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 students

Resources 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)

85. The Art of Empowering Students: An Interview with Jen Chieco

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 Series
00:40 Personal Journey into Meditation
01:39 Teaching Mindfulness to Women
03:20 Challenges of Modern Life and Self-Care
09:22 Defining Mindfulness and Meditation
17:16 Body Scan Meditation Techniques
24:23 Beginning of Guided Body Scan Meditation

86. How to Bring More Awareness to Your Body (+ Why This is Important!)

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 Series
02:19 Defining Emotions and Personal Reflections
07:22 Family History and Emotional Conditioning
12:46 Understanding the Nervous System and Emotions
18:12 Naming and Identifying Emotions
24:04 Primary vs. Secondary Emotions
30:20 Guided Meditation on Emotions

87. Navigating the Complexities of Our Emotional Lives with Mindfulness & Meditation

In this fourth episode of an eight-part series on meditation and mindfulness, the discussion focuses on being mindful of thoughts.  Amanda recently received her certification to teach meditation. She explains how thoughts are mental processes influenced by various factors like environment, culture, and emotions. The episode debunks the myth that meditation aims to stop thoughts, highlighting instead the importance of noticing them. It covers the neural basis of thoughts and offers practical advice on using breath as an anchor during meditation. Personal anecdotes and stories from the classroom demonstrate the significance of observing and questioning thoughts to reduce suffering and promote self-compassion and in turn compassion toward others, including students. The episode concludes with a guided meditation exercise aimed at helping teachers and listeners become more aware of their thinking patterns.

00:00 Introduction to Mindfulness of Thoughts
01:08 Understanding Thoughts and Their Influence
03:43 The Practice of Noticing Thoughts
07:16 The Power of Noting and Naming Thoughts
10:03 A Touching Story on Mindfulness
12:46 Judgment and Bias in Education
16:58 Exercise: Counting Your Thoughts
23:18 Guided Meditation for Noticing Thoughts

Resources: 
Meditation Mini Lesson 3rd-5th Grade
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Meditation-Mini-Lesson-for-3rd-5th-Grade-13806933

Meditation Mini Lesson 6th-8th Grade
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Meditation-Mini-Lesson-6th-8th-Grade-13815439

https://amandawritenow.com/a-new-way-to-think-about-thinking/

88. A New Way to Think About Thinking

In this episode of the Empower Students Now podcast, Amanda shares a deeply emotional talk on the importance of compassion, particularly self-compassion, for educators. Through a recounting of her own personal journey and learnings from the MMTCP program, she introduces the RAIN technique—Recognize, Allow, Investigate, Nurture—created by Tara Brach, as a tool for addressing negative self-talk and fostering a kinder inner dialogue. The episode includes a powerful 15-minute guided meditation to help listeners practice self-compassion, complete with actionable steps and gentle reassurances. Amanda also discusses the significance of tears as a healing response and offers resources for teaching mindfulness to children. This episode is part five of an eight-part series aimed at supporting and renewing burnt-out teachers. Listeners are encouraged to share the podcast, visit Amanda's website, https://amandawritenow.com for additional resources, and reflect on their experiences with the series.

00:00 Introduction and Overview
04:21 The Importance of Self-Compassion
08:54 Recognizing Negative Patterns
15:21 Guided Meditation: Practicing RAIN
28:31 Closing Thoughts and Gratitude

Meditation Mini Lesson 3rd-5th Grade:
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Meditation-Mini-Lesson-for-3rd-5th-Grade-13806933?utm_source=Podcast%20Episode%20%2389&utm_campaign=Podcasting%20Series%20on%20Meditation%20and%20Minfulness
 
Meditation Mini Lesson 6th-8th Grade:
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Meditation-Mini-Lesson-6th-8th-Grade-13815439?utm_source=Podcast%20Episode%20%2389&utm_campaign=Podcasting%20Series%20on%20Mindfulness%20and%20Meditation


