Best Brittany Naujok Podcasts (2025)

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87. Transitioning to High School with Leah Cleary 29:25

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7h ago29:25

29:25

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 Teac…

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86. Transitioning to High School with Andrea 24:57

7d ago24:57

24:57

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 …

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85. Transitioning to Middle School with Martina Cahill 24:24

14d ago24:24

24:24

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…

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84. Brain Dumps for Teachers 13:29

21d ago13:29

13:29

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 th…

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83. Giving Students Constructive Feedback as the Year Ends 14:17

28d ago14:17

14:17

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, e…

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82. Read Alouds in the Classroom 6:07

1M ago6:07

6:07

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 do…

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81. The Many Layers of Teaching ELA 17:06

1M ago17:06

17:06

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, c…

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80. Behavior Management in the Secondary Classroom 17:47

2M ago17:47

17:47

Today we have a guest sharing tools and strategies to support students with emotional behavioral challenges at the secondary level. We'll explore how to set students up for success in both general education and self-contained settings. Laila Modzelewski is a special education teacher currently working in a grades 3-5 LLD self-contained class in New…

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79. Creating Differentiation in Assignments Efficiently 17:58

2M ago17:58

17:58

Today, we’re exploring a topic that can truly transform your teaching—differentiation! And we’re not just talking about big, time-consuming strategies. We’re breaking down simple, efficient ways to differentiate assignments and lessons without doubling your workload. Topics Discussed Differentiation in note-taking Differentiation in lesson activiti…

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78. Test Prep & Test-Taking Strategies 16:00

2M ago16:00

16:00

If you’re a teacher looking for ways to better prepare your students for test-taking, you’re in the right place. Today, we’re looking into test prep strategies to help your students feel more confident and prepared for any exam. Topics Discussed TEACHING STUDENTS TO READ & UNDERSTAND QUESTIONS YEAR-ROUND TEST PREP THROUGH QUESTIONING TEACHING STUDE…

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77. Teaching Second Languages in Middle School with Ashley Mikkelsen 38:29

2M ago38:29

38:29

Today, we are here with a special guest, Ashley Mikkelsen of Señorita Spanish fame, to discuss the importance of teaching languages in middle school. Ashley is a secondary Spanish teacher from North Dakota. She’s currently on a break from classroom life to be home with her littles, but is looking forward to going back when all the munchkins are old…

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76. Teaching Ancient Greece 13:40

3M ago13:40

13:40

Ancient Greece has so much to offer, not just in terms of history but also in helping students develop critical skills and an appreciation for the past. Topics Discussed Why Ancient Greece is so important for middle schoolers Tools and Resources for Teaching Ancient Greece Tips for Engaging Students in Ancient Greece Resources Ancient Greece Activi…

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75. Using Maps in the Classroom 16:37

3M ago16:37

16:37

Today we’re investigating the role maps can play in the classroom, and not just in the geography classroom. Please subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. Whether it’s Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or some other listening app, we encourage you to take a moment to subscribe to The Teaching Toolbox. And if you fe…

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74. Using Timelines Across Subjects 10:17

3M ago10:17

10:17

Timelines are a simple yet powerful tool. Whether you teach history, science, literature, or even math, timelines can be a game-changer in your classroom. But we’re going even further today—what if timelines weren’t just in your classroom? What if they stretched through the entire school, showing students connections across all subjects, all spaces…

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73. Ellie’s Passion for Fractions Taught Right 13:52

3M ago13:52

13:52

Fraction operations can be one of the most challenging topics to teach. In today's episode Ellie shares about her journey in supporting teachers in the area of fractions. Resources Ellie’s Fraction Course - https://cognitive-cardio-math.thinkific.com/courses/teaching-fraction-operations Blog Post - https://cognitivecardiomath.com/cognitive-cardio-b…

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72. Test Corrections 18:53

4M ago18:53

18:53

When it comes to test corrections there is value in allowing students to learn from their mistakes, but it should be done thoughtfully. Today's episode will explore the pros and cons and give tips for and how to work test corrections into the mix for your schedule and your gradebook. Topics Discussed PROS of test corrections CONS of test correction…

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71. Teaching Fraction Operations 15:38

