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 1, 2019 • 33min
Bringing Podcasts into Your Classroom with Ashley from Building Book Love - 029
This is SUCH a great episode that walks you through the how and WHY for bringing podcasts into your Middle School ELA classroom. Ashley Bible from Building Book Love is here to teach us everything we need to know. She even has a great blog post all about podcasts with an incredibly helpful free download for you to utilize as well. Check out her blog post here: ebacademics.com/ashleypodcast Make sure you also grab a copy of our FREE ebook called Your Balanced Year. We give you all kinds of strategies, structures, lesson plans, and so much more to help you find balance in your teaching life. Download the free ebook here: ebacademics.com/yourbalancedyear Also, be sure to mark your calendars for October 7, 2019, which is when we release our 3-part video series called The Balanced Teaching Approach. You can also find us on Instagram @ebacademics
Sep 24, 2019 • 37min
Simple Steps for a Better Year: Mindfulness with Kailey from Educalme - 028
In today's episode we're talking about some very simple steps you can take for a better year, using mindfulness practices and strategies. Kailey from The Balanced Educator Podcast is sharing her brilliant insights with us, so we can find more joy in our teaching practice. Learn more about Kailey, The Balanced Educator, and Educalme by visiting https://www.educalme.com/home. You can also find us on Instagram @ebacademics
Sep 17, 2019 • 22min
Games in ELA: Part 2 of 2 - 027
In today's episode we're talking about 4 different games you can use in your middle school ELA classroom. These are great to have in your back pocket as easy go to activities! This is part 2 of 2 about Games in ELA - you can listen to part two in next week's episode #026. Links mentioned in today's podcast: - Your Balanced Year Free eBook: ebacademics.com/yourbalancedyear - Balderdash Blogpost: ebacademics.com/balderdash Please be sure to leave us a review if you're loving the podcast! You can also find us on Instagram @ebacademics
Sep 10, 2019 • 16min
Games in ELA: Part 1 of 2 - 026
In today's episode we're talking about 4 different games you can use in your middle school ELA classroom. These are great to have in your back pocket as easy go to activities! This is part 1 of 2 about Games in ELA - you can listen to part two in next week's episode #027. Please be sure to leave us a review if you're loving the podcast! You can also find us on Instagram @ebacademics
Sep 3, 2019 • 11min
Easy Lunch Ideas - 025
Today's episode is lighthearted but also very helpful! We're sharing 4 awesome and easy lunch ideas for the school year. There's nothing worse than having NOTHING to bring to school for lunch. Take these 4 lunches and start making them this week! :) Make sure to follow us on Instagram at www.instagram.com/ebacademics
Aug 27, 2019 • 17min
Incorporating Informational Text in Easy and Meaningful Ways - 024
In today's episode we're talking about four strategies you can begin implementing right away to help you incorporate informational text into your classroom in easy and meaningful ways. Links mentioned in this episode: The EB Teachers' Club: ebacademics.com/membership Informational Text Graphic Organizers: ebacademics.com/informationaltext Make sure to follow us on Instagram at www.instagram.com/ebacademics
Aug 20, 2019 • 13min
First Day of School Activities - 023
In today's episode we're covering two fun and engaging first day of school activities. Use one or both of these ideas in your classroom this year or save them for next year! Link for the Classroom Scavenger Hunt: ebacademics.com/scavengerhunt Make sure to follow us on Instagram at www.instagram.com/ebacademics
Aug 13, 2019 • 9min
23 Pieces of Advice for the First Year Teacher - 022
Today's episode focuses on 23 pieces of advice we would tell our first-year teacher selves. Whether you're a first year teacher or starting your thirtieth year in the classroom, these are excellent reminders we just might need to hear :) Make sure to follow us on Instagram @ebacademics. Thanks for tuning in, and be sure to leave a review if you're loving what you're listening to!
Aug 6, 2019 • 7min
Make the Most of the TpT Sitewide Sale - 021
Let's make sure you make the absolute MOST of the Teachers Pay Teachers Back to School Sitewide Sale that's happening today, August 6th and tomorrow, August 7th! All of our resources (including bundles) are already marked down 20%! Then, use the code BTS19 at checkout to get an extra 5% off of your purchase from our store and many others. You can shop our store through this link: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Eb-Academics-By-Caitlin-And-Jessica See you at the sale!
Jul 30, 2019 • 18min
3 Simple and Easy Classroom Organization Habits - 020
Today's episode is all about 3 simple and easy classroom organization habits that will make a big impact in your classroom! Grab your three free weeks of bell ringers here - ebacademics.com/freebellringers You can also follow us on Instagram @ebacademics. Thanks for tuning in, and be sure to leave a review if you're loving what you're listening to!
