Stellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary Teachers

Sara Marye, Literacy Teacher, Elementary Teacher
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Welcome to the Stellar Teacher Podcast! We believe teaching literacy is a skill. It takes a lot of time, practice, and effort to be good at it. This podcast will show you how to level up your literacy instruction and make a massive impact with your students, all while having a little fun! Your host, Sara Marye, is a literacy specialist passionate about helping elementary teachers around the world pass on their love of reading to their students. She has over a decade of experience working as a classroom teacher and school administrator. Sara has made it her mission to create high quality no-fluff resources and lesson ideas that are both meaningful and engaging for young readers. Each week, Sara and her guests will share their knowledge, tips, and tricks so that you can feel confident in your ability to transform your students into life-long readers. For printable and digital resources, head to stellarteacher.com. Connect with Sara on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany

  1. 1d ago

    Episode 321: Differentiation vs. Intervention: What's the Difference?

    Episode 321: Differentiation vs. Intervention: What’s the Difference? Raise your hand if you have a struggling reader in your classroom. Now, keep your hand raised if you've ever wondered: Am I actually giving this student the support they need? Differentiation and intervention are two terms that get thrown around all the time, and they're often used interchangeably. But they serve two very different purposes. Understanding the difference can help you identify what your struggling readers actually need and make more intentional instructional decisions. In this episode, we're talking all things differentiation, intervention, and how to determine which type of support your struggling readers actually need. You'll learn how differentiation helps students access grade-level learning, while intervention targets the underlying skill gaps that may be preventing students from becoming stronger, more successful readers. In this episode, we'll discuss:The key difference between differentiation and interventionPractical differentiation strategiesHow to recognize when differentiation alone isn't enoughHow intervention targets specific foundational skill gapsHow differentiation and intervention can work together to support struggling readers Resources Mentioned: ⭐ The Stellar Intervention Toolkit: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/intervention

  2. 4d ago

    Episode 320: A Simple Framework for Your Tier 1 Literacy Instruction

    Episode 320: A Simple Framework for Your Tier 1 Literacy Instruction When students are struggling with reading, it's easy to immediately start thinking about intervention and small groups. But before we add more intervention, it's important to take a closer look at the instruction every student receives every day: Tier 1. How can you strengthen your Tier 1 literacy instruction without adding more to your already-full literacy block? In this episode, Tami is kicking off our Supporting Every Reader series by sharing a simple framework that can help you make your whole group literacy instruction more connected, intentional, and effective. She introduces the 3-2-1 Framework for Deeper Comprehension—a practical approach that helps students build the knowledge and skills they need before, during, and after reading. You'll learn why strong Tier 1 instruction is the foundation of literacy learning and how the 3-2-1 Framework can help you maximize the time you already have. Tammy walks you through three things to do before reading, two areas to focus on during reading, and one simple practice to use after reading—all centered around the same text. In this episode, you'll learn: Why strengthening Tier 1 instruction should come before adding more interventionWhy small groups can't carry the full weight of your literacy instructionHow to use the 3-2-1 Framework for Deeper Comprehension to strengthen whole group instructionThree things to focus on before reading: background knowledge, vocabulary, and text structureTwo areas to prioritize during reading: applying the reading standard and supporting students with syntaxWhy syntax instruction can help students make sense of complex sentencesHow writing about reading makes student thinking visible and deepens comprehensionWhy stronger Tier 1 instruction isn't about doing more—it's about making the instruction you're already providing more powerful and connected If you're looking for a practical way to strengthen your Tier 1 literacy instruction, this episode will give you a simple framework you can start using right away. The goal isn't to squeeze more into your literacy block, but to make the time you already have work harder for every student. Resources Mentioned: ⭐ The Stellar Literacy Collective: stellarteacher.com/join

