Best Middle School ELA Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 353: The Shortcut Narrative Unit: How to Get Powerful Stories in Just 10 Days 23:21

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3h ago23:21

23:21

I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text! Narrative writing is such an important skill for middle schoolers—but let’s be honest, it often feels like it takes forever to teach. Before you know it, weeks (or even months!) are gone, and you’re scrambling to fit in argument and informational writing. In this episode, I discussed how to make narrative …

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5 Engaging Autumn Classroom Activities for Middle School ELA 15:57

1d ago15:57

15:57

Autumn is the perfect season to bring fresh energy into your middle school ELA classroom. With cooler weather, colorful leaves, and plenty of seasonal inspiration, it’s an ideal time to spark creativity and keep students engaged in reading and writing. In this post, we’ll explore five engaging autumn classroom activities for middle school ELA. Each…

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10 Easy Ways to Encourage Student Book Recommendations in Your Classroom [Ep. 61] 10:58

8d ago10:58

10:58

Peer recommendations are one of the most effective ways to spark interest in reading. Students are much more likely to pick up a book when a classmate suggests it. In this episode, I share ten practical ways you can bring student voices into your classroom and help create a living TBR list that students will actually use. These ideas make reading f…

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Episode 122 Knowing What's Next-The What and Why of Formative Data for Writers 19:46

5d ago19:46

19:46

Do you have independent writing time up and running in your classroom but feel unsure of how to keep your writer's moving forward? It is difficult to support struggling writers or even know what to teach for writing if you don't know enough about your writers. The right formative data will help you plan instruction that supports progress! In this e…

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Episode 352: ChatGPT Series: Differentiation Without the Extra Work 14:30

24h ago14:30

14:30

I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text! Differentiation doesn’t have to mean staying up late making three different versions of the same lesson. In this week’s Teaching Middle School episode, I shared how you can use ChatGPT to quickly create scaffolds, extensions, and tiered questions—so every student has a way into the learning without you dou…

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Episode 351: Balancing Creative and Academic Writing in the Middle School Classroom 14:17

6d ago14:17

14:17

I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text! How do we strike the right balance between fun, engaging creative writing and the academic writing skills our students need to succeed? In this episode, let's dive into why both matter, how to weave them together, and practical strategies you can start using right away. Tune in to discover how creativity a…

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Episode 121 How to Move from Telling to Teaching 22:23

12d ago22:23

22:23

A coach just telling a player to "hit the ball" or "be aggressive" does not improve their performance. The same is true for us as teachers of writers! We need to teach, not tell by addressing their needs and showing them how to do what we want them to do. Struggling writers will just keep struggling if all we do is have them keep trying to write wi…

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Episode 350: ChatGPT Series: Communication & Admin Tasks Made Easier 17:46

8d ago17:46

17:46

I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text! Emails, newsletters, behavior documentation… oh my! Communication and admin tasks can easily eat up hours of your week—but they don’t have to. In today’s episode of Teaching Middle School ELA, I shared how ChatGPT can act like your personal assistant for the behind-the-scenes work of teaching. From draftin…

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5 Inspiring Books for Middle Schoolers: September Reading for Hispanic Heritage Month 16:22

11d ago16:22

16:22

September is the perfect time to refresh your classroom reading list, especially as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Middle school students can gain empathy, cultural understanding, and inspiration through stories that reflect diverse experiences. In this episode, we will discuss 5 books that are perfect for September reading. There are ideas …

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Episode 349: Scaffolding Evidence: How to Help Students Choose Quotes That Actually Work 15:11

15d ago15:11

15:11

I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text! Ever had a student pick a random quote just because it “sounded good”? 😅 You’re not alone! In today’s episode of Teaching Middle School ELA, I talked about practical scaffolds to help students go beyond guessing and actually choose evidence that supports their claims. From curated quote banks to our powerf…

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Episode 348:ChatGPT Series: Planning Support Without the Overwhelm 19:42

