Secondary ELA Grading Hacks

As secondary English teachers, we know how important it is for our students to learn to write well. We also know that oftentimes means we have over a hundred papers to grade. 

Please Judge These Books: Our Favorite Books of 2022

The golden rule of reading is “don’t judge a book by its cover,” and even though I’m not in this instance, it would lead to the same decision: buy it, read it, love it. This last year has been filled with beautiful book after beautiful book and entertaining storyline after entertaining storyline....

Perfect Pear-ings

Your Bow Tie Literacy Guy Michael Guevara is showcasing his favorite book pairings! Add these titles to your classroom library and download an accompanying ELA lesson. Happy reading!

Using Cornell Notes in Your AP® Government Classroom

AP^® instructor and consultant Brian Stevens shares how he implements Cornell Notes in his AP^® Government classroom. Be sure to download his template below and share it with your class!

Best YA Debut Authors of 2022

Jennifer Epping shares her top five favorite young adult debut authors of 2022. There's stories of the apocalypse, a moon goddess, budding romances, and coming-of-age stories. Pick up one of these stories and download the accompanying lessons now!

Introducing the College Essay with Body Maps

If you teach seniors, you probably spend time on writing strategies for the dreaded college essay. Jennifer Nash provides a way to lead into teaching the college essay that's more engaging than a practice essay. 

Halloweenie Books

October is spooky month so what better way to embrace the season than books with mutant teenagers, witches, vampires, and more! Michael Guevara offers five recommendations for Halloween related books and provides an accompanying lesson for each. 

Does Gatsby Really Matter? Combating Apathy in the ELA Classroom

Given that lately I am as burnt out as they come, I found myself wanting to do something unusual.

September is Friendship Month!

September is here, which marks the start of the new school year, new routines, new classes, and new friendships! 

If You Build It, They Will Read

Last week during her first week of school, I had a conversation with a fresh-out-of-college-first-year teacher who was spending her evenings typing up grammar practice slides to keep students busy and, hopefully, ward off behavior issues.