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EPISODE 17

What Middle School ELA Teachers Wish Elementary Educators Knew with Caitlin Mitchell

As an elementary teacher, I was always worried about whether I was doing a good enough job in preparing my students for the next level. I wanted to be a fly on the wall of their classrooms when they got to middle school to see if they were prepared. That is why I am so excited to have Caitlin Mitchell joining me today to share all about how elementary teachers can help prepare students for middle school ELA.

It’s not always easy to know whether or not your students are going into middle school with the knowledge they need to succeed. So what can we do as elementary teachers to ensure our students have a smooth transition from elementary ELA to middle school ELA?

In this episode, Caitlin shares some incredible insight into where she sees gaps when students enter middle school, what middle school ELA teachers wish elementary teachers knew, and her advice for elementary teachers.

Episode Highlights

08:46 – The major differences between elementary and middle school ELA

16:01 – What middle school ELA teachers find frustrating about incoming middle school students

28:48 –  Where the biggest gaps are between middle school and elementary school ELA standards

35:56 – The 3 things middle school ELA teachers wish elementary school teachers knew

45:54 – Caitlin’s best piece of advice for upper elementary teachers who are prepping their students for middle school

Our Guest on This Episode:

middle-school-elaCaitlin Mitchell and Jessica Cannata are the co-founders of EB Academics, a company that helps middle school ELA teachers expertly support their students while achieving their own work-life balance. They co-host the popular podcast Teaching Middle School ELA and the YouTube channel EB Academics for Middle School ELA Teachers, which offer advice and inspiration to educators. Together, they authored an Amazon #1 best-selling book, The Empowered ELA Teacher.

Caitlin holds a master’s degree with a focus in curriculum development and secondary education. She has a wealth of experience in the field of education, having taught at the high school, middle school, and 5th-grade levels for a total of 9 years. Her dedication to teaching was recognized by the LAX Coastal Chamber of Commerce, which awarded her Teacher of the Year. Additionally, she serves on the Board of Directors for the Principled Entrepreneurship Institute at Marin Catholic High School. In recent years, she has established a culture within her company and community that is centered on helping people shift their mindsets in order to grow and thrive within their careers.

You can check out the EB Academics website, listen to the Teaching Middle School ELA Podcast, or follow them on Instagram @EBAcademics.

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This is a podcast designed for elementary school teachers and homeschool parents on a mission to master the art of literacy instruction and cultivate a love of reading in students. Join your host, Ciera Harris, as she opens the door to a world of transformative teaching strategies that will make you a literacy champion in your classroom.