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
Episode 317: How to Plan Smarter, Not Harder: Mapping Out a Month of ELA in One Afternoon
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If May has you running on empty and juggling all the things, this episode is for you. We're diving into a powerful mindset shift that will help you take back your time—starting with your lesson plans. Imagine sitting down for one afternoon and walking away with your entire month of ELA mapped out. It’s not just possible—it’s totally doable with a clear, intentional approach.
We’ll unpack why daily or weekly planning might be quietly burning you out and how shifting your strategy can lead to more focused instruction, greater confidence, and the space you need to finish the year strong. Whether you're wrapping up the school year or just looking for a smarter way to approach your time, this episode will inspire you to plan with purpose—and remind you that reclaiming your energy starts with a single afternoon of intention. Let’s do this together. You’ve got this!
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Links mentioned in this episode:
YouTube Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=np_PNmxoXxs
Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6NTHZhBj1LwIvfRF5gAFd8?si=gikttbbVTl6OIJ8rtp7mZg&pi=hCD0H4UZTveL_