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we have one mission

To help you finally find that teacher-life balance you've been looking for while also being an amazing teacher for your students.

The EB Teachers’ ELA Portal is an exclusive membership for Middle School ELA Teachers in Grades 5-8 who are ready to streamline their planning process — while increasing student engagement and learning outcomes (and having fun along the way)!

Let's be real ...

It’s totally possible to reach your breaking point, even if (maybe especially if) you’re a great teacher.

Chances are pretty good that you became an ELA teacher because you’re passionate about connecting with your students and watching them grow.

But the warm, fuzzy feelings tend to evaporate when you’re sitting at home for the fifth consecutive Sunday, staring down a pile of ungraded persuasive essays on Tuck Everlasting.

Monday is looming...and you don’t have a lesson planned, either...

...so you’re frantically looking for ideas on TPT and Pinterest, hoping to find something that’s fun and rigorous and addresses at least one or two state standards and will take up the full 50-minute class period.

(Oh, and can it also teach grammar? Pretty please?)

Meanwhile, you’re sitting out another family event. Today it’s a baseball game, but next week it might be a picnic with good friends.

And if you’re being honest, weekdays are no better...

You manage to duct-tape things together for a few hours to help your own kids with their homework, but the second that 8 PM rolls around, you’re back to plugging numbers into the ol’ online gradebook.

Isn’t it time you started feeling good about teaching again?

how would it feel to . . .

See your students having fun in class—the kind of fun that has them raving about your ELA period at the dinner table each night.

Roll into the classroom on a Monday morning full of energy (because you had a relaxing Sunday with family, instead of spending six hours down the Pinterest rabbit hole).

Be confident and excited about everything you have to cover—even when it’s time to do "That Novel" (the one you secretly can’t stand) or dig deep into parts of speech.

Help your students truly improve their writing and critical thinking skills so that they leave your classroom fully prepared for whatever the next school year holds.

There Are 4 Things You Need to Understand if You Want to Take Back Control of Your ELA Teaching Career

It IS possible for great ELA teachers to achieve work-life balance.

We know. It takes hours to plan lessons that incorporate all of the topics you need to teach...and if you’re honest with yourself, part of the reason is that you’re picky about making sure that the resources that you use are rigorous.

And lesson planning is only half the battle.

Grading means providing actionable feedback on stacks of 3-page essays...not running Scantrons through a machine.

But...hard as it may be to believe…

It doesn’t have to be that way.

With the right techniques—and resources—at your fingertips, you can win back those nights and weekends.

**Lessons can be challenging and engaging.**

Not every fun activity you find online is tough enough to challenge your students.

On the flip side, students can get easily frustrated by being asked to do challenging work that doesn’t actually speak to them.

But if your curriculum can do 3 things:

 Incorporate the skills and standards that your kids need to meet
 Focus on topics that they’re going to enjoy learning about
 Teach writing, reading, grammar, vocabulary, and more through cutting-edge strategies that are fun to put into practice

...then you’re going to see that outcomes can improve while students are having a blast.

**You can find the time to teach everything you need...if you structure your lessons right.**

One of the biggest challenges ELA teachers face is that you have ONE class period to teach grammar, writing, vocabulary, reading comprehension, literary analysis…

When you start thinking about it, it can make you question if you really are hitting all the standards.

(Especially if all you were given to start with was a printed PDF of those standards and a couple of boxes full of novels and an outdated anthology that you need to teach.)

**You can’t control every aspect of teaching...but you can be more strategic about your approach.**

There are always going to be wild cards (wait, why are we even telling you that when you’ve survived all the challenges the past few years have thrown at you??) but you can set yourself up to handle them easily.

What you can’t do is fend off all of these challenges while trying to lesson plan, grade, and manage a classroom on a day-by-day or hour-by-hour basis.

Otherwise, your work life starts to look a bit like this:

If you think that you can keep doing things by the seat of your pants, we need to talk. Chances are you know deep down that it’s not working—you just aren’t sure what to do differently.

That’s why we developed The EB Teachers’ ELA Portal.

We know from experience that you’re facing near-endless demands on your time, your energy, and your expertise.

As far as curriculum and resources go, you’re often starting with empty file cabinets (and minimal guidance).

And the challenges of the past few school years mean that your students may not have achieved the same outcomes they would have in past years.

BUT BEFORE WE TELL YOU WHAT'S IN THE PORTAL,

we need to show you something....

YOU CAUGHT ALL THAT, RIGHT?

