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 364: Make Writing Feel Easy Again: 3 Simple Systems That Actually Work
Today, on the Teaching Middle School ELA podcast, Caitlin breaks down exactly why writing feels overwhelming — and how the problem isn’t you, it’s the system.
You’ll discover three simple, teacher-tested frameworks that will help you:
✅ Simplify writing instruction without reinventing the wheel
✅ Give faster, more meaningful feedback
✅ Bring fun (and confidence!) back into your students’ writing
If you’re ready to feel calm, confident, and joyful teaching writing again — this episode is your roadmap.