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
Jul 23, 2019 • 16min
Habits You Can Form Now to Build Classroom Community - 019
Today's episode is all about three simple habits you can begin thinking about and forming now in order to build a positive classroom community for your students. These are easy and actionable steps that are going to make a big difference in your classroom environment! 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!
Jul 16, 2019 • 14min
The Benefits of Using a Writing Framework - 018
Today's episode is all about the benefits of utilizing a clear writing framework. This strategy will help you transform writing for all of the students in your classroom - from those who really struggle to those who need more structure! Make sure to join us for our FREE Live Masterclass on the Four Foolproof Strategies to Teaching Literary Analysis Writing Like a Pro! Register and grab your free spot here -> ebacademics.com/writingmasterclass 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!
Jul 9, 2019 • 6min
Elevate Your First Chapter Fridays - 017
Today's episode is all about taking the First Chapter Friday concept to the next level! To learn more about The EB Teachers' Club and how we're working hard to help Middle School ELA Teachers ameliorate some of the stress and overwhelm in their lives, please visit ebacademics.com/membership. 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!
Jul 2, 2019 • 23min
The Instagram Classroom - 016
In this episode we talk about how the Instagram classroom can have a potentially negative effect on your teaching psyche - and what to do about it. To learn more about The EB Teachers' Club and how we're working hard to help Middle School ELA Teachers ameliorate some of the stress and overwhelm in their lives, please visit ebacademics.com/membership. 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!
Jun 25, 2019 • 17min
Why We Left the Classroom - 015
In this episode, I'm talking honestly and openly with you about why we both decided to leave the classroom this year and what we're doing. Plus, we have a pretty darn exciting announcement to share with you! To become an EB Teachers' Club Member, simply visit this link -> ebacademics.com/membership 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!
Jun 18, 2019 • 11min
Actionable Lesson Planning Strategies - 014
Today's episode is all about 3 specific strategies you can use to streamline your lesson planning process. Join our free lesson planning workshop by visiting ebacademics.com/workshop. Can't wait to see you there! To join our FREE workshop, visit ebacademics.com/workshop to sign up! 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!
Jun 11, 2019 • 11min
How to Create Bell Ringers that Work - 013
Today’s episode is all about bell ringers. I’ll be talking quite honestly about my experience using them in the past, and what I did this year that really made them a game changer in my classroom. To find more information about this episode, head over to ebacademics.com/13. To grab your Three FREE Weeks of ELA Bell Ringers, simply visit 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!
Jun 4, 2019 • 19min
How I Completely Changed My Summer Reading Assignment - 012
About three years ago, I made the switch to an evidence-based writing packet for a short story for my summer reading assignment. (I also gave students the option to challenge themselves and read at least one other book of their choosing! I provide them with a list as well if they don’t know where to start. This also helps parents out over the summer, too, if they really do want their child reading - which hopefully they do!) So I want to walk you through WHY I chose to move to this model for my summer reading assignment and why it’s been so incredibly effective. To find more information about this episode, head over to ebacademics.com/12. To sign up for our free Narrative Writing Masterclass, Three Game-Changing Ideas for How You Teach Narrative Writing, go to ebacademics.com/narratives 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!
May 28, 2019 • 10min
A Counterintuitive Tip to Uplevel Your Narrative Writing - 011
In today’s episode we’re going to be covering narrative writing, but more specifically how to easily incorporate one strategy that’s going to help your students compose a strong narrative. And if you’re already finished with school, which I am so jealous about (!), today’s episode is still relevant because you can take this simple and effective strategy and implement it at the beginning of the school year as well. To find more information about this episode, head over to ebacademics.com/11. To sign up for our free Narrative Writing Masterclass, Three Game-Changing Ideas for How You Teach Narrative Writing, go to ebacademics.com/narratives 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!
May 21, 2019 • 14min
Surviving the End of the Year - 010
In today’s episode we’re going to be talking about some easy things you can begin implementing in your classroom to help you survive the end of the year. Because, let’s be honest, that can really be what it feels like sometimes at this point - SURVIVAL. So, let’s get through the end of the year together using these 3 simple ideas you can use today if you’d like! To find more information about this episode, head over to ebacademics.com/10. 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!
