Stellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary Teachers
The Stellar Teacher Podcast is for upper elementary teachers who want to improve their literacy instruction. Host Sara Marye, a literacy specialist with over a decade of classroom and administrative experience, shares tips, strategies, and resources to help teachers foster a love of reading in their students. Each week, Sara and her guests discuss practical, no-fluff ideas that make teaching literacy effective and engaging. The podcast aims to help teachers feel confident in transforming their students into lifelong readers.
Episodes
311: Small Group Instruction Made Simple: How to Use Data to Support Every Reader
Part 6: Your Literacy Block Series Learn how to make small group instruction purposeful and effective. Tami breaks down the five key questions about small groups: what they are, what they look like, how they differ from whole group, how much time to spend, and real examples using Stellar Literacy Collective resources. Perfect for upper elementary teachers looking to differentiate literacy instruct
310: Writing Belongs in Your Literacy Block (Here's How)
Part 5: Your Literacy Block SeriesIn this episode of our Your Literacy Block series, Emily is talking all about writing— and why it deserves a place in every upper elementary literacy block.Many teachers think of writing as essays, state testing, and lengthy writing projects.... but writing can be so much more than that. When students write about what they read, they deepen comprehension, organize
[Listen Again] Why Reading Fluency Matters More Than You Think
Think fluency instruction is only for primary grades? Think again.In this episode, we're unpacking why reading fluency remains one of the most important—and often overlooked—components of literacy instruction in upper elementary. You'll learn how fluency impacts comprehension, the common signs students are struggling, and simple ways to build meaningful fluency practice into your literacy block.Pl
309: Fluency - The Bridge Between Decoding & Comprehension
Your Literacy Block: Part 4Fluency is more than reading fast — it's the bridge between word recognition and comprehension. In this episode of the Your Literacy Block series, Emily breaks down what reading fluency really means, why upper elementary students still need explicit fluency instruction, and three simple, research-backed activities you can start using this week.You'll learn:the 3 componen
[Listen Again] Intervention Strategies for Struggling Readers with Shannon Moore
Supporting struggling readers is one of the most important—and often most challenging—parts of literacy instruction. When intervention time is limited and student needs vary widely, it can be difficult to know where to focus your efforts.In this episode, literacy specialist Shannon Moore joins us to discuss the key components of effective reading intervention and how teachers can create systems th
308: Phonics & Phonemic Awareness: Closing Gaps in Upper Elementary
Your Literacy Block: Part 3If you've ever wondered whether phonemic awareness and phonics still matter in upper elementary, this episode is for you!While these foundational skills are often associated with primary grades, many students in third, fourth, and fifth grade continue to struggle because of gaps in their word recognition skills. In this episode, we're unpacking the difference between pho
[Listen Again] How the Brain Learns Words (and Why It Matters for Reading Success) with Dr. Molly Ness
We replayed an interview with Dr. Molly Ness last week... and we just could not help airing this one too! We love our interview episodes. What helps a word move from something students have to sound out to something they instantly recognize?In this episode, literacy researcher and educator Dr. Molly Ness joins us to explore orthographic mapping—the process that allows readers to permanently store
307. The 5-Minute Word Study Routine That Builds Reading Confidence
Your Literacy Block Series: Part 2If your students freeze when they come across long, unfamiliar words while reading, this episode is for you.In today’s episode of The Stellar Teacher Podcast, we’re talking about how morphology instruction can completely change reading confidence for upper elementary students. You’ll learn how teaching prefixes, suffixes, roots, and base words helps students decod
[Listen Again] Why Every Literacy Block Needs Read-Alouds with Molly Ness
