The Spark Creativity Teacher Podcast | ELA

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How To #27

Want to love walking into your ELA classroom each day? Excited about innovative strategies like PBL, escape rooms, hexagonal thinking, sketchnotes, one-pagers, student podcasting, genius hour, and more? Want a thriving choice reading program and a shelf full of compelling diverse texts?You're in the right place!Here you'll find interviews with top authors from the ELA field, workshops with strategies you can use in class immediately, and quick tips to ignite your English teacher creativity. Love teaching poetry? Explore blackout poems, book spine poems, I am from poems, performance poetry, lessons for contemporary poets, and more.Excited to get started with hexagonal thinking? Find out how to build your first deck of hexagons, guide your students through their first discussion, and even expand into hexagonal one-pagers.Into visual learning? Me too! Learn about sketchnotes, one-pagers, and the writing makerspace. Want to get your students podcasting? Get the top technology recs you need to make it happen, and find out what tips a podcaster would give to students starting out.Wish your students would fall for choice reading? Explore top titles and how to fund them, learn to make your library more appealing, and find out how to be a top P.R. agent for books in your classroom. In it for the interviews? Fabulous! Find out about project-based-learning, innovative school design, what really helps kids learn deeply, design thinking, how to choose diverse texts, when to scaffold sketchnotes lessons, building your first writing makerspace, cultivating writer's notebooks, getting started with genius hour, and so much more, from our wonderful guests. Here at The Spark Creativity Teacher Podcast, discover you're not alone as a creative English teacher. You're part of a vast community welcoming students to their next escape room, rolling out contemporary poetry and reading aloud on First Chapter Fridays, engaging kids with social media projects and real-world ELA units. As your host (hi, I'm Betsy), I'm here to help you ENJOY your days at school and feel inspired by all the creative ways to teach both contemporary works and the classics your school may be pushing. I taught ELA at the 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grade levels both in the United States and overseas for almost a decade, and I didn't always get support for my creativity. Now I'm here to make sure YOU get the creative support you deserve, and it brings me so much joy. Welcome to The Spark Creativity Teacher Podcast, a podcast for English teachers in search of creative teaching strategies!

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Recent Reviews

Sarah Beara Bo Beara

Useful Takeaways Every Episode!

As someone who has taught for 17 years, I know what’s useful. And this is it! Every episode has ideas to implement immediately and my teaching practice has grown immensely simply because I’m listening!
Ms Zepp

Transformative!

Betsy has transformed my thinking and teaching through her the creative ideas she shares on her podcast. If I could only listen to one teacher-related podcast, this is the one!
Elodia2001

Not ELA

I love this podcast even though I am not an ELA teacher. It has so many great ideas and strategies that I have use in my math, science, social studies, and STEAM club. Last week at my school, we presented our students’ podcasts to the parents and all the staff during our end of the year STEAM showcase. Students loved it and were so proud. Betsy inspired me and made it easy for the students and teachers who had never recorded a podcast. Thank you!
BYUP

Great guests, even better questions

I love that Betsy and all of her guests are not only curious learners (like me!) but they really look at problems with a critical eye and try to solve them. I really appreciate the content of this show.
Bethany Curtis 72

True Creativity

Betsy has ideas that truly are unlike anything I have seen in 25 years of teaching. Her ideas help me be the teacher I have always wanted to be!
sdan71

Tons of Great Ideas

I love this show! I get lots of great ideas here for my 7th grade ELA class. Happy Birthday, Betsy!
LRMTeacher

Amazing Teacher!

Happy Birthday, Betsy! I absolutely love all of the teaching ideas you so generously share on your podcast/blog. The guests you invite to interview also share some very inspiring ideas. I wish I had more time to implement more of them. I’ve shared a link to The Spark Creativity Teacher Podcast with all of my ELA friends. Thank you for all of the time and effort you put into helping us teach our students to become better readers and writers.
Chicks1964

ELA gets lit!