4M ago15:38

15:38

If teaching fraction operations feels daunting, then this episode full of fresh tips and strategies might be just what your teaching toolbox needs. Topics Discussed Why many teachers don't enjoy teaching fraction operations Why it's important to teach this skill conceptually at the start rather than algorithmically Strategies, strategies, strategie…

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70. Nature in the Classroom with Victoria Zablocki 22:20

4M ago22:20

22:20

Unlock the power of nature in your middle school classroom. Today's guest, Victoria Zablocki, has ideas for every subject so this episode has something for every teacher's toolbox. Topics Discussed Benefits beyond the science classroom Ideas for incorporating nature Thinking about your campus in a new way Field trip resources Connect with today's g…

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69. How to Build Confidence in Those "Not Good at Math" 17:11

4M ago17:11

17:11

Having students tell you they’re not good at math can be heartbreaking. You can tell they believe it because they’ve struggled for years, lost faith in the system, and lost belief in themselves. It’s hard to reach them and let them know that what they’ve been led to believe is not true, but today we are going to share how to build confidence in the…

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68. Problem Solving & How to Write Out Your Thinking 15:58

4M ago15:58

15:58

Writing might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about math class or solving problems. But, this powerful practice can enhance understanding, communication skills, and metacognitive awareness. Resources Ellie’s Blog Post on Improving Problem-Solving Skills - https://cognitivecardiomath.com/cognitive-cardio-blog/help-middle-sch…

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67. Little Things That Make Class More Fun-Daily Lesson Structure 13:08

5M ago13:08

13:08

Small changes to your lesson structure can incorporate a lot of fun. Let's dive into 13 ideas you'll want to try with your learners. Resources Ellie’s Blog Post - https://cognitivecardiomath.com/cognitive-cardio-blog/math-task-cards-with-a-twist-print-and-digital-truth-or-dare/ Math Truth or Dare: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/cognitive…

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66. How to Get Self-Care in During the School Day 18:04

5M ago18:04

18:04

Today we've got ten simple yet transformative strategies that can help you recharge, refocus, and thrive in and out of the classroom. Squeezing self care into your school day isn't easy but it can make a big difference. Resources Ellie has a blog post with more information on this topic: https://cognitivecardiomath.com/cognitive-cardio-blog/5-benef…

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65. Middle School Counseling 18:09

5M ago18:09

18:09

Today we're joined by guest expert Carol Miller of the Counselor Chat Podcast to get the inside scoop about school counselors. Topics Discussed What you might want to ask your counselor before a problem pops up What counselors which you understood about their role Ways to invite counselors into the mix How to work together with your counselor in a …

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64. Gearing Up for the New Semester 9:39

5M ago9:39

9:39

When you’re gearing up for a new semester, you have an exciting opportunity to refresh your classroom and strategies to better support student learning and engagement. Today we’ve got ten things you can do to get geared up for the new semester, and we’re breaking these into physical environment, emotional environment and academic environment. Resou…

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63. Building a Positive Classroom Culture 9:46

6M ago9:46

9:46

Building a positive classroom culture midway through the year can be worthwhile when you know the old system just isn’t working anymore. Let's make a game plan to get classroom culture back on track mid-year. Topics Discussed Why and how to reset and build a positive classroom culture in the middle of the year? Ideas to implement Resources Building…

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62. Picture Books in Middle School 22:45

6M ago22:45

22:45

Today on The Teaching Toolbox, we’re here to talk about picture books and their place in the middle school classroom. Because picture books aren’t just for K, 1, and 2, picture books are great for any classroom. Topics Discussed How picture books are applicable in the middle school classroom Ways in which we can use picture books in middle school S…

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61. Getting Through the Holiday Season 15:01

6M ago15:01

15:01

Teachers can find the holiday season challenging. They must manage fluctuating student attendance, lousy weather shutdowns, classroom interruptions for performances, and the general hustle and bustle of the season. So today we'll be sharing a bunch of strategies and ideas you can use to manage this holiday season effectively. Resources: Ellie’s Blo…

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60. Advice for New Teachers 29:43

6M ago29:43

29:43

We have a guest expert on the show today! Ashleigh Smith from Rainbow Sky Creations is sharing wisdom and tips for new teachers that you won't want to miss. Topics Discussed What new teachers need Work life balance Navigating parent relationships Time saving tips Advice and encouragement Resources from Ashleigh How to setup a Good Morning Tab - htt…