Are read-alouds still worth making time for in an upper elementary classroom? According to literacy researcher and author Dr. Molly Ness—they absolutely are.In this episode, we dive into the research-backed benefits of read-alouds and why they still play an essential role in a Science of Reading-aligned literacy block. From building vocabulary and background knowledge to increasing engagement and
306. Comprehension: A Simple Research-Backed Framework That Actually Works
Your Literacy Block Series: Part 1If you’ve ever wondered:“How do I actually help my students comprehend what they read?” …this episode is for you.Reading comprehension is the goal of reading instruction—but it’s not just one strategy or skill. In this episode of The Stellar Teacher Podcast, we’re kicking off a brand-new series all about building an effective upper elementary literacy block.We’re
305. [Listen Again] Let Them Be Bored: Why Boredom Might Be Exactly What Kids Need with Mike Bender and Chuck Dillon
304. 7 Things Your Future Teacher Self Will Thank You For
The school year is almost over, but before you fully switch into summer mode, there are a few things your future teacher self will be so thankful you did. In this episode of The Stellar Teacher Podcast, Sara and Emily share 7 end-of-year reflection and reset strategies that can help make next school year feel more organized, intentional, and less overwhelming.Episode Takeaways:Reflect on your favo
303. Want More Engagement in May? Try These 3 Literacy Moves
In this episode, Emily shares 3 simple, low-prep literacy moves that still make a big impact at the end of the year (hello increased engagement!). You’ll hear practical ideas for:Student-led book talks that build excitement around readingFluency performances that combine comprehension, rereading, and engagementBringing back your favorite read-alouds using a simple 3-2-1 comprehension structureThes
302. Hey Teachers, Don't Miss the Magic of May
May can feel exhausting, emotional, and chaotic but it can also be one of the most meaningful months of the school year. In this episode, Tami and Sara are reminder teachers not to miss the magic of May.Sara and Tami talk about the unique opportunities this final stretch of the year brings: stronger student relationships, visible growth, classroom confidence, and the chance to finish with purpose
301. 3 Things That Actually Matter Before the School Year Ends
As the school year comes to a close, it’s easy to feel pressure to squeeze in one more lesson, finish one more project, or check off every remaining standard. But what if finishing strong didn’t mean doing more?In this episode, Tami shares three powerful reminders to help you navigate the final weeks of the school year with more clarity, intention, and less overwhelm. From letting go of the pressu
300. You Can Love Teaching and Still Want It to Be Easier
If teaching feels harder than usual right now, you’re not alone—and you’re not doing it wrong.In this special 🎉300th episode🎉, Emily and Tami share 3 simple ways to make teaching feel easier and more manageable right now (so you can lean into loving it!). They talk about why doing more isn’t the solution, how routines and systems can lighten your load, and what to focus on so you can finish the ye
299. 1 Thing Your Students Actually Need Right Now
Feeling the pressure to try something new before testing season?In this episode, Emily and 5th grade teacher Meghan share why that instinct might be doing more harm than good. Instead of adding new strategies, they encourage teachers to lean into the routines that are already working. Listen in and walk away with simple ways to strengthen what’s already in place (or super easy to implement) — like
298. Why It's Not Too Late to Support Struggling Readers
Sign up for our FREE test prep email series: stellarteacher.com/testprep! Get 3 free lessons straight to your inbox.If you’ve ever reached April and wondered why some students still seem to struggle with reading, you’re not alone. In this episode of the Stellar Teacher Podcast, we explore a reality many teachers experience during the final months of the school year: student progress in literacy is
297. The Difference Between Feedback and Noise
In this episode, Sara and Kori discuss the difference between helpful feedback and noise in teaching. With so many opinions and suggestions coming from evaluations, colleagues, professional development, and social media, it can be difficult for teachers to know which feedback to take seriously and which advice to let go.Sara and Kori share personal experiences with receiving feedback throughout th
