Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is the Word Nerd Collaborative?
The Word Nerd Collaborative is a monthly membership designed specifically for middle school ELA teachers. It provides ready-to-use resources, reading culture support, engagement strategies, and professional development opportunities.

Can I save money with an annual membership?
Yes! Each tier includes an annual option with built-in savings:
First Chapter Friday Club: Save $10 annually
Word Nerd Playmakers: Save $11 annually
Word Nerd MVPs: Save $89 annually!!!!!

What makes this different from Teachers Pay Teachers?
Instead of one-time downloads, the Word Nerd Collaborative provides ongoing support, curated resources and experiences, community connection, and practical implementation ideas.

What is the Author Lunch Bunch?
MVP members receive exclusive opportunities to connect with authors through special virtual sessions and discussions. 

What is the Ask-Me-Anything Coaching?
MVP members can submit questions for a monthly coaching session to brainstorm ideas and receive personalized support. 

What is the First Chapter Friday Video Library?
The library includes curated video read-aloud openings designed to help teachers spark student interest in books and build reading excitement. There are 250+ (and counting) First Chapter Friday read aloud videos, each with a companion worksheet, accessible to every level of membership! The FCF library also includes specific book information including reading level, genre, format, video length and book purchasing link. 

What is the Brain Break Bank?
The Brain Break Bank includes classroom-friendly activities, videos, and printable engagement tools that help students reset and re-engage. Brain Break styles include Trivia (on a wide variety of topics), Would You Rather & Picture Detective Games, and Mindful Coloring Sheets. This cache of crowd-pleasers includes 75 options (and more continue to be added each month).

What is included in the Writing Resource Suite?
The suite includes:
180+ Daily Writing Prompts
Rubrics & Peer Critique Sheets
Writing Support Tips & Tools
Additional Classroom-Ready Writing Resources

What is the Monthly Game Plan?
The Monthly Game Plan is a 150+ page PDF curated roundup of grab-and-go lessons, engagement ideas, seasonal resources, and classroom strategies. Each month’s game plan is posted the third Sunday of the prior month. (ie: March’s Game Plan is posted on the third Sunday of February). 

Each Month’s ELA Engagement Game Plan Includes:
5 First Chapter Friday Selections
5 Brain Breaks
Daily Writing Prompts
2-3 Multi-Day Lessons
2-4 Additional Resources
A Teacher Pep Talk

What if I decide to upgrade during my membership?
Members can upgrade their membership level at any time as their needs change and will be billed a pro-rated amount at the time of the upgrade. There is also the option to change your membership level or cancel at any time.

Is this only for middle school teachers?
The resources are created with middle school ELA teachers in mind, but many upper elementary and high school teachers may also find them helpful. Librarians, Gifted and Talented teachers, educators who teach multiple subjects and homeschoolers have also found huge value in this membership.

How are resources delivered?
Resources are delivered digitally through the Word Nerd Collaborative website. Members can access materials anytime.

Are the resources editable or printable?
All resources (except videos) are printable and classroom-ready. Some may also include editable Canva versions when appropriate.

What kinds of books are featured?
Selections typically focus on middle grade and young adult literature that support reading engagement, classroom discussion, reading culture… and MOST IMPORTANTLY, are liked by kids! A wide variety of genres, formats, and authors are available in the 250+ (and counting!) book collection. 

Can my school/PTO pay for this membership?
Absolutely. Many teachers use professional development or classroom support funds. Some teachers also collaborate with their librarians (because they have a bigger budget!). You can also request an invoice for payment by check. Email wordnerd@amandazieba.com for this option.

Will this work if I’m a new teacher?
Yes! New teachers often benefit the most from the ready-made resources, implementation ideas, and supportive community. Let WNC help you make your first year an amazing one! P.S. It's also great for veteran teachers who a tiny bit tired or want to shake things up with some new ideas. :) 

How often are new resources added?
New content and resources are added monthly, with additional bonuses and seasonal materials throughout the year.

How much time will this save me?
While every classroom is different, members frequently tell me that the Collaborative saves them hours of time every week/month searching for ideas, planning activities, and gathering resources. My goal is simple: help you spend less time looking for engaging ideas and more time using them.

What if I don't have time to use everything?
You don't need to. Many members join for just one thing—First Chapter Friday, Brain Breaks, writing prompts, lesson plans, or planning support—and consider the rest a bonus. Think of the Collaborative as a toolbox. Use what serves you and your students right now.

What makes Word Nerd Collaborative different?
Most teacher memberships give you more resources. Word Nerd Collaborative helps you create more engagement. Everything inside—from First Chapter Friday to Brain Breaks to lesson plans—is designed around one goal: helping students participate, connect, think, read, write, and learn with enthusiasm. That answer gets at the heart of your brand and differentiates you from the hundreds of memberships that are simply giant resource warehouses.