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

In this week’s team meeting, we share what we’ve been reading and swap book recommendations (and a few that didn’t quite land). Then we dive into an Edutopia reel about being a “warm demander” in the classroom, exploring how to hold students to high expectations while building strong, respectful relationships. We break down what this actually looks like in real moments, plus share tips that you can apply in your own classroom! Resources: Become a founding beta tester of Brave New Teaching University. Edutopia’s warm demander reel Watch BNT episodes on YouTube! Shop Our Faves. Related Episodes: Episode 223, The Sherlock Society: An Interview with Author James Ponti Episode 283, Resistant Readers Need the Four Reading Realms: A Walkthrough - BNT Team Meeting Episode 288, Pardon Us - STOP Meeting Students Where They Are?!?! - BNT Team Meeting SHOW NOTES: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/home/episode289 "Send us a message - please include your contact information so we can chat soon!" Head to bravenewteaching.com/waitlist to become a beta tester for BNT University!

Ever feel like every headline about teaching is trying to make you panic? That was the reaction this week when reading The Atlantic article claiming teachers should stop meeting students where they are. We unpack what it really means, share recent reads, and highlight classroom and library projects. Check out the article, and see what conversations it sparks in your own teaching! Resources: Atlantic Article: Stop Meeting Students Where They Are Watch BNT episodes on YouTube! Shop Our Faves. Let us know what you think! Here’s How to Fix It - BNT Team Meeting Episode 283, Resistant Readers Need the Four Reading Realms: A Walkthrough - BNT Team Meeting SHOW NOTES: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/home/episode288 "Send us a message - please include your contact information so we can chat soon!" Head to bravenewteaching.com/waitlist to become a beta tester for BNT University!

🔗 Grab our FREE 100% Engagement Listening Guide to get even more out of this episode! What if 100% engagement isn’t about doing more, but about choosing differently? After two episodes with the authors of 100% Engagement, this is our real classroom debrief. We share what happened when we actually tried the strategies, from reworking Book Snaps to spark better conversations to adapting a musical chairs–style activity into a fast-paced fiction preview. We unpack engagement vs. compliance, small shifts that changed lesson energy, and why engagement is part of our professional responsibility...not a performance! Resources: 100% Engagement Listening Guide (FREE!) Become a founding beta tester of Brave New Teaching University. Take our quiz, and we’ll send you an episode playlist that’s tailored just for you! 100% Engagement by Brian Sztabnik and Susan Barber Watch BNT episodes on YouTube! Shop Our Faves Related Episodes: Episode 285, 100% Engagement (Part 1) Episode 286, 100% Engagement (Part 2) SHOW NOTES: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/home/episode287 "Send us a message - please include your contact information so we can chat soon!" Head to bravenewteaching.com/waitlist to become a beta tester for BNT University!

What do you do when last period feels like it’s dragging and everyone, including you, is running on fumes? In part two of our conversation with Brian Sztabnik and Susan Barber, we share quick, high-energy strategies to reset the room, from Top Chef–inspired build challenges to two-sentence horror stories and poetry puzzles that get students moving and thinking fast. We also talk meme projects for Pride and Prejudice, character playlists for Frankenstein, and how to build a classroom culture where it’s safe to care. Most importantly, we remind you that engagement doesn’t have to be nonstop chaos. Sometimes quiet reading and plot review are exactly what your students need, and what you’re doing already matters. Resources: 100% Engagement Listening Guide (FREE!) Watch BNT episodes on YouTube! Shop Our Faves. Related Episodes: Episode 96, How to Select Choice Reading + Our 20 Favorite Classroom Books Episode 191, Project Based Learning: An Interview with Danielle Hicks Episode 282, We’re Building Our ELA Units WRONG. Here’s How to Fix It Episode 284, 100% Engagement (Part 1) ✨ SHOW NOTES: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/home/episode286 "Send us a message - please include your contact information so we can chat soon!" Head to bravenewteaching.com/waitlist to become a beta tester for BNT University!

