Stellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary Teachers

[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…

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…

[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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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,…

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…

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…

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,…

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…

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,…

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…