296. What Calm Classrooms Actually Have in Common (Spoiler: it’s not decor!)
What do calm classrooms actually look like? Contrary to what many people think, calm classrooms aren’t always silent or perfectly still. Instead, they are spaces where students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.In this episode of the Stellar Teacher Podcast, Emily is joined by Stellar Teacher team member Tami to explore what calm classrooms truly have in common. Drawing on her years of expe
295. Teaching Is a Long Game: A Reminder for Teachers Feeling the Pressure
In this episode of the Stellar Teacher Podcast, Kori shares an encouraging reminder that many educators need to hear — teaching is a long game. When the pressure of testing season, pacing guides, and student progress starts to feel overwhelming, it can be easy to believe that every lesson needs to produce immediate results. But the reality is that meaningful learning rarely happens overnight.If yo
294. The Most Expensive Test Prep Mistake Happens Before the Question
As much as we prepare students with practice passages and strategy review, many performance struggles happen before students even answer a question.When test anxiety sets in, students may skim or skip directions entirely, misread what’s being asked, or overlook key details like “not,” “compare,” or “from least to greatest.” In this episode, Sara and Emily discuss why this happens and how teachers
293. [Listen Again] Dear Stellar Teacher: How Can I Make Test Prep Season More Effective and Less Overwhelming?
Standardized testing season is coming — and if you’re already feeling the pressure of long testing days, restless students, and review overload, you’re not alone.In this Dear Stellar Teacher episode, Sara and Emily share realistic, classroom-tested strategies to help you approach testing season with clarity, confidence, and calm. Instead of cramming more practice into your schedule, this conversat
292. Navigating the Challenges of Required Curriculum
SummaryIn this episode of the Stellar Teacher Podcast, host Sara Marye discusses the challenges and strategies for teachers dealing with mandated curriculums. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing gaps in the curriculum, enhancing instruction with supplemental resources, focusing on effective teaching methods, and using assessment data to justify changes. The episode provides practical tips
291. When You Can’t Stop Rethinking Everything You Said, Taught, or Did
In this episode of the Stellar Teacher Podcast, hosts Sara Marye and Emily discuss the common struggle of second-guessing oneself in teaching. They explore the impact of self-reflection, perfectionism, and the importance of data in decision-making. The conversation emphasizes strategies to overcome self-doubt, celebrate successes, and the value of team support in the teaching profession.Takeaways:
290. You Are the Expert: Why Your Professional Judgment Matters
In this episode of the Stellar Teacher Podcast, Sara is joined by a member of the Stellar Teacher Team and they discuss the importance of trusting professional judgment in teaching. They share personal experiences and challenges faced in the classroom, emphasizing the need for teachers to have confidence in their decisions and to advocate for their students' needs. The conversation highlights the
289. Embracing Imperfection in Teaching
In this episode of the Stellar Teacher Podcast, Emily and Tami discuss the pressures teachers face to make every lesson extraordinary.They explore the impact of social media on teacher expectations, the importance of setting realistic reading goals, and the value of establishing routines in the classroom.The conversation emphasizes that not every lesson needs to be perfect, and that building relat
288. Choosing Intention Over Perfection
In this episode, I’m sharing why I’ve moved away from setting traditional New Year’s resolutions and what has actually helped me create meaningful, sustainable change. Over the years, I realized that rigid goals built around doing more or being more often led to frustration and burnout. What made the biggest difference for me wasn’t changing my habits first, but changing how I think and talk to my
287. 5 Myths About Small Group Instruction (And What to Believe Instead) [Listen Again]
In this episode, I’m diving into small group instruction and addressing five common myths that I hear all the time in the teacher space. Small groups often feel like a requirement for being an effective reading teacher, and that belief alone can create a lot of unnecessary pressure. I want to be very clear in this conversation: small group instruction can be incredibly beneficial, but it is not th
286. Dear Stellar Teacher: Making Space for More Joy This Year
In this first Dear Stellar Teacher episode of 2026, Emily and I are kicking off the new year by talking about something that doesn’t get nearly enough attention in education: joy. A new year can bring excitement and fresh goals, but it can also feel heavy when you’re returning to the same classroom challenges, schedules, and demands. In this episode, we slow things down and reflect on what it real
285. Implementing Classroom Routines for a Strong Second Semester
