Angela Watson's Truth for Teachers

What if school was designed around student agency, real-world learning, and deep relationships—instead of compliance and test scores? In this episode, I take you inside Fannie Lou Hamer Freedom High School, a Big Picture Learning school in the South Bronx that is reimagining what education can be.

I spent two days observing classes, talking with students and teachers, and experiencing firsthand how this school operates within the constraints of the public school system while centering student voice and engagement. You'll hear about:

• How Fannie Lou’s advisory system, looping, and block scheduling create a close-knit, supportive learning environment
• Why students don’t take standardized tests and instead defend portfolios of work
• How extended learning opportunities (ELOs) and internships connect students to real-world experiences
• The role of AI and technology in supporting student-driven, competency-based learning
  What it actually looks like to make relationships the foundation of a school

Fannie Lou’s approach isn’t a magic bullet or an exclusive model—it’s a public school choice within NYC’s Department of Education that any student can opt into. Listen in to hear what’s possible when we trust students, empower teachers, and rethink what high-quality learning truly looks like.

Get the shareable article/transcript for this episode here.

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 School of Education (PLN). AJ has worked towards innovative learning experiences as the Director of Learning and Innovation for Centennial School District, as Curriculum Coordinator, as Tech Director, English teacher, football coach, and K-12 Instructional Coach.  His favorite role is being dad to five kids. You might know AJ from his books Adaptable, Empower, Launch, or The PBL Playbook.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• Why simply removing phones or distractions won’t solve the engagement problem.
• How to balance direct instruction with collaborative, student-centered learning.
• Why meaningful, relevant tasks are more effective than “rigorous” assignments for long-term learning.
• The “traffic light” system for integrating technology and AI into classroom activities.
• How to help students develop focus, self-regulation, and intrinsic motivation.
• Strategies for using choice and ownership to foster deeper learning experiences.
• The surprising truths about rigor, assessment, and knowledge transfer.
• How to create performance tasks that build real-world skills and make learning stick.
• Why human connection and relationships are more vital than ever in education.
• Practical advice for building long-term habits of engagement that go beyond quick fixes.

AJ also shares insights from his latest book and offers actionable strategies for educators who want to make their teaching meaningful and impactful in a rapidly changing world.

Get the shareable article/transcript for this episode here.

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 preparing yourself for leadership, how to balance progressive ideas with system demands, and the importance of staying connected to the heart of teaching—your students. Starr offers honest advice on overcoming imposter syndrome, advocating for yourself, and navigating the unexpected responsibilities that often come with leadership roles.

Whether you’re aspiring to lead your department, take on an instructional coach role, or simply want to grow your influence within your school, this episode is packed with insights to empower you to take the next step with confidence.

Tune in to discover:
• How to know when you’re ready to leave the classroom for leadership.
• Strategies for building credibility and trust with your peers.
• Ways to stay connected to students and avoid “initiative fatigue.”
• Practical tips for advocating for your goals and protecting your time.

If you’ve ever wondered whether leadership is the right move for you, this conversation will leave you inspired and ready to take action. 

Get the shareable article/transcript for this episode here.

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 “action before motivation” can help you regain momentum, and why rest and self-compassion are essential, not indulgent. 

You don’t have to navigate back to happy or motivated immediately—sometimes, just making it through the day is enough.

This episode is full of encouragement and practical strategies to help you move forward at your own pace. Tune in for a grounded, compassionate conversation that will remind you: it’s okay to feel how you feel, and you are enough, exactly as you are.

If this episode resonates with you, share it with a friend or colleague who might need a little extra encouragement today. 💛

Get the shareable article/transcript for this episode here.

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 engaging learners. 

We cover topics such as:

• How to redefine creativity beyond art and big projects to include everyday teaching challenges
• Why vulnerability and failure are essential for creativity and how to model these for your students
• Practical strategies to encourage student risk-taking and buy-in through feedback and collaboration
• How storytelling can make lessons more dynamic, memorable, and relevant
• The benefits of involving students in the creative process to empower and engage them
• Why cultivating creativity in your personal life can positively impact your teaching.

By embracing creativity, you can create a classroom experience that energizes you, engages your students, and brings joy back to teaching.

Get the shareable article/transcript for this episode here.