Best Middle School ELA Podcasts (2025)

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

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2h 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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How to Reduce Reading Anxiety: 6 Strategies for Confident Readers [EP. 59] 14:19

9d 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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INDEPENDENT READING: Breaking Down the Backwards Design for ELA Classrooms [Ep 270] 41:03

21d 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 118 From Reluctant to Engaged-Finding Meaning for Writers 13:17

5d 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

2d 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

7d 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

12d 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

9d 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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Back to School Reading: 5 Amazing Books for Middle School Students 15:41

13d 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

14d 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

14d 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

19d 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

16d 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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Episode 115 The Heart of Teaching Writing with Melanie Meehan 49:47

26d 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

24d 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

26d 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

28d 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

1M 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

1M 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

1M 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

1M 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

1M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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…

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Using Reading Challenges to Engage and Stretch Student Readers [Ep. 54] 13:50

2M ago13:50

13:50

Think independent reading has to disappear with a canned curriculum? Not so fast. In this episode, I’m sharing how flexible, low-pressure reading challenges can help you keep independent reading alive—even when you're tied to a scripted program. You’ll get ideas for tying challenges to curriculum themes, recognizing effort without rewards, and givi…

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Episode 331: Batch Planning Grammar Mini-Lessons for a Month at a Time 22:32

2M ago22:32

22:32

I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text! Think you need to teach grammar daily to see results? Think again. In this episode, I share why less is more when it comes to grammar instruction—and how focusing on just two skills per month (using our 8-step EB Grammar Framework) leads to deeper understanding and stronger student writing. Tune in to lear…

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Episode 330: The #1 Writing Skill to Focus on in the First Month of School 22:06

2M ago22:06

22:06

I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text! Welcome back to Teaching Middle School ELA! Today we’re diving into the #1 writing skill to focus on during the first month of school — and it’s probably not what you think. If you want your students to grow as confident, capable writers this year, this is where it all starts. Let’s simplify your writing i…

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AIMEE PHAN: A Conversation about The Lost Queen Part 2 [Ep 263] 24:30

2M ago24:30

24:30

We’re so excited to share part two of our conversation with Aimee Phan, author of The Lost Queen! If you caught part one, you already know how rich and thoughtful this discussion is. In this episode, we dive deeper into how retellings like The Lost Queen can help students see that stories aren’t set in stone—and that they have the freedom to make s…

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Episode 114 Wins Wins Wins: 3 Classrooms' Journey of Independent Writing Time 25:24

3M ago25:24

25:24

You will be inspired from this episode! The transformation that occurred for all three of these fabulous teachers as well as their students was incredible! Listen in to hear about: Huge wins in a short amount of time Increased teacher confidence with teaching writing How students' engagement and idea generation increased Growth in kindergarten writ…

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Episode 329: How to Create Engaging Lessons That Don’t Take Hours to Plan 20:32

3M ago20:32

20:32

I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text! Planning engaging lessons shouldn’t take over your weekends. In today’s episode, I’m sharing our simple EB lesson planning framework—Into, Through, and Beyond—along with plug-and-play activities that save you time and help students master the standards. If you’re tired of starting from scratch each week, t…

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Episode 328: Creating Student Buy-In for Writing Projects 26:41

3M ago26:41

26:41

I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text! Getting students excited about writing doesn’t start with the “perfect” prompt — it starts with purpose. In this episode, Caitlin dives into how to create real buy-in by helping students understand why writing matters, how to take ownership of their work, and what it means to see themselves as writers. You…

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AIMEE PHAN: A Conversation about The Lost Queen Part 1 [Ep 262] 35:24

3M ago35:24

35:24

What if the legendary queens of Vietnamese history were reborn as modern-day teens in California? In this episode, we chat with author and educator Aimee Phan about her brand new YA fantasy novel, The Lost Queen. Aimee shares how her experience growing up as the daughter of Vietnamese refugees—and the absence of Vietnamese stories in the books she …

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Episode 113 Tips for Fantasy Writing with Carl Anderson (Pt 2) 32:11

3M ago32:11

32:11

The second part of my conversation with Carl Anderson provides you with helpful and interesting information about teaching writing and more about the genre of fantasy. You will hear Carl's thoughts on: writing your own mentor text-Do not be afraid! the importance of showing how writers navigate writing writing in front of students (modeled writing)…

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Episode 327: How the 80/20 Rule Can Transform Your ELA Classroom 27:59

3M ago27:59

27:59

I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text! Feeling overwhelmed by everything you’re expected to plan, prep, and grade as a middle school ELA teacher? You’re not alone — but there is a better way. In this episode, Caitlin breaks down the 80/20 Rule (aka the Pareto Principle) and how applying it to your classroom can help you work smarter, not harder…

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326: Writing Engagement Starts Day One—Here’s How I Hook Them 11:47

3M ago11:47

11:47

I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text! In this episode of Teaching Middle School ELA, Caitlin flips the script on traditional first-day activities by making the case for launching your writing unit on day one — yes, really! While students may still be groggy and navigating the chaos of a new school year, Caitlin shares how to spark curiosity an…

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SAMIRA AHMED: A Conversation About Internment, Part 2 [Ep 261] 47:17

3M ago47:17

47:17

In part two of our conversation with author Samira Ahmed, we deep dive into the genre of Internment—is it dystopian, speculative, or realistic fiction?—and why that label matters in the classroom. What starts as a conversation about shelving quickly becomes an exploration of how genre influences student thinking, how we can break down subject silos…

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Episode 112 Fantasy for the Win with Carl Anderson Pt 1 27:36

3M ago27:36

27:36

You will LOVE this discussion with Mr. Carl Anderson about his newest book, Teaching Fantasy Writing: Lessons That Inspire Student Engagement and Creativity, Grades K6. This book is a MUST-HAVE for teachers and hearing Carl's insights on the book as well as his passion for the fantasy genre for students is palpable! In the episode you will hear abo…

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Episode 325: Why Planning Ahead Saves You Time (and Sanity) in the Long Run 26:53

3M ago26:53

26:53

I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text! In this episode of Teaching Middle School ELA, Caitlin tackles a topic many teachers may feel tempted to brush off—planning ahead. With the end-of-year chaos in full swing, thinking about next school year might seem impossible. But Caitlin shares why carving out just a bit of time now to plan can make a hu…

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Teacher Reflection: What Worked This Year—And What I’m Leaving Behind [Ep. 53] 10:25

3M ago10:25

10:25

As the school year wraps up, it’s not just our students who benefit from reflection—we do, too. In this episode, I’m taking a step back to do my own end of year reflection. I’m sharing what worked in my classroom this year and what I’ve decided to leave behind. From managing tech use to reconnecting with parents through positive communication, I’ll…

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Episode 324: Mini Lessons That Actually Stick (and Take Less Than 10 Minutes) 16:32

3M ago16:32

16:32

I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text! In this upbeat episode of the Teaching Middle School ELA podcast, Caitlin shares how short and sweet can still be powerful! Discover how mini lessons can make a big impact—especially during the busy end-of-year days—while giving you more breathing room and keeping students engaged. Make sure you're on our …

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SAMIRA AHMED: A Conversation About Internment, Part 1 [Ep 260] 1:05:12

3M ago1:05:12

1:05:12

Camp BNT is back for year three, and we’re kicking things off with bestselling author (and former high school English teacher!) Samira Ahmed. In this episode, Samira shares how her time in the classroom shaped her writing, the inspiration behind Internment, and how educators can use essential questions to spark powerful conversations. Plus, get a s…