In this episode, I’m talking all about implementing classroom routines as we head into the second semester. This time of year can feel exciting and overwhelming all at once, especially when we realize we’re already halfway through the school year with our students. I share why routines matter so much—particularly in upper elementary—and how they create predictability, calm, and valuable “white spa
284. 5 Steps to Teaching with Thematic Units [Listen Again]
In today’s episode, I’m sharing one of my favorite ways to bring more purpose, connection, and deeper learning into your literacy block: thematic planning. This approach—sometimes called cross-curricular instruction—was a huge shift for me when I first transitioned to an IB school. Instead of treating reading, writing, science, and social studies as separate silos, I learned how to plan around big
283. Your Guide to Teaching Syllabication in Upper Elementary [Listen Again]
In today’s episode, I’m unpacking a skill that often gets overlooked in upper elementary but has a huge impact on whether students can read big words with confidence. So many of our students see a long word and immediately freeze or give up, not because they don’t want to try, but because they don’t have the tools to break the word apart. That’s where syllabication comes in. When we intentionally
282. 4 Ways to Easily Incorporate Movement into Your Instructional Day [Listen Again]
In this episode, I’m kicking off December with a little real talk about this wild stretch between Thanksgiving and winter break—and how we can make it feel a bit lighter. These weeks can be LONG, so I’m sharing encouragement to protect your energy, give yourself permission to slow down a bit, and be more present with the people you love.From there, I dive into the fun stuff: practical ways to inco
281. 5 Reasons Why You Need to Spend More Time on Sentence Writing in Upper Elementary [Listen Again]
In today’s episode, I’m diving into a small but mighty part of literacy instruction that has a huge impact on your students’ reading and writing success—the sentence. For years in my own classroom, I didn’t give sentence-level work nearly enough attention, even though sentences are at the heart of everything students read and write. If you’ve ever wondered how to strengthen your students’ writing,
280. Slow Down to Show Up: A Thanksgiving Reminder for Teachers
As we head into Thanksgiving week, I know things can start to feel a little chaotic. Schedules are disjointed, students are distracted, and you’re probably juggling classroom responsibilities with holiday prep, travel plans, or hosting duties. It’s a lot—and it’s easy to feel the pressure to keep pushing through. But this week’s episode is your gentle reminder that it’s okay to pause, slow down, a
279. Plot Twist: Student Engagement Doesn’t Happen by Accident
There are so many times as teachers when we realize we’re the ones doing all the heavy lifting during our lessons—talking, thinking, and writing—while our students sit back and watch. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Student engagement isn’t something that happens automatically, even with a great lesson plan. In this episode, I’m unpacking what it really means to plan for engagement and
278. Scaffolding That Sticks: 4 Steps to Support Student Learning
If you’ve ever wrapped up what felt like a perfectly modeled lesson only to see blank stares when your students try it on their own, you’re not alone. You know the moment: you’ve explained, demonstrated, and thought aloud, but when it’s their turn, they freeze. The problem often isn’t the modeling itself—it’s that students need more support between watching and doing. That’s where effective scaffo
277. 3 Simple Summarizing Frames to Boost Comprehension
In this episode of The Stellar Teacher Podcast, I’m diving into one of the most important and challenging comprehension skills we can teach our students—summarizing. If you’ve ever had students freeze when asked to write a summary or retell every single detail of a story, you’re not alone. Summarizing requires students to synthesize, prioritize, and organize information while expressing it in thei
276. Intervention That Works: A 5-Day Framework for Busy Teachers
In this episode of The Stellar Teacher Podcast, I’m sharing a simple, effective five-day routine to help upper elementary students who are struggling with reading. I know how overwhelming it can feel to support students who are behind while still teaching grade-level content, so my goal is to give you a strategy that’s easy to implement and takes just 15 minutes a day. I walk through why intervent
275. How to Use Agree or Disagree Statements to Activate Background Knowledge
In this episode of The Stellar Teacher Podcast, I share a simple but powerful strategy to help students activate background knowledge before reading: agree or disagree statements. This quick, low-prep approach gets students thinking critically, talking about the topic, and reflecting on their own understanding. By engaging students in this way, you can boost comprehension and spark curiosity befor
274. How to Help Students Read Big Words With Confidence
In this episode of The Stellar Teacher Podcast, I share a practical, step-by-step strategy to help upper elementary students tackle multi-syllabic words with confidence. I talk about the challenges students face when they see long, unfamiliar words, why simple prompts like “sound it out” often don’t work, and how we can give students the tools they need to break words into manageable parts. This e
