Episode 372: Your New Favorite Pre-Break Activity (That’s Secretly All About Setting)

Today’s Monday Mindset episode is a powerful reminder that being an incredible teacher doesn’t mean sacrificing your evenings, weekends, or well-being. The best teachers aren’t the ones who stay the latest—they’re the ones who protect their energy, set boundaries, and show up refreshed and present for their students.Tune in for a mindset shift that gives you permission to step away… without guilt. 💛

Today on the Teaching Middle School ELA podcast, we’re joined by our very own Membership Manager, Genevieve Chavez, who’s sharing the incredible story of how one teacher got her most reluctant writers begging to revise—yes, even right before winter break!It’s an inspiring, practical, feel-good episode you won’t want to miss. Tune in and let Genevieve’s insights spark new ideas for your own writers! ✨Gingerbread House Activity: https://www.ebteacher.com/gingerbread-house

In today’s Monday Mindset episode, we’re reminding ourselves that rest isn’t a reward—it’s a necessity. When we intentionally slow down, we give our minds and bodies the space they need to reset, refocus, and show up stronger. This week, choose rest with purpose and watch how it transforms your energy, clarity, and joy. 

Before break energy hits full chaos mode… we’ve got you covered.In today’s episode, we’re bringing on Pat from our curriculum team to share a pre-break activity your students will beg to do again — and yes, it’s sneakily building their understanding of setting too. Fun, meaningful, and totally classroom-ready. 

Today, we’re talking about staying calm amidst the chaos — especially during this busy season when everything feels louder, faster, and more overwhelming than usual.In this episode, Caitlin shares quick, practical mindset shifts to help you ground yourself, protect your energy, and move through the week with more ease (yes, even when life is wild!).Perfect reset to start your Monday strong. Please like and follow us on Instagram @ebacademics

The Wednesday before Thanksgiving can feel chaotic — high energy, low focus, zero attention span. But what if it didn’t have to be survival mode?In today’s episode, Caitlin shares a simple gratitude writing project that transforms that busy pre-break day into one of the most meaningful moments of your school year. It’s low-prep, highly engaging, and helps students practice real writing skills while connecting from the heart.If you’ve been searching for a lesson that brings calm, purpose, and heart into your classroom before break… this one’s for you.You can learn more at ebteacher.com/portal.

This week’s Monday Mindset episode dives into one of the hardest parts of personal growth: facing the truths we’ve been avoiding. Caitlin opens up about the “mirror moments” in her life — times when uncomfortable honesty led to deep healing, stronger leadership, and real transformation. Whether you’re a teacher navigating what’s not working in your classroom, a leader owning your blind spots, or someone simply trying to grow, this episode will meet you exactly where you are.Reflection for the week: What truth have you been avoiding that might actually be the key to your next level?

If your students seem “allergic” to writing — or if teaching writing feels like it’s eating your entire prep time — today's Teaching Middle School ELA episode will completely shift how you see the problem. Caitlin breaks down the simple structure-behind-choice system that skyrockets engagement, eliminates chaos, and actually saves you time. If you’ve ever tried choice boards and felt overwhelmed, this new approach will change everything about the way your students write (and how you teach it). 

If you’ve ever felt the slow creep of burnout — the shrinking energy, the growing to-do list, the joy that quietly slips away — this episode is going to hit home. Caitlin opens up about her own “burnout wake-up call” in the classroom and the simple but powerful non-negotiables that helped her reclaim her time, energy, and purpose.Whether you’re a teacher feeling stretched too thin or a student pushing toward perfection, this episode will help you identify the boundaries you need before you hit the wall.This week’s reflection: What non-negotiables do you need to protect your energy and show up with purpose — instead of exhaustion?

Teaching writing doesn’t have to feel hard — it just takes one mindset shift and a clear framework. In today's Teaching Middle School ELA podcast episode, Caitlin shares how to trust yourself, your system, and your students so teaching writing feels calm, confident, and easy. Tune in and discover how to step into your power as a writing teacher!