  3. Aug 13

    Episode 319: MTSS Explained: What Every Upper Elementary Teacher Needs to Know

    Episode 319: MTSS 101: What Every Teacher Needs to Know MTSS is one of those education acronyms that can quickly start to feel overwhelming. What does it all actually mean, and how does it fit together? What exactly is MTSS—and what does it mean for you as a classroom teacher? In this episode, Emily is breaking down the basics of MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) to help you understand what it is, why it matters, and how your everyday instruction fits into the framework. She also clears up one of the biggest misconceptions about MTSS: it's not a separate program just for struggling students. It's a framework designed to make sure every student gets the right level of support at the right time. You'll learn how Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 work together, why strong Tier 1 instruction is the foundation of an effective MTSS framework, and how data and progress monitoring can help you make better instructional decisions for your students. In this episode, you'll learn: What MTSS actually is and how it supports all studentsWhy strong Tier 1 instruction is the foundation of an effective MTSS frameworkThe key differences between Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 supportWhy tiers should describe levels of support rather than label studentsHow data and progress monitoring help determine when students need additional supportWhat it might mean if more than 20% of your students need interventionWhy early intervention is so important for preventing learning gaps from continuing to grow If MTSS has ever felt confusing or overwhelming, this episode will help you see the framework in a much simpler way. You'll walk away with a clearer understanding of how the tiers work together and how MTSS can help you provide students with the support they need to be successful. And be sure to tune in next week as we continue our MTSS series and talk about how to put MTSS into practice in your literacy classroom. Resources Mentioned: ⭐ The Stellar Literacy Collective: stellarteacher.com/join

  4. Aug 10

    Episode 318: What Kind of Teacher Do You Want to Be this Year?

    Episode 318: What Kind of Teacher Do You Want to Be This Year? As a new school year begins, it's natural to think about goals. But instead of creating a long list of everything you want to accomplish this year, we want to challenge you to start with one simple question: What kind of teacher do you want to be? What kind of teacher do you want to be this year? In this episode, Emily is joined by Stellar Teacher teammate and fifth-grade teacher Megan to have an honest conversation about setting meaningful goals that actually stick. Rather than trying to improve everything at once, they discuss how choosing one area of growth, creating small daily habits, and giving yourself grace can help you become the teacher you want to be. Whether your goal is building stronger relationships with students, improving your literacy instruction, or creating a healthier work-life balance, this episode will help you create a realistic plan for growth throughout the school year. In this episode, you'll learn: Why focusing on who you want to become is more powerful than creating a long list of goalsHow to choose one meaningful area of growth instead of trying to improve everything at oncePractical ways to turn your goals into daily and weekly habitsSimple ideas for building stronger relationships with students and families from the very beginning of the yearWhy giving yourself grace is an essential part of personal and professional growthHow an accountability partner can help you stay committed to your goals all year long If you're looking for encouragement and a practical mindset shift before the school year begins, this episode will help you start with purpose—and remind you that meaningful growth happens one small step at a time. Resources Mentioned: ⭐ The Stellar Literacy Collective: stellarteacher.com/join

  5. Aug 6

    [Listen Again] Reading Intervention Made Easy: 15-Minute Lessons for Struggling Readers in Upper Elementary

    In this replay 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 you’ve ever felt unsure about how to approach reading intervention or wondered how to fit it into your already packed schedule, this episode is for you. Emily and I talk candidly about the biggest challenges teachers face when it comes to reading intervention—limited time, lack of confidence, and keeping older students engaged—and how each of those challenges shaped the design of this kit. You’ll hear about our goals, the research that guided us, the beta testing process, and the thoughtful routines we built to make intervention practical, effective, and doable in just 15 minutes a day. Whether you’re looking for tools to support struggling readers, or you just want to feel more confident about teaching phonics in the upper grades, I hope this episode gives you inspiration and clarity. I truly believe this resource is going to make a huge difference in classrooms—and I can’t wait for you to experience it for yourself. Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join! Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series, here! Sign up for my FREE Revision Made Easy email series here! Follow me on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany. To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode261.

