Apr 28, 2026
Spring fever is real — and if your middle school students are suddenly acting like they have forgotten how to sit, listen, think, or care, you are not alone.
In this episode, I’m sharing a fun poetry lesson I tried today when my students were restless, distracted, and not exactly eager to do “regular school.” I...
Mar 10, 2026
What makes a teacher truly effective?
Is it the lessons they design? The strategies they use? The test scores their students achieve?
In this episode of Two Middle School ELA Teachers by ELA Core Plans, we explore 12 characteristics of effective teachers that students consistently remember years later.
If you're a...
Feb 17, 2026
In this episode for Middle School ELA teachers, we tackle the nonstop “roast climate” that can hijack your class—yo mama jokes, put-downs, and the back-and-forth that feeds off the audience. You’ll learn how to tell the difference between joking and harmful comments using the Roast Scale, what to say in the...
Feb 17, 2026
In this episode, Shannon shares two quick, high-engagement writing activities you can use right away—even if winter weather has your schedule totally off track. You’ll hear how “The Day the Rules Disappeared” works as a persuasive writing lesson and a classroom reset, plus a fun Valentine’s option, “Break Up...
Feb 17, 2026
January can feel like the first day of school all over again—except your middle schoolers are louder, bolder, and ready to test every boundary. In this episode, we’re sharing practical, real-life strategies for middle school ELA teachers who need a true classroom reset after winter break. You’ll learn how to...