Empower Students Now

Check out the show notes here:

https://amandawritenow.com/the-teacher-shortage-exposed-a-discussion-with-a-new-teacher-who-chose-to-leave-the-profession/

In this episode, Amanda introduces Kelvin Mak, a recently resigned high school English teacher, who shares his experiences and frustrations with the education system. Kelvin discusses his burnout and the lack of fair compensation for teachers. He and co-host Trina express their frustrations with the oppressive nature of the profession and the limitations they face in bringing about change. They feel that their voices are not heard or respected and that the system is resistant to improvement. They emphasize the need for systemic change and hope that their conversation will create a sense of unity among teachers facing similar struggles.

Check out the episode show notes here: https://amandawritenow.com/the-teacher-shortage-exposed-how-to-fix-teacher-pay-part-1/

In this podcast episode, Amanda, the host of the Empower Students Now podcast, introduces Trina English as a special guest and co-host for a series of episodes on the teacher shortage crisis. They discuss the importance of addressing this issue, especially for students in low-income and urban areas. Trina provides insights into the history of the education system, the impact of structural racism and sexism, and the oppressive way teachers are paid. She highlights the need for change in teacher salaries, representation in the teaching profession, and the misalignment between stated values and actual funding levels. They urge listeners to share the episode to raise awareness.

In this episode of the Empower Students Now podcast, host Amanda Werner shares her personal journey of discovering that she has ADHD and the importance of teachers understanding this condition. Amanda explains that many students in classrooms may be undiagnosed with ADHD, and that girls are often not diagnosed due to societal expectations of girls. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the science behind these conditions and recognizing the strengths that come with these differences, such as creativity and high intelligence. Listen to this episode to learn how to embrace your differences and recognize your strengths. Learn more about ADHD from the best source of information on this topic: https://www.additudemag.com/https://amandawritenow.com/i-found-out-i-have-adhd-at-age-40/

Do you want to teach your students how to read more effectively and prepare them for college and life? In this podcast episode, Amanda discusses the book "Reading Reconsidered" by Doug Lemov, which provides a wealth of information on how to improve students' reading abilities. The book emphasizes the importance of equity in education and student engagement. It is organized around four important elements of reading instruction. Amanda goes through the chapters of the book and highlights key points, such as the importance of selecting challenging texts, using close reading practices, and analyzing meaning via text-dependent questions.While Amanda praises the book overall, she expresses some reservations about the authors' reliance on cold calling as a teaching technique. She also recommends being mindful when practicing reading with students who have learning disabilities. If you want to learn how to teach rigorous analytical reading skills, check out this episode and the book talk series available for purchase here: https://www.empowerstudentsnow.com/equity-book-talks-for-english-teachers

Are you an English teacher looking to create an anti-racist writing workshop that prioritizes student voices and celebrates diversity? Look no further than "The Antiracist Writing Workshop" by Felicia Rose Chavez. In this episode, Amanda provides a detailed review and valuable insights on how to transform the traditional writing workshop model. From creating a safe and inclusive environment to incorporating mindfulness and reflection, this episode emphasizes the importance of prioritizing student agency and building partnerships with students. Tune in and learn how to create a student-centered workshop that fosters camaraderie and celebrates the collective power of diverse voices. Purchase the entire Social Justice and Equity Book Talk Series here: https://www.empowerstudentsnow.com/equity-book-talks-for-english-teachers

In this episode of the Empower Students Now podcast, host Amanda shares her summer plans and introduces a series of episodes where she provides overviews of eight books on educational equity and social justice that she read in 2021. She also offers a toolkit for teachers that includes editable planning tools, charts, posters, mentor texts, assessment tools, and conferencing tools. Amanda then discusses the book "Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain" by Zaretta Hammond, which focuses on moving students toward becoming independent learners, especially marginalized students or students of color. She highlights the importance of cultural awareness and establishing trust with students.Purchase all the equity book talks and notes here: https://www.empowerstudentsnow.com/equity-book-talks-for-english-teachers

In this episode of the Empower Students Now podcast, Amanda introduces her new course, The Empowered English Classroom, which aims to increase student engagement through equitable teaching practices. The host discusses the Empowered English Classroom framework, which includes steps for increasing student engagement, implementing equitable grading practices, and developing a systematic planning system. Amanda emphasizes the importance of building relationships, avoiding biases, and adapting teaching methods to meet students' needs. The course starts on June 3rd, and teachers who sign up will receive all the necessary resources to implement the framework.

In this podcast episode, Amanda discusses the negative impact of shaming kids and ourselves for screen use. She argues that screens can have benefits for neurodivergent individuals and others seeking community, and emphasizes the importance of cultivating a safe environment for students to communicate with each other in the classroom. Amanda also shares her personal experiences with therapy and the harmful effects of labeling behaviors as "good" or "bad." She suggests having conversations with children to understand their screen use and interests, discussing internet safety with them, and incorporating screen time into the classroom. Amanda concludes by emphasizing the importance of not shaming children for their screen use and creating a supportive environment for them instead.

In this episode of the Empower Students Now podcast, Amanda discusses how to handle apathetic and defiant students in the classroom. She shares her personal experience as a parent of a neurodivergent child and suggests a collaborative approach that involves building relationships with students and engaging them in conversation about their behavior and the impact it might be having on others. Amanda emphasizes the importance of explaining the purpose of classroom work and valuing students’ intelligence and bright spirits. She also encourages teachers to have heart-to-heart conversations with the whole class or specific groups of students to address the classroom environment and highlights how overloading students with constant work may be exacerbating the mental health crisis among students and adults.

In this episode of the Empower Students Now podcast, Amanda shares that she is currently enrolled in a mindfulness and meditation teacher program and leads a guided meditation for teachers called "Dropping the Suitcases of Worries and Regrets" to help them reduce anxiety and let go of feelings of not doing enough for their students. Amanda instructs listeners to find a comfortable place to sit or lie down and relax their bodies, and guides them through a visualization exercise where they drop their worries and regrets. Amanda concludes by reminding listeners that they are enough and have everything they need in the present moment.