🔗 Grab our FREE 100% Engagement Listening Guide to get even more out of this episode! Ever feel inspired by great teaching ideas, but they never quite make it into real lessons? In this episode, we kick off a special 3-part series with Brian Sztabnik and Susan Barber, co-authors of 100% Engagement, to share practical, doable ways to boost participation, collaboration, and authentic engagement - without a total classroom overhaul. From their journey as co-authors to honest conversations about student buy-in and boredom, we dig into what real engagement actually looks like. You’ll also hear rapid-fire classroom scenarios and strategies that get students talking, moving, and genuinely invested. Resources: 100% Engagement Listening Guide (FREE!) Become a founding beta tester of Brave New Teaching University. Take our quiz, and we’ll send you an episode playlist that’s tailored just for you! 100% Engagement by Brian Sztabnik and Susan Barber Much Ado About Teaching Watch BNT episodes on YouTube! Shop Our Faves. Related Episodes: Episode 96, How to Select Choice Reading + Our 20 Favorite Classroom Books Episode 191, Project Based Learning: An Interview with Danielle Hicks Episode 199, Lesson Plan Rescue: Not Enough Books "Send us a message - please include your contact information so we can chat soon!" Head to bravenewteaching.com/waitlist to become a beta tester for BNT University!

Super Bowl weekend is here, and while the game is fun, we’re really here for the commercials, and how to teach them well! In this team meeting, we share book talk and a clear plan for tackling Super Bowl commercial analysis. You’ll hear practical, classroom-ready steps using tools like the Four Reading Realms and SPACE CAT to help students have stronger conversations, deeper analysis, and way more buy-in! Resources: My 2026 Amazon List 4 Reading Realms Webinar (free!) Rhetorical Analysis Starter Kit Watch BNT episodes on YouTube! Shop Our Faves. Related Episodes: Episode 178, Unit Makeover: Rhetorical Analysis Episode 280, New Year Teacher Trends for 2026: Goals, Books, and Real Talk Episode 282, We’re Building Our ELA Units WRONG. Here’s How to Fix it. Episode 283, Resistant Readers Need the Four Reading Realms: A Walkthrough - BNT Team Meeting SHOW NOTES: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/home/episode284 "Send us a message - please include your contact information so we can chat soon!" Head to bravenewteaching.com/waitlist to become a beta tester for BNT University!

Resistant readers are often reacting to confusion, not a lack of ability, and that’s exactly where the Four Reading Realms come in! In this episode, we walk through a framework Amanda developed to clarify the purpose behind different reading tasks, helping students understand what kind of thinking is required and why it matters. By separating reading into intentional realms (focused on identity, perseverance, efficiency, and discernment), we can set clearer expectations, build trust, and support deeper engagement, even for students who have struggled with reading in the past. 🔗 Resources: Webinar: The Four Reading Realms Become a founding beta tester of Brave New Teaching University! Watch BNT episodes on YouTube! Shop Our Faves. Related Episodes: Episode 276, Ok, but what if the secret to getting them to read is getting them to WRITE??? Episode 280, New Year Teacher Trends for 2026: Goals, Books, and Real Talk Episode 282, We’re Building Our ELA Units WRONG. Here’s How to Fix it. SHOW NOTES: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/home/episode283 "Send us a message - please include your contact information so we can chat soon!" Head to bravenewteaching.com/waitlist to become a beta tester for BNT University!

What if our obsession with data is actually distracting us from the real work? In this team meeting, we dig into how a “data first” or “book first” approach can miss the human side of learning and why culture and engagement have to come first. We look ahead to what teaching needs to look like in 2026, sharing a conversation-first planning workflow that starts with what students actually care about and then selects the skills and texts that support those conversations! Resources: Become a founding beta tester of Brave New Teaching University! Watch BNT episodes on YouTube! Shop Our Faves. Related Episodes: Episode 221, Back to School Survival Kit for Teachers Episode 280, New Year Teacher Trends for 2026: Goals, Books, and Real Talk Episode 281, SEL and Organic Community Really Are This Simple SHOW NOTES: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/home/episode282 "Send us a message - please include your contact information so we can chat soon!" Head to bravenewteaching.com/waitlist to become a beta tester for BNT University!

Are you absolutely crawling through January molasses, too? I know I am! In this week’s Team BNT meeting we’re talking honestly about what happens when tired, overwhelmed students are trying (and failing) to keep everything in their heads as finals approach. I share simple, repeatable routines that help students reduce anxiety, take control of their time, and build real classroom community. We also touch on real teacher life during this stretch, from finals grading and midyear resets to Costco snack runs, and wrap up with a sneak peek at Brave New Teaching University, our upcoming space designed to make everything we’ve created more organized, usable, and supportive for teachers in 2026 and beyond! Resources: NEW: Watch BNT episodes on YouTube! Shop Our Faves. Related Episodes: Episode 276, Ok, But What if the Secret to Getting Them to Read is Getting Them to WRITE?? Episode 277, Phones, Chromebooks, AI, and the Battle for Their Attention (Send Help!) Episode 278, Kids Have Officially Forgotten How to Play, and We're Going to Help Them Remember! Episode 279, 2026 Will Bring Uncomfortable Shifts, and That’s a Really Good Thing Episode 280, New Year Teacher Trends for 2026: Goals, Books, and Real Talk - BNT Team Meeting SHOW NOTES: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/home/episode281 "Send us a message - please include your contact information so we can chat soon!" Head to bravenewteaching.com/waitlist to become a beta tester for BNT University!