15d ago19:42

19:42

I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text! Planning doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. In today’s episode of Teaching Middle School ELA, I am sharing how ChatGPT can be your planning partner—helping you brainstorm, differentiate, and save hours each week without sacrificing quality. Whether you’re an EB teacher already using the Portal or just look…

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Episode 120 Your Writers Need More. 19:09

19d ago19:09

19:09

Are you wondering.... Why you have struggling writers? Why your writers aren't showing growth? Why your writers aren't engaged in writing? Perhaps they need MORE of something. In this episode, I share three main "mores" that writers need in order to be successful, and a few additional "mores" that are just as important. The first more is one I'm su…

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5 Best Bell Ringer Ideas for Middle School ELA That Students Will Love 17:37

21d ago17:37

17:37

Join me for season 3! One podcast a month will focus on 5 activities that you can easily implement in your middle school classroom for this month/season. In this episode, we will discuss 5 engaging bell ringers for your students. We will discuss bell ringers for: Seasonal activities Vocabulary Grammar Poetry Reading Skills Let's connect! Membership…

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Episode 347: From Summary to Justification: Teaching Students to Go Beyond the Obvious 24:19

20d ago24:19

24:19

I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text! Today’s episode tackles a challenge every ELA teacher knows well: getting students to move beyond simply summarizing a text and into true analysis. This episode, From Summary to Justification: Teaching Students to Go Beyond the Obvious, is all about helping students answer the big “So what?”—why their evid…

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Episode 119 BOY Lessons that Spark Writers 23:55

26d ago23:55

23:55

***I share some exciting news in this episode!*** In this episode, I discuss lessons cultivated from a multitude of resources combined with years of experience working with writers and with teachers who are new to writer's workshop. Ideas for lessons will be provided that will help with: How to introduce writing to your students Ways to support str…

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Episode 346: ChatGPT Series: Brainstorming & Lesson Hooks Made Simple 14:07

22d ago14:07

14:07

I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text! Welcome back to Teaching Middle School ELA! Today, we’re continuing our ChatGPT Series with an episode called Brainstorming & Lesson Hooks Made Simple. If you’ve ever found yourself staring at your planner, wondering how to start a lesson in a way that actually captures your students’ attention—or if you’r…

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How to Keep Reading Energy Alive Beyond the First Month [Ep. 60] 13:56

22d ago13:56

13:56

The first few weeks of school often bring a real buzz around reading—students are exploring the shelves, setting goals, and diving into new books. But as the back-to-school excitement fades, that momentum can slip, and independent reading starts to feel more like just another assignment. In this episode we share fresh, practical strategies to keep …

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Episode 345: Teaching Grammar in the Flow of Writing 21:35

27d ago21:35

21:35

I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text! Have you ever taught a grammar skill on Friday, only to watch your students completely forget it by Monday? You’re not alone. Grammar taught in isolation rarely sticks—but when it’s woven into the flow of writing instruction, everything changes. In today’s episode, I’m sharing the EB Grammar Framework, a s…

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Episode 118 From Reluctant to Engaged-Finding Meaning for Writers 13:17

1M ago13:17

13:17

Reluctant writers won't stay reluctant with the right supports! As you start a new year with a new group of writers, you will want to make writing meaningful for each of them because engaged writers become successful writers! In this episode I share a few ideas for helping students make connections with writing by offering a variety of entry points…

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Episode 344: ChatGPT Series: How to Train ChatGPT to Create Rubrics and Feedback 20:50

29d ago20:50

20:50

I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text! Grading doesn’t have to steal your weekends anymore! 🎉 In this brand-new series, I’m showing you how to train ChatGPT to become your teaching assistant—saving you time, reducing stress, and giving you space to focus on what matters most: your students. In this first episode, we’re tackling the grading stru…

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Episode 343: You’re Probably Already Doing This—But It’s the Secret to a Strong Reading Culture 23:26

