Check out the episode show notes and more here: https://amandawritenow.com/the-teacher-shortage-crisis-lessons-from-an-esl-teachers-stand-against-canned-curriculum/

In this episode, Amanda and Trina interview two teachers who pushed back against using canned curriculum and discuss the sensitive nature of the stories shared by teachers and the importance of protecting their identities.  They share stories from Teacher A, a veteran ELD (English Language Development) teacher, and Teacher B, a new teacher, who both experienced the limitations and ineffectiveness of canned ELD curriculum. The hosts emphasize the vital importance of valuing teachers' expertise when developing curricula, especially for marginalized students.

86. An ESL Teacher's Stand Against Canned Curriculum

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 Practicum
04:35 The Power of Breath
10:05 Personal Meditation Journey
13:09 Breathing Techniques
19:39 Guided Meditation
28:01 Closing Thoughts

99. Finding Calm Amongst the Chaos of Life Part I: The Breath as Your Anchor

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)

100. 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

101. Finding Calm Amongst the Chaos of Life Part II: The Body as Your Anchor

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.

86. An ESL Teacher's Stand Against Canned Curriculum

Amanda Write Now

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