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5 Spooky Stories for Your Secondary ELA Classroom This October

October is the perfect time to lean into the spooky side of literature. Middle and high school students love a good chill, and spooky stories offer just the right mix of suspense, intrigue, and teachable moments. Whether you’re looking for classics that pack a literary punch or a creative activity that gets your students writing,Continue reading “5 Spooky Stories for Your Secondary ELA Classroom This October”

3 Essential Authors to Read for Hispanic Heritage Month in Middle School

Hispanic Heritage Month is on September 15-October 15. It’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate the voices, stories, and perspectives that have shaped American literature. As English teachers, we have the unique chance to highlight authors who not only reflect diverse backgrounds but also connect with students on themes of identity, honesty, growing up, and findingContinue reading “3 Essential Authors to Read for Hispanic Heritage Month in Middle School”

5 Classroom Management Essentials for the Secondary Classroom

Looking for simple tools that make a big difference in your classroom? These six everyday essentials—from a sticky note seating chart to a Redcat microphone—help keep my secondary ELA class running smoothly. Practical, affordable (well, mostly!), and teacher-tested. Grab ideas you can start using tomorrow to simplify your routine!

Meaningful Classroom Decor for Secondary ELA

Let’s be honest—secondary students can sniff out a “fluff” poster from across the room. That’s why meaningful, content-rich decor matters. In an ELA classroom, wall space shouldn’t just be pretty—it should spark thinking, support learning, and build classroom culture. Here are some of my favorite go-to resources for decorating with intention: Reasons to Read BulletinContinue reading “Meaningful Classroom Decor for Secondary ELA”

How to Get Students Excited About the State Test

In my state (California), we administer the CAASPP state test to students. No matter where you teach, if you teach in a public setting, you probably have a state test to get your students ready for. Going over the content of the state test is all well and good, but getting them in the rightContinue reading “How to Get Students Excited About the State Test”