273. Dear Stellar Teacher: How Do I Effectively Teach A Novel Study?
In this episode of Dear Stellar Teacher, Emily and I dive into the world of novel studies for upper elementary classrooms. We share some of our favorite books and highlight strategies that make reading engaging while supporting comprehension and skill development.We cover how to plan and structure your novel study, including pre-reading activities, targeted vocabulary instruction, and highlighting
272. Multilingual Learner Support: Practical Strategies for Upper Elementary Teachers with Dr. Jana Echevarría and Dr. Jeannette Mancilla-Martinez
In this episode of The Stellar Teacher Podcast, I dive into a critical topic for upper elementary classrooms: supporting multilingual learners (MLLs). With the help of experts Dr. Jana Echevarría and Dr. Jeannette Mancilla-Martinez, we explore why the term “multilingual learner” is replacing “English language learner,” how to challenge common misconceptions, and why it’s so important to recognize
271. [Listen Again] Maximize Your Read Alouds With These 3 Tips
Being an elementary teacher, you know how important read-alouds are in your classroom. They offer many benefits, from fostering a love of literacy to connecting students with real-life events and situations. However, getting the most out of them can be challenging. Here are three tips you can use to maximize your read-alouds this school year.If you’re anything like me, you may have been incorporat
270. Explicit, Systematic Writing Instruction for Upper Elementary with Dr. Karen Harris and Dr Steven Graham
Writing is one of the most complex skills our students will ever learn—and one that is often overlooked. In this episode of the Stellar Teacher Podcast, I’m joined by two of the leading experts in writing instruction: Dr. Steven Graham and Dr. Karen Harris. Steven has spent more than 40 years studying how students learn to write, while Karen developed the Self-Regulated Strategy Development (SRSD)
269. [Listen Again] Scheduling Tips for Creating an Effective Literacy Block (SOR Summer Series Part 7)
As we wrap up our Science of Reading Summer Series, it’s time to start thinking about next year and how to make your literacy block both effective and manageable. We know fitting everything into a literacy block can be challenging, so here are some key components to include: word study, reading comprehension, whole group lessons, writing, small group lessons, independent practice, and transitions.
268. Dear Stellar Teacher: How Can I Use AI in My Classroom to Save Time and Reduce Stress?
In this episode of Dear Stellar Teacher, Emily and I talk about how using AI can actually make teaching easier and why it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. We break down practical ways to use AI for things like organizing student groups, creating seating charts, planning parent-teacher conferences, and streamlining your day—without losing the human touch that makes teaching meaningful.We share th
267. [Listen Again] Episode #216 - Back to School: 3 Fun, Engaging, and Important Literacy Lessons to Teach at the Beginning of the Year
I remember back-to-school time being both exciting and exhausting. It's a new school year filled with fresh possibilities. It's also extremely busy with classroom setup, planning, organizing, and meeting students, parents, and new teachers. To lighten your load, I'm sharing 3 important literacy lessons to teach at the beginning of the year to set your students up for literacy success.As literacy t
266. How to Support Upper Elementary Students in Reaching Grade-Level Literacy with Dr. Jan Hasbrouck
What if I told you that 90% of students can be on grade level with the right instruction? In today’s episode, we’re joined by Dr. Jan Hasbrouck, a leading researcher, author, and consultant in the field of literacy. Dr. Hasbrouck has dedicated her career to helping educators better understand the complexities of reading fluency and effective interventions, and today she’s sharing her valuable insi
265. 3 Simple Steps for Effective Word Study Instruction This School Year