1M ago23:26

23:26

I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text! So many teachers want to build a strong reading culture in their classrooms—but the truth is, you’re probably already doing one of the most important things without even realizing it! In today’s episode, I pull back the curtain on the “secret” to fostering a love of reading and shows you how to amplify wha…

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Episode 117 Writer's Identity as a Fuel for Growth with Leah Thomas 39:34

1M ago39:34

39:34

" ... it's really important that we start building their identities as writers and readers from that young age because they will rise to whatever level we set for them." ABSOLUTELY!!! So many good things in this episode with the wonderful Leah Thomas! -Building writing 'empathy' by being a teacher writer -Allowing writers to be self-directed, makin…

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Episode 342: The Secret to a Thriving Classroom Culture 22:02

1M ago22:02

22:02

I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text! What if your classroom didn’t run on a long list of rules, but on a few powerful core values that shape how everyone shows up each day? In this episode, let's explore why core values inspire more ownership than rules, how to choose the right ones for your students, and simple ways to bring them to life dai…

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How to Reduce Reading Anxiety: 6 Strategies for Confident Readers [EP. 59] 14:19

1M ago14:19

14:19

In this episode, we are talking about reading anxiety, how to recognize it, why it holds students back, and six practical reading strategies you can start teaching right away to help move students past it. You’ll hear ideas for creating a safe, supportive classroom environment, giving students concrete steps to try when they get stuck, and building…

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Back to School Reading: 5 Amazing Books for Middle School Students 15:41

1M ago15:41

15:41

Join me for season 3! One podcast a month will focus on 5 books that are perfect for this month/season. In this episode, we will discuss 5 books that are perfect for the back-to-school season. There are ideas to go along with each novel, plus a link to my YouTube channel where I read these books as part of my "First Chapter Friday" series. The book…

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Episode 341: Mini Socratic Seminars: Big Impact in Small Groups 18:12

1M ago18:12

18:12

I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text! If you’ve ever tried a Socratic seminar and ended up with just a handful of students dominating the conversation while the rest stayed silent, you’re not alone. In this episode of Teaching Middle School ELA, I’m sharing my favorite twist on the classic format—Mini Socratic Seminars—that get every student e…

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BACK TO SCHOOL: State of the BNT Union + Reading Update [Ep 271] 46:44

1M ago46:44

46:44

In this “State of the BNT Union” episode, we’re sharing where the Brave New Teaching podcast is headed next, from a new focus on YouTube and refreshed dystopia content to better-organized resources for teachers...plus a peek at the projects we’re most excited about this year. Along the way, we’re swapping back-to-school recommendations, current rea…

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Episode 116 3 Tips for Starting the School Year with Your Writers 31:42

2M ago31:42

31:42

Ok, it's actually way more than 3...but I have placed them into 3 main categories! Make it Exciting and Meaningful Build Community Learn from Your Writers You will hear how to set a strong foundation for writing from the beginning with techniques such as: Sharing "real-world" writing for students Creating a safe and positive environment Being a par…

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Episode 340: Avoiding Burnout by Letting Go of Perfection in Your Lesson Plans 23:38

1M ago23:38

23:38

I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text! Here’s the truth: your lesson plans don’t need to be perfect to be effective—and chasing “perfect” is one of the quickest ways to burn out as a teacher. In this episode, I am talking directly to all the teachers who spend hours tweaking slides, rewriting already-great handouts, and second-guessing every pl…

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INDEPENDENT READING: Breaking Down the Backwards Design for ELA Classrooms [Ep 270] 41:03

2M ago41:03

41:03

We’re calling it: independent reading is the back-to-school move of the year! In this episode, we’re getting honest about what it takes to build a reading culture that actually sticks, without burning you (or your students) out by October. We share the real talk on what’s worked, what hasn’t, and how our thinking has shifted post-COVID to make inde…

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Episode 115 The Heart of Teaching Writing with Melanie Meehan 49:47

2M ago49:47

49:47

Today's episode features a very special guest, Mrs. Melanie Meehan! As a reader of the Two Writing Teachers Blog for many years and a fan of Melanie's books, it was wonderful to get to talk with her all about writing! I know you will find inspiration hearing Melanie speak of: her writing belief statement the importance of teachers as writers though…

