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Teaching Middle School ELA — Courses
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 318: Low-Prep Ways to End the Year with Deep Thinking May 08, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, you’ll discover simple yet powerful strategies to spark curiosity and connection in your classroom—all while keeping things manageable for you. Let’s flip the script on end-of-year burnout and finish strong with purpose, clarity, and heart. You’ve poured so much into your students all year—now let’s wrap it up in a way that honors that work. You’re almost there, and you’re doing amazing.

Links mentioned in the episode:
Jenna Copper Blog Post on Discussion Panels: https://jennacopper.com/panel-discussions-make-your-students-the-experts-in-five-simple-steps/

Discussion questions mentioned in episode:

Here are some ideas for this or that to spark discussion—make sure you choose ones that are appropriate for your class, so please use your discernment.
It’s better to take a risk and fail vs. It’s better to play it safe and succeed
People can change who they are vs. People stay the same deep down
It’s more important to be honest vs. It’s more important to be kind
The past shapes who we are vs. We decide who we become
Leaders should always listen to others vs. Leaders should trust their own judgment most
Everyone deserves a second chance vs. Some actions can’t be forgiven
Rules are meant to be followed vs. Rules are meant to be questioned
Success is based on hard work vs. Success is based on opportunity
One person can make a big difference vs. Real change takes a group
It’s more important to win vs. It’s more important to grow

Reflection Letter Prompts:

“What’s one belief I’ve changed this year?”
“If I were to go back in time and give myself advice at the beginning of 8th grade, here’s what I’d say…”
“What advice would I give to next year’s students?”
"What was my favorite classroom moment?"
"What is one thing that was extremely hard for me to do this year, but I did it anyhow."

To stay connected with us about promotions, freebies, events, and professional development opportunities, Please join our EB Teacher's ELA Portal Priority List: ebteacher.com/portal

Episode 317: How to Plan Smarter, Not Harder: Mapping Out a Month of ELA in One Afternoon May 06, 2025

Show notes

If May has you running on empty and juggling all the things, this episode is for you. We're diving into a powerful mindset shift that will help you take back your time—starting with your lesson plans. Imagine sitting down for one afternoon and walking away with your entire month of ELA mapped out. It’s not just possible—it’s totally doable with a clear, intentional approach.

We’ll unpack why daily or weekly planning might be quietly burning you out and how shifting your strategy can lead to more focused instruction, greater confidence, and the space you need to finish the year strong. Whether you're wrapping up the school year or just looking for a smarter way to approach your time, this episode will inspire you to plan with purpose—and remind you that reclaiming your energy starts with a single afternoon of intention. Let’s do this together. You’ve got this!
Please join our Priority List for The EB Teachers' ELA Portal https://www.ebteacher.com/portal to stay connected with us about promotions, freebies, events, and professional development opportunities.
Links mentioned in this episode:
YouTube Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=np_PNmxoXxs
Spotify Playlist:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6NTHZhBj1LwIvfRF5gAFd8?si=gikttbbVTl6OIJ8rtp7mZg&pi=hCD0H4UZTveL_

Welcome Back: A New Season, A New Chapter May 05, 2025

Show notes

After four months away, the podcast is back—and so am I. In this solo episode, I’m sharing the story behind the pause, what I’ve walked through personally and professionally, and the deep lessons I’ve learned on the other side. This season is about truth, healing, and coming home to what matters most.

