The Teaching Toolbox - A Podcast for Middle School Teachers

We’ve covered a lot in our 100 episodes, but now in our third season, we have decided to take a break, to re-energize, re-focus, and re-evaluate. We hope you’ve enjoyed listening, and that if you want to hear more, you reach out and let us know.

Today, we’re unpacking how perfectionism shows up in our work, what it costs us, and how to aim for purposeful progress instead of polished perfection. Because your students don’t need perfect—they need present. Topics Discussed How Perfectionism Shows Up in Teaching (and Why It’s a Problem) Why Middle School Teachers Are Especially Prone to Perfectionism Practical Mindset Shifts and Strategies to...

We’ve all been there—you're using your go-to behavior strategy... maybe proximity, a private redirection, or a behavior chart—and the student either ignores it, rolls their eyes, or doubles down. It’s frustrating for sure. And it’s happening more often. Traditional classroom management tools are no longer effective with some middle school students. So what do you do when the old systems don’t cut...

Reluctant learners aren’t new—but in today’s classrooms, they’re showing up in new ways. Maybe it’s disengagement. Maybe it’s anxiety. Maybe it’s resistance that masks a struggle. Today we’re unpacking who these students are, why they might be hesitant to engage, and most importantly, how we can help them re-engage, build confidence, and start to thrive again. Topics Discussed Who Are Reluctant Le...

When you think of classroom jobs, you probably picture elementary students passing out papers or feeding the class pet. But what about middle schoolers? Can classroom jobs actually work with tweens and teens… or will you just be met with eye rolls and resistance? Topics Discussed Classroom jobs that work at the middle school level Pros and cons of classroom jobs Tips for success with classroom job...

In a world where information is just a click away, are we doing students a disservice by banning cheat sheets… or are we setting them up to fail when they don’t have formulas, definitions, chemicals, and other important information memorized? Topics Discussed What are cheat sheets? Pros and cons of cheat sheets Tips for using reference guides effectively Resources Ellie’s Math Wheels/ELA Wheels ht...

Today, we’re diving into a quick supply survival episode: what you actually need for middle school students, how to store it all without losing your mind, and how to make it work whether students stay in your room or rotate between classes. Topics Discussed Why it's worth worrying about supplies How to organize supplies Supply storage tips Resources https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Supp...

When students leave class for different services—like pull-out interventions or ELL support—it’s a great resource. But it can also mean missing key classroom moments and disruptions.. Teachers often ask: How do I help those students catch up without slowing down the class? And if service providers come  into  the room, how do we keep things smooth and focused? So today we’re diving into...

In this episode, we’re breaking down how to make parent communication more strategic, sustainable, and supportive for everyone involved. We’ll talk about why it matters, what methods actually work, and how to set yourself up with realistic systems that won’t take over your week. Topics Discussed WHY parent communication matters HOW to manage parent communication A parent communication game plan Re...

Ever feel like the first few weeks of school are a tornado of papers, emails, meetings, and missed to-dos? You are not alone. But what if you could start the year with systems that actually stick—and save you time in the long run? Topics Discussed Digital organization The paper monster Communication systems Resources https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Back-to-School-Meet-the-Teacher-...

Today we’re throwing it back to Episode 40, where we chatted about one of the ultimate teacher survival tools—meal prep. If you’ve ever found yourself eating dry cereal out of a mug during your lunch break, this one’s for you. Ellie and I will be back next week with all-new back to school episodes! Resources Phomemo Printer: https://amzn.to/3UP3BDI  Please subscribe on your favorite platform so y...

We’re rolling into late July with a replay of Episode 46—this one’s all about setting clear student expectations, encouraging neatness, and building those essential classroom habits. It’s packed with simple ideas that make a big difference. Don’t worry, Brittany and I will be back soon with new content in August! Resources: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/1327650?utm_source=TCCBN-POD&a...

This week, we’re bringing back Episode 42 from last year, where we break down what to actually do on those very first days of school. From routines to relationship-building, it’s all in here. Keep soaking up the summer, and Ellie and I will be back in August with fresh back to school episodes! Resources: 10 Team Building Games: https://thecoloradoclassroom.com/10-team-building-games Pentominoes Bl...

