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
25 snips
May 6, 2025 • 30min
Episode 317: How to Plan Smarter, Not Harder: Mapping Out a Month of ELA in One Afternoon
Feeling overwhelmed with the end of the school year? Discover how to reclaim your time by planning an entire month of ELA in just one afternoon. This episode highlights the benefits of long-term planning, reducing stress while boosting your confidence in the classroom. Learn effective strategies to streamline your lessons and maximize impact, ensuring a smooth finish to the school year. Get inspired to plan with intention and keep burnout at bay, all while ending the year on a strong note!
May 5, 2025 • 19min
Welcome Back: A New Season, A New Chapter
After four months away, the podcast is back—and so am I. In this solo episode, I’m sharing the story behind the pause, what I’ve walked through personally and professionally, and the deep lessons I’ve learned on the other side. This season is about truth, healing, and coming home to what matters most.To stay connected with us about promotions, freebies, events, and professional development opportunities, Please join our EB Teacher's ELA Portal Priority List: ebteacher.com/portal
Jan 1, 2025 • 4min
An Important Update for the Podcast
As the New Year dawns, we're embracing a transformative journey at EB Academics. After over 300 episodes of enriching the lives of ELA teachers, we're hitting pause on the Teaching Middle School ELA podcast to focus on something monumental. Our curriculum is under review by Ed Reports, and we're laser-focused on ensuring it meets and exceeds expectations, transforming it into an even more powerful resource for you. This hiatus isn't an end but a chance to enhance and elevate what we offer, aligning with our mission to empower educators inside and outside the classroom.Join me, Caitlin, as I share this pivotal moment in our journey. While we'll miss our weekly rendezvous, we're channeling all our energy into this exciting phase. It's a time for both growth and introspection, and I invite you to set your own intentions for 2025. Embrace the possibilities, welcome change, and trust in the process. Until we're back in your earbuds, here's to a New Year filled with ease, joy, and transformation. Your positive thoughts and good vibes are welcome as we embark on this critical chapter. See you soon, and happy 2025!
Dec 30, 2024 • 5min
Mindset Favorite: Protecting Your Energy
Let’s take a moment to revisit one of our favorite Monday Mindset episodes!Your energy has the power to transform every interaction—are you elevating those around you? Learn practical strategies to protect and project positivity, reflect on your energy levels, and align your actions with your best self. Surround yourself with uplifting individuals and discover the profound impact of intentional energy on your journey to fulfillment.Here’s to another day of living intentionally.Caitlin
Dec 24, 2024 • 15min
Re-Air Transform Your Planning Process and Take Back Your Time
Let's listen once again to one of our Podcast Favorites. This episode empowers middle school ELA teachers to plan an entire month or semester of lessons in advance, transforming the weekly grind into a streamlined, stress-free process. Learn to map out units, align with standards, and categorize lessons into 'into,' 'through,' and 'beyond' for maximum impact. Say goodbye to late-night planning and hello to high-quality lessons and personal time!
Dec 23, 2024 • 6min
Mindset Favorite: Accepting Honesty
What if embracing honesty and vulnerability could transform your life? Let's listen one more time to one of our Monday Favorite episodes, I explore how truthfulness fosters self-love and personal growth. Learn how honest feedback—whether from yourself or others—can spark meaningful change and help you align with your true aspirations.Dive into practical exercises and inspiring reflections to confront what holds you back and nurture what moves you forward.Listen now and take the first step toward unlocking your full potential!Here’s to another day of living intentionally.Caitlin
Dec 17, 2024 • 18min
Episode 315: Ideas for Teaching Grammar in the Context of Reading
Discover how to make grammar lessons exciting by weaving them into the stories students love! Engage your class with mentor sentences that bring concepts alive and embark on grammar scavenger hunts. Dive into the exploration of nonstandard dialects, enriching language appreciation while reinforcing essential grammar skills. Learn creative techniques to connect literature and language, fostering a judgment-free environment where students thrive. Tune in for practical ideas that transform grammar from mundane to magical!
Dec 16, 2024 • 5min
Mindset Favorite: Whether You Think You Can... You're Probably Right
This is a flashback from one of our favorite Monday Mindset episodes!Imagine facing a challenge you once thought impossible—then conquering it with encouragement and the right mindset. This week, we explore how our beliefs shape our capabilities and the power of support in pushing past limits.Discover how shifting self-talk and embracing accountability can open doors to growth in all areas of life.Here’s to another day of living intentionally.Caitlin
Dec 10, 2024 • 39min
Episode 314:Interview with Deonna Smith: culturally relevant learning environments
Join host Megan in this insightful episode as she welcomes back Dr. Deonna Smith, an inspiring advocate for educational equity. With experience as both a teacher and an administrator, Dr. Smith now collaborates with educators and school leaders to build vibrant, inclusive learning environments that support students from all backgrounds, especially those who are often marginalized. In today’s conversation, she shares practical tips on bringing culturally responsive teaching into your classroom and teaching in ways that are joyful, inclusive, and impactful. Don’t miss this chance to learn how to elevate your teaching and student engagement!Click here for a special JOY Freebie: https://purple-tiger-24284.myflodesk.com/kvrdy0ou0g
Dec 9, 2024 • 5min
Mindset Favorite: Moving Forward Despite Fear
Let’s take a moment to revisit one of our favorite Monday Mindset episodes!Facing fear can lead to unexpected joys and personal growth. Caitlin recounts a spontaneous UTV ride through the Arizona desert that challenged her preference for predictability and taught her the power of embracing the unknown. This adventure mirrors the daily challenges we all face, from tackling daunting tasks to having tough conversations, and how courage can transform our lives. Caitlin invites educators and listeners to reflect on applying these lessons in classrooms and personal lives, fostering meaningful discussions about confidence and resilience. Join her as we explore how small acts of courage can unlock deeper joy and inspire growth.Here’s to another day of living intentionally.Caitlin
