Pardon us - STOP Meeting Students Where They Are?!?! - BNT Team Meeting [S7 EP. 288]

Listen to the full episode below:

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. Hold up. That phrase has been a teaching mantra for years, but the nuance is worth unpacking: it’s not about lowering expectations, it’s about meeting students where they are and helping them grow. In true Team BNT style, the conversation dug in, sharing reactions and reflecting on how this plays out in classrooms and libraries.

We’re also sharing our recent reads! The reading list ranged from Heated Rivalry to historical fiction, fantasy, and contemporary plays such as John Proctor Is the Villain, sparking discussions about leadership, rhetoric, and argument. The takeaway? Reading lives are just as chaotic and delightful as the classrooms themselves.

We wrap up by letting you in on what’s going on in our classroom and library, from Monarch Award picture book brackets to fantasy units, costuming, and student-led theater productions. Dive in, grab the article, and see what conversations it sparks in your own classroom!

topics discussed:

  • What we’re currently reading: from historical fiction and fantasy to romance and contemporary plays

  • Our reactions to The Atlantic article: “Stop Meeting Students Where They Are” and what it really means

  • Checking our own teaching practices: when to slow down vs. ramp up rigor

  • Our classroom and library highlights: fantasy units, theater productions, and student voting on books

  • Strategies for connecting with students without lowering expectations

What We’re Reading:

resources:

check out other bnt episodes:

More about Brave New Teaching:

Join hosts Amanda Cardenas (Mud & Ink Teaching) and Marie Morris (The Caffeinated Classroom) in discussions about being brave, trying new things, and all things teaching! As seasoned classroom teachers, Amanda and Marie bring their experience, insight, energy, and oh, so many opinions and ideas... It's time for all teachers to take their classroom and teaching practice into their own hands!

Tune in on your favorite podcast apps like Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Amanda Cardenasbook recommendations