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 Jersey. Before moving to N.J. in 2020, she spent over a decade teaching an 8:1:1 Special Education class in NYC Public Schools. Laila holds a Master’s Degree in General and Special Education from Touro College. She believes deeply in the power of building strong relationships with her students, meeting them where they are, and creating a nurturing learning environment.

Topics Discussed

• Laila's teaching background
• Common behavioral struggles (and supportive strategies)
• Resources to help teachers think out of the box
• Team teaching tips and takeaways

Connect with today's guest:

www.modzbylaila.com

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/modz-by-laila

www.instagram.com/modzbylaila

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 feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did.

This episode may contain affiliate links.

Amazon links are affiliate links from Brittany Naujok and The Colorado Classroom, LLC®. I earn a small amount from your clicks on these links.

Let’s Connect

To stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram.

Join Brittany’s 6th Grade Teacher Success group on Facebook.

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Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Reach out to share your ideas for future episodes on our podcast website.

https://teachingtoolboxpodcast.com/contact/

Mentioned in this episode:

Back to School Support

If you’ve hit a hiccup this Back to School, I have the resources to get you back on track. From labels for all your teacher drawers, to relationship building cards, to a review of rules and the why behind them, or maybe just a pair and share tool to get you going faster each day. Check out my Back to School category on The Colorado Classroom at TPT to help you get on your way.

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 activities
• Differentiation in homework

Resources

Math Differentiation: 5 Practical Approaches for Middle School: https://cognitivecardiomath.com/cognitive-cardio-blog/math-differentiation/

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 feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did.

This episode may contain affiliate links.

Amazon links are affiliate links from Brittany Naujok and The Colorado Classroom, LLC®. I earn a small amount from your clicks on these links.

Let’s Connect

To stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram.

Join Brittany’s 6th Grade Teacher Success group on Facebook.

Join Ellie’s Middle School Math Chats group on Facebook.

Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Reach out to share your ideas for future episodes on our podcast website.

https://teachingtoolboxpodcast.com/contact/

Mentioned in this episode:

Back to School Support

If you’ve hit a hiccup this Back to School, I have the resources to get you back on track. From labels for all your teacher drawers, to relationship building cards, to a review of rules and the why behind them, or maybe just a pair and share tool to get you going faster each day. Check out my Back to School category on The Colorado Classroom at TPT to help you get on your way.

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 STUDENTS EFFECTIVE TEST-TAKING STRATEGIES
• HELPING STUDENTS MANAGE TEST ANXIETY

Resources

Test-taking strategies wheel:

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Test-Taking-Strategies-Guided-Notes-Doodle-Wheel-4th-5th-Grade-Middle-School-4374007

6th, 7th test prep bundle:

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/6th-7th-Grade-Math-Test-Prep-Review-Packets-Test-Taking-Strategies-Middle-School-11107218

A blog post with additional test taking tips: https://thecoloradoclassroom.com/2025/01/effective-test-prep-success.html

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 feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did.

This episode may contain affiliate links.

Amazon links are affiliate links from Brittany Naujok and The Colorado Classroom, LLC®. I earn a small amount from your clicks on these links.

Let’s Connect

To stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram.

Join Brittany’s 6th Grade Teacher Success group on Facebook.

Join Ellie’s Middle School Math Chats group on Facebook.

Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Reach out to share your ideas for future episodes on our podcast website.

https://teachingtoolboxpodcast.com/contact/

Mentioned in this episode:

Back to School Support

If you’ve hit a hiccup this Back to School, I have the resources to get you back on track. From labels for all your teacher drawers, to relationship building cards, to a review of rules and the why behind them, or maybe just a pair and share tool to get you going faster each day. Check out my Back to School category on The Colorado Classroom at TPT to help you get on your way.

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 older! She started out teaching what she calls a “sample platter” class in 6th & 7th grades, where students got to try out French, German, Latin, & Spanish before teaching Spanish 1, 1b, and 2 to 8th-12th grades. She blogs and shares resources at srtaspanish.com!

Topics Discussed

• Stats and facts about school language offerings
• Activities and methods for middle school language instruction
• The evolution of how languages are taught over time

Connect with today's guest:

https://srtaspanish.com/

https://www.youtube.com/c/SrtaSpanish

https://www.instagram.com/srta_spanish/ 

Resources Mentioned

https://www.beniko-mason.net/content/articles/2020-the-optimal-input-hypothesis.pdf

Related Episodes

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 feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did.

This episode may contain affiliate links.

Amazon links are affiliate links from Brittany Naujok and The Colorado Classroom, LLC®. I earn a small amount from your clicks on these links.

Let’s Connect

To stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram.

Join Brittany’s 6th Grade Teacher Success group on Facebook.

Join Ellie’s Middle School Math Chats group on Facebook.

Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Reach out to share your ideas for future episodes on our podcast website.

https://teachingtoolboxpodcast.com/contact/

Mentioned in this episode:

Back to School Support

If you’ve hit a hiccup this Back to School, I have the resources to get you back on track. From labels for all your teacher drawers, to relationship building cards, to a review of rules and the why behind them, or maybe just a pair and share tool to get you going faster each day. Check out my Back to School category on The Colorado Classroom at TPT to help you get on your way.

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 Activities - https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/1531325?utm_source=TCCBN-POD&utm_campaign=Ancient%20Greece%20Activities%20and%20Interactive%20Notebook%20Bundle1531325

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 feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did.

This episode may contain affiliate links.

Amazon links are affiliate links from Brittany Naujok and The Colorado Classroom, LLC®. I earn a small amount from your clicks on these links.

