Episode 424: How to Cut Your Planning Time in Half Without Cutting Corners episode artwork

EPISODE · Jun 25, 2026 · 16 MIN

Episode 424: How to Cut Your Planning Time in Half Without Cutting Corners

from Teaching Middle School ELA · host Caitlin Mitchell

In today's Teaching Middle School ELA podcast episode. I walked through four concrete ways to cut your lesson planning time in half without cutting corners. First, I talked about building a truly distraction-free planning block so you can get back into deep focus and actually finish. Then I used Parkinson’s law to your advantage by setting a timer you honor for planning and grading, including a realistic approach to essay feedback that prioritizes targeted comments over marking every mistake. I also tackled decision fatigue by choosing one trusted go-to source for lessons and curriculum so you stop re-shopping for materials every week.If this helps, subscribe, share it with an ELA teacher friend, and leave a review so more teachers can get their time back.Our EB Teachers' ELA Portal registration is now OPEN. Come and explore our EB Portal and be one of the teachers who "Plan smarter, not harder".Register here: ebteacher.com/portalAnd if you want to join our ELA Portal Live Workshop for free, please sign up here: ebteacher.com/workshop

In today's Teaching Middle School ELA podcast episode. I walked through four concrete ways to cut your lesson planning time in half without cutting corners. First, I talked about building a truly distraction-free planning block so you can get back into deep focus and actually finish. Then I used Parkinson’s law to your advantage by setting a timer you honor for planning and grading, including a realistic approach to essay feedback that prioritizes targeted comments over marking every mistake....

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Episode 424: How to Cut Your Planning Time in Half Without Cutting Corners

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How long is this episode of Teaching Middle School ELA?

This episode is 16 minutes long.

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This episode was published on June 25, 2026.

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In today's Teaching Middle School ELA podcast episode. I walked through four concrete ways to cut your lesson planning time in half without cutting corners. First, I talked about building a truly distraction-free planning block so you can get back...

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