EP 329 How a daily binder routine teaches students the skills behind academic success (with Mitch Weathers)

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.

“We have overprotected kids in the real world and underprotected them online.” Jonathan Haidt believes we have bubble-wrapped childhood: cut back on recess, banned kids from walking to school alone, and filled every spare moment with structured, adult-led activities. But at the same time, we gave kids 24/7 access to social media, smartphones, and one-to-one devices—with very little guidance or boundaries. And now, we’re seeing the results. Rising anxiety. Fragmented attention. Lost confidence. Social disconnection. This quote about overprotecting in the real world and underprotecting onloine hit me hard, because it puts into words what so many teachers have felt for years but couldn’t always articulate. If our kids seem less resilient, less focused, less ready to learn... maybe it’s not them. Maybe it’s the environment we’ve created. The good news? We can change that. We ARE changing it. More schools are rethinking tech. More parents are drawing tech boundaries. More teachers are advocating for what kids truly need. We can bring balance back. Today’s guest is Jonathan Haidt—a social psychologist, professor at NYU’s Stern School of Business, and author of several influential books, including most recently, The Anxious Generation. You may have seen Jonathan in recent interviews talking about how smartphones and social media are impacting kids’ mental health. But I wanted to bring him on the show to go deeper—specifically from an educator’s point of view. This conversation builds on some of the past episodes I’ve done around screen time, attention spans, and how tech is changing the way kids show up in the classroom. It’s a true back-and-forth conversation where we learn from each other, and I think it’s going to validate so much of what you’ve already sensed as a teacher.  Get the shareable article/transcript for this episode here. Later this summer, I'll share a different perspective from someone who sees personalized AI tutoring as the future of school, and I have to admit, I find that vision just as compelling as what Haidt has shared. Stay tuned!

I’m pulling back the curtain on how I use AI in my work with teachers as an instructional coach. I’ll show you how I collaborate with AI to brainstorm ideas, reflect on lesson design, and help teachers build scaffolds and supports that truly meet students where they are. This is an honest, behind-the-scenes look at how educators are already partnering with AI in powerful and practical ways, as well as the limitations of these tools and what’s NOT working. You’ll learn: What it means to treat AI as a reflective collaborator, not just a resource generator How tools like Diffit, Brisk Teaching, Insta-Lesson, and MagicStudent can support differentiation, feedback, and independent learning Prompts and workflows I use when coaching teachers to personalize tasks without creating extra work Strategies for using AI to scaffold multi-step directions, revise writing, and support executive functioning How to guide students in getting feedback from AI directly and build their independence Get the shareable article/transcript for this episode here. Grab the free AI prompt guide to try these strategies yourself. Sign up for the free live training on June 10th @ 5pm ET. Join the 40 Hour AI membership to get up-to-date trainings. Bring me to your school for customized on-site or virtual PD.

Self-advocacy can feel like a challenge, especially if you’re conflict-avoidant, culturally conditioned to prioritize group harmony, or simply unsure how to speak up without fear of being labeled “difficult.” In this episode, we’ll explore how to advocate for yourself effectively while balancing cultural expectations, professional norms, and personal boundaries. Neelu Kaur brings her unique expertise to the discussion. With a business degree and a masters in Social & Organizational Psychology along with her experience as a coach and master practitioner certified in NeuroLinguistic Programming, Yoga, and Ayurveda, Neelu has a really unique and comprehensive framework for tackling this topic. You’ll learn: How cultural upbringing in collectivist vs. individualist societies influences our ability to speak up. Why advocating for yourself isn’t selfish—it’s a collective act that paves the way for others. The concept of being “a part of and apart from” group efforts to gain recognition for your contributions. How to shift from problem-framed to outcome-framed questions to open up possibilities. Practical tips for navigating conflict-avoidance and building confidence in difficult conversations. Why modeling self-advocacy as educators is essential for empowering students. How mindfulness, movement, and non-attachment can ground you before challenging situations. Whether you’re negotiating for resources, managing peer dynamics, or striving to be heard or advance in a professional space, this episode provides the tools you need to find your voice and advocate for what matters most. Get the shareable article/transcript for this episode here.

Just popping in with a special update to catch you up on everything that’s happening behind the scenes.  If you’ve been thinking about ways to streamline your work, learn new strategies, or just reconnect with your sense of purpose this summer and fall, I’ve got a lot of different options for you. Listen in to hear: Insights from the latest survey I did on teachers’ thoughts about AI, and the resources I have to support you in artificial intelligence: https://courses.truthforteachers.com/bundles/40-hour-AI Details about the next cohort of the 40 Hour Teacher Workweek program coming up this summer: https://courses.truthforteachers.com/courses/40-hour-teacher-workweek-full-year-2025 Information on how you can catch one of my live presentations at the ASCD and ISTE conferences this June: https://event.ascd.org/ASCD2025/ The latest on a brand-new live PD experience I’m offering through RocketPD this fall:  https://rocketpd.com/cohorts/unlocking-teacher-productivity-with-angela-watson/ Updates on the completion of the Finding Flow curriculum—including a few hints about what’s coming next: https://findingflowsolutions.com/ I'll be back with our regularly scheduled programming next Sunday. Have a great week!  

PD is supposed to help teachers grow, but so often, it feels like a missed opportunity. In this episode of Truth for Teachers, I’m sharing five things teachers wish PD presenters understood—straight from your thoughtful comments and the experiences I've had attending and delivering professional development over the past 25 years. If you’ve ever been frustrated by PD sessions that feel irrelevant, condescending, or like a waste of time, you’re not alone. This episode explores what makes PD meaningful for teachers and what presenters can do differently to better serve the educators in the room: Treat us like professionals. Teachers don’t need to be managed like students—we want PD that respects our expertise and autonomy. Give us practical tools we can use. We value strategies, materials, and ideas that are immediately applicable in our classrooms. Stop reading the PowerPoint. We can read—we’d rather spend the time diving deeper into the content. One-size-fits-all doesn’t work. PD should be differentiated to reflect the diverse needs of teachers based on grade level, subject area, and role. Inspiration is key. Great PD leaves us motivated and energized—not overwhelmed or bogged down by irrelevant details. This episode is a must-listen if you’ve ever felt like PD doesn’t meet your needs as a teacher. It’s also a great resource to share with PD presenters and decision-makers in your district who are designing professional learning experiences. Get the shareable article/transcript for this episode here.

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.