Discover how to simplify your lesson planning with Google Sheets. Learn teacher-tested tips, benefits, and grab a ready-to-use template to save time

It's back-to-school time, and for teachers who feel like less is more in the classroom, the back-to-school season can feel a little overwhelming (for reasons other than the obvious). So, low-key, like-minded teachers, here are two simple back-to-school resources I think you'll like!

There are a lot of teacher discounts out there to help you make purchases for your classroom, but that's not what this blog post is about. No, you won't find any discounts on pencil sharpeners or dry-erase pockets here. This post is all about you — not your classroom, not your students, just you. From comfy shoes to binge-worthy shows, here are three year-round teacher discounts for you!

Last week I shared 5 Reasons Teaching at a Small School Could Be Right for You. This post will also help you explore whether or not teaching at a small school is right for you. Consider it an unofficial part two, and if you haven't read the first post, you'll want to go back and read it first. Today, I'm sharing 4 misconceptions that make teachers overlook small schools. Let's jump right in! Misconception #1 - Small schools don't have extracurriculars that aren't sports.

Change can be uncomfortable but so can staying in an environment that isn't quite the right fit for you. Every teacher has to find the right place for themselves, and there is a right place for everyone. If you are working at a large school and loving it, I love that for you! This post, however, is for the teachers at a large school wondering if someplace smaller might be a better fit for them. Here are 5 reasons a small school could be the right fit for you!

Tired of the same old “All About Me” worksheets? Discover 3 reasons I ditched them—and the meaningful first day of school activity I use instead to get to know my middle school students.

As a result of my classroom door's proximity to the outside door, I'm the one who overhears student commentary and conversations about the fliers on the door as students walk through them. I'll spare you the quoted, brutal-honest truth straight from the mouths of the middle school collective, but let's just say that having overheard this commentary and conversation has made me determined to help every teacher (not just academic bowl coaches) inject some extra fun into their f

The end of the school year is always a bit hectic and tiring. Sometimes, you just need an easy breezy short story to read with your students that helps you reach your learning targets while also helping you get through the last few weeks of school with a smile! Here are five fun and lighthearted short stories for middle school students to help you wrap up the school year (with links to crossword and word search activities to go with them)!

The words, "We're starting a poetry unit," are probably not going to be met with applause in your classroom. The response is more likely to be a combination of groans, eye-rolls, and slumping in seats. I mean, there are always a few kids who are pumped for poetry, but overall, poetry isn't popular. Here's what I did to make poetry more fun in my classroom, and I'll bet your students will love it too!

Hey, gen ed teachers! Today I'm sharing thoughtful IEP meeting advice that will help you support struggling parents during IEP meetings.

What is it about Sci-fi that keeps me coming back to read more? The answer might be just what you and your students need right now!

Check out these 5 Short Stories for Valentine's Day for upper middle and high school students (with a twist)!

I encourage my students to step out of their comfort zone when selecting books ... but when was the last time I stepped out of mine?

Sometimes students want to be silly just for the sake of having fun, other times, they actually NEED an opportunity to be silly.

I have a mental checklist I use while searching for new short stories to read with my students, and it looks a little something like this!

Here are three middle school ELA activities that will help you get you and your students through the last few days before the break!

Today, I'm sharing three reasons you should always write reviews for your TPT purchases!

Teaching mythology is SO much fun, but it can come with a few challenges. Here are 3 common challenges and how to address them!

As students get older, society says they should be outgrowing things like playing classroom games. Don't listen. Keep playing and celebrate!

Help your students get creative and plan fun, fictional heists while refining their narrative writing skills in the process!