (this wasn't the first or last time) How I used my time offline in December Why the sabbatical was not a cure-all, and coming back was harder than anticipated The path back: finding the spark of inspiration and nurturing it into a roaring flame Thank you for allowing me these weeks to heal, breathe, regroup, and clarify my vision for the year ahead. Thank you for your messages, and for encouraging me even though I did not have the strength to encourage you. Thank you for believing in me and my work. I may have taken a pause, but this work does not end. The next phase of our journey together is now underway. Click here to read the transcript and participate in the discussion or, join our podcast Facebook group here to connect with other teachers and discuss the Truth for Teachers' podcast episodes.

For 2021, I want to have a single-minded focus on the destination ahead. A train can't go in multiple directions at once. So, what is my mission? My contribution? What is the thing I can be doing right now in the world to make it a better place? I want to decide that and get on board the train. I've wasted far too much time hanging around the station, arguing with naysayers and trying to persuade people (who don't want to be persuaded) that they should come on board. I believe this moment in time is meant for us to map out the next stop, holler out "all aboard," and start moving down the tracks…regardless of how many people are with us. Other folks can always hop on at a later stop if they want, or catch the next train. They can also spend the rest of their lives grumbling at the station. They can even board a train heading in the opposite direction. Don't let any of their choices stop YOU from where you need to go. Get really clear on the destination you want to head toward. Where are you trying to take your students? Your family? Your personal relationships? Your community? Yourself? And pull that train out of the station. Start the journey and move forward boldly. Now is the time. Listen in as we kick off Season 13 of the podcast, and get inspired! Click here to read the transcript and participate in the discussion or, join our podcast Facebook group here to connect with other teachers and discuss the Truth for Teachers' podcast episodes.

This is a deeply personal podcast episode, so if you're new here, I encourage you to revisit previous eps that are probably going to be more helpful and along the lines of what you're hoping to get. This one is all over the map: part inspirational, part confessional, part political, part visionary. I've decided to end the podcast early, for reasons that will be apparent as I share what's on my heart here. I will not be back with another episode until at least January 2021. In the meanwhile: Find the small good things. Take the next right steps. Focus on who you want to become through the remainder of this pandemic. What kind of person will you be on the other side of these challenging times? What kind of educators do we want to be? What kind of nation do we want to be? Vote accordingly. Sending you all love, support, and solidarity until next time. Click here to read the transcript and participate in the discussion or, join our podcast Facebook group here to connect with other teachers and discuss the Truth for Teachers' podcast episodes.