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

A new year brings new opportunities to refresh and refocus in the classroom! In this episode, we’re sharing strategies to help you simplify your teaching and make a big impact, from encouraging critical thinking to refining routines that work.Let’s start with critical thinking—it’s the foundation for preparing students to navigate today’s fast-paced, information-packed world. We’re talking about moving beyond content delivery and creating spaces where students ask questions, explore ideas, and think for themselves.We also dig into the power of reliable routines and consistency. These simple but essential practices keep your classroom running smoothly and stress-free. Plus, sticking with what works saves you time and helps your students feel secure and supported.If you’re ready to approach 2025 with clarity and purpose, this episode has everything you need to get started! 🥳Catch up on the NEW YEAR AT BNT series in the show notes: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/home/episode239Related Episodes:Episode 238, Looking Back/Looking ForwardEpisode 227, Code Breaking and Critical Thinking: An Interview with Ruta Sepetys and Steve SheinkinEpisode 29, To Streamline Classroom Management"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 two weeks into 2025, and as part of our New Year's series, we're diving into the world of tech. But before we get started, if you missed last week’s episode on new books, be sure to check it out—we left you with a bit of a cliffhanger that we’ll resolve at the beginning of this episode!Technology is constantly evolving and is everywhere around us, so if it feels overwhelming to keep up, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Remember, tech should make your life easier, not harder. That’s why we recommend sticking with the platforms you already know and love (hello, Google Docs!). Many of these tools have received helpful updates and are more powerful than ever.In this episode, we’ll discuss how to make the most of familiar tools, approach AI intentionally, and streamline your tech organization for better planning. Plus, we’ll share some new tech tools you should check out this year!If you’d like more support, this month in Happy Hour, we’re going deep into teacher digital planning and organization (and sharing Trello templates!). Join us here!Tools Mentioned:Google DocsGoogle SlidesPadletEdpuzzleCommonLitPictory MilanoteGoogle TasksTrelloSHOW NOTES: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/home/episode239"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

Happy New Year, Brave New Teachers! 🎉In this episode of the "Brave New Teaching" podcast, hosts Marie and Amanda chat about their reading goals for 2025, highlighting how literature can really boost both personal and professional growth. They toss around some great book recommendations like "The Poppy War" by R.F. Kuang, and they’re super excited about discovering new authors and upcoming book releases. They also explore the fun idea of starting family book clubs and the joy of sharing reading adventures with kids. Marie's Books:Financial FeministThis is So Awkward: Modern Puberty ExplainedOnyx StormAmanda's Books:The Goddess of WarsawSandwichThe Poppy WarCheck Amanda's reading lists on Amazon or Bookshop.orgCheck Marie's reading lists on Amazon or Bookshop.org"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

Teachers, it’s the home stretch to winter break and we hope you’re hanging in there! It’s hard to believe, but this is the LAST Brave New Teaching episode of 2024. It’s been quite a year, and we want to take a moment to reflect on the challenges and triumphs from the year. You’ll hear about our favorite podcast highlights and personal highlights from 2024, including interviewing incredible authors, featuring our kids on the podcast, and traveling to schools to offer PD to teachers. Plus, we’re sharing three big changes regarding this podcast and Happy Hour that will start in 2025.We can’t wait to support you in the best ways possible in the upcoming months by giving you more of what you need to make your jobs easier and less “stuff” that feels overwhelming. We would love you to join us in Happy Hour, our teacher work club. Cheers to all the good things coming your way in the new year! 🥂Related Episodes:Episode 236, The BNT Books of 2024Episode 227, Code Breaking and Critical Thinking: An Interview with Ruta Sepetys and Steve SheinkinEpisode 223, The Sherlock Society: An Interview with Author James PontiEpisode 208, Living with ADHD: Amanda’s Journey to DiagnosisSHOW NOTES: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/home/episode238"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

