Episodes

  • An Important Update for the Podcast
    Jan 1 2025

    As the New Year dawns, we're embracing a transformative journey at EB Academics. After over 300 episodes of enriching the lives of ELA teachers, we're hitting pause on the Teaching Middle School ELA podcast to focus on something monumental. Our curriculum is under review by Ed Reports, and we're laser-focused on ensuring it meets and exceeds expectations, transforming it into an even more powerful resource for you. This hiatus isn't an end but a chance to enhance and elevate what we offer, aligning with our mission to empower educators inside and outside the classroom.

    Join me, Caitlin, as I share this pivotal moment in our journey. While we'll miss our weekly rendezvous, we're channeling all our energy into this exciting phase. It's a time for both growth and introspection, and I invite you to set your own intentions for 2025. Embrace the possibilities, welcome change, and trust in the process. Until we're back in your earbuds, here's to a New Year filled with ease, joy, and transformation. Your positive thoughts and good vibes are welcome as we embark on this critical chapter. See you soon, and happy 2025!

    Show more Show less
    4 mins
  • Mindset Favorite: Protecting Your Energy
    Dec 30 2024

    Let’s take a moment to revisit one of our favorite Monday Mindset episodes!

    Your energy has the power to transform every interaction—are you elevating those around you?

    Learn practical strategies to protect and project positivity, reflect on your energy levels, and align your actions with your best self. Surround yourself with uplifting individuals and discover the profound impact of intentional energy on your journey to fulfillment.

    Here’s to another day of living intentionally.

    Caitlin

    Show more Show less
    5 mins
  • Re-Air Transform Your Planning Process and Take Back Your Time
    Dec 24 2024

    Let's listen once again to one of our Podcast Favorites. This episode empowers middle school ELA teachers to plan an entire month or semester of lessons in advance, transforming the weekly grind into a streamlined, stress-free process. Learn to map out units, align with standards, and categorize lessons into 'into,' 'through,' and 'beyond' for maximum impact. Say goodbye to late-night planning and hello to high-quality lessons and personal time!

    Show more Show less
    15 mins
  • Mindset Favorite: Accepting Honesty
    Dec 23 2024

    What if embracing honesty and vulnerability could transform your life? Let's listen one more time to one of our Monday Favorite episodes, I explore how truthfulness fosters self-love and personal growth. Learn how honest feedback—whether from yourself or others—can spark meaningful change and help you align with your true aspirations.

    Dive into practical exercises and inspiring reflections to confront what holds you back and nurture what moves you forward.

    Listen now and take the first step toward unlocking your full potential!

    Here’s to another day of living intentionally.

    Caitlin

    Show more Show less
    6 mins
  • Episode 315: Ideas for Teaching Grammar in the Context of Reading
    Dec 17 2024

    Grammar lessons don’t have to be dull or disconnected from what students are reading! In this episode, we share three engaging strategies to teach grammar concepts through the sentences in your class's stories and books. You’ll hear all about using mentor sentences, setting up scavenger hunts for grammar elements, and exploring nonstandard dialects to enrich students’ understanding of language. With step-by-step ideas and examples, we'll make it easy to incorporate these strategies into any story or text.

    Tune in for creative ways to bring grammar to life in your classroom!

    Show more Show less
    18 mins
  • Mindset Favorite: Whether You Think You Can... You're Probably Right
    Dec 16 2024

    This is a flashback from one of our favorite Monday Mindset episodes!

    Imagine facing a challenge you once thought impossible—then conquering it with encouragement and the right mindset. This week, we explore how our beliefs shape our capabilities and the power of support in pushing past limits.

    Discover how shifting self-talk and embracing accountability can open doors to growth in all areas of life.

    Here’s to another day of living intentionally.

    Caitlin

    Show more Show less
    5 mins
  • Episode 314:Interview with Deonna Smith: culturally relevant learning environments
    Dec 10 2024

    Join host Megan in this insightful episode as she welcomes back Dr. Deonna Smith, an inspiring advocate for educational equity. With experience as both a teacher and an administrator, Dr. Smith now collaborates with educators and school leaders to build vibrant, inclusive learning environments that support students from all backgrounds, especially those who are often marginalized. In today’s conversation, she shares practical tips on bringing culturally responsive teaching into your classroom and teaching in ways that are joyful, inclusive, and impactful. Don’t miss this chance to learn how to elevate your teaching and student engagement!

    Click here for a special JOY Freebie: https://purple-tiger-24284.myflodesk.com/kvrdy0ou0g

    Show more Show less
    39 mins
  • Mindset Favorite: Moving Forward Despite Fear
    Dec 9 2024

    Let’s take a moment to revisit one of our favorite Monday Mindset episodes!

    Facing fear can lead to unexpected joys and personal growth. Caitlin recounts a spontaneous UTV ride through the Arizona desert that challenged her preference for predictability and taught her the power of embracing the unknown. This adventure mirrors the daily challenges we all face, from tackling daunting tasks to having tough conversations, and how courage can transform our lives. Caitlin invites educators and listeners to reflect on applying these lessons in classrooms and personal lives, fostering meaningful discussions about confidence and resilience. Join her as we explore how small acts of courage can unlock deeper joy and inspire growth.

    Here’s to another day of living intentionally.

    Caitlin

    Show more Show less
    5 mins