To stay connected with us about promotions, freebies, events, and professional development opportunities, Please join our EB Teacher's ELA Portal Priority List: ebteacher.com/portal

An Important Update for the Podcast Jan 01, 2025

Show notes

As the New Year dawns, we're embracing a transformative journey at EB Academics. After over 300 episodes of enriching the lives of ELA teachers, we're hitting pause on the Teaching Middle School ELA podcast to focus on something monumental. Our curriculum is under review by Ed Reports, and we're laser-focused on ensuring it meets and exceeds expectations, transforming it into an even more powerful resource for you. This hiatus isn't an end but a chance to enhance and elevate what we offer, aligning with our mission to empower educators inside and outside the classroom.
Join me, Caitlin, as I share this pivotal moment in our journey. While we'll miss our weekly rendezvous, we're channeling all our energy into this exciting phase. It's a time for both growth and introspection, and I invite you to set your own intentions for 2025. Embrace the possibilities, welcome change, and trust in the process. Until we're back in your earbuds, here's to a New Year filled with ease, joy, and transformation. Your positive thoughts and good vibes are welcome as we embark on this critical chapter. See you soon, and happy 2025!

Mindset Favorite: Protecting Your Energy Dec 30, 2024

Show notes

Let’s take a moment to revisit one of our favorite Monday Mindset episodes!

Your energy has the power to transform every interaction—are you elevating those around you?

Learn practical strategies to protect and project positivity, reflect on your energy levels, and align your actions with your best self. Surround yourself with uplifting individuals and discover the profound impact of intentional energy on your journey to fulfillment.
Here’s to another day of living intentionally.

Caitlin

Re-Air Transform Your Planning Process and Take Back Your Time Dec 24, 2024

Show notes

Let's listen once again to one of our Podcast Favorites. This episode empowers middle school ELA teachers to plan an entire month or semester of lessons in advance, transforming the weekly grind into a streamlined, stress-free process. Learn to map out units, align with standards, and categorize lessons into 'into,' 'through,' and 'beyond' for maximum impact. Say goodbye to late-night planning and hello to high-quality lessons and personal time!

Mindset Favorite: Accepting Honesty Dec 23, 2024

Show notes

What if embracing honesty and vulnerability could transform your life? Let's listen one more time to one of our Monday Favorite episodes, I explore how truthfulness fosters self-love and personal growth. Learn how honest feedback—whether from yourself or others—can spark meaningful change and help you align with your true aspirations.

Dive into practical exercises and inspiring reflections to confront what holds you back and nurture what moves you forward.

Listen now and take the first step toward unlocking your full potential!
Here’s to another day of living intentionally.

Caitlin

Episode 315: Ideas for Teaching Grammar in the Context of Reading Dec 17, 2024

Show notes

Grammar lessons don’t have to be dull or disconnected from what students are reading! In this episode, we share three engaging strategies to teach grammar concepts through the sentences in your class's stories and books. You’ll hear all about using mentor sentences, setting up scavenger hunts for grammar elements, and exploring nonstandard dialects to enrich students’ understanding of language. With step-by-step ideas and examples, we'll make it easy to incorporate these strategies into any story or text.

Tune in for creative ways to bring grammar to life in your classroom!

Mindset Favorite: Whether You Think You Can... You're Probably Right Dec 16, 2024

Show notes

This is a flashback from one of our favorite Monday Mindset episodes!

Imagine facing a challenge you once thought impossible—then conquering it with encouragement and the right mindset. This week, we explore how our beliefs shape our capabilities and the power of support in pushing past limits.

Discover how shifting self-talk and embracing accountability can open doors to growth in all areas of life.

Here’s to another day of living intentionally.

Caitlin

Episode 314:Interview with Deonna Smith: culturally relevant learning environments Dec 10, 2024

Show notes

Join host Megan in this insightful episode as she welcomes back Dr. Deonna Smith, an inspiring advocate for educational equity. With experience as both a teacher and an administrator, Dr. Smith now collaborates with educators and school leaders to build vibrant, inclusive learning environments that support students from all backgrounds, especially those who are often marginalized. In today’s conversation, she shares practical tips on bringing culturally responsive teaching into your classroom and teaching in ways that are joyful, inclusive, and impactful. Don’t miss this chance to learn how to elevate your teaching and student engagement!

Click here for a special JOY Freebie: https://purple-tiger-24284.myflodesk.com/kvrdy0ou0g

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