Teaching Middle School ELA

Here’s the truth: your lesson plans don’t need to be perfect to be effective—and chasing “perfect” is one of the quickest ways to burn out as a teacher. In this episode, I am talking directly to all the teachers who spend hours tweaking slides, rewriting already-great handouts, and second-guessing every plan. You’ll learn why perfectionism doesn’t actually make you a better teacher, how it can wor...

Every teacher has those “Am I doing enough?” moments. In this episode, I'm talking through how to quiet the doubt and reconnect with your purpose, because you are making a difference.  🎉 Just a Few More Days Left! 🎉  Have you entered our Podcast Giveaway yet?  We’re treating ONE lucky teacher to a FREE 1-year subscription to the EB Teachers’ ELA Portal!  Here’s how to enter: Leave a review...

Not a fan of teaching writing? You’re not alone—and this episode is for you. Tune in for simple mindset shifts + practical tips to help you teach writing with more confidence (and less stress) Grab The Case of the Stolen Pearls Unit here: https://www.ebteacher.com/pearls  🎉 Just a Few More Days Left! 🎉  Have you entered our Podcast Giveaway yet?  We’re treating ONE lucky teacher to a FREE 1-year...

Tired of reinventing the wheel? In this episode, I'm diving into how templates can simplify your planning, reduce decision fatigue, and give you your time (and sanity!) back.  Book Study Information:  https://www.ebteacher.com/book-study Classroom Management Strategy YouTube Video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=5ZkdeEZL8rw Enter to Win a Year in The EB Portal🎉 We’re treati...

In this episode, we’re breaking down three practical strategies to transform peer review from a checkbox into a powerful teaching tool that improves writing—and helps you spend less time grading . We’ll also walk through the exact checklists and frameworks we use with our EB Teachers to help peer review stick. Whether you’ve tried it before or you’re ready to give it a fresh start, this episode is...

Feeling overwhelmed with lesson planning week after week? In this episode, we're digging into how simple, consistent weekly routines can completely transform your classroom. Learn how to save time, reduce stress, and build stronger engagement—all by putting a repeatable structure in place. Enter to Win a Year in The EB Portal🎉 We’re treating ONE lucky teacher to a FREE 1-year subscription to...

So, you’ve taught the structure. You’ve modeled examples. You’ve practiced together. And still... your students are struggling to write a strong paragraph. Sound familiar? In today’s episode, I’m breaking down exactly what to do when your students still aren’t getting it — including practical strategies, mindset shifts, and scaffolds that actually work. Let’s dive in and take the frustration out o...

In this episode, I’m sharing a writing tool that’s often overlooked but absolutely transformative: the Evidence Tracker . This simple organizer helps students slow down, organize their thinking, and write stronger, clearer arguments. I’ll show you exactly how to use it—and how to shake it up with a few creative twists that your students will love. If you’ve ever struggled with students writing off...

Welcome back to Teaching Middle School ELA! In this episode, I share a behind-the-scenes reflection on what I’d keep—and what I’d change—with writing instruction if I were still in the classroom next year. I dive into our Evidence-Based Writing (EBW) Approach, showing you how a clear, repeatable framework can simplify instruction and build confident writers without the overwhelm. Plus, I offer act...

Think you need to teach grammar daily to see results? Think again. In this episode, I share why less is more when it comes to grammar instruction—and how focusing on just two skills per month (using our 8-step EB Grammar Framework) leads to deeper understanding and stronger student writing. Tune in to learn how to make grammar meaningful, manageable, and impactful. 🎧 Listen now + grab your seat f...

Welcome back to Teaching Middle School ELA! Today we’re diving into the #1 writing skill to focus on during the first month of school — and it’s probably not what you think. If you want your students to grow as confident, capable writers this year, this is where it all starts. Let’s simplify your writing instruction and set the foundation for success, without the overwhelm.  Save your spot at ebte...

