Teaching Middle School ELA
Caitlin Mitchell
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 17, 2025 • 17min
Episode 376: You're Not Too Busy to Plan—You're Busy Because You Don't Plan
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
Dec 15, 2025 • 8min
Episode 375: Monday Mindset: The Best Teachers Don't Stay the Latest
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. 💛
Dec 9, 2025 • 37min
Episode 374: How One Teacher Got Her Most Reluctant Writers Begging to Revise (Right Before Winter Break)
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
Dec 8, 2025 • 8min
Episode 373: Monday Mindset: Choose Rest on Purpose
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.
Dec 2, 2025 • 20min
Episode 372: Your New Favorite Pre-Break Activity (That’s Secretly All About Setting)
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.
Dec 1, 2025 • 12min
Episode 371: Monday Mindset: Staying Calm Amidst the Chaos
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
Nov 25, 2025 • 14min
Episode 370: The Gratitude Writing Activity Your Students Will Actually Love
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.
Nov 24, 2025 • 11min
Episode 369: Monday Mindset: The Hard Truth You Need to Hear
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?
Nov 18, 2025 • 14min
Episode 368: Still Using This Simple Idea from 2015 in Your Writing Lessons?
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).
Nov 17, 2025 • 13min
Episode 367: Monday Mindset: Burnout Isn’t a Badge of Honor
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?
