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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: Stop Hitting the Snooze Button Sep 11, 2023

Show notes

Today I discuss an important topic: hitting the snooze button. Can you believe that the average snooze button hitter wastes a staggering 26 minutes in bed every day? That's 158 hours a year! Today I explore the impact of this habit on our daily lives and share how we can use that time more productively. Join me as I examine the secrets to starting our days right and making the most out of our precious time.
Here’s to another day of living intentionally.

Caitlin

Episode 244: A No-Prep Grammar Activity Your Students Will Love Sep 05, 2023

Show notes

In today's episode of Teaching Middle School ELA, we're talking about a no-prep grammar activity that your students are going to love. We'll be discussing common grammar mistakes like illogical verb shifts and pronoun errors, and how to teach students to avoid them. While teaching grammar can be difficult and a bit dry for our students, this fun and engaging activity will capture your students' attention and help them improve their writing at the same time. We’ll walk you through our Golden Grammar Hunt activity that will help your students master grammar in a fun and interactive way.

Watch now: YouTube

Are you enjoying the podcast?
Tag us on Instagram @ebacademics and let us know which episode you're listening to!
Make sure to subscribe to our channel and leave us a review!
Your review helps us reach even more middle school ELA teachers just like you! It would mean so much to us. 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: You'll regret what you didn't do Sep 04, 2023

Show notes

In today's episode, I explore the power of taking risks and making big decisions in life and dive into the idea that sometimes it's better to go for it than to wonder "What if?" We'll discuss how taking a step back and considering the bigger picture can help us overcome the fear of making irreversible choices.
Here’s to another day of living intentionally.

Caitlin

Episode 243: Interview with Frederick Buskey of the Assistant Principal Podcast Aug 29, 2023

Show notes

Welcome back to another episode of the Teaching Middle School ELA podcast! In today's episode, we have the privilege of delving into the world of school leadership with our special guest, Dr. Frederick Buskey. With over 17 years of experience in K-12 teaching, Dr. Buskey brings a wealth of knowledge to the conversation. Caitlin and Dr. Buskey explore the importance of support and leadership skills in the educational landscape. Join us as we dive into the power of community as a teacher and how it can break down the barriers of isolation that many educators face.

Are you enjoying the podcast?

Tag us on Instagram @ebacademics and let us know which episode you're listening to!

Make sure to subscribe to our channel and leave us a review!

Your review helps us reach even more middle school ELA teachers just like you! It would mean so much to us. 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: Let Go of Expectations Aug 28, 2023

Show notes

In today's episode, I explore a powerful concept that many of us struggle with: expectations. It's all too easy to get caught up in what we think should happen, but what if we let go of those expectations? Join me as I explore how setting visions and goals for ourselves, rather than rigid expectations, can lead to personal growth and fulfillment.
Here’s to another day of living intentionally.

Caitlin

Episode 242: A Must Try Classroom Management Hack (So Your Students Can Actually Handle Group Work) Aug 22, 2023

Show notes

In this episode of Teaching Middle School ELA, we share a must-try classroom management activity for group work. We know that classroom minutes are precious, especially when there is so much content to cover. Our featured activity is a learning station exercise that will not only save time but also teach your students valuable skills like teamwork and efficient task completion. Join us as we dive into the details of this activity and provide you with practical tips on how to implement it in your own classroom. Plus, stick around until the end for some exciting announcements about our EB Teachers Club and upcoming guest interviews. Let's make this school year the best one yet!

Are you enjoying the podcast?

Tag us on Instagram @ebacademics and let us know which episode you're listening to!

Make sure to subscribe to our channel and leave us a review!

Your review helps us reach even more middle school ELA teachers just like you! It would mean so much to us. 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: The Good Stuff Aug 21, 2023

Show notes

On today’s Monday Mindset episode, I discuss the benefits of focusing on “the good stuff.” Our brains have a natural tendency to remember negative events more easily than positive ones. However, most of our day is actually neutral, without extreme emotions. But often, if there are a couple of negative events, we tend to label the entire day as "bad." That's where consciously focusing on the things that went well can truly make a difference. I invite you to deliberately recognize and appreciate the good stuff to enhance your life satisfaction.
Here’s to another day of living intentionally.

Caitlin

Episode 241: This Will Be Your New Favorite Back to School Activity Aug 15, 2023

Show notes

In today's episode, Caitlin and Jessica dive into an engaging activity that will have your students strategizing and debating on an uninhabited island. But don't worry, there's no plane crash involved! We'll be discussing the details of this exciting back-to-school activity and how it fosters skills like justification, evidence-based thinking, and critical analysis.

Are you enjoying the podcast?

Tag us on Instagram @ebacademics and let us know which episode you're listening to!

Make sure to subscribe to our channel and leave us a review!

Your review helps us reach even more middle school ELA teachers just like you! It would mean so much to us. 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: Change Starts from Within Aug 14, 2023

Show notes

In today's Monday Mindset episode, I delve into the powerful concept that transforming our lives begins with a shift in our own perspectives. There is no better time than now to start making changes from within. We'll explore the idea of taking radical responsibility for our own lives, shaping our experiences, and the world around us.
Here’s to another day of living intentionally.

Caitlin

Episode 240: Breakthroughs in Grammar Instruction: The 3 Must-Have Elements (Part 2) Aug 08, 2023

Show notes

This episode of Teaching Middle School ELA is part two of a miniseries on breakthroughs in grammar instruction. We explore the three pillars of effective grammar instruction, which include effective direct instruction, engaging games, and application to writing. Approaching grammar instruction with a framework allows students to master the grammar standards and also apply these skills to their writing.

Are you enjoying the podcast?

Tag us on Instagram @ebacademics and let us know which episode you're listening to!

Make sure to subscribe to our channel and leave us a review!

Your review helps us reach even more middle school ELA teachers just like you! It would mean so much to us. 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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