Awakened: Change Your Mindset to Transform Your Teaching [Paperback]

I am a huge fan of Angela Watson and the The Cornerstone: Classroom Management That Makes Teaching More Effective, Efficient, and Enjoyable. I think I stumbled upon her site, back when she was Ms. Powell, probably the year I started my first real field assignment for earning my teaching certification [2005]. I've been with her ever since.

When The Cornerstone was published, I jumped right in. I think that I am so drawn to Angela's work because she's been there. She's worked in the inner city and she knows exactly what my job is like every day. (Because sorry but if you HAVEN'T worked in the inner city, you really just don't get the realities -- it isn't 100% the same as working in the 'burbs.) Additionally, her work is written in a tone where you kind of feel like you're chatting with a friend. She isn't judgmental, she's realistic. She sets the standard that it is okay to not be perfect because no one is and then offers what has worked for her.

When I heard that she was publishing her second book, Awakened, I knew I had to have it. Once I read the book description and everything, I really knew I had to have it. Was it possible that one little book could be the answer to it all? Really? [Let's face it, no one single book, no matter how fab the author is will solve the answer to everything...but this one covers a lot and is well done!] I took my sweet time reading this book as well because I really wanted to absorb it and process everything I was reading. Very rarely do I take this long to read a book of this nature but I gave myself two full weeks to read it and I do feel like when I put it aside and let myself process what I'd read for a day or two before going back to the book, that I was able to get more out of it.

The book is relatively short at 208 pages, but this length makes sure the text is concise and to the point. There are three parts: Setting the Foundation for a Healthy Mind; Breaking Free of Destructive Habits and Cultivating a Positive Frame of Reference. Each part will be discussed in turn.

Part One: Setting the Foundation for a Healthy Mind

To start with, Angela offers insight into her own life and describes how she used to be that Negative Nellie. This honesty, from the get-go, provides the reader with the notion that this is not just a book written by anyone. Rather, it is written by someone who has been there, done that and wants to share this knowledge to help other educators. It is very nicely done since it immediately pulls you in (even moreso if you realize that you are the same kind of person that Angela used to be).

This section includes a lot of research to back up what Angela is describing. Again, clearly this is not just the ramblings of a random person who published a book. It is the thoughtful synthesis of information through one educator's eyes who really wants to share this knowledge and new found way of thinking with others.

The best part of this section, to me, is the strategy section. Angela talks about four key strategies to help you set the foundation for a healthy mind but also to set you up to prepare for what comes in the second section of the book. The strategies are DDSS: dismiss, distract, reject, replace. As she goes on to explore these strategies in detail for the reader, she provides many examples and scenarios where you can see how to apply the strategies in your teaching life.

Part Two: Breaking Free of Destructive Habits

In Part Two, Angela explores 10 Destructive Habits that teachers often put upon themselves. From thinking negatively to rehashing events over and over to being presumptuous, Angela carefully explores habits that many teachers probably don't even realize they have.

Each habit has its own chapter. Each chapter goes in-depth to explore the habit and provide examples and scenarios where these habits come into play. I saw myself in a lot of these scenarios and habits. In the past year or so, I have been on a quest to be more positive and only deal with what I can deal with, and for some of these sections, I can thankfully say I am no longer in the midst of that habit. However, there are also many areas that I am still working on. This section is one that will end up covered in sticky note flags as I review and reflect on how I want to improve myself.

Part Three: Cultivating a Positive Frame of Reference

The last section of the book really ties everything together. Each chapter in this section really shows you how to examine the habits of mind that you currently have. Beginning with looking at your own unrealistic expectations and ending with the fact that no one can do EVERYTHING right, this section really provides you with an inside glimpse at how our own negative self-talk puts us in the position to be...well, negative. I particularly enjoyed the sections about how to make yourself difficult to offend and practicing forgiveness even if you want to be upset.

I found this to be especially true and helpful because, in general, people tend to remain upset and offended by things that in the long run, really just don't matter. It shouldn't matter that yesterday someone did XYZ. What matters is, you take what you find useful from whatever the situation is and let go of the rest so you don't drive yourself insane.

Angela ends the book with a chapter dedicated to what the self-talk of an Awakened teacher might sound like. She definitely hit the mark on the little things that we let get us down in our day-to-day teaching.

Overall I would highly recommend this book because it's powerful. Realizing that yes, YOU, have control over how YOU feel and only how YOU feel, is pretty amazing. You can't control anyone else's thoughts or reactions, but you can control your own. And that is pretty awesome.

If you don't have this book....PLEASE do yourself a favor and go buy it. You won't be disappointed.

**This review is copied from my blog at [...]

With all the pressures of testing and demands that teachers are under, this book helps you understand that choosing your mindset can change your outlook on teaching (and your life!). I read this before I started my school year and it's amazing how I don't get upset with things happen like I used to. Other teachers seem stressed because they don't have a planning period or now have a certain lesson plan they have to follow, but not me. I choose which thoughts to think about and how to let things go! Angela Watson makes this an easy read and I know she understand because she's been in the "trenches" with us! For your own sanity this school year....read this book!! ;)

This is one of the most useful and inspirational books I have ever read--for a teacher, by a teacher. In a profession where everything seems wrong, and nothing seems right, Angela Watson provides a valuable perspective on the damaging thought process behind our negativity. She breaks down common distortive thinking patterns, and provides excellent strategies for combatting those repitituous, yet unproductive thoughts we so often have.
Watson provides the mental tools and strategies needed to cultivate a positive mindset and attitude; a positive mindset that is undoubtedly healthier, more productive, and of greater benefit to you and your students.

Everything about this book is extremely motivating. It was so empowering to be reminded that I am in control of the mindset I approach this profession with, and that I can actually choose to enjoy my experience everyday, no matter what challenges surface! (Who knew?) I'm looking forward to starting a new school year and to creating a new and positive experience for myself using the strategies from this book.
What I loved the most about this book is that Watson provided specific examples of negative thought patterns and positive strategies using the events and situations we as teachers encounter every year. This makes the strategies in her book easier to analyze and apply.

I plan on recommending this book to family, friends, and colleagues. It's a small investment for a much greater outcome: a peace of mind, and a healthier you!