“You don’t belong here.”
![](https://meaganpollock.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/AdobeStock_271154304-1024x576.jpeg)
Two nearly identical and maddening workplace stories of gender discrimination, 66 years apart, and what we can do to change the narrative.
Why I Put Pronouns on my Email Signature, Social Media Profiles, and Nametags, and Why You Should Too
![Group of people with Pronouns on their shirts](https://meaganpollock.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/pronounsArtboard-3-1024x706.png)
![Group of people with Pronouns on their shirts](https://meaganpollock.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/pronounsArtboard-3-1024x706.png)
The simple answer is because it normalizes the sharing of pronouns for more inclusive spaces. In this post, I include important definitions framing your understanding of why pronouns matter. I then offer a brief explanation on gender-neutral pronouns, offer my recommendations for what you can do, and answer a few frequently asked questions.
Confidence or Self-efficacy?
![](https://meaganpollock.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/AdobeStock_82291851-1024x683.jpeg)
![](https://meaganpollock.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/AdobeStock_82291851-1024x683.jpeg)
Confidence is an informal, popularized term to describe the intersection of self-efficacy, self-esteem, self-concept, and identity — all key constructs that affect our motivation, performance, and persistence.
Mindset Resources
![](https://meaganpollock.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/mindset-copy-1024x670.jpg)
![](https://meaganpollock.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/mindset-copy-1024x670.jpg)
Growth Mindset remains one of my most favorite things to teach because with small modifications we can see big changes in ourselves and those around us. This page is a collection of helpful mindset resources for educators.
Free posters for Nontraditional CTE Careers
![Explore Nontraditional Careers by Engineer Inclusion](https://meaganpollock.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/fi-nt-careers-by-ei-REDIRECT-Artboard-1_2-1024x651.png)
![Explore Nontraditional Careers by Engineer Inclusion](https://meaganpollock.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/fi-nt-careers-by-ei-REDIRECT-Artboard-1_2-1024x651.png)
Access the complete set of 11 posters featuring people in nontraditional CTE careers. Simple in design, yet colorful and eye-catching, these posters challenge gender norms for nontraditional careers.
The Case of the Missing $1000 Egg: A Tale of Schemas and Implicit Bias
![The Case of the Missing $1000 Egg - Tale of Schemas and Implicit Bias](https://meaganpollock.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/egg_video_thumbnail_Artboard-1-1024x577.png)
![The Case of the Missing $1000 Egg - Tale of Schemas and Implicit Bias](https://meaganpollock.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/egg_video_thumbnail_Artboard-1-1024x577.png)
Finding the egg would have won me a $1000 prize. Not finding the egg won me an egg once worth $1000, and a good anecdote for explaining schemas and implicit bias.
“Sticky” Feedback to Boost Self-efficacy and Motivation
![Sticky Feedback Copyright Meagan Pollock](https://meaganpollock.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/sticky_feedback_thumbnail_Artboard-1-1024x577.png)
![Sticky Feedback Copyright Meagan Pollock](https://meaganpollock.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/sticky_feedback_thumbnail_Artboard-1-1024x577.png)
Feedback and support from others is a source of our self-efficacy — the belief we have in ourselves to accomplish a task. Using a simple formula, we can adjust our feedback to be a super-booster for self-efficacy in others, through what I call, “Sticky Feedback.” Check out this video to learn how you can better encourage others to reach their goals.
Obituary: Mr. Nerd Geek Stereotype
![Obituary: Mr. Nerd Geek Stereotype](https://meaganpollock.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/obituary3Artboard-1-1024x667-1.jpg)
![Obituary: Mr. Nerd Geek Stereotype](https://meaganpollock.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/obituary3Artboard-1-1024x667-1.jpg)
Mr. Nerd Geek Stereotype, was reported missing and presumed dead on January 1, 2019. Multiple conflicting reports confuse investigators of his last whereabouts. Accounts vary, but one thing is certain: Mr. Nerd Geek Stereotype should not be missed.
The Tortoise and the Rat
![](https://meaganpollock.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/turtle_meaganpollockcom.png)
![](https://meaganpollock.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/turtle_meaganpollockcom.png)
The Tortoise and the Rat: Sure, you were expecting the tortoise and the hare, right? Well, here are my reflections on the rat race after meeting a giant “tortoise.”
Headline News! Brains, Brawn, and Beauty?
![](https://meaganpollock.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_0043-2-copy-1024x517-1024x517.jpg)
![](https://meaganpollock.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_0043-2-copy-1024x517-1024x517.jpg)
Headlines are meant to capture attention and draw people in to read what is hopefully worthy news. Could headlines also shape identity?