If our students are not engaged in their learning, then we’ve lost them already. They’ve tuned out and they’re thinking about all the other pressing concerns preteens and teenagers face. So all of your incredible academic goals for them are going to be really hard to accomplish. I know that’s not how any of us imagined our classroom when we decided to become teachers.  We became teachers to be creative, have fun with kids, and change lives. But too many teachers are drowning - we hear it all the time, and we totally get it.  So, what can you do about it? Well, we have to start creating not just rigorous lessons, but engaging lessons. This episode makes the case for just that. Links mentioned in this episode: ebacademics.com/waitlist Are you enjoying the podcast? Tag us @ebacademics and let us know which episode you're listening to! Make sure to Subscribe and leave us a Review! Your review helps us reach even more middle school ELA teachers just like you! It would mean so much to us. To leave a review in iTunes, click HERE and scroll down to Rating and Reviews. Click on "Write a Review" and let us know how this podcast is helping you in your ELA classroom! Other episodes you might enjoy: Constructive Criticism: How to Change Your Mindset and Be Open to Feedback Mini Literary Analysis Writing PD: Hooking Your Students