IGNITE Spring 2017 | Page 14

Trish Morris 4th Grade Teacher Nativity of Our Lord School Trish’s Summary “In Awakened, Angela Watson helps teachers develop a mindset that enables them to manage stress and counter negativity. In Unshakeable, she focuses on time management and creating effective routines for handling the multiple demands and seemingly endless workload that can leave teachers feeling discouraged and overwhelmed.” Why She Recommends It “In her books and in her podcasts, Angela Watson provides practical and actionable ways that teachers can manage stress, distractions, and time to achieve a healthy work/life balance and to maintain the kind of mindset that keeps our passion for teaching alive. Unshakeable: 20 Ways to Enjoy Teaching Every Day... No Matter What Angela Watson Awakened: Change your Mindset to Transform your Teaching Angela Watson PURCHASE ONLINE PURCHASE ONLINE Watson’s ideas can help teachers at any stage of their careers to reflect on their routines and practices to make changes that will lead to greater productivity and satisfaction.” John Student English Language Arts (ELA) Teacher Monsignor Bonner & Archbishop Prendergast High School John’s Summary “The main character, Mack, is forced to deal with his anger and grief over the murder of his daughter. He believes that he is going to meet the man responsible for this tragedy, but is instead confronted with an abstract version of the trinity. Mack doubts his sanity, his faith, and his value as a ‘child of God.’ His journey is an inspiration to all of us as we walk the road toward understanding.” The Shack William P. Young PURCHASE ONLINE 14 Why He Recommends It “This book can be a springboard for discussion of faith and our common yearning for understanding. It challenges students to examine what they truly believe and what they know. The author models a very personal and intimate way to converse with God in all three forms. Students who see God as intimidating and unapproachable may be able to see a new way to begin a relationship of their own. The book also offers an opportunity to discuss the issue of ‘why God allows bad things to happen to good people.’ There are costs related to being given free will.”