Teaching Middle School ELA
Teaching Middle School ELA
Caitlin Mitchell
Episode 384: Monday Mindset: Why “Keeping It Simple” Makes You a Stronger Teacher
12 minutes Posted Jan 19, 2026 at 11:00 am.
Welcome And Purpose Of Monday Mindset
The Core Message: Keep It Simple
Letting Go Of “More Equals Better”
Simplify Grading And Planning
Winter Energy And Doing Less Better
One Area To Simplify Today
Classroom Routines And Next Steps
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The belief that “more equals better” can quietly run your classroom and your life. We challenge that script with a fresh, practical look at simplicity—how lean lesson plans, streamlined grading, and tight routines can boost learning while giving you back time and calm. If January feels heavy, this is your nudge to stop feeding the plan book and start focusing on what truly moves the needle. Ready to try it? Pick one simplification and commit to it this week. Then tell us how it goes—we’re ch...