Brave New Teaching: A Podcast for High School and Middle School Teachers

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 reads (with honest reviews and teaching tie-ins), favorite products, and the bookish creators lighting up our feeds. And, of course, there’s a big announcement about where one of us will be spending the school year, changing things up in the best possible way!✨ Grab all the resources and books we mention in the show notes: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/home/episode271"Send us a message - please include your contact information so we can chat soon!"Get your FREE Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs gateway lesson: shop.bravenewteaching.com/cloudyCheck out Curriculum Rehab here!Support the show📚 BNT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & RESOURCES 👩‍💻 Join Happy Hour! Curriculum Rehab Down with the Reading Quiz Shop the BNT Resource Library Connect with us on Instagram @bravenewteaching Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

Independent reading is the must-try strategy for the new school year! The hosts discuss creating a genuine reading culture that prioritizes joy and flexibility. They share their personal reading journeys and how to design a curriculum that truly supports students. With anecdotes about everyday life and tech mishaps, humor keeps the conversation engaging. The importance of timing for introducing independent reading is highlighted, urging teachers to foster a rich reading environment tailored to each student's needs.

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 life, and why authentic, hopeful queer representation in books matters so much. This episode is packed with heart, inspiration, and reminders of why the stories we share—and the teachers who share them—make such a big impact.Resources:The House in the Cerulean Sea: Bookshop | Amazon Shop more of TJ's bookTJ's websiteSHOW NOTES: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/home/episode269"Send us a message - please include your contact information so we can chat soon!"Get your FREE Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs gateway lesson: shop.bravenewteaching.com/cloudyCheck out Curriculum Rehab here!Support the show📚 BNT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & RESOURCES 👩‍💻 Join Happy Hour! Curriculum Rehab Down with the Reading Quiz Shop the BNT Resource Library Connect with us on Instagram @bravenewteaching Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

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 in her Huda F series, how her books function as both mirrors and windows for students, and why letting go of perfectionism is one of the most important lessons we can pass on to young writers.Resources:Join Camp BNT: Summer 2025Huda's WebsiteInstagram: @yesimhotinthisHuda’s booksSHOW NOTES: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/home/episode268"Send us a message - please include your contact information so we can chat soon!"Get your FREE Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs gateway lesson: shop.bravenewteaching.com/cloudyCheck out Curriculum Rehab here!Support the show📚 BNT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & RESOURCES 👩‍💻 Join Happy Hour! Curriculum Rehab Down with the Reading Quiz Shop the BNT Resource Library Connect with us on Instagram @bravenewteaching Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

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, teaching, storytelling, and the way young people show up in the world with fierce hope and resilience. We dive into Libba’s newest novel, Under the Same Stars—a multigenerational story inspired by a real-life matchmaking tree—exploring how she weaves together history, structure, and emotion to spark meaningful reflection and classroom connection.Resources:Join Camp BNT: Summer 2025Under the Same Stars: Amazon | BookshopLibba's WebsiteLiba's Instagram: @libbabrayMore Camp BNT Episodes:Episode 260, Samira Ahmed: A Conversation About Internment Part 1Episode 261, Samira Ahmed: A Conversation About Internment Part 2Episode 262, Aimee Phan: A Conversation About The Lost Queen Part 1Episode 263, Aimee Phan: A Conversation About The Lost Queen Part 2Episode 264, Aaron H. Aceves: A Conversation About This is Why They Hate UsEpisode 266, Katie Bayerl: A Conversational About What Comes AfterSHOW NOTES: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/home/episode267"Send us a message - please include your contact information so we can chat soon!"Get your FREE Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs gateway lesson: shop.bravenewteaching.com/cloudyCheck out Curriculum Rehab here!Support the show📚 BNT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & RESOURCES 👩‍💻 Join Happy Hour! Curriculum Rehab Down with the Reading Quiz Shop the BNT Resource Library Connect with us on Instagram @bravenewteaching Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

