
Teaching Middle School ELA
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.
Teaching Middle School ELA
Latest Episodes
Episode 357: The Game That Turns Vocabulary, Grammar, and More Into Student Obsessions

Episode 356: Stop Staring at the Mountain in Front of You: Do This Instead

Episode 355: ELA Games Series: Why Bluffing Might Be the Most Fun Way to Practice ELA

Episode 354: ChatGPT Series: 3 ChatGPT Shortcuts Every ELA Teacher Needs to Save Hours on Prep

Episode 353: The Shortcut Narrative Unit: How to Get Powerful Stories in Just 10 Days

Fan Mail
I am so pleased you are well enough to do these podcasts. Just don’t overdo it - allow your body and mind to heal, you have been through a lot! I’m so excited the podcasts are back - I love them and often relisten to them to then try in my class. They are brilliant. Thank you. God bless and my prayers are with you for continued and complete healing. 💕🙏🙏🙏 Anne Gilbert.
New Zealand