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Easy Ways to Start Peer-to-Peer Academic Conversations [Ep. 58] 10:27

2M ago10:27

10:27

Getting students to talk to each other in meaningful ways is harder than it sounds—but it’s a crucial part of building classroom community and engagement. In this episode, I’m diving into practical strategies you can use at the beginning of the year to help students feel safe and confident sharing their ideas in class. From low-risk warm-ups and si…

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5 Engaging Middle School Activities for the First Day of School 17:14

2M ago17:14

17:14

Join me for season 3! One podcast a month will focus on 5 activities that you can easily implement in your middle school classroom for this month/season. In this episode, we will discuss 5 engaging activities to do on the first day of school. We will discuss: Icebreakers Meet the Teacher Read Alouds Letter to Your Future Self Classroom Scavenger Hu…

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TJ KLUNE: A Conversation about The House in the Cerulean Sea [Ep 269] 1:24:33

2M ago1:24:33

1:24:33

In our final episode of Camp BNT, we got to sit down with none other than TJ Klune, author of The House in the Cerulean Sea—and let’s just say, it was everything we hoped for and more! We laughed, fangirled (a lot), and had the most meaningful conversation about TJ’s journey as a neurodivergent, queer kid from rural Oregon, how teachers shaped his …

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Episode 339: What to Do When Self-Doubt Creeps In 24:12

2M ago24:12

24:12

I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text! Every teacher has those “Am I doing enough?” moments. In this episode, I'm talking through how to quiet the doubt and reconnect with your purpose, because you are making a difference. 🎉 Just a Few More Days Left! 🎉 Have you entered our Podcast Giveaway yet? We’re treating ONE lucky teacher to a FREE 1-year…

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How To Build Reading Stamina: Practical Strategies For ELA Teachers [Ep. 57] 13:07

2M ago13:07

13:07

In this episode, we’re tackling a challenge many ELA teachers face—students struggling with reading stamina. With canned curriculum, short excerpts, and fast-paced instruction, students often lack the focus and endurance to finish full-length texts. We’ll dig into why reading stamina matters for critical thinking and long-term academic success, and…

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HUDA FAHMY: A Conversation about Huda F Cares? [Ep 268] 47:24

2M ago47:24

47:24

We’ve been wanting to bring Huda Fahmy on the podcast for a long time, and this conversation was well worth the wait! From her journey as an English teacher to bestselling graphic novelist, to the power of humor, representation, and student voice, Huda shares how her work helps young readers feel seen—and why that matters. We talk about the themes …

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Episode 338: How to Feel More Confident Teaching Writing (Even If You Don’t Love It) 15:21

2M ago15:21

15:21

I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text! Not a fan of teaching writing? You’re not alone—and this episode is for you. Tune in for simple mindset shifts + practical tips to help you teach writing with more confidence (and less stress) Grab The Case of the Stolen Pearls Unit here: https://www.ebteacher.com/pearls 🎉 Just a Few More Days Left! 🎉 Have…

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LIBBA BRAY: A Conversation about Under the Same Stars [Ep 267] 58:53

2M ago58:53

58:53

Some conversations leave a mark, and this one with author Libba Bray is exactly that. From the first few minutes, we found ourselves completely pulled in by her honesty, humor, and the kind of insight that makes you pause and say, “Yes, that’s it.” What started as a chat about books quickly turned into a rich, winding conversation about creativity,…

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Episode 337: Why Templates Are the Key to Teacher Sanity 24:59

2M ago24:59

24:59

I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text! Tired of reinventing the wheel? In this episode, I'm diving into how templates can simplify your planning, reduce decision fatigue, and give you your time (and sanity!) back. Book Study Information: https://www.ebteacher.com/book-study Classroom Management Strategy YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/wa…

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Where Reading Feels Like Belonging - Building a Reading Culture [Ep. 56] 10:18