Welcome back to The Stellar Teacher Podcast! In today’s episode, we're diving into the importance of word study in upper elementary classrooms. If you're looking to bring more intentionality and depth to your word study instruction this school year, you’re in the right place. After reflecting on my own teaching experiences, I’m excited to share some insights on how we can make word study more effe
264. Dear Stellar Teacher: Navigating the Back-to-School Chaos with Confidence
Welcome back to The Stellar Teacher Podcast! In today’s episode, we’re kicking off the back-to-school season with a Dear Stellar Teacher conversation that’s all about getting ready for the new year. Whether you’re feeling excited, overwhelmed, or somewhere in between, we’re here to cheer you on and help you find your balance as you dive into the chaos of back-to-school preparations. Emily and I ch
263. Making Words Stick: Orthographic Mapping and How the Brain Learns to Read with Dr. Molly Ness
What is orthographic mapping—and why does it matter so much for your upper elementary readers? In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Molly Ness, educator, researcher, and co-author of Making Words Stick, to unpack the science behind how students store and retrieve words. We break down what orthographic mapping actually is, how it develops, and why it’s a missing piece for so many students who struggl
262. Cheers to 10 Years! Sara Marye Shares the Story Behind STC
This week’s episode is extra special—we’re celebrating a decade of Stellar Teacher magic! In honor of The Stellar Teacher Company’s 10th birthday, the podcast gets a fun twist as team member Emily steps in as guest host to interview Sara Marye, our founder and CEO. From her unexpected start in education to becoming a literacy leader and entrepreneur, Sara shares the full journey that led to the cr
261. Reading Intervention Made Easy: 15-Minute Lessons for Struggling Readers in Upper Elementary
In this special episode of The Stellar Teacher Podcast, we're giving you a behind-the-scenes look at one of our most exciting new resources—the Stellar Teacher Reading Intervention Kit! I’m joined by my teammate Emily, one of our amazing curriculum writers and the mastermind behind this new intervention resource designed specifically for upper elementary students who struggle with decoding. If yo
260. Dear Stellar Teacher: Our Phonics and Intervention Confessions (and What We’d Do Differently!)
Are you feeling a little lost when it comes to teaching phonics and supporting struggling readers in upper elementary? You’re in good company! In this month’s Dear Stellar Teacher episode, Emily and I are baring it all with our phonics confessions—sharing the biggest mistakes we made in the classroom and how we’ve learned (the hard way!) what really works when it comes to intervention and decoding
259. From Sentences to Essays: The Writing Sequence That Works
In this final episode of our summer writing series, I’m unpacking one of the biggest challenges upper elementary teachers face: helping students write multi-paragraph essays. If your state test expects students to write an essay by the end of the year, the pressure to start early is real—but I’m here to tell you why that might actually hold your students back. Instead of jumping straight into essa
258. From Sentence to Paragraph: A Peek Inside Our Writing Routine
In this episode of The Stellar Teacher Podcast, we’re diving into all things writing—with a special guest! Sara is joined by Kori, the head curriculum creator at The Stellar Teacher Company, to talk about how her experiences as both a student and a teacher, along with research, have shaped the writing resources she’s helped develop. From classroom strategies to behind-the-scenes insights on how ou
257. How to Strengthen Student Writing—One Sentence at a Time
If your students struggle to write solid paragraphs or essays, the solution might be simpler than you think. In this episode, we’re zeroing in on the often-overlooked foundation of all good student writing: the sentence. When students can write strong, clear, and varied sentences, everything else—from organizing paragraphs to crafting essays—becomes easier and more effective.You’ll hear why senten
256. 5 Signs You Might Need To Rethink Your Writing Instruction
