Empower Students Now

Empower Students Now

By Amanda WernerEducation
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Empower Students Now episodes

  • Navigating the Complexities of Our Emotional Lives with Mindfulness & Meditation

    https://amandawritenow.com/navigating-the-complexities-of-our-emotional-lives-with-mindfulness-meditation/In this episode of the Empower Students Now podcast, the third installment of an eight-part mindfulness series, the focus is on emotions. Drawing on insights from the Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program (MMTCP), Amanda, the host of the podcast, addresses how emotions manifest in both mind and body, emphasizing the importance of mindfulness and meditation in recognizing and managing them. The episode includes a discussion on the diversity of emotional experiences, the significance of the nervous system in emotional regulation, and practical tips for teachers and social justice advocates to integrate mindfulness into their lives. Additionally, the host guides listeners through a meditative practice to better understand and manage their emotions.00:00 Introduction to Emotions and Mindfulness Series02:19 Defining Emotions and Personal Reflections07:22 Family History and Emotional Conditioning12:46 Understanding the Nervous System and Emotions18:12 Naming and Identifying Emotions24:04 Primary vs. Secondary Emotions30:20 Guided Meditation on Emotions

    47 min
  • How to Bring More Awareness to Your Body (+ Why This is Important!)

    https://amandawritenow.com/finding-calm-amongst-the-chaos-of-life-part-ii-the-body-as-your-anchor/Contact Me: https://amandawritenow.com/contact-form/In this episode, part two of an eight-part series, Amanda discusses her journey through the Mindfulness and Meditation Teacher Certification Program (MMTCP) and the profound lessons she learned. She emphasizes the importance of self-compassion, especially for women, teachers, and social justice advocates who often experience overwhelm and self-blame. Amanda defines mindfulness and meditation, highlighting the benefits of body awareness. She shares practical techniques for body scan and walking meditation to help listeners find peace and presence amidst the stressors of modern life. The episode concludes with a guided body scan meditation to practice these principles.00:00 Introduction to the Series00:40 Personal Journey into Meditation01:39 Teaching Mindfulness to Women03:20 Challenges of Modern Life and Self-Care09:22 Defining Mindfulness and Meditation17:16 Body Scan Meditation Techniques24:23 Beginning of Guided Body Scan Meditation

    40 min
  • The Art of Empowering Students: An Interview with Jen Chieco

    In this episode, Amanda welcomes Jen Chieco, a former teacher who transitioned into becoming a life purpose coach who specializes in empowering teens. They discuss Jen's teaching background, her reasons for leaving public education, and how she found her true calling through life coaching and breath work. Jen shares insights on the challenges of teaching in public schools, the importance of supportive administration, and the impact of nurturing relationships with students. They delve into breath work as a powerful tool for mental health and personal growth, and Jen offers actionable tips for both educators and students to find purpose and empowerment in their lives.You'll Learn: -How Jen transitioned from teaching full time in a public school to being coach-Jen's methodology for supporting teens and adults-Breathwork techniques you can use in and outside of the classroom-How to foster positive relationships with students-Jen's inspiring views on what empowerment is and how to empower yourself as well as your studentsResources Mentioned:jenchieco.com/services (Free 30 Minute Coaching Discovery Call)jenchieco.com/breathwork (Breathwork Sessions)https://open.spotify.com/artist/7lnGKrOWAuKvNoxEleY8Vm?si=asaUZkUsSdCwIRL_7bpEOw (David Elliott Breathwork Healer Spotify)

    48 min
  • Finding Calm Amongst the Chaos of Life Using Your Breath

    https://amandawritenow.com/finding-calm-amongst-the-chaos-of-life/Contact Me: https://amandawritenow.com/contact-form/Amanda returns after a long hiatus, excited to start a new season focused on mindfulness, neurodiversity, equity, and student engagement. In this special episode, Amanda shares a recording of her first mindfulness class from her practicum, which is part of her Mindfulness and Meditation Teacher Training Certification Program(MMTCP). The class includes a 10-minute talk on the challenges of slowing down and using the breath to do so, followed by an 8-minute meditation to practice using the breath as an anchor. Amanda discusses the significance of breath as a tool for calm and peace amid the chaos of life, particularly for teachers. She also introduces various breathing techniques and their benefits. The episode concludes with a guided meditation exercise aimed at helping listeners find tranquility.00:00 Welcome Back!01:00 Introducing the Practicum04:35 The Power of Breath10:05 Personal Meditation Journey13:09 Breathing Techniques19:39 Guided Meditation28:01 Closing Thoughts