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59. Helping Students Improve Communication Skills 22:52

7M ago22:52

22:52

Helping students improve their communication skills is essential for not just their academic success, but also for their personal development. Topics Discussed Different types of communication Primary communication methods in 2024 8 ways students can improve communication skills Please subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episod…

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58. Test Taking & Following Directions 17:35

7M ago17:35

17:35

Teaching test-taking and following directions is an important part of our role as educators. Not teaching to the test, but teaching how to take a test, how to follow directions, how to read prompts, and how to analyze questions. Topics Discussed Why bother teaching these skills? Specific situations to consider How does this targeted practice help s…

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57. Stress Management Techniques (for Students and Teachers) 15:28

7M ago15:28

15:28

I think we all feel stress, in different ways, at different times. While there CAN be positive stress, when we talk about stress, we typically think about how to handle negative stress. So today's episode is packed with tips for stress management. Topics Discussed Why is it important to talk about managing stress? Teacher stress management Student …

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56. Becoming a Master Teacher 15:05

7M ago15:05

15:05

A master is someone who has or shows great skill or proficiency. A master teacher would thus acquire complete knowledge or skill in teaching, classroom management, behavior and discipline, and so much more. And today, on The Teaching Toolbox Podcast we are joining with a special guest, Jill Ciolli to talk about being a master teacher. Please subscr…

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55. Ideas for your Halloween Class 12:17

7M ago12:17

12:17

Way back in Episode 6, we chatted about celebrating holidays in the classroom, in general. Today we’re talking specifically about ways to celebrate Halloween in the middle school classroom. We’ve got 10 quick ideas for you. Based on your subject, time, and resources, some may seem more doable than others. So let’s jump right in with some different …

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54. Helping Kids Improve Memory 16:29

8M ago16:29

16:29

How do we get the content we're teaching to stick in the minds of students for years to come? This episode is packed with strategies that work in the middle school classroom. Topics Discussed Understanding memory and the brain Types of memory How can we help students remember content? Resources --> Take a look at this research study about the effec…

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53. Puzzles in the Classroom 16:36

8M ago16:36

16:36

Puzzles. They’re all around us, everyday. We watch them. We play them. We build them. Yet when it comes to the classroom, we often don’t find puzzles in play. Tune into today's episode to learn how easy it is to bring the benefits of puzzles into your middle school classroom. Topics Discussed How puzzles can help us in the classroom What kinds of p…

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52. Best & Worst Days / Years of Teaching 34:15

8M ago34:15

34:15

Teaching has good days and bad days. Breathe deep, give yourself grace, celebrate your wins, love on your students and teach them the best you can. And remember to do things you love as well. Teaching is a long game, it involves lots of learning, growing, failing, and succeeding along the way. In today's episode we are joined by 3 guests. We hope b…

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51. Reminisce and Look Forward to the New Year 8:57

8M ago8:57

8:57

The Teaching Toolbox Podcast turns 1! It has been an amazing ride for this first year, and we are so excited to start year two that we can’t wait to share some memories with you, look ahead a bit, and then announce all our wonderful winners who helped us make our one-year celebration more wonderful. Topics Discussed Reflecting on the Past Year Look…

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50. Back to School Series: Hot Button Topics 13:54

9M ago13:54

13:54

Today we're unpacking our thoughts on 3 hot button topics in the world of education. Topics Discussed Homework Uniforms Color Coding ***ANNIVERSARY GIVEAWAY*** https://forms.gle/B356umfSumtaQ2sx5 Resources --> Learn more about homework on Ellie's blog HERE and HERE https://cognitivecardiomath.com/cognitive-cardio-blog/math-homework-assignments/ htt…

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49. Back to School Series: Surviving Duties 21:54

9M ago21:54

21:54

Today we’re talking about those teacher chores you don’t really enjoy but just have to do - duties. Topics Discussed Duties teachers regularly encounter Duties we prefer, and why How to make the best of duties you don't prefer Tips for managing the many responsibilities on your plate ***ANNIVERSARY GIVEAWAY*** https://forms.gle/B356umfSumtaQ2sx5 Re…

