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 342: The Secret to a Thriving Classroom Culture
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What if your classroom didn’t run on a long list of rules, but on a few powerful core values that shape how everyone shows up each day? In this episode, let's explore why core values inspire more ownership than rules, how to choose the right ones for your students, and simple ways to bring them to life daily. You’ll walk away with a clear framework for creating a classroom culture rooted in respect, responsibility, and growth—so you’re not just managing behavior, you’re building community and character.
Links mentioned that will help you with Classroom Management Strategy:
- The Perfect Classroom Management Strategy for Middle School ➡️https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZkdeEZL8rw
- Episode 139: The Single Most Effective Classroom Management System ➡️https://www.buzzsprout.com/2071023/episodes/11544768
- FREE EB CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT TOOL ➡️https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Wsr8zLchYD1-4esUfuNS5dB8RLT0SKYmzEH4zYfZm84/edit?slide=id.g12989d373b6_2_75#slide=id.g12989d373b6_2_75