New year, new team meeting, and it’s Amanda behind the mic kicking off 2026 with what’s been on my mind lately. In this episode, I share updates from my move into an elementary school library role, why curated is my word of the year, and how that mindset is shaping everything from my home to my business. We also talk reading goals, audiobooks, and how my feelings about reading numbers have shifted over time. I wrap things up by zooming out to the bigger picture of teaching and leave you with one essential question every department should be asking as we plan for what’s next! 🔗 Resources: Amanda’s Top Reads of 2025 My One Word Activity Watch BNT episodes on YouTube! Shop Our Faves. Related Episodes: Episode 275, Fine, We Can Game-ify Reading (But No Gimmicks!) Episode 276, Ok, But What if the Secret to Getting Them to Read is Getting Them to WRITE?? Episode 277, Phones, Chromebooks, AI, and the Battle for Their Attention (Send Help!) Episode 278, Kids Have Officially Forgotten How to Play, and We're Going to Help Them Remember! SHOW NOTES: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/home/episode280 "Send us a message - please include your contact information so we can chat soon!" Head to bravenewteaching.com/waitlist to become a beta tester for BNT University!

If you’re limping toward break and just trying to survive the week, this episode is a quick, honest team meeting and much-needed reality check. I reflect on how teaching has shifted since 2020, how AI and technology are changing our classrooms, and why many old strategies no longer work. This isn’t about changing everything now, but about planting seeds for a future shift and giving yourself permission to finish the year tired, steady, and still hopeful! This Lesson Helps Students Decide Gen Z is Redefining Work - and Driving Their Managers Mad NEW: Watch BNT episodes on YouTube! Shop Our Faves. More BNT Team Meetings: Episode 275, Fine, We Can Game-ify Reading (But No Gimmicks!) Episode 276, Ok, But What if the Secret to Getting Them to Read is Getting Them to WRITE?? Episode 277, Phones, Chromebooks, AI, and the Battle for Their Attention (Send Help!) Episode 278, Kids Have Officially Forgotten How to Play, and We're Going to Help Them Remember! SHOW NOTES: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/home/episode279 "Send us a message - please include your contact information so we can chat soon!" Head to bravenewteaching.com/waitlist to become a beta tester for BNT University!

If your algorithm has also been screaming “screens are ruining humanity!” at you lately, then you’re right at home with us in this week’s team meeting. We break down the tech panic, talk about why students are tech comfortable but not tech fluent, and shift the focus back to building real human skills through creativity and play. From improv to pantomime, we’re exploring simple, screen-free ways to help kids think again, plus teasing our New Year’s “Favorite Things” party where we’ll swap our go-to play-based activities for the new term. Resources: Article: We Asked Executives What Skills Young Works Are Missing. Can Learn From Finland, Where School Starts at Age 7 NEW: Watch BNT episodes on YouTube! Shop Our Faves. SHOW NOTES: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/home/episode278 "Send us a message - please include your contact information so we can chat soon!" Head to bravenewteaching.com/waitlist to become a beta tester for BNT University!

Screens are running the show, and we need to talk about it! Phones, Chromebooks, AI - they’re everywhere, and they’re changing how students focus, work, and just be. I (it's Marie!) break down two articles, one on how kids think we can get them off their phones, and another on how screen time is shaping education. From chaos during unstructured time to AI cheating popping up everywhere, it’s a lot to navigate. I also share a few screen-free ideas for your classroom and would love to hear how this shows up for you. Resources: Article: What Kids Told Us About How to Get Them Off Their Phones Article: The Screen That Ate Your Child’s Education The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt Generation Me by Jean M. Twenge NEW: Watch BNT episodes on YouTube! Shop Our Faves. SHOW NOTES: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/home/episode277 "Send us a message - please include your contact information so we can chat soon!" Head to bravenewteaching.com/waitlist to become a beta tester for BNT University!

In this week's Brave New Teaching team meeting, Marie's going a bit off-script with an idea that has been bouncing around her head the last couple weeks about how to get students to engage with reading and the literacy epidemic that is plaguing society at large (it's a lot, we know...). Is the secret to getting students reading actually in just getting them to try things they are resistant to? Perhaps yes, perhaps no, but we won't know until we try! All that, plus a couple ideas to try in your classroom this week! Resources: Boston Globe article: Schools are accommodating student anxiety - and making it worse SHOW NOTES: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/home/episode276 "Send us a message - please include your contact information so we can chat soon!" Head to bravenewteaching.com/waitlist to become a beta tester for BNT University!

