Teaching Middle School ELA

I have been teaching middle school for 20 years, and I can honestly say that EB has been the most valuable resource I’ve ever encountered. The practical strategies I’ve gained from the podcasts, EB Academics membership, and the Facebook group professional development sessions have truly transformed my teaching experience. I joined EB this summer on a whim, initially feeling skeptical. Before EB, I spent a lot of money on Teachers Pay Teachers and other subscription services that never worked out for me, but since becoming a member, I haven’t needed to purchase anything else. My students often mention how much they hope to read more stories like the EB pre-assessment story Dishonest Dilemma, and it’s been so rewarding to watch them engage with The Mystery of the Broken Vase and The Mystery of the Stolen Pearl. What a pleasantly surprising response to reading and writing instruction! Their enthusiasm for reading has surpassed anything I’ve seen outside of classic novel studies like The Outsiders or A Long Walk to Water. Additionally, EB’s Daily Bellringer program provides students with meaningful skill review, and their Vocabulary Program offers creative and effective tools to deepen students’ understanding and use of new words. EB makes learning fun and meaningful. The podcast topics—such as “How to Fit It All In,” “Perfectionism,” “Templates,” “Using Chat-GPT/AI,” “The Power of Weekly Routines,” “Mini Socratic Seminars,” and “Creating a Thriving Classroom Culture”—all too numerous to list but incredibly invaluable. Each week, I look forward to fresh, simple ideas to try in my classroom. These practical, organized, and easy-to-implement strategies have enriched my teaching toolbox and helped my classroom run smoothly. Most importantly, EB has changed my mindset about planning, grading, and even my weekends. I now feel empowered and refreshed, rather than overwhelmed and chained to my work. Implementing these resources has given me the freedom to enjoy teaching and grading as something I get to do, not have to do. I wholeheartedly recommend EB to any educator looking to transform their teaching and rediscover the joy in their work.

Going through the episodes now and finding so many practical tips that don’t take much to implement immediately. I appreciate that!

In a world where most resources are dedicated to early elementary education and late secondary education, middle school students and teachers can often fall through the cracks. There are many podcasts available to listen, but all seem to be offering a gimmick for your success. Teaching Middle School ELA does not have a gimmick for anyone to follow. They simply highlight the tools and resources you may already have to become the best teacher you can be. I have been doing a lot of work, rereading The First Days of School by Harry Wong, which many claim is an outdated source. I believe this podcast is a modern equivalent to this quintessential teaching manual. Never once have I listened to an episode and felt, “This doesn’t really apply to me.” Perhaps the beauty of this podcast is its mirror to The First Days of School: it’s timeless and can be adapted for any classroom, any teacher, at any time of the year. The podcast and teacher portal are built to lift teachers up and can be done with minimal equipment. Another unique quality about this podcast is its approach to teacher confidence and sense of self. She provides the hard talks of therapy to bring out the best in everyone, which is the foundation to the amazing progress and achievement teachers crave. Because of the EB Academics team, I will be walking into this school year refreshed, confident, and empowered. Thank you EB Academics! You have changed my mindset permanently.

I teach 7th grade ELA. I love listening on my way to work. I am always inspired, get helpful tips for managing the numerous tasks teachers have, and am becoming a better teacher.