One thing I know for sure is that the to-do list of an English teacher doesn’t need to be any longer. Consequently, if you are looking for ways to stay up-to-date with the latest teaching strategies without adding extra work, then meet your new PD multitasking BFF– English teacher podcasts. This handy form of media can be a game-changer for professional development and classroom innovation.
So, pull up your favorite podcast app, ready your earbuds, and let’s explore the growing importance of podcasts in education, how they can enhance your teaching skills, and where to find the best podcasts for English teachers!
English Teacher Podcasts for Professional Development
It’s no secret that I’ve been a podcasts for the classroom fan for years, but I’m more recently a podcasts for professional development enthusiast, too! PD Podcasts provide a trove of information, offering educational insights and ELA inspiration at your fingertips. Here are some of the reasons to love English teacher podcasts:
Flexibility and Convenience
One of the biggest advantages of podcasts for English teachers is their flexibility. You can listen to them during your commute, while setting up your classroom, or even during your lunch break. This means you can continually learn and grow without carving out dedicated time from your busy schedule.
Diverse Perspectives
Podcasts often feature guests from various backgrounds, offering diverse perspectives on teaching strategies, classroom management, and educational technology. This variety can spark new ideas and approaches that you can adapt to suit your teaching style.
Real-World Applications
Many educational podcasts provide practical tips and real-world examples that you can immediately implement in your classroom. Whether it’s a new way to engage students in literature discussions or tech tools to streamline your workflow, podcasts offer actionable advice that makes a tangible difference.
Best Podcasts for English Teachers
If you are looking for podcasts to use in the ELA classroom with your students, then I have you covered in these posts:
- Epic List of Podcasts for the Classroom
- ELA Podcast Pairings for Middle and High School
- Spooky Podcast Episodes for the ELA classroom
But if you are looking for English teacher podcasts specifically for YOU, then let me introduce you to your new ELA favorites:
Brave New Teaching pODCAST
As an English educator, I love the Brave New Teaching podcast because it’s like having a coffee chat with fellow ELA teachers who truly understand the joys and challenges of the classroom. Amanda and Marie share practical strategies, inspiring ideas, and thoughtful discussions that always leave me feeling motivated and equipped with new tools to enhance my teaching. But it doesn’t stop there! They take the coffee chat a step further by providing professional development to support teachers through their process of challenging the status quo. Through structured unit makeovers and instructional tips, they streamline the planning and teaching process, ensuring we have everything we need to succeed. Whether it’s fresh approaches to classic literature or innovative ways to engage students, this English teacher podcast is my go-to source for creative, impactful teaching tips that make a real difference. They are truly your English Teacher Podcast besties, and you can listen to my interview with them here: Making the Case for Wonder
Spark Creativity pODCAST
The great thing about The Spark Creativity Teacher Podcast is how quickly you can find a creative lesson idea you love. Explore fun, actionable workshops on student podcasting, genius hour, one-pagers, hexagonal thinking, First Chapter Fridays, classroom design, sketchnotes, escape rooms, and more. You’ll even find an episode about using podcasts in the classroom featuring yours truly! English teacher podcasts are a wonderful way to build your teacher toolkit on your commute or the next time you’ve got a mountain of laundry to tackle, and The Spark Creativity Teacher Podcast has more than three hundred episodes waiting to help.
Anti-Burnout for English Teachers pODCAST
If fresh inspiration combined with real-world classroom insights sounds good to you, Anti-Burnout for English Teachers should be on your to-listen list of English teacher podcasts. Danielle finds inspiration from unexpected places, like applying social media strategies to lesson planning or looking at curriculum design through the lens of a TV series…all with an eye on maintaining rigor and balancing the new with the traditional. She’s constantly seeking innovative ways to implement new ideas without risking burnout, so this show is perfect for experienced teachers looking for commiseration and practical ideas. Her authentic approach, blending successes and challenges in real-time, will leave you inspired to tackle your teaching adventures!
Teaching Middle School ELA pODCAST
Teaching Middle School ELA is a unique English teacher podcast that focuses on the challenging middle school years of grades 5-8 (though many high school teachers love it, too!). Hosts Caitlin and Jessica are dedicated to helping teachers deliver engaging and rigorous lessons while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. What I love most about this podcast is that it offers listeners innovative teaching ideas that address standards and bring the “wow factor” without putting more work on your shoulders. If you’re looking for ways to reduce your workload while improving your students’ ELA skills, this is the podcast to tune into. Ready to listen? Start here: 3 Steps to Start Batch Planning Now, Are Your Students Ready to Move Beyond the RACE Writing Formula?, and Bringing Podcasts into Your Classroom with (me) Ashley from Building Book Love.
Cult of Pedagogy pODCAST
Hosted by Jennifer Gonzalez, the Cult of Pedagogy podcast is a go-to resource for educators across all subjects, including English. Jennifer’s conversational style makes complex topics accessible and engaging. From lesson planning and classroom management to tech integration and student engagement, this podcast covers a wide range of topics. Recent episodes have included discussions on culturally responsive teaching and innovative thinking strategies. Jennifer’s expertise and passion for education shine through in every episode. You’ll come away with practical tips and new perspectives.
English Teacher Podcasts Conclusion
Podcasts are a valuable resource for English teachers, offering flexibility, diverse perspectives, and real-world applications. By tuning into these English teacher podcasts, you can enhance your teaching skills, integrate innovative strategies into your classroom, and engage your students in new and exciting ways. Have any more you’d like to add to the list? Leave a comment and happy listening!