Let’s Connect

To stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram.

Join Brittany’s 6th Grade Teacher Success group on Facebook.

Join Ellie’s Middle School Math Chats group on Facebook.

Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Reach out to share your ideas for future episodes on our podcast website.

https://teachingtoolboxpodcast.com/contact/

Mentioned in this episode:

Back to School Support

If you’ve hit a hiccup this Back to School, I have the resources to get you back on track. From labels for all your teacher drawers, to relationship building cards, to a review of rules and the why behind them, or maybe just a pair and share tool to get you going faster each day. Check out my Back to School category on The Colorado Classroom at TPT to help you get on your way.

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 feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did.

This episode may contain affiliate links.

Amazon links are affiliate links from Brittany Naujok and The Colorado Classroom, LLC®. I earn a small amount from your clicks on these links.

Let’s Connect

To stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram.

Join Brittany’s 6th Grade Teacher Success group on Facebook.

Join Ellie’s Middle School Math Chats group on Facebook.

Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Reach out to share your ideas for future episodes on our podcast website.

https://teachingtoolboxpodcast.com/contact/

Mentioned in this episode:

Back to School Support

If you’ve hit a hiccup this Back to School, I have the resources to get you back on track. From labels for all your teacher drawers, to relationship building cards, to a review of rules and the why behind them, or maybe just a pair and share tool to get you going faster each day. Check out my Back to School category on The Colorado Classroom at TPT to help you get on your way.

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, all moments in time?

Topics Discussed

• How are timelines helpful? Why should we use them?
• Ways to Incorporate Timelines Across Subjects & the Whole School
• Practical Tips for Implementation

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 feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did.

This episode may contain affiliate links.

Amazon links are affiliate links from Brittany Naujok and The Colorado Classroom, LLC®. I earn a small amount from your clicks on these links.

Let’s Connect

To stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram.

Join Brittany’s 6th Grade Teacher Success group on Facebook.

Join Ellie’s Middle School Math Chats group on Facebook.

Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Reach out to share your ideas for future episodes on our podcast website.

https://teachingtoolboxpodcast.com/contact/

Mentioned in this episode:

Back to School Support

If you’ve hit a hiccup this Back to School, I have the resources to get you back on track. From labels for all your teacher drawers, to relationship building cards, to a review of rules and the why behind them, or maybe just a pair and share tool to get you going faster each day. Check out my Back to School category on The Colorado Classroom at TPT to help you get on your way.

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-blog/why-not-the-butterfly-method-when-adding-and-subtracting-fractions/

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 feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did.

This episode may contain affiliate links.

Amazon links are affiliate links from Brittany Naujok and The Colorado Classroom, LLC®. I earn a small amount from your clicks on these links.

Let’s Connect

To stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram.

Join Brittany’s 6th Grade Teacher Success group on Facebook.

Join Ellie’s Middle School Math Chats group on Facebook.

Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Reach out to share your ideas for future episodes on our podcast website.

https://teachingtoolboxpodcast.com/contact/

Mentioned in this episode:

Back to School Support

If you’ve hit a hiccup this Back to School, I have the resources to get you back on track. From labels for all your teacher drawers, to relationship building cards, to a review of rules and the why behind them, or maybe just a pair and share tool to get you going faster each day. Check out my Back to School category on The Colorado Classroom at TPT to help you get on your way.

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 corrections
• Test correction tips

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 feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did.

This episode may contain affiliate links.

Amazon links are affiliate links from Brittany Naujok and The Colorado Classroom, LLC®. I earn a small amount from your clicks on these links.

Let’s Connect

To stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram.

Join Brittany’s 6th Grade Teacher Success group on Facebook.

Join Ellie’s Middle School Math Chats group on Facebook.

Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Reach out to share your ideas for future episodes on our podcast website.

https://teachingtoolboxpodcast.com/contact/

Mentioned in this episode:

Back to School Support

If you’ve hit a hiccup this Back to School, I have the resources to get you back on track. From labels for all your teacher drawers, to relationship building cards, to a review of rules and the why behind them, or maybe just a pair and share tool to get you going faster each day. Check out my Back to School category on The Colorado Classroom at TPT to help you get on your way.

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, strategies

Resources

Math Dates Blog Post:  https://cognitivecardiomath.com/cognitive-cardio-blog/how-to-include-more-math-in-middle-school-math-class/

Fraction strips in the Fraction Toolkit: https://cognitivecardiomath.com/cognitive-cardio-blog/teaching-fractions-with-fraction-toolkit/

Free Fraction training: https://cognitive-cardio-math.thinkific.com/courses/3-fraction-shortcuts-to-avoid-teachers-make-when-teaching-fractions

Fraction program:

https://cognitive-cardio-math.thinkific.com/courses/teaching-fraction-operations

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 feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did.

This episode may contain affiliate links.

Amazon links are affiliate links from Brittany Naujok and The Colorado Classroom, LLC®. I earn a small amount from your clicks on these links.

Let’s Connect

To stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram.

Join Brittany’s 6th Grade Teacher Success group on Facebook.

Join Ellie’s Middle School Math Chats group on Facebook.

Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Reach out to share your ideas for future episodes on our podcast website.

https://teachingtoolboxpodcast.com/contact/

Mentioned in this episode:

Back to School Support

If you’ve hit a hiccup this Back to School, I have the resources to get you back on track. From labels for all your teacher drawers, to relationship building cards, to a review of rules and the why behind them, or maybe just a pair and share tool to get you going faster each day. Check out my Back to School category on The Colorado Classroom at TPT to help you get on your way.