  6. Aug 3

    317: Back-to-School Anxiety? Here's What Every Teacher Needs to Remember

    Back-to-school season brings a mix of excitement and nerves for just about every teacher. Whether it's your first year in the classroom or your fifteenth, those "back-to-school scaries" are completely normal. In this episode, Stellar Team members Emily and Meghan have an honest conversation about back-to-school anxiety and share simple mindset shifts and practical strategies to help you start the school year with more confidence and less stress. Instead of chasing perfection, they'll encourage you to focus on what matters most: building relationships with students, prioritizing the tasks that truly move the needle, and remembering that your students don't need a perfect teacher—they need you. In this episode, we'll discuss: ✔ Why back-to-school nerves are normal (even for veteran teachers) ✔ How to shift your mindset from anxiety to excitement ✔ Why trading perfection for priorities can reduce stress and help you feel more prepared ✔ Practical tips for managing your to-do list and avoiding burnout before school even starts ✔ The importance of being present with your students instead of comparing yourself to social media or Pinterest classrooms If you're feeling overwhelmed by everything that needs to get done before students arrive, this episode is the reminder you need. Take a deep breath, focus on what matters most, and head into the new school year knowing that you are exactly the teacher your students need. Tune in for an encouraging conversation that will help you quiet the back-to-school anxiety and begin the year with confidence. 🎧📚🍎

  7. Jul 27

    315. The First Day of School Doesn't Need to Be Perfect (And That's Actually the Goal)

    Part 4: New Teacher Blueprint Series The first day of school comes with a lot of pressure. Teachers often feel like they need the perfect lesson plans, the perfect activities, and a perfectly organized schedule to make the day successful. But what if the goal isn't perfection? In this episode, Meghan, Stellar Team member AND 5th Grade teacher, is sharing a different approach to planning your first day of school... one that focuses on what matters most! You'll learn how to prioritize relationships and routines, build meaningful connections throughout the day, teach procedures in a way that feels natural, and plan transitions that keep your classroom running smoothly. We'll also share why a successful first day has less to do with checking every box and more to do with creating an environment where students feel safe, supported, and excited to return. In this episode, we'll discuss: ✔ Why relationships and routines should be your two main priorities on the first day ✔ Simple ways to build connections with students throughout the day ✔ How to avoid common first-day pitfalls that create unnecessary stress ✔ Tips for ending the day on a positive and organized note Whether you're a brand-new teacher or heading into another school year with experience under your belt, this episode will help you simplify your first-day plans and focus on what truly matters. Tune in and discover why your first day of school doesn't need to be perfect—and why that's actually the goal. 🎧📚🍎

  8. Jul 20

    314. The Simple Framework for Teaching Procedures That Actually Stick

    Part 3: New Teacher Blueprint Series The first few weeks of school can make or break the rest of your year—and one of the biggest factors in creating a smooth, productive classroom is teaching procedures effectively. In this episode of The Stellar Teacher Podcast, we're continuing our New Teacher Blueprint series by walking through a simple framework for teaching classroom procedures that actually stick. If you've ever explained a routine, watched your students nod along, and then completely forget what to do moments later, you're not alone. The reality is that procedures need to be taught the same way we teach any other skill: through explicit instruction, modeling, practice, feedback, and repetition. Resources & Links:📌 Join The Stellar Literacy Collective: stellarteacher.com/join 📌 Browse literacy resources and free teaching tools: stellarteacher.com You'll learn how to move beyond simply telling students what to do and instead create routines that become automatic habits. From modeling expectations and using visual reminders to leveraging narration and providing effective feedback, this episode is packed with practical strategies you can implement immediately.

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About

Welcome to the Stellar Teacher Podcast! We believe teaching literacy is a skill. It takes a lot of time, practice, and effort to be good at it. This podcast will show you how to level up your literacy instruction and make a massive impact with your students, all while having a little fun! Your host, Sara Marye, is a literacy specialist passionate about helping elementary teachers around the world pass on their love of reading to their students. She has over a decade of experience working as a classroom teacher and school administrator. Sara has made it her mission to create high quality no-fluff resources and lesson ideas that are both meaningful and engaging for young readers. Each week, Sara and her guests will share their knowledge, tips, and tricks so that you can feel confident in your ability to transform your students into life-long readers. For printable and digital resources, head to stellarteacher.com. Connect with Sara on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany

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