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

INDEPENDENT READING: Breaking Down the Backwards Design for ELA Classrooms [Ep 270]

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 BooksEpisode 110, August Dreams (September Realities) Back to SchoolEpisode 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 1Teachers React: The Elite College Students Who Can’t Read Books -Part 2SHOW NOTES: https://www.bravenewteaching.com/home/episode270"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

TJ KLUNE: A Conversation about The House in the Cerulean Sea [Ep 269]

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

HUDA FAHMY: A Conversation about Huda F Cares? [Ep 268]

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

LIBBA BRAY: A Conversation about Under the Same Stars [Ep 267]

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

KATIE BAYERL: A Conversation about What Comes After [Ep 266]

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