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48. Back to School Series: Dealing With Administrators 15:42

9M ago15:42

15:42

In today's episode, we're discussing a crucial but often challenging topic: navigating relationships with school administrators. Whether you’re lucky enough to have supportive leaders or are dealing with more difficult administrators, understanding how to communicate and collaborate effectively with your administrators can make a big difference in …

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47. Back to School Series: Get Your Classroom Systems Set 21:20

9M ago21:20

21:20

Systems help your classroom run smoothly. In this episode we'll be discussing some classroom systems you should have in place and how middle school teachers can set up effective systems that streamline classroom management, create more responsible students, enhance student learning, and build a positive classroom environment. Topics Discussed What …

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46. Back to School Series: Student Neatness, Class Expectations, & Class Room Rules 19:36

10M ago19:36

19:36

Today we're diving into three key areas that can significantly enhance the learning environment and set your students up for success: student neatness, class expectations, and classroom rules. We'll discuss the benefits of each and share some practical ideas on how to implement them effectively. Topics Discussed Student neatness Class expectations …

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45. Back to School Series: Team Building Activities with Pentominoes 13:17

10M ago13:17

13:17

If you aren’t a math teacher and think this episode won’t be for you, hold on! Pentominoes are great for non-math classes, too, so tune in as we explore all the benefits of using Pentominoes, especially at the start of the school year. Topics Discussed What are pentominoes? What are the benefits for teachers? What are the benefits for students? ***…

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44. Back to School Series: Leveling Classes and Using Small Groups 18:33

10M ago18:33

18:33

As you think about next school year, do you wonder what the best way to divide and level your classes for math and reading is? Join us in this episode as we dive into the art and science of creating leveled small groups. Topics Discussed The benefits of small group instruction at the middle school level Tips for setting up groupings Tips for managi…

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43. Back to School Series: Favorite Teacher Supplies 20:01

10M ago20:01

20:01

Today, we're diving into a fun and practical topic — the top favorite teacher supplies for middle school teachers! We asked members of our Facebook groups about their favorites, too, so we’ve got our ideas and some great favorites from many classroom teachers. Let’s see what rules the school! Topics Discussed Favorites for the teacher's desk Math s…

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42. Back to School Series: What to Do on the First Days of School 21:23

11M ago21:23

21:23

What can teachers do to make the first few days of school not only smooth but memorable? Let’s jump into twelve ideas that could transform those initial school days into an exciting gateway for the rest of the year. Resources -> 10 Team Building Games: https://thecoloradoclassroom.com/10-team-building-games -> Pentominoes Blog Post: https://cogniti…

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41. Back to School Series: Preparing Your Classroom for the New School Year Ahead 25:45

11M ago25:45

25:45

Whether you clean house in May or June when you get out of school, or you run home and off to vacation and wait until July or August, classroom prep still needs to be done, some years more than others. So join Brittany and Ellie as we take the Teaching Toolbox into the realm of preparing your classroom for the fall. Topics Discussed Clean, Organize…

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40. Back to School Series: Meal Prep as a Busy Teacher 23:56

11M ago23:56

23:56

Today, we are delving into meal prepping as busy teachers. Let’s see what we have cooked up for you today! Topics Discussed Busy teacher friendly meal ideas Tips for meal planning as a busy teacher Resources Mentioned Phomemo Printer: https://amzn.to/3UP3BDI ***ANNIVERSARY GIVEAWAY*** https://forms.gle/B356umfSumtaQ2sx5 Please subscribe on your fav…

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39. Drama Integration in the Classroom With Radio Theater 23:42

11M ago23:42

23:42

If you've heard of Reader's Theater you'll love today's discussion about Radio Theater. Author Deb Baldwin is joining the podcast today to share wisdom from 38 years of teaching theater to help you add some new skills to your teacher toolbox. The book, We're Live! Radio Theater #101 describes her experiences in using radio theater in her own classr…

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38. Tips for Being a Grade Level Leader 22:24

11M ago22:24

22:24

In today's episode, we're diving into the trenches of middle school, but not just any trenches—those of a grade level leader. Imagine being the bridge between the admin and the other teachers in your grade level. It's a role that's part superhero, part diplomat, and all heart. Join us as we explore the responsibilities and pros and cons, along with…