Jamie's students had the highest test scores in the school (!), and Sarah's students saw engagement unlike anything she's seen in years past ... despite the challenges facing many educators in the classroom today.

We're going to help you do the same!

hey there, friend!

We're Caitlin and Jessica

CO-FOUNDERS OF EB ACADEMICS

And this all started when we were both teaching ELA across the hall from one another at a school in L.A.

One summer, we launched an ELA camp to help students get ahead for the summer, using the frameworks we’d developed for our own classrooms. It was a runaway success, and we realized that we wanted to share what we’d discovered with other teachers.

Because frameworks didn’t just make us better teachers...

They also simplified our planning and grading processes, so we had time to do the other things in life. Like read bedtime stories to our kids, squeeze in a long run, or just sit back on the sofa with a new episode of Grey’s or Below Deck.

We can't wait to guide you!

WE WERE ONCE WHERE YOU ARE RIGHT NOW...

Which is why we’ve developed this community for ELA teachers who are determined to make sure that this school year is DIFFERENT.

🍎 Teachers who love the profession but are so weighed down by stress that they’re starting to doubt whether they can keep teaching at all

🍎 Teachers who feel like the pandemic is still impacting behavior problems and lack of student motivation

🍎 Teachers who want to stop falling down the rabbit hole trying to find “amazing” lessons every night

🍎 Teachers who don’t feel confident addressing all of the required standards or how to fit it all in to a short ELA class period

🍎 Teachers who love the profession but are so weighed down by stress that they’re starting to doubt whether they can keep teaching at all

🍎 Teachers who feel like the pandemic has magnified behavior problems and lack of student motivation

🍎 Teachers who want to stop falling down the rabbit hole trying to find “amazing” lessons every night

🍎 Teachers who don’t feel confident addressing all of the required standards or how to fit it all into a short ELA class period

The good news?

Everything in The EB Teachers’ ELA Portal is designed to work together. All of our curriculum and resources use the same strategic framework designed for rigor, engagement, and outcomes.

Not only that, but through a technique we call “spiraling,” we periodically circle back to topics we’ve already covered, so that students never forget what they’ve learned.

What’s more, you have access to a group of funny, kind, and KNOWLEDGEABLE teachers who are using the same tools and systems in their classrooms.

Got a weirdly specific question about your state standards? Chances are high that someone in the Portal has been there too and can give you the advice you need.

And one more thing: we like to have fun. No more dry-as-unbuttered-toast grammar exercises or one-pagers.

We know that keeping students engaged isn’t a “nice to have.” It’s a requirement.

"At the beginning of the year, my 8th graders were testing at 35% proficiency. Last week they took the same test and tested at 80%!!

I’ve been combining the lessons from EB with my HM Collections curriculum. My students have loved all of the activities we’ve done so far. They are looking forward to the descriptive writing unit for Halloween we will be doing in a couple weeks.

The professional development opportunities are incredible. I feel like I’ve grown so much as a teacher! Worth the investment. At the end of the day, you’re investing in yourself as a professional and in your students’ learning 💕 THANK YOU!”

Lindsay Jo, 7th and 8th grade

“My personal life is so much better balanced, and I’m not feeling guilty for ignoring my family and own kids any longer.

Students are getting high-quality work and a teacher more ready to focus and be full of energy because I didn’t spend the entire Sunday prior creating and planning all day. This helps me be a better teacher!"

Alicia Piascik, 6th grade, 10 years teaching

"I joined EB and I started using some of the materials. There's so much support there, it blew me away.

I am seriously getting choked up as I am writing this. I hope you get letters from participants like this every day. I promise that I will not write to you and tell you about every single event that happens. I just need you to know that today I am thankful for what you have done for me, for my team, and for my students (but honestly, mostly for me).

Bless you both. As I replay my day, I had a calming morning drive, a great lesson with kudos from my principal, and I experienced no anxiety for the first time in my life when an admin came in my room. It was a good day."

Leslie Snyder, 6th Grade ELA Teacher, 26 years teaching

HERE'S HOW THE EB TEACHERS' ELA PORTAL WORKS...

Our signature programs provide
EVERYTHING you need to teach the ELA skills for 5th-8th grades.

Our Comprehensive ELA Curriculum Includes:

The EB Writing Program
100+ Reading Units for Literature + Informational Text
The EB Grammar Program
The EB Vocabulary Program
Hundreds of additional resources: Novel Units, Short Story Units, Bell Ringers, Sub Plans, Escape Rooms, Project-Based Learning Units, etc.
The EB Batch Planning Framework

If You Don't Have a Game Plan For Teaching Writing,
How Can You Expect Your Students to Become Better Writers?

