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Episode 461: Monday Mindset: Be the Reason episode artwork

Oct 26, 2026 9 min

Episode 461: Monday Mindset: Be the Reason

from Teaching Middle School ELA Hosted by Caitlin Mitchell

Negativity is loud right now, and teaching can sometimes feel like you're carrying more than anyone realizes. But what if one small act of kindness could change someone's entire day? In this week's Monday Mindset, Caitlin shares a personal moment involving a small back-to-school gift for someone at her son's school and the emotional reaction she never expected. It was a powerful reminder of how much it means to feel seen, appreciated, and cared for—especially in school communities where so many people are running on empty. Not through forced positivity or pretending teaching isn't hard, but by choosing to lead with good energy, show up with intention, and, as her dad says, “operate from peace.” Your Monday Mindset challenge: What's one small act of generosity you can offer someone this week? Want to stay in the loop with EB Academics? Join our priority list to be among the first to hear about upcoming trainings, events, and opportunities! Get on the list here: https://www.ebteacher.com/portal If this episode resonates with you, subscribe so you don't miss a Monday Mindset, share it with a teacher friend who could use a reset, and leave a review to help more ELA teachers find the support they need.

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Negativity is loud right now, and teaching can sometimes feel like you're carrying more than anyone realizes. But what if one small act of kindness could change someone's entire day? In this week's Monday Mindset, Caitlin shares a personal moment involving a small back-to-school gift for someone at her son's school and the emotional reaction she never expected. It was a powerful reminder of how much it means to feel seen, appreciated, and cared for—especially in school communities where so ma...

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Episode 461: Monday Mindset: Be the Reason

0:00 9:28

Chapters

  1. 0:00 Welcome And Teacher Support Mission
  2. 1:12 A Gift That Meant Everything
  3. 3:52 Negativity Bias And Choosing Light
  4. 5:15 Tipping Big And Giving Energy
  5. 6:56 Teachers Create Ripples Of Safety
  6. 8:24 A One-Week Kindness Challenge

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How long is this episode of Teaching Middle School ELA?

This episode is 9 minutes long.

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This episode was published on October 26, 2026.

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