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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 384: Monday Mindset: Why “Keeping It Simple” Makes You a Stronger Teacher Jan 19, 2026

Show notes

The belief that “more equals better” can quietly run your classroom and your life. We challenge that script with a fresh, practical look at simplicity—how lean lesson plans, streamlined grading, and tight routines can boost learning while giving you back time and calm. If January feels heavy, this is your nudge to stop feeding the plan book and start focusing on what truly moves the needle.
Ready to try it? Pick one simplification and commit to it this week. Then tell us how it goes—we’re cheering you on. If this resonated, subscribe, share it with a colleague who needs the reminder, and leave a quick review so more teachers can find the show.

BONUS: How to Use EB Resources With Your District Curriculum (Without Getting Behind or Overwhelmed) Jan 15, 2026

Show notes

If you’ve ever felt like you’re being told to “do more writing” without anyone actually showing you where it fits, this episode is for you. Today, Caitlin is joined by a familiar voice—our membership manager, Genevieve and a real classroom teacher using a district-mandated curriculum and EB Academics side by side. We share a simple, three-layer framework for using EB resources with district-mandated ELA curricula without losing alignment, pacing, or sanity.
• Keeping district texts while upgrading activities
• Replacing weak writing lessons with the EB writing approach
• Using writing as a thinking framework for discussion
• Adding grammar games, vocabulary, and quick routines
• Mapping the year around assessments and standards
• Leveraging graphic organizers, sentence stems, and checks
• Aligning with admin priorities and showing results
• Low-risk pilot option for campus or team trials
Get all the details on our pilot program: https://www.ebteacher.com/pilot-program
Join us now!

Episode 383: Fix Chaotic Transitions With One Simple Procedure Jan 13, 2026

Show notes

Today’s Teaching Middle School ELA podcast episode is all about turning chaos into calm. If transitions in your middle school classroom feel loud, rushed, or all over the place, this episode is for you. We’re breaking down one simple, repeatable procedure you can put in place to bring clarity, consistency, and calm to your transitions—without adding more to your plate. Small shift, big impact. Let’s get into it.

Episode 382: The First Writing Routine You Should Teach After Break (It Makes Everything Easier) Jan 06, 2026

Show notes

Coming back from break can feel overwhelming—for you and your students. In today’s Teaching Middle School ELA podcast episode, we’re sharing the very first writing routine you should teach when you return, and why this one simple shift makes everything feel easier. If you’re looking for a calm, confidence-building way to reset your writing block and set the tone for the weeks ahead, this episode is for you. 🎧✨

Episode 381: Monday Mindset: The Truth About “Feeling Behind” (And Why You’re Probably Ahead) Jan 05, 2026

Show notes

It’s our first podcast episode of the year, and we’re starting with a message so many of us need right now. If you’ve been stepping into the new year feeling behind, this Monday Mindset is for you. We’re talking about why that feeling shows up, what it really means, and how you might actually be far more ahead than you think. A grounding, encouraging reset to kick off the year. 🎧✨

Episode 380: How We Actually Create EB Resources (You'll Never Guess the Last Step) Dec 30, 2025

Show notes

Today’s episode is a special one because we’re welcoming back a familiar face—our very own Pat from the EB Team 🎉

You’ve heard Pat before, and since then, we’ve gotten so many questions about how EB resources actually come to life. So today, we’re pulling back the curtain. From the first spark of an idea, to collaboration, revisions, teacher feedback… and yes—the step at the very end that almost no one guesses 👀

If you’ve ever wondered what really goes on behind the scenes at EB (or why our resources feel so thoughtfully built), this episode is for you. Let’s dive in! 🎧

USC Program mentioned: https://rossier.usc.edu/programs/find-compare-programs/equity-educators-certificate

For any comments or suggestions, please message us on Instagram @ebacademics

Episode 379: Monday Mindset: Forget Resolutions — Do This Instead for a Better Year Dec 29, 2025

Show notes

Today’s Monday Mindset episode is your gentle permission slip to skip the pressure of traditional New Year’s resolutions and try something that actually works. We’re sharing a simple, joyful shift that helps you create a year that feels better, flows easier, and supports the version of you you’re becoming.

If you’re ready for a fresh start without the overwhelm, this episode is your cozy little boost of clarity and encouragement. Tune in and step into the new year with intention — not stress. 💛✨

Episode 378: 5 Classroom Routines That Make the Entire Semester Easier Dec 23, 2025

Show notes

Looking for simple, high-impact routines that make teaching feel lighter and your classroom run smoother? In today’s episode, Caitlin shares five of her favorite practical routines that help create calm beginnings, peaceful endings, predictable pacing, better student behavior, and effortless paper management.

These are routines you can implement tomorrow and use for the rest of the semester to save time, reduce stress, and help your students thrive.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

How a “Silent Start” routine sets the tone for the entire class
A simple end-of-class reading ritual that makes transitions peaceful
The 15-Minute Classroom Management system that students can run for you
A paper turn-in routine that eliminates missing work and confusion
How to use a daily timed agenda to improve pacing and structure

Perfect for teachers heading into a new semester or looking to reset their classroom routines with confidence and clarity.

✨ LINKS MENTIONED:
Hanging Pocket Folders → https://www.amazon.com/Godery-Signatory-Cascading-Organizer-Classroom/dp/B075DCTJVR/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?...

YouTube Video 15-Minute Classroom Management Strategy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZkdeEZL8rw

Episode 377: Monday Mindset: Winter Break Won't Save You If You Don't Do This Dec 22, 2025

Show notes

In today’s Monday Mindset, is your cozy little reminder that winter break alone won’t magically refill your cup—unless you do one simple, powerful thing. We’re diving into the mindset shift that helps you feel lighter, calmer, and genuinely restored long before break even begins.

If you’re craving clarity, breathing room, and a gentler pace this season, this episode is your warm nudge in the right direction. Tune in and treat yourself to a few minutes of calm and encouragement. 💛

Episode 376: You're Not Too Busy to Plan—You're Busy Because You Don't Plan Dec 16, 2025

Show notes

In today’s episode, we’re talking about the uncomfortable truth most teachers don’t want to hear: skipping planning doesn’t save time—it drains it. When you plan day-to-day, you’re making hundreds of decisions while already exhausted, and that’s what’s stealing your energy, your evenings, and your peace of mind. You’ll also learn how batch planning works, why it’s flexible (not rigid), and how a few focused hours can give you back your nights and weekends.

This episode isn’t about doing more.
It’s about planning smarter—so teaching feels predictable, peaceful, and sustainable again.

Grab Your Free Batch Planning Tips Here: https://www.ebteacher.com/free-10-tips-for-Batch-Planning

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