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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:

Monday Mindset: How Much Better Can It Actually Get? Jan 29, 2024

Show notes

In today's Monday Mindset episode, I present a thought-provoking topic that stemmed from a motivational speaker's presentation I witnessed at a recent business retreat. This presentation made me consider how often we anticipate the worst when things are going well, and what could happen if we shift our perspective by posing a simple yet profound question instead: "How much better can this get?" This question challenges the traditional mindset of waiting for the other shoe to drop and encourages actively seeking positivity and improvement. This simple shift can shape our experiences and future outlook. Join me as I explore this powerful concept and consider its implications for our own lives and the lives of our students.

Here’s to another day of living intentionally.

Caitlin

Episode 268: The Science of Reading in Your Classroom Jan 23, 2024

Show notes

On this episode of the Teaching Middle School ELA Podcast, we're tackling the hot topic of the Science of Reading and its place in the middle school ELA classroom. We know it can feel overwhelming and mysterious, especially for us, middle school ELA teachers. After receiving messages from teachers who are eager to understand and apply the science of reading in their classes, we knew it was time to break down the five pillars of reading instruction—phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension—and share our best strategies for applying these in the classroom. We'll talk about keeping it engaging with read alouds, vocabulary instruction, and multiple reads of the same text. Plus, Jessica is sharing insights from her visit to the Ron Clark Academy, specifically related to vocabulary instruction. So, if you're ready to gain clarity around the Science of Reading, you won't want to miss this episode!

Are you enjoying the podcast?

Make sure to subscribe to our channel and leave us a review! To leave a review in iTunes, click HERE by scrolling down our show page, selecting a star rating, and tapping “Write a review.” Let us know how this podcast is helping you in your ELA classroom!

Monday Mindset: Judgement Will Kill Your Bravery Jan 22, 2024

Show notes

In today's Monday Mindset episode, I explore the theme "Judgment Kills Bravery" inspired by a quote from Brene Brown. It's important to consider the detrimental effects of judgment, and how it can hinder our ability to be brave and open ourselves up to growth. Let's be curious about our own judgmental thoughts and how we can operate differently with each other. Join me as I unpack the power of releasing judgment and embracing love and mindfulness in our daily lives. Stay tuned to discover how this crucial mindset shift can lead to a more courageous and meaningful journey for both educators and students alike.

Here’s to another day of living intentionally.

Caitlin

Episode 267: Prepare for the Unexpected (when students are absent) Jan 16, 2024

Show notes

On this episode of the Teaching Middle School ELA podcast we are diving into a topic presented to us by one of our EB Teachers! How do we actually prepare for the unexpected?

You'll learn our best advice for handling student absences and unexpected situations in the classroom. From what to do when students miss speaking and listening activities to how to support students who miss out on group collaboration projects. We're sharing a range of solutions for you to consider. Plus, stay tuned for a preview of the next episode, where we will delve into "The Science of Reading" and its relevance to middle school ELA! You don't want to miss this!

Are you enjoying the podcast?

Make sure to subscribe to our channel and leave us a review! To leave a review in iTunes, click HERE by scrolling down our show page, selecting a star rating, and tapping “Write a review.” Let us know how this podcast is helping you in your ELA classroom!

Monday Mindset: Joyful Anticipation Jan 15, 2024

Show notes

In today's Monday Mindset episode, I'm discussing the power of looking ahead with positivity and gratitude. I'll share a few personal insights on how viewing the future with joyful anticipation has dramatically impacted my life, and I'm inviting you to consider the idea that "Life happens FOR us." Consider what may happen if you embrace a mindset of openness to receiving whatever the future holds. Join me as I explore the transformational potential of joyful anticipation and the ways it can shape your educational journey.

Here’s to another day of living intentionally.

