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:

1. Treat us like professionals. Teachers don’t need to be managed like students—we want PD that respects our expertise and autonomy.
2. Give us practical tools we can use. We value strategies, materials, and ideas that are immediately applicable in our classrooms.
3. Stop reading the PowerPoint. We can read—we’d rather spend the time diving deeper into the content.
4. 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.
5. 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.