    30 min
  • 98. Fixing the Oppressive Foundations: Teacher Prep, Induction, and Pay
    Show Notes, Transcript and More: https://amandawritenow.com/fixing-the-oppressive-foundations-teacher-prep-induction-and-pay/
    In this episode of the Empower Students Now podcast, hosts Amanda and Trina dive deep into the complex and often controversial topic of teacher pay. Joined by special guest Jess, they explore the historical roots of teacher pay, referred to as "step and column". They discuss the unique challenges faced by teachers across different states and the impact of oppressive teacher pay systems on both new and veteran educators. In addition to the topic of teacher pay, the hosts unpack the topics of the high cost of teacher preparation and induction programs that require teachers to shell out even more time and money.
    ***Correction: Hello Listeners--Trina has issued a couple of small corrections--firstly, the two year post-graduate induction exception in California which allows a teacher to finish up in one year instead of two requires 3 not 5 years of teaching. Secondly, the year she completed her administrative services credential, in 2020, was not the first cohort required to complete induction for admin, it was the first cohort who was required to complete the CAL APA's--which is an entirely different requirement.
    55 min
  • 97. Educators or Pawns? Unpacking the Realities of Being a K-12 Teacher in America
    Show Notes, Transcript and More:
    https://amandawritenow.com/educators-or-pawns-unpacking-the-realities-of-being-a-k-12-teacher-in-america/
    In this thought-provoking episode, co-hosts Trina, Amanda, and Jess delve into the challenges and frustrations faced by educators in today's educational landscape. Focusing on the controversial adoption of canned curriculums in secondary education, they explore the implications for teacher autonomy, mental health, and the broader impacts on the K-12 system. Jess shares her powerful reactions and insights from a recent episode featuring two high school teachers, sparking a candid discussion about the systemic issues plaguing the profession. https://amandawritenow.com/educators-or-pawns-unpacking-the-realities-of-being-a-k-12-teacher-in-america/
    Check out that previous episode here: https://amandawritenow.com/the-teacher-shortage-crisis-lessons-from-an-esl-teachers-stand-against-canned-curriculum/
    Key Takeaways:
    Teacher Autonomy: The episode highlights the stark contrast between the autonomy traditionally granted to secondary teachers and the rigid structures often imposed on elementary educators.
    Mental Health: Amanda discusses the toll that teaching takes on mental health, especially under the current educational policies and societal expectations.
    Systemic Issues: The conversation underscores the systemic problems within the educational system, including the lack of understanding and support from those outside the K-12 world.
    Personal Reflections: Jess opens up about her own experiences and frustrations, offering a raw and honest look at the life of a teacher who feels more like a pawn in an ever-changing game.
    Gender and Roles: Trina touches on the gendered nature of teaching roles and how societal expectations impact female educators in particular.
    Quotes:
    "I felt like a pawn in a game I didn't want to be in."
    "Being a teacher today is like being part of a system that sacrifices your mental health for the sake of maintaining order."
    "Elementary school feels high stakes, but it's treated with less urgency and respect compared to secondary education."
    Discussion Points:
    How the adoption of canned curriculums impacts teacher creativity and effectiveness
    The importance of teacher autonomy in fostering a positive educational environment
    The intersection of gender, societal roles, and the teaching profession
    Strategies for teachers to advocate for their needs and mental health within the system
    Connect with Us
    Email us your thoughts and stories: [email protected]
    Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform and sharing it with your friends and colleagues.
    36 min
  • 96. Teaching in Turbulent Times: Our Take on SNL's 'Y'all Won'
    Show Notes Page: https://amandawritenow.com/teaching-in-turbulent-times-our-take-on-snls-yall-won/
    In this episode of the Empower Students Now podcast, Amanda and co-hosts Trina English and Jessica Martin react to the recent Saturday Night Live sketch "Y'all Won." As the school year comes to a close, they dive into the humor and the harsh realities depicted in the skit, sharing their mixed feelings and personal experiences from the classroom. They explore the systemic issues plaguing K-12 education, from the increase in student trauma post-COVID to the inadequacies of administrative responses. Join them for a candid discussion on the state of public education, the urgent need for systemic change, and how teachers can band together to advocate for a better future.
    43 min
  • 94. Unpacking the Impact of School Climate and Culture on the Teacher Shortage Crisis
    Show Notes: https://amandawritenow.com/unpacking-the-impact-of-school-climate-and-culture-on-the-teacher-shortage-crisis/
    In this podcast episode, the hosts Amanda and Trina, both teachers, are joined by guest Jessica Martin, a teacher, author, and entrepreneur. They discuss climate and culture in schools and its impact on the teacher shortage crisis. Jessica shares her diverse teaching experiences and insights from her social media followers, revealing that many teachers feel demoralized and burnt out. The conversation covers the challenges faced by educators during the pandemic, the emotional toll of student behavior, and the struggle for fair contracts and working conditions. The episode concludes with a message of solidarity among teachers and the importance of advocating for change in the education system. Jessica's social media engagement is also highlighted, with a mention of her Instagram handle so teachers listening can follow her: whimsical_teacher.
    1 hr 15 min
  • 93. Our Public Education System is in Crisis and the Solutions are Obvious
    Check out the show notes and all get all the resources discussed here:
    https://amandawritenow.com/our-public-education-system-is-in-crisis-and-the-solutions-are-obvious/
    In this podcast episode, Trina and Amanda discuss major challenges in the American public education system, including the teacher shortage crisis, the state of reading instruction, and the impact of curriculum mandates on teacher autonomy. They reflect on previous episodes, including an interview with Amanda's sister, and express frustration with the lack of teacher agency and the systemic issues stemming from structural sexism in the profession. They criticize the dominance of certain reading programs and the pushback against the science of reading. The episode also touches on the need for teacher-led curriculum development, the problems of climate and culture in schools, and the severe impact of the pandemic on teaching conditions. They call for respect, proper compensation for teachers, and a shift in focus from strictly academics to trauma-informed practices to address the burnout and behavioral issues they're observing in students. The episode is a candid discussion about the current state of education and the urgent need for change.
    39 min

About Empower Students Now

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Amanda has been a passionate full time classroom teacher for 16 years. She’s worked in a wide range of educational settings teaching students grades 3rd-8th. Amanda worked for a Title I, charter,…