Hello! I’m Branden Watts, and I’m thrilled you’ve stopped by Learn With Watts.
My journey in education started 15 (wow time flies!) years ago, driven by the belief that every single student, regardless of background or challenge, deserves a champion in the classroom. From the moment I stepped into my first classroom as a 6th Grade teacher at Denny International Middle School in Seattle (go Dolphins!), I knew my mission was about more than just delivering content—it was about building communities and fostering lifelong learners.
My Philosophy
I created Learn With Watts as an open space for educators to explore, share, and grow. My teaching philosophy is centered on three core pillars:
- Relationship First: I firmly believe that effective learning cannot happen without strong, trusting relationships. This belief guides my practice, from incorporating restorative justice approaches (which you’ll see discussed frequently here!) to developing truly inclusive classroom environments.
- Actionable Strategy: Theory is great, but teachers need tools they can use tomorrow. My goal is to break down complex pedagogical ideas into practical, easy-to-implement teaching tips and management strategies that save you time and boost student engagement.
- Continuous Reflection: The educational landscape is always evolving. I use this blog to process my own experiences, share my honest thoughts on current education trends, and encourage all of us to continually refine our craft.
What You’ll Find Here
- Tried-and-True Teaching Tips: Real-world advice and shortcuts for better instruction and classroom organization.
- Educational Resources: Curated and original materials, ready for you to download and adapt.
- Thoughts on Education: Honest, thought-provoking perspectives on pedagogy, school culture, and the future of learning.
Teaching is tough, inspiring, exhausting, and the most important work there is. You don’t have to do it alone.
Thanks for being a part of the Learn With Watts community!
When I’m not teaching I love playing video games, reading comic books, and obsessively comparing/researching/reading reviews on tech products only to end up buying none of them.
Get In Touch: www.linkedin.com/in/brandenwatts
Resources for the Classroom: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/mrwatts