2M ago10:18

10:18

We’re kicking off a brand-new series on reading strategies for back to school—and this first episode is all about helping students see themselves as readers. I’m sharing my own story (spoiler: I didn’t always love reading), and how that experience shapes the way I build reading culture in my classroom. You’ll hear how I start the year with intentio…

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Episode 336: How to Make Peer Review Work in Middle School 12:39

3M ago12:39

12:39

I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text! In this episode, we’re breaking down three practical strategies to transform peer review from a checkbox into a powerful teaching tool that improves writing—and helps you spend less time grading. We’ll also walk through the exact checklists and frameworks we use with our EB Teachers to help peer review sti…

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KATIE BAYERL: A Conversation about What Comes After [Ep 266] 45:22

3M ago45:22

45:22

If you've ever daydreamed about writing a novel between grading essays, this one’s for you. In this episode, we chat with former English teacher turned YA author Katie Bayerl about her newest book, What Comes After—a laugh-out-loud, heart-tugging story about grief, identity, and the afterlife. Katie shares her journey from the classroom to the writ…

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Episode 335: The Power of Weekly Routines in Your ELA Classroom 23:24

3M ago23:24

23:24

I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text! Feeling overwhelmed with lesson planning week after week? In this episode, we're digging into how simple, consistent weekly routines can completely transform your classroom. Learn how to save time, reduce stress, and build stronger engagement—all by putting a repeatable structure in place. Enter to Win a Y…

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Episode 334: What to Do When Students Still Can’t Write a Strong Paragraph 24:42

3M ago24:42

24:42

I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text! So, you’ve taught the structure. You’ve modeled examples. You’ve practiced together. And still... your students are struggling to write a strong paragraph. Sound familiar? In today’s episode, I’m breaking down exactly what to do when your students still aren’t getting it — including practical strategies, m…

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BREAK FOR THE 4TH: Amanda’s Road Trip Advice for Teacher Parents [Ep 265] 56:42

3M ago56:42

56:42

It’s Amanda here, and if you’ve ever hit the road with a car full of kids (or just your teacher brain trying to stay five steps ahead) you know that summer travel takes some serious strategy. In this solo episode, I’m sharing all my favorite tips for stress-free, memory-filled road trips. From how I set up my car to the genius packing system that s…

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Don’t Skip Genre Review: Why It Matters in Middle School ELA [Ep. 55] 13:01

3M ago13:01

13:01

Think genre review is just for younger grades? Think again. In this episode, I’m breaking down why a simple genre review at the start of the year is one of the best ways to build reading confidence, spark student choice, and set the tone for meaningful reading conversations. You’ll get practical, low-prep ideas—including one of my favorite mystery-…

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Episode 333: Why the Evidence Tracker Is the Most Underrated Writing Tool 13:00

3M ago13:00

13:00

I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text! In this episode, I’m sharing a writing tool that’s often overlooked but absolutely transformative: the Evidence Tracker. This simple organizer helps students slow down, organize their thinking, and write stronger, clearer arguments. I’ll show you exactly how to use it—and how to shake it up with a few crea…

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Episode 332: What I’d Do Differently with Writing Next Year (And What I’d Keep the Same) 14:55

3M ago14:55

14:55

I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text! Welcome back to Teaching Middle School ELA! In this episode, I share a behind-the-scenes reflection on what I’d keep—and what I’d change—with writing instruction if I were still in the classroom next year. I dive into our Evidence-Based Writing (EBW) Approach, showing you how a clear, repeatable framework …

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AARON H. ACEVES: A Conversation about This is Why They Hate Us [Ep 264] 47:31

3M ago47:31

47:31

This episode lit us up in the best way. Amanda sat down with Aaron H. Aceves, author of This Is Why They Hate Us, for a heartfelt conversation about identity and the power of honest storytelling. Aaron’s openness about his own journey challenged us to reflect on how we, as educators, can lead with vulnerability and create space for students to do t…