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 writing world, her process for weaving humor into heavy themes, and how her novel can spark deep, inquiry-based conversations in your classroom. Plus, we’ve got ideas for book pairings and plenty of student writing tips!Resources:Join Camp BNT: Summer 2025What Comes After, by Katie Bayerl: Bookshop.org | AmazonKatie's websiteKatie's InstagramMore Camp BNT Episodes:Episode 260, Samira Ahmed: A Conversation About Internment Part 1Episode 261, Samira Ahmed: A Conversation About Internment Part 2Episode 262, Aimee Phan: A Conversation About The Lost Queen Part 1Episode 263, Aimee Phan: A Conversation About The Lost Queen Part 2Episode 264, Aaron H. Aceves: A Conversation About This is Why They Hate UsSHOW NOTES: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/home/episode266"Send us a message - please include your contact information so we can chat soon!"Get your FREE Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs gateway lesson: shop.bravenewteaching.com/cloudyCheck out Curriculum Rehab here!Support the show📚 BNT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & RESOURCES 👩‍💻 Join Happy Hour! Curriculum Rehab Down with the Reading Quiz Shop the BNT Resource Library Connect with us on Instagram @bravenewteaching Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

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 saves me from digging through suitcases at midnight, I’ve got you covered.I’m also diving into the nerdy (but fun!) extras that make our trips even better—like our go-to museum memberships that get us into spots across the country for free or at a discount. Plus, I’m sharing my must-have travel apps, kid entertainment hacks, snack solutions, and everything else that’s helped us stay sane on the road. If you’re road-tripping this summer, this one’s for you!Resources:Amanda’s Amazon List Reciprocal Museums National Parks PassesAllTrailsIExitHooplaBeen AppSHOW NOTES: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/home/episode265"Send us a message - please include your contact information so we can chat soon!"Get your FREE Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs gateway lesson: shop.bravenewteaching.com/cloudyCheck out Curriculum Rehab here!Support the show📚 BNT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & RESOURCES 👩‍💻 Join Happy Hour! Curriculum Rehab Down with the Reading Quiz Shop the BNT Resource Library Connect with us on Instagram @bravenewteaching Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

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 the same. His protagonist, Enrique, is messy, hilarious, and deeply real—and that kind of representation matters more than ever in our classrooms.Aaron reminded us that books like his are more than stories—they're lifelines for students who need to see themselves in the pages they read. This conversation is a love letter to teachers everywhere, doing the work to bring authentic, diverse voices into their classrooms. We hope it leaves you feeling as inspired as it left us.Resources:Join Camp BNT: Summer 2025This is Why They Hate Us, by Aaron H. AcevesConnect with Aaron:WebsiteInstagram: @aaronacevesTikTokFacebookMore Camp BNT 2025 Episodes:Episode 260, Samira Ahmed: A Conversation About Internment Part 1Episode 261, Samira Ahmed: A Conversation About Internment Part 2Episode 262, Aimee Phan: A Conversation About The Lost Queen Part 1Episode 263, Aimee Phan: A Conversation About The Lost Queen Part 2SHOW NOTES: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/home/episode264"Send us a message - please include your contact information so we can chat soon!"Get your FREE Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs gateway lesson: shop.bravenewteaching.com/cloudyCheck out Curriculum Rehab here!Support the show📚 BNT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & RESOURCES 👩‍💻 Join Happy Hour! Curriculum Rehab Down with the Reading Quiz Shop the BNT Resource Library Connect with us on Instagram @bravenewteaching Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

Aimee Phan, author of the captivating YA historical fantasy 'The Lost Queen', discusses the power of storytelling and identity. She emphasizes how retellings can inspire young writers to explore their own narratives. Aimee dives into the evolution of Vietnamese-American literature and recommends pairing her book with other impactful texts. She also highlights the transformative effect of positive encouragement from teachers, reminding us how words can shape a student's journey. Join this enriching conversation for insights into creativity and education!

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 read—inspired her to create stories that center Vietnamese culture, history, and identity. From dragons and time travel to reimagined mythology, Aimee takes us behind the scenes of a novel that’s as empowering as it is imaginative.We also dive into how The Lost Queen can open up powerful classroom conversations. Aimee reflects on why her students connect so deeply with YA and how fantasy can be a tool for exploring identity, agency, and belonging. If you’re looking to bring more diverse and empowering stories into your teaching, this episode (and this book!) is a must.Resources:Camp BNTThe Lost Queen, by Aimee PhanAimee's WebsiteFollow Aimee on Instagram @aimeephanwritesSHOW NOTES: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/home/episode262"Send us a message - please include your contact information so we can chat soon!"Get your FREE Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs gateway lesson: shop.bravenewteaching.com/cloudyCheck out Curriculum Rehab here!Support the show📚 BNT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & RESOURCES 👩‍💻 Join Happy Hour! Curriculum Rehab Down with the Reading Quiz Shop the BNT Resource Library Connect with us on Instagram @bravenewteaching Subscribe to our YouTube Channel