Bio
Angela Watson is a productivity and mindset specialist, author, and motivational speaker for educators. She is a National Board Certified Teacher and has a masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction, along with 11 years of classroom teaching experience and over a decade of experience as an instructional coach.
She’s been supporting educators online through TruthforTeachers.com since 2003, and since 2015, has hosted one of the top K-12 podcasts in the world. Angela has published 6 books, develops curriculum resources, and produces online courses, including The 40 Hour Teacher Workweek, which has supported more than 60,000 educators in maximizing their contractual hours and preventing burnout. Angela also facilitates 40 Hour AI, which helps teachers use artificial intelligence to streamline their work and make teaching more effective, efficient, and enjoyable.
Keynote/Workshop Topics on Productivity
I love to share ways teaching can be more effective, efficient, and enjoyable! My session topics are typically a blend of inspirational/motivational principles and practical tips for improving classroom practices.
Finding Flow: A radical re-imagination of engagement in schools
Constantly issuing reminders and following up with kids is exhausting. Helping kids understand how their brains work and explore ways to focus their attention, time, and energy? That’s fascinating! In this presentation, you’ll discover how to approach productivity as a lifelong experiment that you can have fun exploring alongside your students. In addition to important mindset shifts, you’ll learn time- and energy-management tips that will help you maximize instructional time and help students make the most of every moment in your class.
Fewer Things, Better: How to Innovate with Intentionality
Do you feel like you’re always working and yet you’re never done (and are never doing enough)? In this keynote session, Angela shares simple mindset shifts that will empower you to give yourself permission to do fewer things, better. Learn 4 questions to ask yourself when deciding what to add, streamline, or eliminate to create more space in your day for innovative teaching strategies. Discover actionable ideas for analyzing and letting go of practices that aren’t the best and highest use of your time. You’ll walk away from the session knowing how to set clear, realistic goals for your learning at the summit so you can conquer overwhelm and focus on the right priorities for YOU.
YOU are a priority, too: How to create simple, lasting habits of rest & self-care
As an educator, you know you can’t pour from an empty cup…but how can you prioritize your needs with so many other things demanding your attention? In this session, we’ll debunk some common misunderstandings about what self-care is and isn’t, and explore why it’s so integral to showing up as your best self in the classroom. Discover how to choose daily habits of self-care and rest that re-energize you, and learn how to make those habits stick by fitting them into your existing routines. You’ll walk away with an actionable (and sustainable) plan for incorporating self-care habits throughout your day.
Keynote/Workshop Topics on Productivity with Artificial Intelligence
AI tools are revolutionizing the way schools operate, educators teach, and students learn. In hands-on workshops, I can share the following:
AI Literacy: What Educators Need to Know About Responsible, Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence
In this workshop, you’ll gain a solid understanding of the basics of AI and the ethical considerations involved. You’ll also learn to incorporate AI into your existing work habits so it’s your go-to tool instead of an afterthought (without having to completely change systems that already work well for you). You can build your AI competency and confidence, and try out strategies right away in the workshop so you can take them back to your classroom tomorrow.
Harnessing AI to Make Teaching More Effective, Efficient, and Enjoyable
Are you worried about the ethics of using AI? Feeling overwhelmed by the possibilities? You’re not alone–that’s how LOTS of educators are feeling. But what if you could shorten that steep learning curve, and make AI your personal teaching assistant right away? In this session, you’ll discover an approach to using artificial intelligence responsibly to accelerate your work. You’ll learn AI tools and strategies that have been vetted by knowledgeable educators so you don’t have to spend hours on trial-and-error. The end result? A better approach to lesson planning, differentiation, assessment, communication, and more.
Effective and Efficient Differentiation for Neurodiverse Classrooms Using AI
Meeting the needs of all learners can be incredibly time-consuming…but by harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI), you can accomplish so much more than what was previously possible. Learn how to use AI in responsible, ethical ways to support student learning. Discover free AI tools for differentiating texts and assignments, giving personalized feedback and next steps, and created leveled activities instantly. Uncover the possibilities of AI chatbot tutors to guide students through activities and provide support and scaffolding in a safe environment. You’ll leave this session with practical strategies and a clear understanding of how to incorporate AI tools into your regular teaching routines to differentiate for all learners.
School-Based Staff Development Events
I am available for workshops, keynotes, seminars, and in-services, and webinars for PreK-12 educators. All presentations will be customized for your school’s needs, and can also be followed by individual or grade-level consultations, classroom organizational makeovers, and/or instructional coaching sessions.
Click here to download the Angela Watson speaking brochure
Feedback from Workshops, PD, and Coaching
Wow! Thank you for sharing your knowledge with fellow teachers; you are helping us become better at educating children.
-P., Kansas
Your presentation was great. I feel like now I understand why we need to change the way we teach kids in the 21st century. I like that you made the transition seem ‘do-able’ and not overwhelming, and helped us understand how to take baby steps from right where our school is now.
-M. Cohen, New York
Every moment of your workshop was valuable. I learned so much! It was awesome having you come to the classroom to set up my behavior plan and rearrange some spaces that weren’t working well. Thank you! Thank you!
-K., Florida
In your presentation, you shared so many ideas that I just never thought to try! My kids have responded so well to your techniques. I can actually teach a lesson now without being interrupted! It’s changed my whole classroom.
-E., New York
I just had to say thank you. I have had the smoothest start to the school unlike any other year and I have you to thank for that. The book is awesome and I have had trouble putting it down. I look forward to updates on your website and any new tips you have.
-T. Ring, North Carolina
It is so awesome to actually hear you talk about everything in your book! Thank you so much! This has been a very trying year, but with this I feel like I’m going to have an amazing class!”
–Stephanie S., Delaware
This was the most inspiring PD session I have ever attended. Usually I leave feeling overwhelmed with all the ideas, but you made me feel like I can really do this. And I have a solid plan for implementing everything.
-Dana R., New Jersey
Thank you for such an informative and practical workshop. I feel ready to take what I learned directly into the classroom.
-P. Baumstein, New York
Event Quotes
If you’d like to inquire about my availability for your school-based event, please send an email to angela [at] truthforteachers [dot] com. Please include as much info as you can, including:
- event location
- possible date(s)
- type of session (keynote, half day, full day)
- approx. number of attendees
- preferred session topics/themes