89. The Transformative Power of Self-Compassion

Cultivating Loving Kindness: Exploring Metta Meditation

In this episode of the Empower Students Now Podcast, your host, Amanda Werner, delves into the practice of Metta or Loving Kindness Meditation. As part of an eight-part series on meditation and mindfulness for teachers and students, Amanda shares insights from her extensive teaching career and her training as a meditation teacher. She explains the steps to practicing Metta, including starting with those easiest to love, and expanding outward. Additionally, Amanda reads poignant quotes from Sharon Salzberg's book, 'Loving Kindness, the Revolutionary Art of Happiness,' and discusses the importance of boundaries and compassion. The episode concludes with a guided meditation designed to help listeners cultivate loving kindness and a compassionate mindset. Listeners are encouraged to share the podcast, visit Amanda's website, https://amandawritenow.com for additional resources, and reflect on their experiences with the series.

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Support
02:52 Episode Introduction: Loving Kindness
05:07 Understanding Metta: Loving Kindness
08:44 Personal Stories and Challenges
15:03 Steps to Practicing Metta
18:11 Guided Meditation on Loving Kindness

Meditation Mini Lesson 3rd-5th Grade:
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Meditation-Mini-Lesson-for-3rd-5th-Grade-13806933?utm_source=Podcast%20Episode%20%2389&utm_campaign=Podcasting%20Series%20on%20Meditation%20and%20Minfulness
 
Meditation Mini Lesson 6th-8th Grade:
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Meditation-Mini-Lesson-6th-8th-Grade-13815439?utm_source=Podcast%20Episode%20%2389&utm_campaign=Podcasting%20Series%20on%20Mindfulness%20and%20Meditation

90. Teaching and Living from the Heart with the Practice of Loving Kindness (Metta)

In this episode of the Empower Students Now podcast, Amanda explores the complexities of working with physical, mental, and emotional pain, drawing from the teachings of mindfulness expert Christiane Wolf MD. The discussion covers the prevalence of chronic pain, differentiates between pain and suffering, and introduces techniques for managing pain using mindfulness and meditation. The episode includes a guided meditation designed to help listeners identify and manage pain more effectively, aiming to offer valuable insights and alleviation strategies for both educators and anyone experiencing chronic pain or the grief of the loss of a loved one.

00:00 Introduction to Working with Pain
00:05 Meet Christian Wolf: Mindfulness Expert
01:11 Personal Experiences with Chronic Pain
01:35 Understanding Pain: Physical and Mental
04:50 Cultural Attitudes Towards Pain
09:15 The Two Arrows of Pain
12:22 Practical Techniques for Managing Pain
23:24 Guided Meditation for Pain Relief

Resources: 

https://www.christianewolf.com/

Meditation Mini Lesson 3rd-5th Grade:
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Meditation-Mini-Lesson-for-3rd-5th-Grade-13806933?utm_source=Podcast%20Episode%20%2389&utm_campaign=Podcasting%20Series%20on%20Meditation%20and%20Minfulness
 
Meditation Mini Lesson 6th-8th Grade:
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Meditation-Mini-Lesson-6th-8th-Grade-13815439?utm_source=Podcast%20Episode%20%2389&utm_campaign=Podcasting%20Series%20on%20Mindfulness%20and%20Meditation


91. Understanding Pain: A Mindfulness Based Perspective

In the final episode of this eight-part mindfulness and meditation series, Amanda Werner brings it all together—sharing how to weave mindfulness, self-compassion, and simple rituals into your daily life. From experimenting with small, accessible practices to cultivating deep calm and balance (equanimity) amidst stressful lives, this episode offers practical wisdom and heartfelt reflection for teachers, parents, students, and anyone seeking peace in a busy world.

Amanda also shares personal updates about her journey away from the classroom, homeschooling her daughter, and navigating life with chronic pain—all while finding ways to stay grounded and openhearted.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

The four keys to sustaining mindfulness: experimentation, ritual, equanimity, and self-compassion.

How to create simple rituals that bring grounding and meaning to your day.

Why equanimity—calm in the midst of chaos—is the heart of a sustainable mindfulness practice.

Ways to integrate mindful breathing, body awareness, and compassionate self-talk into your work and home life.

A guided meditation to help you embody balance, presence, and peace.

Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome & updates on Amanda’s journey

04:00 – Series recap: seven practices that build a foundation for mindfulness

20:00 – The four pillars to incorporating these practices: experimentation, ritual, equanimity, and self-compassion

35:00 – Guided meditation for balance and presence

Resources & Links

🖤 Explore resources: https://amandawritenow.com

🖤 Review and share the podcast on Apple Podcasts
 to help more educators find these tools

Meditation Mini Lesson 3rd-5th Grade:
🖤 https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Meditation-Mini-Lesson-for-3rd-5th-Grade-13806933?utm_source=Podcast%20Episode%20%2389&utm_campaign=Podcasting%20Series%20on%20Meditation%20and%20Minfulness
 
Meditation Mini Lesson 6th-8th Grade:
🖤 https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Meditation-Mini-Lesson-6th-8th-Grade-13815439?

92. Key Takeaways from the Mindfulness and Meditation Series for Educators

In this episode of the Empower Students Now podcast, Amanda addresses a common issue faced by teachers: students who are disengaged. Drawing from personal experiences as a teacher and a parent of a neurodivergent child, the Amanda discusses the importance of moving away from the traditional way of approaching these kinds of unwanted behaviors and instead focusing on a different approach. Amanda describes how in her experience, building strong, positive relationships with students can make a difference in the quality of life for both the teacher and student. Emphasizing that all behavior is a form of communication, Amanda advocates for a collaborative approach with children, involving honest conversations with students about their behavior and motivations. The episode underscores the critical role of relationships and emotional connections in fostering a conducive learning environment.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction: Addressing Student Apathy

01:12 The Traditional Approach to Classroom Management

01:56 A Shift in Perspective: Understanding Student Behavior

06:49 The Power of Building Relationships

12:16 The Importance of Free Time and Mental Health

12:58 Conclusion: Embracing Vulnerability and Change

https://amandawritenow.com/listener-favorite-a-new-way-to-think-about-apathetic-unmotivated-and-defiant-students/

93. Listener Favorite: A New Way to Think About Apathetic, Unmotivated, and Defiant Students

In this episode Amanda reflects on her journey with AI chatbots since the release of ChatGPT in 2022. She shares her mixed feelings about the impact of AI in education, discussing initial excitement and later deep concerns. The episode covers her efforts to integrate ChatGPT into her classroom last school year and how she handled the pervasive cheating issues she encountered in her English classroom. Amanda also reveals plans to delve deeper into the downsides of AI in future episodes, so stay tuned! 

Episodes to the Previous AI Series from 2022:

7 Ways Chatgpt Will Impact Education Positively
https://amandawritenow.com/chatgpt-impact-on-education/

How to Prevent Plagiarism with Chatgpt
https://amandawritenow.com/my-best-ideas-to-prevent-cheating-with-chat-gpt-how-to-handle-plagiarism-suspects/

How to Talk to Students about Chatgpt
https://amandawritenow.com/how-to-talk-to-students-about-chat-gpt-and-increase-academic-honesty-too/

00:00 Introduction and Initial Thoughts on AI
00:40 The Impact of AI on Education
02:34 Personal Reflections and Experiences Using AI in the Classroom
09:58 Teaching Ethics and Responsible AI Use
16:18 Challenges and Consequences of AI in the Classroom
21:35 Conclusion and Upcoming Topics

94. I'm Not Okay with AI Anymore: The Hypervigilant Teacher

Amanda has been a passionate full time classroom teacher for 14 years. She’s worked in a wide range of educational settings teaching students grades 3rd-8th. Amanda worked for a Title I, charter, magnet, and National Blue Ribbon school and now she homeschools her twice exceptional daughter.

No matter what type of school or grade she’s taught, engaging and empowering students has always been at the forefront of her work as an educator and teacher author.

Amanda understands that helping students find their voice is core to being an effective teacher and social justice advocate.

Even with a teacher willing to listen, there are many barriers that exist and hinder movement towards more equitable schools. Amanda has experienced first hand the many problems that exist in K-12 education. Listening to students is only the first step on a long road ahead. Amanda’s website, courses, lesson resources, and podcast are dedicated to supporting teachers and students in this important work for change.

93. Listener Favorite: A New Way to Think About Apathetic, Unmotivated, and Defiant Students

Amanda Write Now