Happy birthday! Thank you for your newsletter via email and your fabulous advice via this podcast!
MN IC

Go to for new ideas

I’m not a consistent listener to any podcast (too many audiobooks to discover!). However, this is my go to place when I need inspiration. Last week I used the First Chapter Friday episode with Matt de la Peña reading, and the students listened and sketched. It was an easy and enjoyable activity to implement. Plus, I now have another book on my classroom library wish list.
Always Learning24

Spot On with the Write Tips at the Write Time!

Betsy shares the resources to ease the challenges for planning and supporting our kids in becoming stronger learners. The podcasts are thoughtful and supportive.
ValClassroomCoach

So Many Great Ideas!!

Spark Creativity gives me so many great ideas to engage students! In my role as a high school Instructional Coach, I’ve used her podcast/strategies with so many teachers across ALL content areas!!! Thank you for all the amazing resources!!
Benwardian

Creativity SAVER

I’ve been listening to Betsy for about a year and I’m amazed every week by the simple, brilliant advice she gives. Everything she creates and recommends is easy to follow- I listen on my way to school in the morning and can usually implement what I’ve heard that day because it’s so straightforward and adaptable to whatever I’m doing. If your looking for ideas when you’re just too tired to come up with something this is where you want to be.
Ally Pags

The best 🙌🏼

The most relevant, applicable podcast for secondary ELA teachers (and it’s definitely applicable to other subjects, too)! Always my first go-to for inspiration and resources 😃
Motherinme

Couldn’t do this without Betsy!

While I am preparing to become a teacher, I continue to download and listen to Betsy's podcasts and downloads. As a result of listening to the podcasts, I have shared the ideas with other classroom teachers who are intrigued by the variety of activities that can be implemented in a classroom to engage students. As a result of my teaching a lesson incorporating Betsy’s ideas to a class of students, they asked me to return! (A little bit of Think-Pair-Share was sprinkled in with the Hexagonal Thinking). As a result of listening to her podcasts, I have been able to incorporate so many of her ideas and suggestions. Thanks for helping this soon-to-be teacher, Betsy!
Rdwl500

Creative teachers unite!

What an amazing podcast! Practical , thoughtful and creative ideas for teaching— I walk away inspired every time!
Sarah Cummings

Pure Gold

Teaching resources, social media, emails, podcasts…Betsy does it all and she does it well. I’ll be forever thankful for the wisdom she shares; it has changed the way I teach.
Sandraonjamison

Imagination Igniter

Spark Creativity ignites the imagination like no other! It has transformed my approach to teaching. Betsy is a goldmine of tips, tricks, and anecdotes that breathe life into my classes.
noellepan

THE BEST RESOURCES

I’ve only just started digging for gold in this podcast. Betsy is so cool, creative, and generous with her templates and ideas! I am creative in my lessons but my materials have never looked this fancy. Also, I’m switching up how I assess students each time I see a new way to do it. My students particularly loved the one-pager templates with the awesome directions. Thank you, Betsy! I look forward to all of your podcasts and blog posts.
TeacherBi

More than just an ELA podcast

Betsy shares great classroom ideas even for non-language teachers. I use the hexagonal thinking activity in my Science classes fir review.
Shelley Bennett

Easy to use ideas!

The One-Pager is one of my favorite tools that came from Betsy’s podcast. They are easy to use, adaptable for any subject, and I love grading them because they always contain a little piece of the student creator.
SuperDJ316

This podcast is LIT! 🔥

Betsy has great ideas that can be put right into practice. After every episode, I always think to myself, “Why didn’t I think of that?” I have used several of her ideas and resources in my classroom and they’re always a hit!
Sidsymarie

Making teaching fun again

Betsy is such an inspiration when I’m feeling burnt out and run down. I love the interviews she does with special guests. They always inspire a new idea to try in my classroom that gets me excited and keeps me motivated. Thank you Betsy!!
jdkh06

PD on the go!

