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Teaching Middle School ELA

Teaching Middle School ELA

By: Caitlin Mitchell
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About this listen

Welcome to the Teaching Middle School ELA podcast, where we are dedicated to helping English Language Arts teachers create dynamic and engaging lessons for their students, while also managing the day-to-day responsibilities that come with being a Middle School ELA teacher.

As educators ourselves, we understand the challenges of finding a work-life balance that allows us to pursue our passion for teaching while also enjoying our personal lives. That's why each Tuesday, hosts Caitlin Mitchell and Jessica Cannata share practical and innovative solutions for managing your workload and staying inspired in your teaching practice.

Whether you are looking for fresh ideas to inspire your students, strategies for improving your writing instruction, or tips for managing your time more effectively, this podcast is designed to provide you with the tools you need to thrive as a Middle School ELA teacher.

Join us each week for curriculum and lesson ideas, classroom stories, and interviews with fellow educators who are experts in the field. We believe that with the right support and resources, you can create a classroom environment that encourages students to become strong and passionate learners.

If you teach reading and writing to middle schoolers and want to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in ELA education, then this is the podcast for you! Tune in every week and let us help you make a difference in the lives of your students and in your own teaching career.

© 2025 Teaching Middle School ELA
Episodes
  • Episode 327: How the 80/20 Rule Can Transform Your ELA Classroom

    Episode 327: How the 80/20 Rule Can Transform Your ELA Classroom
    Jun 10 2025

    I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text!

    Feeling overwhelmed by everything you’re expected to plan, prep, and grade as a middle school ELA teacher? You’re not alone — but there is a better way.

    In this episode, Caitlin breaks down the 80/20 Rule (aka the Pareto Principle) and how applying it to your classroom can help you work smarter, not harder. You’ll learn how to identify the 20% of strategies and routines that create 80% of your impact — and how to let go of the rest without guilt.

    Plus, she’ll show you how batch planning fits perfectly into this mindset and invite you to a free 3-day workshop that will help you simplify your planning, boost engagement, and walk into next year with confidence.

    Sign up for the free workshop here: ebteacher.com/workshop

    Check out the YouTube video on grading an essay: https:/
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    28 mins
  • 326: Writing Engagement Starts Day One—Here’s How I Hook Them

    326: Writing Engagement Starts Day One—Here’s How I Hook Them
    Jun 5 2025

    I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text!

    In this episode of Teaching Middle School ELA, Caitlin flips the script on traditional first-day activities by making the case for launching your writing unit on day one — yes, really! While students may still be groggy and navigating the chaos of a new school year, Caitlin shares how to spark curiosity and get them excited about writing right from the start. You’ll learn a simple yet powerful strategy to build engagement and confidence before diving into structure and essays, setting the tone for meaningful writing all year long.

    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
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    12 mins
  • Episode 325: Why Planning Ahead Saves You Time (and Sanity) in the Long Run

    Episode 325: Why Planning Ahead Saves You Time (and Sanity) in the Long Run
    Jun 3 2025

    I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text!

    In this episode of Teaching Middle School ELA, Caitlin tackles a topic many teachers may feel tempted to brush off—planning ahead. With the end-of-year chaos in full swing, thinking about next school year might seem impossible. But Caitlin shares why carving out just a bit of time now to plan can make a huge difference come August. Drawing on her own classroom experience and insights from thousands of ELA teachers, she walks you through simple, manageable strategies to ease your future workload, reduce stress, and set yourself up for a smoother, more enjoyable start to the new school year.

    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
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    27 mins
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