Caitlin

Episode 266: Interview with Grace Stevens on Setting Healthy Boundaries Jan 09, 2024

Show notes

Episode 266: Interview with Grace Stevens on Setting Healthy Boundaries

On this episode of The Teaching Middle School ELA Podcast guest host, Grace Stevens, joins us with a wealth of experience in the field of education. With two decades of experience as a public school teacher, she has witnessed and navigated the complex landscape of education before, during, and after the tumultuous era of COVID-19. Now transitioning from her role as an educator, Grace has embraced her passion for fostering growth and well-being in mentors by becoming a teacher empowerment coach.

Grace brings her unique perspective, shaped by her own battle with burnout, to share practical tips on how to establish and maintain boundaries that protect our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. We'll explore how our energy as teachers resonates in the classroom, the red flags that indicate our limits are being pushed, and the small yet mighty steps we can take toward sustaining our passion for teaching without compromising our health.

Prepare for an empowering discussion that promises to leave you with actionable advice and a fresh perspective on striking that delicate balance between giving your best to your students and keeping your own batteries charged. It's such an important topic to bring to light; we can't wait for you to tune in!

Are you enjoying the podcast?

Make sure to subscribe to our channel and leave us a review! To leave a review in iTunes, click HERE by scrolling down our show page, selecting a star rating, and tapping “Write a review.” Let us know how this podcast is helping you in your ELA classroom!

Monday Mindset: Positive Self-Talk Jan 08, 2024

Show notes

In today's Monday Mindset , I'm discussing the impact of our "Positive Self-Talk" and sharing a few of my own experiences with those not so helpful negative thoughts that can really shape how we see ourselves. I'll dive into the idea of being aware of what we tell ourselves and how it can totally change our game. You'll learn a few of my go-to strategies for shifting those negative thoughts into positive ones. So, get ready to really consider the power of positive self-talk and how it can totally rock our worlds for the better.

Here’s to another day of living intentionally.

Caitlin

Episode 265: Use Your Prep Period for Grading (Not Planning) Jan 02, 2024

Show notes

Welcome back to another episode of Teaching Middle School ELA! On this episode, we're going deep into the strategic use of prep-periods to do more than just stay afloat!

You'll meet our new co-host Megan Wyant, from Team EB, who will be joining Caitlin and Jessica this season to provide a fresh perspective on all things middle school ELA!

Tune in to this episode and walk away with practical steps to transform your prep-time and maximize grading efficiency.

From tips on batch planning and boundary-setting to strategies for effective communication, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you reclaim your planning time for what it should be: grading, not planning.

Get ready to walk away with fresh ideas on how to make the most of your prep-periods, streamline your grading process, and find joy in your teaching practices.

Are you enjoying the podcast?

Make sure to subscribe to our channel and leave us a review! To leave a review in iTunes, click HERE by scrolling down our show page, selecting a star rating, and tapping “Write a review.” Let us know how this podcast is helping you in your ELA classroom!

Monday Mindset: Be Curious About Your Greatness Jan 01, 2024

Show notes

In today's Monday Mindset, I'll walk you through the highlights of my personal journey of self-discovery and transformation in the year 2023. You'll be encouraged to explore the concept of greatness and how it can be defined uniquely for each of us. I hope you'll consider how you can be curious about your own potential and capabilities in the coming year, 2024. Join me in embracing the gift of self-reflection and curiosity, and embark on a remarkable journey to uncover and nurture your greatness in the new year.
Here’s to another day of living intentionally.

Caitlin

Best of: Move Past Overwhelm and Start Batch Lesson Planning TODAY Dec 26, 2023

Show notes

Join us as we revisit a past episode all about how to utilize batch lesson planning to help you move past overwhelm and take action in your lesson preparation. Caitlin and Jessica break down the process from a macro overview to a micro level, providing practical tips and examples to guide you through the process. Batch planning can truly transform your life as a teacher, making it possible to find balance between your teaching life and your personal life.

Are you enjoying the podcast?

Make sure to subscribe to our channel and leave us a review! To leave a review in iTunes, click HERE by scrolling down our show page, selecting a star rating, and tapping “Write a review.” Let us know how this podcast is helping you in your ELA classroom!

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