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Teaching Middle School ELA

Welcome to the Teaching Middle School ELA Podcast, where we help English Language Arts teachers create dynamic, engaging lessons while balancing the everyday responsibilities of teaching middle school.

I’m Caitlin Mitchell, a longtime ELA educator and curriculum creator, and I know firsthand how challenging it can be to manage grading, planning, and student needs—while still trying to have a life outside the classroom. That’s why every Tuesday and Thursday, I bring you practical strategies, curriculum inspiration, and innovative teaching ideas to help you feel confident, prepared, and energized.

Whether you’re looking to revamp your writing instruction, streamline your planning process, or engage even the most reluctant readers and writers, you’ll find actionable support here. You’ll also hear real classroom stories, fresh lesson ideas, and occasional interviews with other passionate educators.

If you teach reading and writing to middle schoolers and want to stay inspired and up-to-date with best practices in ELA education, you’re in the right place. Tune in every week and let’s transform your teaching—together.

Latest Episodes:

Episode 375: Monday Mindset: The Best Teachers Don't Stay the Latest Dec 15, 2025

Show notes

Today’s Monday Mindset episode is a powerful reminder that being an incredible teacher doesn’t mean sacrificing your evenings, weekends, or well-being. The best teachers aren’t the ones who stay the latest—they’re the ones who protect their energy, set boundaries, and show up refreshed and present for their students.

Tune in for a mindset shift that gives you permission to step away… without guilt. 💛

Episode 374: How One Teacher Got Her Most Reluctant Writers Begging to Revise (Right Before Winter Break) Dec 09, 2025

Show notes

Today on the Teaching Middle School ELA podcast, we’re joined by our very own Membership Manager, Genevieve Chavez, who’s sharing the incredible story of how one teacher got her most reluctant writers begging to revise—yes, even right before winter break!

It’s an inspiring, practical, feel-good episode you won’t want to miss. Tune in and let Genevieve’s insights spark new ideas for your own writers! ✨

Gingerbread House Activity: https://www.ebteacher.com/gingerbread-house

Episode 373: Monday Mindset: Choose Rest on Purpose Dec 08, 2025

Show notes

In today’s Monday Mindset episode, we’re reminding ourselves that rest isn’t a reward—it’s a necessity. When we intentionally slow down, we give our minds and bodies the space they need to reset, refocus, and show up stronger. This week, choose rest with purpose and watch how it transforms your energy, clarity, and joy.

Episode 372: Your New Favorite Pre-Break Activity (That’s Secretly All About Setting) Dec 02, 2025

Show notes

Before break energy hits full chaos mode… we’ve got you covered.
In today’s episode, we’re bringing on Pat from our curriculum team to share a pre-break activity your students will beg to do again — and yes, it’s sneakily building their understanding of setting too.
Fun, meaningful, and totally classroom-ready.

Episode 371: Monday Mindset: Staying Calm Amidst the Chaos Dec 01, 2025

Show notes

Today, we’re talking about staying calm amidst the chaos — especially during this busy season when everything feels louder, faster, and more overwhelming than usual.

In this episode, Caitlin shares quick, practical mindset shifts to help you ground yourself, protect your energy, and move through the week with more ease (yes, even when life is wild!).

Perfect reset to start your Monday strong.

Please like and follow us on Instagram @ebacademics

Episode 370: The Gratitude Writing Activity Your Students Will Actually Love Nov 25, 2025

Show notes

The Wednesday before Thanksgiving can feel chaotic — high energy, low focus, zero attention span. But what if it didn’t have to be survival mode?

In today’s episode, Caitlin shares a simple gratitude writing project that transforms that busy pre-break day into one of the most meaningful moments of your school year. It’s low-prep, highly engaging, and helps students practice real writing skills while connecting from the heart.

If you’ve been searching for a lesson that brings calm, purpose, and heart into your classroom before break… this one’s for you.

You can learn more at ebteacher.com/portal.

Episode 369: Monday Mindset: The Hard Truth You Need to Hear Nov 24, 2025

Show notes

This week’s Monday Mindset episode dives into one of the hardest parts of personal growth: facing the truths we’ve been avoiding. Caitlin opens up about the “mirror moments” in her life — times when uncomfortable honesty led to deep healing, stronger leadership, and real transformation. Whether you’re a teacher navigating what’s not working in your classroom, a leader owning your blind spots, or someone simply trying to grow, this episode will meet you exactly where you are.

Reflection for the week:
What truth have you been avoiding that might actually be the key to your next level?

Episode 368: Still Using This Simple Idea from 2015 in Your Writing Lessons? Nov 18, 2025

Show notes

If your students seem “allergic” to writing — or if teaching writing feels like it’s eating your entire prep time — today's Teaching Middle School ELA episode will completely shift how you see the problem. Caitlin breaks down the simple structure-behind-choice system that skyrockets engagement, eliminates chaos, and actually saves you time. If you’ve ever tried choice boards and felt overwhelmed, this new approach will change everything about the way your students write (and how you teach it).

Episode 367: Monday Mindset: Burnout Isn’t a Badge of Honor Nov 17, 2025

Show notes

If you’ve ever felt the slow creep of burnout — the shrinking energy, the growing to-do list, the joy that quietly slips away — this episode is going to hit home. Caitlin opens up about her own “burnout wake-up call” in the classroom and the simple but powerful non-negotiables that helped her reclaim her time, energy, and purpose.

Whether you’re a teacher feeling stretched too thin or a student pushing toward perfection, this episode will help you identify the boundaries you need before you hit the wall.

This week’s reflection:
What non-negotiables do you need to protect your energy and show up with purpose — instead of exhaustion?

Episode 366: How to Teach Writing With Confidence (Even If You Feel Like a Fraud) Nov 11, 2025

Show notes

Teaching writing doesn’t have to feel hard — it just takes one mindset shift and a clear framework. In today's Teaching Middle School ELA podcast episode, Caitlin shares how to trust yourself, your system, and your students so teaching writing feels calm, confident, and easy. Tune in and discover how to step into your power as a writing teacher!

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