Transform Your Students Into Rockstar Writers Using a PROVEN Approach That Actually Works!

Our writing curriculum transforms students into critical and analytical writers as they master the standards and increase their learning outcomes.

This program equips teachers with the resources, tools, support, and confidence to teach writing at a high level.

Unit 1: Master the Writing Standards - The EBW Approach©

Unit 2: Nail State Writing Prompts (without teaching to the test) - Expository Writing

Unit 3: Conquer the Craft of Persuasion - Persuasive & Argumentative Writing

Unit 4: Master the Art of Storytelling - Narrative Writing

The cold hard truth is this:

If you don’t nail down HOW to teach writing, your students will continue to struggle with their essays (and even short paragraphs!), and you’ll continue to piece together random writing lessons that leave you doubting your abilities as an ELA teacher.

Show us JUST ONE successful middle school ELA teacher who gets their students to be rockstar writers without making writing the foundation of their curriculum. You can't.

That’s because they know what you may not have realized until right now:

When you make a PROVEN writing approach a part of EVERY. SINGLE. UNIT that you teach, your students will transform into rockstar writers!

If you’ve already felt like your students’ writing could be stronger and your writing lessons could be more powerful, that means you already have what it takes to step into the role of a rockstar writing teacher.

In this program, we’re going to show you EXACTLY how to do that.

Our standards-aligned grammar program is practical, engaging, and supports students as they master the grammar standards and actually apply the skills to their writing. We’re on a mission to make the biggest impact possible and change the way you teach grammar.

Each grade level in The EB Grammar Program includes a variety of resources to help you successfully implement a grammar curriculum that directly impacts student achievement.

✓ Presentations for ease of direct instruction

✓ Student handouts with guided notes

✓ Posters illustrating the grammar skill

✓ Engaging, hands-on learning games

✓ Exit tickets to be used for formative assessments

✓ Answer keys

✓ Student-facing videos available to stream in-app that can be used in a variety of ways

✓ Editable, printable, and digital versions all included

5th Grade Concepts Included:

6th Grade Concepts Included:

7th Grade Concepts Included:

8th Grade Concepts Included:

Revolutionize your reading period with 100+ engaging and rigorous reading units that are fully standards-aligned. For teachers ready to increase student engagement and learning outcomes and help students fall in love with reading—yes, that includes informational texts!

We craft each reading unit by pairing a vital ELA topic—based on the standards—with a fun theme. The activities within a unit can be used to cover multiple days of instruction.

Each reading unit includes:

✓ Detailed lesson plans

✓ Printable, editable, and digital materials

✓ Digital Instruction Recordings

✓ Ideas for differentiation

Literature Skills Included:

Informational Text Skills Included:

One of the most significant markers of students’ academic success is their vocabulary knowledge. This simple and effective vocabulary program will provide you with all the tools you need to introduce, practice, review, and assess vocabulary with your students.

Included for each grade level:

✓ Instructions for Use

✓ 36 weeks of Vocab Lists (with parts of speech and definitions included!)

✓ Quizzes

✓ Tests

✓ Answer Keys

✓ Note Card Template and Sample Note Card

✓ Vocab Ideas List

✓ Editable, printable, and digital versions all included

Additional Resources

In addition to our signature EB Programs, we also have HUNDREDS of stand-alone, engaging lessons for each grade level.

✓ Complete Novel Units

✓ Complete Short Story Units

✓ Review Lessons

✓ Bell Ringers

✓ Sub Plans

✓ Escape Rooms

✓ Project-Based Learning Units

✓ EVERYTHING is provided in editable + digital formats

Are you looking for holiday-themed writing prompts? We’ve got you. (Kids love our gingerbread house unit.)

Do you teach The Outsiders? There’s a complete novel unit with everything from a scavenger hunt to a final assessment.

What about a quick, engaging warm-up that will address all of the ELA standards (and isn’t as dry as a slice of two-day-old birthday cake)? Let’s talk bell ringers.

Instructional Support

✓ Instructional Support Guides to support all learners

✓ On-level and supported versions of passages

✓ Audio recordings of passages

✓ Teacher Video Library:

✓ Professional PD: ELA Skills

✓ Personal PD: Mindset + Personal Growth

Portal Love From Our EB Teachers...