Whether you are taking a walk, driving to or from work, or just relaxing enjoying a rainy Sunday afternoon, this podcast is PD on the go! Betsy’s podcast tackles so many fabulous topics and constantly helps you to learn and grow as an educator. As a busy working parent, while I want to sign up for more pd, I simply don’t have time. And that is where this podcast comes in! Each episode is short, yet packed with amazing ideas that keep your teaching practice fresh and fun. It’s actually some of the best professional development I’ve had in my 30 year career. Betsy feels like a colleague and a friend! Don’t miss this podcast!
Melissagoodman

Getting Back In The Classroom

I’ve been out of the game for almost 10 years because of raising my littles. I’ll be starting back teaching at a local high school next year, and I have been intimidated about going back into the classroom after all this time. This podcast has been a lifesaver, reminding me with each episode why I LOVE teaching, and helping to give me the confidence I need yo start again. The arsenal of ideas included are fantastic!
6-8 ELA teacher

Empowered from Betsy’s Creativity

I first discovered Betsy’s podcast after she was a guest speaker on a different podcast. Her engaging strategies and actionable ideas convinced me to try them in my classroom right away. Her one-pager, hexagonal thinking , Genius Hour, and many other topics discussed in her podcast have been my favorite units. Her blog is extremely insightful, as well. Every teacher should listen to this podcast.
skmccargar

Amazing Ideas

I’m not an ELA teacher (I teach SS) but I have gotten so many amazing ideas from Betsy’s podcast including Hexagonal Thinking, One Pagers, and having students create their own Podcasts. Thanks for all the awesome content and ideas!
Awerner2447

Ignites Passion in Students and Teachers

Betsy is a master at engaging and creative teaching! Listening to this podcast will make you a better teacher. Betsy is relatable, genuine, asks brilliant questions of her guests, and I love all the topics she covers. I highly recommend this podcast to any teacher looking for ideas to ignite passion and engagement in your classroom.
Mrs. Duncan CA

Ideas to inspire!

I started listening to Betsy’s podcast on my way to and from work! I’m inspired EVERY time! It pumps me up and gives me the boost to keep on keeping on! Our students deserve the best of us teachers! But teaching is HARD and we need help to keep it up! Thank you, Betsy, for doing this work!
RJLeamon

Life saver and huge inspiration!

Betsy’s podcast and website provided sanity-saving ideas for a co-teacher and me during Covid and hybrid school, and the podcast has continued to inspire and energize me in my work in the classroom and as an instructional coach working with teachers. Hugely recommend !
BNMomma

Great Applicable Ideas!

I love how applicable the ideas are for so many different aspects of the classroom! I love so many episodes but one of my recent favorite episodes is the one about different strategies for classroom management. I’ve been in the classroom for over 10 years but always keeping my eyes and ears open for things that have worked for others. Thanks for your insight and sharing it!
C_SC

Fantastic Ideas

Betsy shares a plethora of brillant ideas for the classroom. She provides educators with tips and resources that can transfer to other content areas, as well. I have already gotten inspiration for my French classroom in recent years, and even plan to implement another idea next week! Bravo! Et merci beaucoup!
jom1313

Friendly teacher ideas

I always enjoy Betsy’s podcasts because she draws from such a wide range of resources to bring ideas that are immediately applicable to the classroom. Listening is like a conversation with a teacher friend with great ideas.
MSMeliss04

One of the best teacher podcasts!

Any time I’m feeling uninspired or overwhelmed, Betsy Potash and her creative ideas are there to pick me up! Spark Creativity does just that - and I am grateful her voice is out there.
SJS Madison

Unrivaled creativity and practical advice

Betsy’s genuine enthusiasm, sharp intellect, and engaging humor guarantee actionable ideas. She demonstrates unparalleled generosity freely sharing her amazing resources. Betsy’s tireless talent inspires!
Klkean

Every teacher should follow Spark Creativity!

Betsy, her podcast, her Facebook group, everything she offers is created with such heart and thoughtfulness. I found her long before the pandemic, but her creativity inspired so many ideas for my classroom and kept me motivated during those tough couple years. She is generous with her resources and constantly offering new ideas.
Willem DeCat

Every Episode is 🔥🔥🔥

Betsy’s thoughtful, creative, and totally achievable approach to teaching secondary English is so refreshing. Every episode has little gems that even this veteran teacher finds inspiring!
AliGasser

Engaging and creative!

