Teaching Middle School ELA

I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2071023/open_sms] 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 empowering — for both you and your students. 🎯 Get on my newsletter, so you don't miss the info for my 3-Day Writing Workshop in July. You can do so by grabbing my free Mock Trial Murder Mystery at ebteacher.com/mysterytrial [http://ebteacher.com/mysterytrial]

I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2071023/open_sms] 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 impact — and how to let go of the rest without guilt. Plus, she’ll show you how batch planning fits perfectly into this mindset and invite you to a free 3-day workshop that will help you simplify your planning, boost engagement, and walk into next year with confidence. Sign up for the free workshop here: ebteacher.com/workshop [https://www.ebteacher.com/workshop] Check out the YouTube video on grading an essay: https:/ [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOpcjGPIRTw&t=1s]

I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2071023/open_sms] 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 strategy to build engagement and confidence before diving into structure and essays, setting the tone for meaningful writing all year long. To stay connected with us about promotions, freebies, events, and professional development opportunities, Please join our EB Teacher's ELA Portal Priority List: ebteacher.com/portal [http://ebteacher.com/portal]

I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2071023/open_sms] 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 thousands of ELA teachers, she walks you through simple, manageable strategies to ease your future workload, reduce stress, and set yourself up for a smoother, more enjoyable start to the new school year.  To stay connected with us about promotions, freebies, events, and professional development opportunities, Please join our EB Teacher's ELA Portal Priority List: ebteacher.com/portal [http://ebteacher.com/portal]

I’d love to hear from you! Send me a text! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2071023/open_sms] 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 free Batch Planning Guide at the link below, and you'll automatically be added to our list! https://www.ebteacher.com/free-10-tips-for-Batch-Planning [https://www.ebteacher.com/free-10-tips-for-Batch-Planning] To stay connected with us about promotions, freebies, events, and professional development opportunities, Please join our EB Teacher's ELA Portal Priority List: ebteacher.com/portal [http://ebteacher.com/portal]