Writing instruction in upper elementary can often feel overwhelming, especially when your students are expected to produce multi-paragraph essays—but struggle to write a clear sentence. In this episode, we’re taking a step back to reflect on what effective writing instruction really looks like. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your writing block or questioned whether your current approach is helpi
255. Dear Stellar Teacher: How to Navigate Changing Grade Levels with Confidence
If you’re changing grade levels, schools, or positions next year, this episode is for you! In our monthly Dear Stellar Teacher segment, Emily and I are sharing our own experiences with making big transitions in our careers and offering encouragement and advice to help you feel more confident and supported through the changes ahead.From rethinking your mindset to giving yourself grace, we offer the
254. Supporting Multilingual Learners Through Structured Literacy with Maya Valencia Goodall and Kristie Shelley
Multilingual learners are a growing and vital part of today’s classrooms—but many teachers feel like they’re navigating this responsibility without enough support. In this episode, I’m joined by Maya Valencia Goodall and Kristie Shelley, two educators and advocates who are helping schools bridge the gap between structured literacy and language acquisition. Whether you're new to working with multil
253. Teaching with Empathy and Boundaries: Why Both Matter with Jenn Borovy
If you’ve ever ended the school day completely drained—wondering how long you can keep this up or feeling guilty for needing a break—this episode is for you. I'm joined by trauma-informed consultant and former Teacher of the Year Jenn Borovy, founder of Ten10Coaching. Jenn is passionate about helping educators protect their energy, set clear boundaries, and build a teaching life that feels balance
252. Finish Strong: 7 Fun & Meaningful Literacy Ideas for the End of the Year
As the final weeks of school approach, it can be tempting to hit cruise control—but the end of the year is actually the perfect time to bring some fresh energy into your literacy block. In this episode, I’m sharing seven fun, low-prep literacy ideas that will help you keep students engaged and learning all the way to the last day of school. Whether you’re running on caffeine, countdown chains, or
251. Dear Stellar Teacher: Our Writing Confessions (and What We’d Do Differently!)
If you’ve ever felt unsure about how to teach writing, you’re going to love today’s episode. In this Dear Stellar Teacher conversation, I’m joined by my teammate Emily, and we’re opening up and sharing our biggest writing confessions—the mistakes we made in the classroom and the lessons we’ve learned since. Spoiler alert: if you’ve ever felt like you were just assigning writing instead o
250. Let Them Be Bored: Why Boredom Might Be Exactly What Kids Need with Mike Bender and Chuck Dillon
Have you ever had a student declare, “I’m bored!”—and then look to you to fix it? In this fun and thought-provoking episode, I’m joined by returning guest Mike Bender, author of The End Is Just the Beginning, The Most Serious Fart, and The Bravest Booger, along with Chuck Dillon, the brilliant illustrator behind Mike’s newest picture book Bored Panda. Together, we dive into why
249. Closing Learning Gaps: Practical Strategies for Supporting Struggling Readers with Dr. Cheryl Lundy Swift
Supporting students with learning gaps can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone. In this episode, I’m joined by the amazing Dr. Cheryl Lundy Swift, host of Literacy Matters: Empowered Conversations and Director of Professional Learning and Academic Partnerships at Learning Without Tears. Cheryl brings both heart and expertise to our conversation as we talk about how to mee
248. Rethinking Narrative Writing: A Better Way to Teach Students to Write
Personal narratives have long been a staple in elementary writing instruction—but what if this traditional approach is actually holding our students back? In this episode, we’re rethinking the role of personal narrative writing and exploring why it can be such a challenging task for students. From memory recall struggles to a lack of structured storytelling practice, we’re unpacking the reasons pe