Today’s replay is Episode 43 from last summer, and it’s all about one of our favorite things—teacher supplies. Yep, we’re talking flair pens, sticky notes, and the must-haves that make our teacher hearts happy. Take a listen, and don’t worry—Brittany and I will be back in August with brand-new episodes just in time for the new school year! Resources Ellie Blog Post: https://cognitivecardiomath.com...

We’re taking a little summer break, but we’re kicking off our July replay series with one of our top episodes from last year—Episode 41, all about prepping your classroom for a new school year. Whether it’s your bulletin boards or your brain that needs organizing, this one’s full of ideas. Ellie and I will be back in August with fresh back to school content! Related Episodes Check out episode 31 o...

Ready for a lightning round of games, creativity, and laughter? This episode is packed with ideas to add some FUN back into your classroom. Topics Discussed Low-Prep, High-Fun Classroom Games Let’s Build Something! Digital Fun That Feels Like Play Bring the Joy, Every Day Speed Ideas Resources https://cognitivecardiomath.com/digital-math-activities/ Related Episodes Episode 16: https://teachingtoo...

Reading isn't enough. We want our students to truly understand the material, right? Today's guest, Tina, is sharing some fantastic strategies that work well with middle school students. Connect with today's guest Website - www.teachwithtina.com TPT Store - https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/tina-kolley-teach-with-tina Facebook - Teach-With-Tina - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1000...

Is your teaching assignment moving to middle school for the first time? Don't panic! Today we're talking about what you need, like mental tools, physical tools, and all the in-between to not just survive but thrive during this season of transition. Topics Discussed Mindset Shifts – “You’re Not Starting Over” The Practical Toolbox Emotional & Social Tools Expect Chaos... and Embrace It Ellie’s...

We're bringing back a favorite guest, Leah Cleary, to share her tips on preparing students to transition to high school smoothly. This conversation includes everything from critical thinking, writing, scaffolding, organization, mindset, and collaboration. Stuff your teaching toolbox with fresh ideas from Leah, today. Connect with today's guest Teach students to annotate standards. It’s the first s...

In this episode, we have Andrea here from History Gal to talk about the transition to high school.  Andrea had the opportunity to work in a freshman academy which gave students a year to prepare for transitioning to high school. Today she'll share some tips on how we can support middle school students during their transition to high school. Connect with today's guest: Andrea's blog: htt...

The transition to middle school can be challenging so today we have a guest who has experience teaching both elementary and middle school. Let's talk transitions with Martina from The Hungry Teacher. Connect with today's guest Hub ELA teacher membership waitlist: Free Middle School ELA Teacher Toolkit  https://thehungryteachercollective.mykajabi.com/hungryteacherhubwaitlist   Free Middle...

Rather than carrying all that clutter in your mind—or worse, accidentally letting great ideas slip through the cracks—what if you had a simple, effective way to get it all out, organize it, and come back fresh next year? Well, spoiler alert… you do! That’s what brain dumps are all about. In today’s episode, we’re breaking down what they are, how they work, the science behind why they’re so powerfu...

Just because the school year’s wrapping up doesn’t mean our work is done. In fact, this is PRIME TIME for something super important… giving your students the kind of feedback that doesn’t just slap a period at the end of their year—but leaves them feeling seen, motivated, and ready to crush whatever’s next. Report card comments, one-on-one chats, end-of-year conferences today, we’re digging into h...

Today, we're exploring a topic that's close to our hearts: the power of read-alouds in the classroom. Topics Discussed Research about the value of read alouds Balancing read alouds with independent reading How to use them in the classroom A list of our favorite books for middle school read alouds Please subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode . Whether it’s  Spotify ,...

The wonderfully complex world of teaching English Language Arts—otherwise known as ELA. The subject that has it all—novels, grammar drills, essays, creative writing, and that classic moment when a student asks, “Why do I need to know what a gerund is?” ELA isn’t just about reading books and writing essays. It’s about developing critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills that students...