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

Let’s be honest—The Hobbit isn’t always a crowd-pleaser in middle school, but in this episode, we’re sharing how to turn it into a powerful, skills-based exploration of the hero’s journey. We dive into using essential questions, shifting focus from content to critical thinking, and using tools like our favorite evidence tracker to make Bilbo’s transformation come alive. Plus, we chat about modern pairings and why it’s okay if your students don’t read every page. This one’s all about making fantasy feel relevant, engaging, and fun—for you and your students.Resources:Freebie: Hero’s Journey Evidence TrackerThe Hobbit, by J.R.R. TolkienJoin Curriculum RehabRelated Episodes:Episode 85, Teaching Novels When Kids Don’t Read at Home Part 1Episode 86, Teaching Novels When Kids Don’t Read at Home Part 2Episode 243, THE NOVELS IN VERSE COLLECTION: Unit PossibilitiesEpisode 244, THE NOVELS IN VERSE COLLECTION: Essential Question Possibilities for The Poet XEpisode 245, THE NOVELS IN VERSE COLLECTION: Gateway Activity IdeasEpisode 246, THE NOVELS IN VERSE COLLECTION: Supplemental and Alternative Text IdeasEpisode 247, THE NOVELS IN VERSE COLLECTION: AssessmentsEpisode 256, Teaching the Hero’s Journey: Do’s and Dont’s of Unit DesignSHOW NOTES: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/home/episode257"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’re kicking off a new four-part series all about teaching the Hero’s Journey—starting with the dos and don’ts of unit design. In this episode, we share how this timeless framework can lead to deeper thinking, richer discussions, and yes… even a newfound love for fantasy (spoiler: one of us used to be a skeptic!). You’ll walk away with essential questions to anchor your units AND a free evidence tracker to help students go beyond surface-level plot.Resources:Freebie: Hero’s Journey Evidence TrackerJoin Happy Hour!Shop more BNT resourcesRelated Episodes:Episode 15, To Write an Essential QuestionEpisode 16, To Find Supplementory TextsEpisode 59, Essential Question Workshop: 12th Grade LitEpisode 81, Essential Question Workshop: Dystopia (Woohoo!)SHOW NOTES: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/home/episode256 "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 all had those end-of-year activities that looked great on paper—but quickly turned into chaos in the classroom. In this episode, we’re sharing some of our own “what were we thinking?” moments, along with practical strategies to help you rethink and rescue those well-intentioned lessons. From creative writing prompts that actually work to research assignments that don’t overwhelm, we’re diving into how structure and clarity can save your sanity this time of year!Resources:End of Year Activity Bundle for Secondary ELABuild a Story: Summer Break CountdownEnd of Year Countdown - Famous Last LinesEnd of Year Time CapsuleEnd of Year Station ActivityMore End of Year ResourcesBlog Post: 10 Ideas for a Fun, Reflective End of Year ActivityRelated Episodes:Episode 254, Looking Ahead to Next Year: Fundraising Ideas for Books (Book Fairs & Read-a-Thons)Episode 253, Summer Reading Rescue - Part 2Episode 252, Summer Reading Rescue - Part 1Episode 144, Teacher Spring Cleaning: Curriculum & ActivitiesEpisode 129, Classroom Transformations & “Fun” ActivitiesEpisode 8 & 9, To Teach at the End of the YearSHOW NOTES: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/home/episode255"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

Looking for a way to fundraise and build a love of reading in your school? In this episode, we share how a well-planned Read-a-Thon can bring in big funds for books while creating a strong literacy culture. Amanda walks through her recent experience running a successful Read-a-Thon, including choosing a platform, organizing volunteers, and getting local businesses involved. We’re also talking about the perks of hosting a book fair (yes, in high school) to set the stage for an amazing school year ahead!Amanda has compiled her step-by-step process for hosting a read-a-thon into a resource for you, complete with text message, social media, and email prompts for families! And guess what? If you’re a member of Happy Hour, you’ll receive it for FREE! If you aren’t a member of Happy Hour, you can grab that resource here.Resources:Amanda's Read-a-Thon ResourceGet Movin’ Fund HubRallyUpJoin Happy Hour!SHOW NOTES: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/home/episode254 "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

What if summer reading didn’t have to feel like a chore for students or teachers?In part two of our Summer Reading Rescue series, I’m continuing the conversation about how we can reimagine summer reading programs to actually work, and even bring joy back to reading. We know the summer slide is real, and in part one, I laid the groundwork by talking about the research and the importance of having a clear PURPOSE behind your program. Today, we’re diving into the next two pillars: CHOICE and INTERACTION.I’m sharing practical ways to give students ownership over what and how they read—think audiobooks, podcasts, themed book lists, and even reading challenges that feel more like games than assignments. Plus, we’ll explore how to build community around reading with virtual book clubs, fun incentives, and social connection that lasts beyond the summer.If you're ready to bring your summer reading program back to life, grab the resources at bravenewteaching.com/summerreading and join the movement! 🥳Resources:Watch the video version of this episodeThe First Ten Days of School:  Amanda’s WalkthroughBookclubs.comGoodreadsStoryGraphLitseeFableEpisode 252, Summer Reading Rescue - Part 1Canva - make your own reading gameboard!SHOW NOTES: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/home/episode253"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