247. Dear Stellar Teacher: How Can I Make Test Prep Season More Effective and Less Overwhelming?
Standardized testing season is just around the corner, and if the thought of long testing days, endless review packets, and restless students already has you stressed, you’re not alone. In this episode of our Dear Stellar Teacher series, Sara and Emily are sharing realistic and encouraging strategies to help you navigate test prep season with more joy, confidence, and intention—without o
246. Integrating SEL into Literacy to Strengthen Student Behavior with Allie Szczecinski
Managing student behavior can be one of the most challenging parts of teaching, and it’s easy to feel frustrated, overwhelmed, or even like you’re doing something wrong. But what if there was a way to navigate classroom behavior with more confidence and compassion—without shame for teachers or students? That’s exactly what today’s guest, Allie Szczecinski, is here to talk about. Allie is the creat
245. How To Fix This Common Mistake in Comprehension Instruction (Part 2)
Comprehension instruction is about more than just teaching individual strategies—it’s about creating the right conditions for students to deeply understand what they read. In this episode, we’re continuing our two-part series on comprehension by exploring exactly how to move beyond the strategy-of-the-week approach. If you haven’t already listened to episode 244, be sure to go back and check it ou
244. Are You Making This Mistake in Your Comprehension Instruction? (Part 1)
If you’ve ever wondered why your students can master comprehension skills one week but struggle the next, you’re not alone. Many upper elementary teachers follow a standards-based approach, teaching comprehension skills in isolation. But what if that’s the very thing preventing students from building lasting comprehension? In today’s episode, we’re diving into the biggest mistake teachers make whe
243. Intervention Strategies for Struggling Readers with Shannon Moore
Supporting struggling readers can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re not sure where to start or how to make the most of your intervention time. That’s why I’m so excited to welcome Shannon Moore from Moore Literacy Leaps to the podcast today! As a certified reading specialist, Shannon has helped countless teachers and schools implement effective literacy intervention programs, and
242. Dear Stellar Teacher: How can I take personal days without feeling guilty or overwhelmed?
Taking personal days as a teacher can feel complicated. Between the guilt, the prep work, and the fear of falling behind, many educators avoid taking time off even when they need it. But here’s the thing—your personal days are part of your compensation, and you deserve to use them without feeling guilt. In this episode of Dear Stellar Teacher, Emily and I are bre
241. The Secret to Expanding Students’ Vocabulary (Without More Word Lists!)
If you’re looking for a more effective way to help your students expand their vocabulary—without relying on endless word lists—this episode is for you! Today, we’re diving into morphology instruction and how a simple five-step routine can transform the way your students learn new words. By teaching morphemes explicitly, you can give your students the tools to decode unfamiliar words, make meaning
240. Are You Ignoring Fluency? How It’s Impacting Your Students’ Reading Success
If you’ve ever wondered whether fluency instruction still matters in upper elementary, this episode is for you! Many teachers assume fluency is something students master in the early grades, but the truth is, fluency plays a critical role in reading success at every stage. In this episode, we’re diving into why fluency is the bridge between decoding and comprehension—and why it deserves
239. 7 Research-Backed Strategies for Reading Success with Lindsay Kemeny
If you’re on a journey to align your instruction with the science of reading, this episode is a must-listen! Today, I’m sitting down with educator, literacy advocate, and author Lindsay Kemeny to talk about how research-backed strategies can transform the way we teach reading. Whether you’re in early elementary or upper elementary, these strategies will help you strengthen foundational literacy sk
238. Dear Stellar Teacher, How Can I Reach My Goals Without Feeling Overwhelmed?
Teaching is full of big goals, high expectations, and never-ending to-do lists—but what if you could make meaningful progress without feeling overwhelmed? In this Dear Stellar Teacher episode, Emily and I are breaking down simple, actionable strategies to help you stay on track, build momentum, and reach your goals without burnout.We know that so many teachers feel like they’re constantl
237. Reciprocal Teaching: A Research-Backed Approach to Stronger Readers
If you’re looking for a structured, research-backed approach to improving your students’ reading comprehension, this episode is for you. We’re diving into reciprocal teaching, a highly effective strategy that helps students become active, engaged readers by focusing on four key comprehension skills: predicting, questioning, clarifying, and summarizing. This approach encourages collaboration, criti
236. Why Read-Alouds Still Matter: Research-Backed Benefits for Every Learner with Molly Ness
Have you ever wondered if read-alouds still belong in a Science of Reading-aligned classroom? As we dive deeper into research-based literacy practices, it’s easy to question whether cherished routines like reading aloud still have a place. The good news? They absolutely do! In this episode, we explore how read-alouds can be a powerful tool to build language comprehension, foster engagement, and en
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