Consider this your official invite to our Brave New Teaching team meeting! We’re catching you up on life, sharing what’s happening in our classrooms and libraries, and digging into why fun and whimsy are essential for bringing joy back to reading. We talk about the real challenges of getting students excited about books, our evolving thoughts on “gamifying” reading, and the gimmicks (or whimsy!) that actually work. Resources: The Atlantic article: America is Sliding Toward Illiteracy Noa App Flipster App NEW: Watch BNT episodes on YouTube! Shop Our Faves. Related Episodes: Episode 250, Teachers React: The Elite College Students Who Can’t Read Books - Part 1 Episode 251, Teachers React: The Elite College Students Who Can’t Read Books - Part 2 Episode 271, Back to School: State of the BNT Union + Reading Update SHOW NOTES: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/home/episode275 "Send us a message - please include your contact information so we can chat soon!" Head to bravenewteaching.com/waitlist to become a beta tester for BNT University!

Think you’ve seen all the dystopia books out there? Think again! In part three of our “Teaching Dystopia” series, we share hidden gems, fresh picks, and classics, from middle grade survival stories to YA novels exploring climate change and government control. We highlight favorites like Alone and Station Eleven, plus TV and movie options like The Simpsons and Fringe to spark discussion and critical thinking. Want more on this topic?

Have you ever felt like dystopia is the genre that just keeps on giving? In part two of our dystopia series, we focus on the essential skills that make these texts come alive in your classroom, showing why depth beats covering everything superficially. We explore how teaching students to notice author moves like juxtaposition helps them analyze tension, themes, and contrasts, keeping analysis at the heart of your unit. Plus, we share practical tips for streamlining your dystopia units, staying focused, and even embracing a little boredom to spark creativity. Hang tight for our next episode, packed with new text recommendations and ideas to refresh your curriculum! Resources: NEW: Watch BNT episodes on YouTube! Teaching Dystopia Workshop Shop Our Faves. Episode 272, Teaching Dystopia: New Essential Questions to Try Related Episodes: Episode 61, Living in a Dystopian World Episode 81, Essential Question Workshop: Dystopia (Woohoo!) Episode 171, New Dystopian Texts & Supplements for Your ELA Classroom Episode 172, 3 Secrets to Teaching Dystopia SHOW NOTES: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/home/episode273 "Send us a message - please include your contact information so we can chat soon!" Head to bravenewteaching.com/waitlist to become a beta tester for BNT University!

Ready to refresh your dystopia unit? In this episode, we explore how to make the genre feel fresh, relevant, and engaging for today’s students by rethinking essential questions and diving deeper into structure, theme, and skill connections. From moving beyond the classic “Is America a dystopia?” debate to exploring what it means to rebuild a broken world, you’ll get ideas for inquiry-driven lessons that inspire critical thinking and connection to real-life issues. This is a kickoff to our three-part dystopia series, so head back here next week! Resources: NEW: Watch this episode on YouTube! Shop Our Faves Teaching Dystopia Workshop Join Happy Hour! Shop more BNT resources Free Training: Down with the Reading Quiz Join Curriculum Rehab Connect with us on Instagram @bravenewteaching Follow Marie on Instagram: @wellhelloitsmarie Follow Amanda on Instagram: @mudandinkteaching Let us know what you think!

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!" Head to bravenewteaching.com/waitlist to become a beta tester for BNT University!

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 independent reading more joyful, flexible, and student-centered. This isn’t just a planning convo. It’s a mindset shift. We’re talking about modeling our own reading lives, creating routines that support real growth, and designing a program that meets students where they are. Whether you’re launching independent reading right away or easing in later, this episode will help you build an experience that’s authentic and doable! Related Episodes: Episode 96, How to Select Choice Reading + Our 20 Favorite Classroom Books Episode 110, August Dreams (September Realities) Back to School Episode 139, Independent Reading Series (Interview w/ Dr. Jenna Copper) Episode 140, Independent Reading Series (Interview w/ Abby Gross) Episode 250, Teachers React: The Elite College Students Who Can’t Read Books - Part 1 Teachers React: The Elite College Students Who Can’t Read Books -Part 2 SHOW NOTES: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/home/episode270 "Send us a message - please include your contact information so we can chat soon!" Head to bravenewteaching.com/waitlist to become a beta tester for BNT University!