

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

Sep 18, 2023 • 4min
Monday Mindset: You're Not Good at Everything
I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text!In today's episode, I delve into a powerful way of reframing our thoughts that challenges the notion of perfection in both our personal and professional lives. We don't have to excel in every aspect of our lives, rather we can embrace our strengths and allow others to shine in the areas in which they are most strong. I examine the importance of releasing the pressure to be perfect and focusing on what truly matters: family, friends, love, community, and connection. Here’s to another day of living intentionally.Caitlin

Sep 12, 2023 • 17min
Episode 245: The Argument for Using Graphic Novels in the Classroom
I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text!Welcome back to another episode of Teaching Middle School ELA where we're diving into the topic of using graphic novels in the classroom. We understand the uncertainty that comes with introducing a new teaching method or resource, especially when it comes to finding graphic novels that align with academic standards and engage students. But fear not, because today we are unpacking all things graphic novels and making the case for why this is the year to try them out with your students. We'll be sharing tips and insights on how to choose the right graphic novels, effectively teach them, and analyze the visual elements they offer. Get ready to embrace this exciting and engaging new addition to your middle school ELA classroom.Watch now on 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 11, 2023 • 4min
Monday Mindset: Stop Hitting the Snooze Button
I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text!Today I discuss an important topic: hitting the snooze button. Can you believe that the average snooze button hitter wastes a staggering 26 minutes in bed every day? That's 158 hours a year! Today I explore the impact of this habit on our daily lives and share how we can use that time more productively. Join me as I examine the secrets to starting our days right and making the most out of our precious time. Here’s to another day of living intentionally.Caitlin

Sep 5, 2023 • 14min
Episode 244: A No-Prep Grammar Activity Your Students Will Love
Discover a no-prep grammar activity that engages students and helps them avoid common grammar mistakes. The Golden Grammar Hunt is a fun and competitive game that teaches various grammar topics while capturing students' attention. Learn how to combine direct instruction, engaging games, and application to improve grammar skills and writing proficiency.

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!