 Planning engaging lessons shouldn’t take over your weekends. In today’s episode, I’m sharing our simple EB lesson planning framework— Into, Through, and Beyond —along with plug-and-play activities that save you time and help students master the standards. If you’re tired of starting from scratch each week, this one’s for you. Let’s dive in  Sign up for the free workshop here: ebteacher.com/worksh...

Getting students excited about writing doesn’t start with the “perfect” prompt — it starts with purpose. In this episode, Caitlin dives into how to create real buy-in by helping students understand why writing matters, how to take ownership of their work, and what it means to see themselves as writers. You’ll walk away with tangible strategies to make writing more engaging, effective, and empoweri...

Feeling overwhelmed by everything you’re expected to plan, prep, and grade as a middle school ELA teacher? You’re not alone — but there is a better way. In this episode, Caitlin breaks down the 80/20 Rule (aka the Pareto Principle) and how applying it to your classroom can help you work smarter, not harder. You’ll learn how to identify the 20% of strategies and routines that create 80% of your imp...

In this episode of Teaching Middle School ELA , Caitlin flips the script on traditional first-day activities by making the case for launching your writing unit on day one — yes, really! While students may still be groggy and navigating the chaos of a new school year, Caitlin shares how to spark curiosity and get them excited about writing right from the start. You’ll learn a simple yet powerful st...

In this episode of Teaching Middle School ELA , Caitlin tackles a topic many teachers may feel tempted to brush off— planning ahead . With the end-of-year chaos in full swing, thinking about next school year might seem impossible. But Caitlin shares why carving out just a bit of time now to plan can make a huge difference come August. Drawing on her own classroom experience and insights from thous...

In this upbeat episode of the Teaching Middle School ELA podcast, Caitlin shares how short and sweet can still be powerful! Discover how mini lessons can make a big impact—especially during the busy end-of-year days—while giving you more breathing room and keeping students engaged.  Make sure you're on our email list, so you know when/if I host a Writing Workshop in July! You can grab our fre...

In this episode of the Teaching Middle School ELA podcast, Caitlin shares how you can make the most of your summer without letting school take over. Learn which planning tasks are truly worth your time, what you can skip, and how batch planning can set you up for a smooth fall—while still enjoying your well-deserved break!  Join me for my June workshop focused on the EB Batch Planning Approach! Th...

In this short but powerful episode of the Teaching Middle School ELA podcast, Caitlin shares a meaningful, low-prep activity to help students reflect and find closure at the end of the year: the 3-sentence speech. It’s a simple way to honor growth, celebrate the journey, and give every student a voice.  To stay connected with us about promotions, freebies, events, and professional development oppo...

How to Turn a Mystery into a Full-Class Mock Trial Want to teach argument writing in a way your students will actually love ? In this episode, I'm walking you through how to pair a murder mystery narrative with a full mock trial experience—no extra planning required. You'll learn: How to launch The Bountiful Case mystery in your classroom How to guide students through claim, premise, evi...

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:...

The final weeks of school don't have to be a countdown to summer filled with movies and worksheets. This pivotal time offers a golden opportunity to help your students reflect on their journey and recognize just how far they've come in your classroom. Ready to finish your year strong? Listen now to discover how intentional reflection can create the perfect bookend to your students'...

Imagine this: It’s Friday afternoon, the classroom is finally quiet, and you’re standing at a crossroads—do you take a little extra time to prep for next week, or do you head out and deal with it later? If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. In today’s episode of the Teaching Middle School ELA podcast, we’re diving into something that might just transform your teaching life: How Prepping on Fr...

In this episode, you’ll discover simple yet powerful strategies to spark curiosity and connection in your classroom—all while keeping things manageable for you. Let’s flip the script on end-of-year burnout and finish strong with purpose, clarity, and heart. You’ve poured so much into your students all year—now let’s wrap it up in a way that honors that work. You’re almost there, and you’re doing a...

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...