Grab our Sub Plan FREEBIE here!We’ve all had those days. The days when something happens and you just can’t go to work. You caught the stomach bug, your child is sick, or you have an emergency. Whatever the reason, the only thing worse is knowing that you have to scramble to put sub plans together!You don’t want your students to have a waste of a day, but you also don’t have the time to whip something together that fits into the unit you’re currently working on. Well friends, we’ve been there and today we have not just one, but several solutions for you!We’ve collaborated with some of our favorite ELA educators to provide you with a collection of simple, effective, and FREE emergency sub plans designed specifically for middle and high school English classrooms. With these ideas, your class can run smoothly even in your absence. So CHILL, because your ELA sub plans are ready and waiting!Head to this blog post to download ALL of the sub plans mentioned in this episode for FREE!Sub Plan Ideas:[09:39]  - Literacy Day Choice Board | Natayle Brown[12:18] - Any Article Literature Circles | Dr. Jenna Copper[14:01] - Play a Podcast | Ashley Bible[16:48] - Winter Arc Trend Debate | Abby Gross[20:47] - Core Skill Spiral Review |  Melissa Kruse [23:55] - Silent Discussion | Betsy Potash[26:35] - High-Interest Close Reads | Martina Cahill[29:44] - Literacy Analysis Activities for Any Text | Danielle Hicks[32:56] - Reflective Reading Journal |  Daina PetronisSHOW NOTES: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/home/episode237"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

As we approach the end of 2024, it’s the perfect time for an updated book recommendation episode. At the time of this recording, one of us is in a bit of a reading rut and the other is absolutely killing it! Whether you’re struggling to pick up a book in this season or can’t get through them fast enough, you’re in the right place.Today we’re sharing our favorite books of 2024 - and there’s something for everyone. We have picks in all the genres from fantasy to historical fiction to YA and more. All the titles we talk about in the episode are listed below and you can shop the BNT books of 2024 on Bookshop.org (Amanda’s List | Marie’s List) or on Amazon.Plus, we’re discussing a new favorite reading app, Fable! If you aren’t already on Fable, download it and let’s be friends! And if you have other book suggestions, send them our way on Instagram @bravenewteaching. Here’s to rounding out 2024 with some good reads and adding ideas to your 2025 TBR list!Books Mentioned:A Witch’s Guide to Fake Dating a Demon, by Sarah HawleyA Kiss of Iron, by Claire SagerThe House at Watch Hill, by Karen Marie MoningFirst Lie Wins, by Ashley ElstonBeach Read, by Emily HenryFunny Story, by Emily HenryDemon Copperhead, by Barbara KingsolverStone Blind, by Natalie HaynesHer Majesty’s Royal Coven, by Juno DawsonButcher and Blackbird, by Brynne WeaverHouse of the Cerulean Sea, by TJ KluneSerpent & Dove, by Shelby Mahurin Blood and Honey, by Shelby MahurinThe Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, by Sangu MandannaThrone of Glass, by Sarah J. MaasThe Wild Robot, by Peter BrownSafiyyah’s War, by Hiba Noor KhanThe Night War, by Kimberly Brubaker BradleyOther Words for Home, by Jasmine WargaMore Resources:App: Fable (Find Amanda Cardenas!)Once Upon a Book ClubSHOW NOTES: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/home/episode236"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

Join us for a quick minisode as we chat about harnessing our gratitude even when the semester at school has been challenging.  We're here for you and thankful for you -- always!"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

In this episode of Brave New Teaching, Amanda finishes a three-part series on teaching different types of analysis, this time focusing on scenario-based and game-based teaching methods. Amanda, a former English teacher from Illinois, leads the discussion, sharing three specific lesson ideas: Rhetoric Roll-the-Dice and The Spare Change Gameshow. The episode contains a full walk through of implementation ideas for each type of lesson, so tune in for an episode bursting with inspiration and practical next steps for a lesson you can use tomorrow!"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

In this episode of Brave New Teaching, Amanda continues a three-part series on teaching different types of analysis, this time focusing on visual teaching strategies to help students break apart a text. Amanda, a former English teacher from Illinois, leads the discussion, sharing three specific lesson ideas:  Map it Out, One Pager Quote, and the Literary Polaroid. The episode contains a full walk through of implementation ideas for each type of lesson, so tune in for an episode bursting with inspiration and practical next steps for a lesson you can use tomorrow!"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

In this episode of Brave New Teaching, Amanda and Marie launch a three-part series on teaching literary analysis, focusing on close reading and personification. Amanda, a former English teacher from Illinois, leads the discussion, sharing insights from a summer training session. She emphasizes the importance of breaking down texts to understand how authors use personification to convey deeper meanings.  The episode includes a detailed analysis of a passage from "I Must Betray You" by Ruta Sepetys, illustrating how personification enhances emotional depth in literature."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