Teaching Middle School ELA
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.
Teaching Middle School ELA
Episode 321: Closing Time: End-of-Year Routines to Wrap Up Your Classroom, Grades, and Sanity
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In today’s episode of the Teaching Middle School ELA podcast, Caitlin shares simple, effective end-of-year routines to help you wrap up the school year with clarity and calm. If May feels like a whirlwind, this is your guide to finishing strong—without the stress. Let’s make the last few weeks feel a little more doable and a lot more intentional.
Caitlin's Journaling Spotify Playlist:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6NTHZhBj1LwIvfRF5gAFd8?si=368bcb58b9084045
📋 Closing Time Checklist
Use this checklist to simplify your end-of-year systems and finish strong—without losing your mind:
🧼 CLASSROOM WRAP-UP
- ☐ Pick one zone to clean each day (desk, supply area, library, etc.)
- ☐ Recruit your "Classroom Closing Crew" to help with specific jobs
- ☐ Label, store, and pack materials with next year in mind
📝 GRADES + ASSESSMENTS
- ☐ Set your final due dates and communicate them clearly
- ☐ Only grade assignments that reflect meaningful learning
- ☐ Use student self-assessment and simple rubrics to save time
- ☐ Batch-grade using 25-minute time blocks (Pomodoro method)
- ☐ Write 2–3 quick reflection notes about each student’s growth
🧠 YOUR SANITY
- ☐ Schedule a “Final Friday” solo work block to close out loose ends
- ☐ Make a “Start of Next Year” checklist and save it in your planner
- ☐ Give yourself permission to pause—don’t plan next year just yet
✅ Pro Tip: Print this checklist, highlight what works for you, and tuck it somewhere visible for the final two weeks of school. Small steps = a smoother finish.
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