Many teachers fall into the trap of being REACTIVE when it comes to planning and instruction. In other words: late on a Sunday night, you remember that you need to teach pronouns, so you hop onto that resource site and buy a worksheet that the kids can do in class. As in tomorrow at 8:47 AM.

We’ve created our custom lesson planning framework and our accompanying training to break that buy, teach, throw away cycle and help ELA teachers become PROACTIVE in terms of how they approach planning for the weeks and months to come.

The centerpiece is our unique approach to planning, The EB Batch Planning Framework. Inside the Portal, you'll get access to our core planning training that covers:

🗓️ Your Scope + Sequence

📓 The Day-to-Day of Lesson Planning

💡 Crafting Into, Through, and Beyond Lessons

📚 EB Batch Planning Foundations

This is the heart of everything we do with our EB Teachers—we’ll teach you exactly how to think through the school year, from your overarching goals to the no-stress planning framework that’s going to change. Your. Life. As in: leave your laptop in your classroom, ‘cause you’re done for the day at 4 P.M. It’s that good.

And the lesson planning software that's being released soon? Think of it like Chat GPT, but for lesson planning.

Transform your ELA classroom with our Yearlong Scope and Sequences for 5th-8th grades that will save you hundreds of hours of your time and ensure all the skills/standards are covered. Your comprehensive coverage of all essential ELA skills—let us take all the guesswork out of your planning!

A Supportive Community

The best part of the EB Teachers' ELA Portal?

Hanging out with other middle school ELA teachers in our private online community. We're a positive group of teachers who truly support each other, all on the same mission: to impact students.

Downloaded a resource and need tips on modifying it for students below grade level? Looking for a novel that will keep your kids interested—and challenged? Having trouble with getting a file to load in Canvas?

This is your one-stop shop for all of the questions only another teacher can answer.

And truly, we are a remarkably positive and caring group. No one will ever make you feel bad about asking a question!

REAL RESULTS

Jamie's students' test scores showed 95% proficiency after just a year with EB Academics, compared to 66% proficiency the prior year!

Harrow's students showed incredible growth in Text-Dependent Writing, with NINETY PERCENT showing "Prepared" in one of her classes and 69% in the other class.

Amy's 7th grade students' scores increased by 13% from the year prior and student engagement remained high even with just 8 days left in the school year!

The EB Guarantee

We want you to feel comfortable about joining The EB Teachers’ ELA Portal (and let’s get real for a sec: we know that a lot of you are paying for this out of your own pocket.)

So here’s our promise to you: once you join The EB Teachers’ ELA Portal, you have 48 hours to watch as many videos as you want, check out lessons, and pay a visit to our private EB Teacher Community.

If you take a good look around and don’t think that it’s going to work for you, no problem!

We’ll refund your money within 48 hours—no questions asked.

Still Not Sure If It's The Right Fit?

You’ll get the most out of The EB Teachers’ ELA Portal if…

You’re starting over on some level and want to get it right—on the first try. New school? New grade level? New subject area? The materials inside The EB Teachers’ ELA Portal will help make your transition a breeze.
You’ve been teaching ELA for a while, but you’re about to hit your limit. Spending six hours every Saturday planning for the next week? Perpetually sleep-deprived? Strained home life? It happens to the best of us. We want you to get back on track—without having to quit the profession that you’re passionate about.
You KNOW you’ll benefit from more engaging lessons. Just like getting a new pair of shoes, introducing new lessons keeps teaching fresh and fun.
You’re willing to invest a few hours upfront to save lots more hours in the future. We’ll be totally honest: the best way to benefit from The EB Teachers’ ELA Portal is to sit down and work through our super simple and customized onboarding process (don't worry, we'll explain inside the Portal) right away so that you can start making progress. That’s where transformational change happens.
You’re capital-d Done with scouring the internet for resources. A) It’s one of the biggest time sucks out there. B) Individual resources work fine to keep your classroom afloat for a single day, but they don’t work together. C) Buying one-off resources adds up...fast.
You feel like you could do a better job teaching reading or writing systematically. Maybe your curriculum provides questions that students are supposed to answer in writing, but there’s no breakdown on how to do so. Your kids were frustrated with the “here, go!” and so are you. You know you need something far more scaffolded to make this work.
You want each one of your students to leave your classroom a better writer than when they started. That’s really what this is all about—making sure that kids are learning valuable skills...without killing the fun and creativity that writing holds.

If you’re nodding along with at least 4 of the 7 points above...then you owe it to yourself to give The EB Teachers' ELA Portal a spin.