Teaching Middle School ELA

As a teacher, it's very likely a large portion of your identity is "teacher" - perhaps even your entire identity. It is so deeply embedded into the fabric of who you are that sometimes it might be difficult to separate your teacher identity from the other areas of your life. Resulting in burnout, exhaustion, frustration, and perhaps even losing a sense of self outside of teaching. W...

In this episode, Caitlin and Jessica will discuss why literature circles aren’t their favorite and what you can do to actually make them an effective tool in your classroom. They share 3 simple steps for best structuring your lit circles, all while keeping students engaged in rigorous learning and discussions! Links mentioned in this episode: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Literature-...

If you had to rate yourself on a scale of 1-10, how vulnerable would you say you are? How likely are you to open your heart to others? How often do you let others in? And how do you think that might be impacting your ability to build those 10 out of 10 relationships with others?  (students, parents, family, colleagues, children) I was doing a Peloton strength training class with Jess Sims this mor...

In this episode, Caitlin and Jessica will give lots of inspiration and ideas for creating authentic moments in your classroom – moments that students will look forward to and remember for a long time. The secret to getting your students to bring their best effort is to treat your class more like a sport and your students more like a team. Links mentioned in this episode: https://ebacademics.com/20...

What if we saw the challenges in our lives as opportunities for our own growth? As a way to stop and ask ourselves, "What lesson am I supposed to be learning from this?" Take a listen to this week's Monday Mindset and let me know what you think. It's time to flip the script on disappointing and frustrating situations and use them to better yourself. Life happens FOR us. Here&ap...

At some point this year, it’s going to happen. You’ll get super sick unexpectedly, have a child or parent to care for, or be suddenly asked to attend a workshop. No matter the reason you’ll be out of the classroom, you need sub plans at the ready, so you don’t have to worry about your students while you’re attending to something else. Today, Caitlin and Jessica will show you just how to make these...

Most of us live in a world of "either/or" ... meaning, we don't think we can actually have it all. You either get to be great at your job OR you get to be a great partner/friend/parent/etc. You either get to do a great job with your workout regime OR you get to go out with your friends on the weekend. The world of "either/or" doesn't serve you very well. It comes from...

Every ELA teacher needs some go-to activities for their teacher toolbag. Activities that can be used with any novel (or short story) but that still help students improve their reading skills and deeply analyze the text. Activities that can be used again and again without losing their effectiveness. We call these “rinse and repeat” activities. Links mentioned in this episode: https://www.teacherspa...

What if you got to be 100% responsible, 100% of the time? How would you choose to BE different in your relationships, in your interactions, in your inner narrative with yourself? This concept will propel you forward toward whatever ultimate goal or vision you have for yourself in your life. Here's to another great week ...  living intentionally . Caitlin

In this episode of the podcast, our friend, Monica Genta, stops by to give us an update on the pulse of SEL in districts across the country today, remind us of the importance now more than ever in building strong foundations with our students, and to share a little about her 180 Days of Awesome SEL Curriculum. Links mentioned in this episode: http://www.monicagenta.com/awesomeacademy http://www.mo...

There are few things I love more in life than California Wine Country. Here are my thoughts on "What's in the Gap?" in our relationships before my husband and I headed out to wine taste for the day in beautiful Healdsburg. Remember to focus on those 10 out of 10 relationships that really matter. How can you create more of those? Here's to another great week ...  living intentio...

If you know anything about Caitlin, you know that she believes in working smarter, not harder. Years ago, after not seeing evidence of student growth, she decided to make some small tweaks to how she was teaching vocab. These small tweaks became a system that made a major impact, and today she is sharing her method with listeners! Links mentioned in this episode: http://ebacademics.com/membership...

Have you ever sat for a minute and thought to yourself, "Who do I want to BE in this life?" Maybe a little too deep and philosophical,... but I believe this is the starting point and question for you to think about if you're feeling stagnant, unfulfilled, overwhelmed, or quite frankly, just unhappy and going through the motions of the day-to-day of life. Listen to this short 3 min a...

Heading into the school year, teachers everywhere are thinking about how to build and support classroom culture from day one. Caitlin and Jessica are responding with 3 great activities that teachers can use to start off the school year with an environment that is safe, kind, and productive. Links mentioned in this episode: http://ebacademics.com/membership Are you enjoying the podcast? Tag us @eba...

We're currently on a super special family vacation on Maui ... a vacation which I almost didn't go on because of my fear of flying. Take a listen in as I explore what courage has come to mean to me, and perhaps will help you when you're facing your own fears head on.

Email is a ubiquitous mode of communication these days, yet few teachers pause to teach this important writing genre with students. From writing an effective subject heading, to using an appropriate and professional tone, to keeping the message clear and comprehensible, this activity will set your students up for success in this genre that transcends classroom writing. Links mentioned in this epis...

Have you ever considered the power a single moment can have? Taking the space to decide to do something a little different that you normally would can truly have a lasting impact on you and those around you.   How can you "create a moment" for you students, yourself, or your family this week? Are you enjoying the podcast? Tag us @ebacademics and let us know which episode you're list...

In this special episode, Caitlin talks with Ashanti Branch, an educator seeking to help people remove their metaphorical masks in order to show up as their true, authentic selves. He will teach listeners that we all have shared human needs, and that by bridging the gap between the masks we wear and our real selves, we can make more meaningful connections, healthier communication, and deeper engage...

To find out more about our FREE Live Workshop, click the following link: https://writinginstruction.lpages.co/july-2022-workshop-registration-page/ The best learning takes place when students are having fun and feeling challenged at the same time. Of course, it can be tough coming up with ideas for engaging, rigorous lessons. Listen as Caitlin and Jessica give you an overview of an awesome narrati...

What do great writing teachers have in common? They all engage in these three practices! Listen to see which of these methods you already use, and which you could start adopting today. Links mentioned in this episode: ebacademics.com/literaryanalysis https://www.ebteacher.com/eb-teachers-club-2021 Are you enjoying the podcast? Tag us @ebacademics and let us know which episode you're listening...

To find out more about our FREE Live Workshop, click the following link: https://writinginstruction.lpages.co/july-2022-workshop-registration-page/ Caitlin and Jessica will walk you through two simple but critical steps to use in your lesson planning, so you can intentionally incorporate spiraled lessons into your school year and really make sure your students master the learning they need! Links...

Use this episode as a catalyst to say, “I’m going to take control.” Once you know which invisible scripts are affecting your teaching mindset and procedures, you can put yourself in the driver’s seat and create a plan to make teaching more effective, enjoyable, and sustainable. Are you enjoying the podcast? Tag us @ebacademics and let us know which episode you're listening to! Make sure to Su...

To find out more about our FREE Live Workshop, click the following link: https://writinginstruction.lpages.co/july-2022-workshop-registration-page/ What do great writing teachers have in common? They all engage in these three practices! Listen to see which of these methods you already use, and which you could start adopting today. Links mentioned in this episode: ebacademics.com/literaryanalysis h...

Teaching writing can be a huge waste of time. Yes, you heard that right – but let Caitlin and Jessica explain! When students’ essays are impossible to understand or are not much more than summaries, and when you are absolutely dreading grading them, something has to change. Thankfully, there’s a great way to do just that. Links mentioned in this episode: http://ebacademics.com/writing22 Are you en...

Can you identify? Your weekday mornings are a frantic rush to get yourself and your family out the door. You get to school, and it’s no less frenzied – you’re answering emails, making a mad dash for the copier, and trying to escape the chatty colleague who is slowing you down. Then the students arrive, and you’re on for the day. Your after-school life is just as stressful, and you’re totally drain...