What the research tells us is clear: reading skills are lost over the summer.  And that loss is not equitably distributed among our student population.  It’s estimated that low income students can lose up to two months of reading achievement over the summer - much more than more affluent students.So we are faced with a dilemma: we know that the summer slide is real, but we also know that forcing students to read over the summer hasn’t necessarily worked for many of us.In today’s episode, Amanda makes the case for summer reading programs that are a reimagining of what’s possible.  By focusing on PURPOSE, CHOICE, AND INTERACTION, Amanda has suggestions for a revitalized program that is worth a chat with your ELA department before summer comes along.In Part 1, Amanda will address the research behind the summer slide and designing the PURPOSE of your summer reading program.In Part 2, Amanda will continue the reimagining of the program by discussing what CHOICE and INTERACTION could look like as the second and third components.Resources:Watch the video version of this episodeThe First Ten Days of School:  Amanda’s WalkthroughSHOW NOTES: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/home/episode252"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

Did you catch last week’s episode? If not, listen here! In that conversation, we gave our initial reaction to the Atlantic article, The Elite College Students Who Can’t Read Books. Need the TL;DR? The article claims Gen Z is reading the fewest amount of books in recent history and some of the adverse effects of shifting to skill-focused learning. Today, we’re continuing the discussion, with a focus on college readiness.  The article shares the perspective of college professors who are finding their students unable to keep up with the reading. So what does that say about our high schoolers? Well, it’s not just about students struggling with books! It’s about an education system that’s set them up to prioritize achievement over learning. In this episode, we talk about the race to college, the stress that students are under, and why so many of them feel disconnected from reading.Instead of pointing fingers, let’s figure out how educators can meet students where they are, spark their curiosity, and make reading feel less like a chore and more like an experience. We think through some practical strategies to bring reading back to life in the classroom (and have lots of episodes linked in the show notes on how to help achieve this). We’re definitely at a turning point in the history of education - and it’s not all doom and gloom! We truly feel that we’re all going to come out better on the other side of it all.To continue this conversation, join us in Happy Hour, where we’re working together to plan and put things into practice!Resources:Download your discussion guideThe Elite College Students Who Can’t Read BooksEducator Atlantic Subscription"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

Are students reading less than ever before? In this episode, we dive into The Atlantic article The Elite College Students Who Can’t Read Books and unpack its bold claims about reading full books, attention spans, technology, and the shift toward skill-focused education. We’re asking the tough questions and sharing our real reactions!One thing is for sure. If we want students to read, we need to be intentional about how we build our curriculum! Grab our discussion guide to reflect on this conversation, and join Curriculum Rehab for the tools to create engaging, student-centered lessons. Plus, stay tuned for part two next week, where we’ll tackle college readiness and what comes next!SHOW NOTES: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/episode250"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

Today we’re fully embracing the energy of spring - because what better time to refresh our bookshelves and reignite our love for reading?! We’re buzzing with excitement over all the amazing new releases coming out, from Emily Henry’s Great Big Beautiful Life to John Green’s Everything is Tuberculosis. If you’re anything like us, your TBR list is about to explode, and honestly, we wouldn’t have it any other way!We’re sharing our top books that we cannot wait to read this spring, and hopefully this episode is coming your way just in time for spring break. We don’t know about you, but we’re shooting for no less than three books a day over here 😉.  And we’re hoping that maybe there’s one or two we can use in the classroom as well! Send us a DM on Instagram @bravenewteaching and let us know what’s on your spring reading list.PS: We’re not just here to talk about what we’re reading! We’ve got some homework for you, too! We’ll be diving into a two-part discussion on The Atlantic’s article The Elite College Students Who Can’t Read Books in our next couple of episodes. If you want to be part of that conversation (and trust me, you do), give the article a read and get ready to unpack it with us!All the titles we talk about in the episode are listed in the show notes and you can shop all of the spring titles on Bookshop.org (Amanda’s List | Marie’s List) or Amazon.SHOW NOTES: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/home/episode249"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

Marie here! Did you know that I teach high school English AND theatre? From early mornings with (multiple cups of) coffee in hand to juggling English lessons and theatre rehearsals, my days as a high school teacher are anything but boring. In this episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of a typical day in my life - showing you how I bring creativity into my classroom and balance all the moving parts of being a teacher.This day was extra special because I am transforming my English classroom into a giant cozy reading fort. I’m bringing you along as I do it and you’ll hear how my students responded to it as we kick off a Fantasy unit centered around the question “Why do we pursue escape?”. Plus I’ll share what book snaps are. Your students will love it!Then, you’ll hear me jump into full-on theatre production mode as I wrap up the school day. It’s a 16-hour day condensed into 15 minutes of audio! If you like this type of episode and want more vlog-style episodes, send us a DM on Instagram. We would love to bring you more!SHOW NOTES: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/home/episode248"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