
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

Sep 4, 2023 • 4min
Monday Mindset: You'll regret what you didn't do
I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text!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

Aug 29, 2023 • 49min
Episode 243: Interview with Frederick Buskey of the Assistant Principal Podcast
Dr. Frederick Buskey, with 17 years of teaching experience, discusses the importance of support and leadership skills in education. Topics include the power of community for teachers, the benefits of morning routines in leadership, managing priorities instead of time, and the significance of self-reflection and personal values.

Aug 28, 2023 • 3min
Monday Mindset: Let Go of Expectations
I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text!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

Aug 22, 2023 • 19min
Episode 242: A Must Try Classroom Management Hack (So Your Students Can Actually Handle Group Work)
Explore a must-try classroom management hack for group work that saves time and teaches teamwork. Learn about implementing learning stations with interactive activities. Discover engaging activities like solving rebus puzzles, creating word searches, and playing word ladders. Find out how to improve group work with rhyming riddles and group pictures with questions. Gain tips for effective classroom management during group work transitions.

Aug 21, 2023 • 4min
Monday Mindset: The Good Stuff
I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text!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

Aug 15, 2023 • 15min
Episode 241: This Will Be Your New Favorite Back to School Activity
I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text!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!

Aug 14, 2023 • 4min
Monday Mindset: Change Starts from Within
I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text!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

Aug 8, 2023 • 30min
Episode 240: Breakthroughs in Grammar Instruction: The 3 Must-Have Elements (Part 2)
I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text!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!

Aug 7, 2023 • 5min
Monday Mindset: You Are Valuable
I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text!In this Monday Mindset episode, I explore the importance of recognizing your own worth as a teacher. It's no secret that teachers often forget their own value, consumed by the demands of their profession. But today, I want to remind you that you are valuable, and it's essential to prioritize yourself and your well-being. By taking care of yourself, you can offer better support and care to your students. Embrace your own value and witness the positive impact it can have on your life. Here’s to another day of living intentionally.Caitlin

Aug 1, 2023 • 22min
Episode 239: Breakthroughs in Grammar Instruction: The 3 Must-Have Elements (Part 1)
I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text!On this episode of Teaching Middle School ELA, we are excited to kick off the month of August with our listeners as we delve into the world of grammar and back-to-school topics. In this first episode of our two-part series, we will explore breakthroughs in grammar instruction and provide practical tips for implementation that will bring both rigor and engagement to your classroom.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!