3 Hills to Die On - BNT Team Meeting [S7 EP. 295]

Listen to the full episode below:

Feeling a little feisty about the way we do things in our classrooms? So are we! This week, (Amanda here), I’m pulling up my soapbox solo to share three hills I will gladly die on when it comes to teaching. We’re talking strong opinions, meaningful changes, and just a little feather-rustling…all in the name of better teaching, of course!

First up: Shakespeare, but not the way you’ve always done it. I walk you through exactly why reading the Bard cover to cover, popcorn-style, needs to go and what to do instead. Then, I’m throwing confetti for ceremony. And by that, I mean celebrating kids for REAL milestones, not just the ones the world tells us matter. 

And finally, it’s time to talk vertical articulation. I know, it sounds departmental and serious, but the truth is, if we’re not getting on the same page about what we teach and when, we’re shortchanging our students’ time and growth. 

I’m curious which hills you’re camping out on. Send us a message on Instagram @bravenewteaching and give us your thoughts!

topics discussed:

  • Why reading Shakespeare out loud, cover to cover, needs to be a thing of the past

  • The importance of ceremony and meaningful milestones for students (that aren’t just participation trophies)

  • Creative ways to celebrate students’ reading journeys

  • Why vertical curriculum alignment matters (and what it actually looks like in practice)

  • The challenges and opportunities in working as a collaborative English department

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.

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