Betsy’s ideas are engaging and creative for many classrooms! She is one of the first sources I seek out when I’m stuck in a unit and need to add something to get my students going. Worth a listen for all teachers!
Lanney220

So helpful

Betsy has helped me create a new vision for my students and classroom and being creativity back to my lessons! I’ve been following and listening to her for years and used many of her ideas. The kids love the creative approach and I love watching them create.
RAN7765

I’m hooked!

I’m not a fan of podcasts, but I stumbled across Betsy’s podcast through her blog, and I have no idea how I found her blog, but I’m so glad I did. I listen to a few of her podcasts each week looking for strategies that I can share with teachers in my building. Our favorite strategy so far??? HEXAGONAL THINKING! We’re scaffolding it down to diamond thinking for some of our lower level learners and scaffolding up for some of our other students. Teachers and students are having a blast with it!
Avg Lawyer

happy birthday, Betsy!

I have been a teacher for 25 years, and a continuous learner. Although I have always created all of my own material because I stay away from canned lesson plans, I often use Betsy‘s ideas and suggestions in my own planning. I’ve also used some of her lesson plans and have joined the lighthouse. They are easily adaptable and fit with all of the current educational trends. I finally realized I don’t have to reinvent the wheel and spend two hours on graphics when I can use some of Betsy‘s templates that lend them selves to great teaching. Podcast is totally worth a listen they are short, succinct, and leave you motivated to try new things immediately.
lsshanks

Every Episode Has Something Helpful!

I have been listening for years. There’s something so much more authentic about Betsy’s entire offering basket for teachers (and living). Instead of feeling like I am constantly getting a sales pitch from a social media influencer I get real info, excellent ideas, and really current information. But rest assured she is also a wonderful edu-influencer and presence. She also has great guests on the podcast.
Jolocip

A Review Haiku

Betsy’s like Yoda Listen to her ‘cast you should So strong is her force
betsy.j.scott

Full of Fab Ideas!

Seriously, a podcast that is likable, full of actionable ideas, and sympathetic to all teachers. Also, the Facebook group is 👌🏽 Betsy has a great voice and even better ideas to share!
Adangelo999

ELA TEACHER FOR EVERYONE

I’m a social studies teacher who’s learned so much from this newsletter and podcast. She has great ideas and they’re simple to implement. Thank you!
Mrs Koppes

Amazing resource

I have been an ELA teacher for over 15 years. I still find Betsy’s ideas and resources to be helpful boosts to what I teach. For newer teachers, this is the way to build your teaching toolbox. All of Betsy’s ideas are evidence-based and fun! Thank you for your work and openness in sharing, Betsy! Your blog, resources, and Podcast are so relevant and make me feel seen. Thanks for keeping the fun in education!
Melandelijahsmom

Such great, applicable ideas!

Betsy has such a creative approach to thinking through how to get kids engaged in really rigorous and interesting content and activities. As a former English teacher, I connect with Betsy’s passion for exciting ELA lessons, and as a principal now, I love how I can help teachers apply her ideas for engagement into various subject areas. This podcast is a “go-to” when you need to spark joy and creativity in any classroom!
Hgsfloyd

Wonderful Ideas

Betsy has packed each episode with numerous creative ideas for teaching! I have used so many of them in my classroom, and my students always love them. Thank you for everything!
Coffee Name Jenny

Episode 150 is a keeper!

I will be listening again and again to mine this 150th episode for the gems it holds for my students and this teacher. Betsy led Penny Kittle through a series of master teacher lessons in less than an hour. So inspiring! Betsy, thank you for bringing so many rich thoughts and practices to us in every episode.
RWTeach

Outstanding Resource

I’ve gained so much insight into engaging and meaningful ways to facilitate learning and encourage critical analysis in my course. Betsy has designed and shared many learning activities that encourage students to connect with the text and with one another. I’ve already used Hexagonal Thinking and One Pagers-going to incorporate her annotation strategies next! Thank you for this incredibly useful resource!
mrs.amandawhite

Brilliant, higher-order thinking ideas

I love Betsy’s ideas. They are realistic, high-quality, and help push my students in their higher order thinking skills. Check out hexagonal thinking!