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 398: Why Students Don't Apply Grammar in Their Writing — And How to Fix It Part 2
Episode 397: Why Your Grammar Lessons Keep Falling Flat (And the Fix That Actually Works) Part 1
Episode 396: Monday Mindset: What to Do When Everything Starts to Slip
BONUS: Silent Discussions—How to Get Every Student Thinking (Without Anyone Saying a Word)
Episode 395: A 5-Minute Women’s History Month Writing Routine
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