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!

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 BoundariesOn 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!

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

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!

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

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!

Today I reflect on a topic from a past episode where I explore how to take action and live in alignment with our deepest values. Especially as teachers, it can be challenging to find the time outside of our busy schedules to pursue our passions and dreams. However, by examining the impact we can make by aligning our values, actions, and results, we may discover a path towards true inner happiness. I encourage listeners to think deeply about living life in line with your yown values and aspirations. Here’s to another day of living intentionally.Caitlin

Today’s episode is a past teacher favorite where we dive into a powerful concept that can revolutionize your lesson planning and help you reclaim your time as an educator. We'll be exploring the practice of batch planning and how it can transform your teaching life for the better. Join us as we break down two simple steps to kick-start your batch planning journey, dive into the into, through, and beyond lesson planning framework, and learn how to transform your planning process. Listen in to learn how batch planning can help you thrive both in and out of the classroom.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!

In this episode, we revisit a former Monday Mindset all about the art of decision-making. I share valuable insights and tips about how to align our decisions with our values. I explore the impact of emotions on decision-making and the power of neutrality. Ultimately, I encourage listeners to view decisions as opportunities for growth and learning.Here’s to another day of living intentionally.Caitlin