

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

Oct 23, 2023 • 8min
Monday Mindset: Change Your Perspective
I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text!In today's episode, I discuss the profound concept that our perception of the external world is a reflection of our internal state. Our thoughts, emotions, and beliefs shape how we interpret reality. Our perception, or view of reality, can affect relationships: unresolved emotions can distort interactions, while empathy can enhance connections. When we are aware of our inner world, it can profoundly influence our external experiences. Here’s to another day of living intentionally.Caitlin

Oct 17, 2023 • 22min
Episode 250: The Fabulous Edgar Allan Poe Two Truths and a Lie Game
I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text!Welcome back to another episode of the Teaching Middle School ELA podcast! In today’s episode, we are thrilled to share a fun and engaging activity inspired by one of our EB Teachers’ Club members, Krystal Wilde. We will be diving into the world of Edgar Allan Poe and playing a game of Two Truths and a Lie to kick off your Poe unit or any literature study. Join us as we dive in for some fun in the classroom and explore the life of Edgar Allan Poe, while challenging our students' critical thinking skills.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!

Oct 16, 2023 • 6min
Monday Mindset: Get an Accountability Partner
I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text!Today I explore the profound impact of having an accountability partner on your journey to change. When you team up with someone who shares your goals, the behavior you're striving to achieve becomes the norm in your environment. Research shows that being held accountable by a partner significantly boosts motivation and success rates. If you're looking to make lasting changes in your life, finding an accountability partner might be the key to your transformation. Here’s to another day of living intentionally.Caitlin

Oct 10, 2023 • 14min
Episode 249: Finally! A Way for Middle Schoolers to Write Effective Summaries
In this final episode, the hosts discuss a fun activity to help middle schoolers write effective summaries by eliminating unnecessary details. They also share practical tips for implementing this activity. Additionally, they explore the power of songs in enhancing learning and retention and provide a step-by-step method for teaching effective summaries using the SWBST framework.

Oct 9, 2023 • 5min
Monday Mindset: Let's Romanticize the Mundane Things in Our Lives
I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text!In this episode, I encourage listeners to slow down and appreciate the simple, nearly cost-free pleasures in life. By embracing small moments, we can shift our perspective and find happiness in everyday activities, such as enjoying a cup of tea, going for a walk, or reading a book. Ultimately, our life is a collection of these moments, and by cherishing them, we can become more content and grateful everyday. Here’s to another day of living intentionally.Caitlin

Oct 3, 2023 • 24min
Episode 248: Stop Writing Sample Essays with Your Students; Do THIS Instead
I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text!In today's episode of Teaching Middle School ELA, we delve into a thought-provoking topic that may ruffle some feathers. We discuss the unintended consequences of writing model essays in front of students and explore whether this practice aligns with our goals of demonstrating proper writing techniques and fostering creativity. Join us as we break down the side effects of this approach, such as creating unrealistic expectations and stifling students' creativity. But don't worry, we also provide an alternative that can foster active learning and allow students to thrive in their writing journey. Get ready for an engaging discussion that may challenge your current practices in the 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!

Oct 2, 2023 • 6min
Monday Mindset: Rest is Not a Reward
I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text!In today's episode, I discuss a topic that affects us all: the concept that rest is not a reward. In a society that glorifies productivity and hard work, it's crucial to challenge the traditional narrative and recognize that rest is not something we earn, but rather, a fundamental right. Shift your mindset and prioritize rest as a proactive choice rather than a reactive necessity or a reward. Discover the wisdom and benefits of incorporating rest into your daily life to live a happier, more fulfilled existence. Here’s to another day of living intentionally.Caitlin

Sep 26, 2023 • 30min
Episode 247: Your Burning ELA Questions Answered
I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text!Today’s episode of Teaching Middle School ELA is unique–Caitlin and Jessica answer teachers’ most burning ELA questions on the podcast! Listeners will hear everything from advice on how to organize materials for learning units, strategies for teaching grammar, as well as tips to help students justify evidence in writing. They will also explore the importance of combining reading and writing, as well as effective classroom management techniques. Watch now: YouTubeAre 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!

Sep 25, 2023 • 6min
Monday Mindset: Seasons
I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text!Today I dive into the concept of seasons - not just the ones we experience in nature, but the seasons of our lives as well. Seasons remind us that it's okay to experience the dark and barren winters, just as much as it is to revel in the bright and sunny summers. In a world where we often only see people's growth and expansion, I encourage you to embrace vulnerability and share your journey with others. It’s important to explore the seasons of life and discover how they shape us as human beings. Here’s to another day of living intentionally.Caitlin

Sep 19, 2023 • 25min
Episode 246: Get Your Students to Rock their Text-Dependent Paragraphs with this Strategy
In this episode, the hosts discuss a framework for teaching students to write well-organized text-dependent paragraphs. They introduce the EBW approach, which improves reading comprehension and writing skills. They also explore strategies for integrating reading and writing, and improving paragraphs through key scenes and essential questions.