Shows
Stellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary Teachers262. Cheers to 10 Years! Sara Marye Shares the Story Behind STCThis 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 creation of a company that now supports teachers around the world.You’ll hear the real, unfiltered story—complete with career pivots, big dreams, and moments of doubt. Sa...2025-07-2130 minStellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary Teachers258. From Sentence to Paragraph: A Peek Inside Our Writing RoutineIn 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 our writing routines and resources came to life, you’ll get a candid look at what it takes to build confidence in student writers.This conversation explores why paragraph writing needs to be br...2025-06-2329 minStellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary Teachers247. 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 overwhelming your students (or yourself!).From building test-taking stamina to rethinking how we review and prep, this conversation is packed with actionable ideas to help you maintain a positive classroom environment and keep students motivated and su...2025-04-0723 minStellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary Teachers230. Supporting Students with Dyslexia: Expert Tips for Teachers and Parents with Heather O'DonnellDyslexia is a complex challenge—but with the right support, students can thrive. In this episode, Sara is joined by dyslexia specialist Heather O’Donnell to explore how teachers can build strong, collaborative relationships with parents to support students with dyslexia. Together, they break down the essential steps teachers can take to identify potential signs of dyslexia and how to communicate effectively with families to ensure students get the interventions they need to succeed.Heather unpacks the common signs of dyslexia that teachers may observe, including challenges with reading, writing, spelling, and executive function tasks. She highlights the...2024-12-0929 minStellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary Teachers229. Dear Stellar Teacher: How can I make a familiar book or resource feel fresh and engaging for my students?Have you ever felt a little possessive over a favorite classroom activity or picture book? You’re not alone! In this month’s Dear Stellar Teacher episode, Sara and Emily dive into a question many teachers can relate to: What do you do when a beloved book or activity has already been used by another grade level? Together, they explore how to shift your mindset from competition to collaboration, unlocking new opportunities for your students.Throughout this episode, Sara and Emily share practical strategies to make familiar books and routines feel fresh and engaging, even for students who’ve...2024-12-0218 minStellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary Teachers221. Dear Stellar Teacher: How Do I Fit Everything Into My Literacy Block?Welcome to the first episode of our brand-new podcast segment, Dear Stellar Teacher! We are so excited to launch this monthly segment, where we’ll be diving into listener questions, sharing stories from teachers, and having real, candid conversations about the joys and challenges of teaching. You can expect these episodes to hit your feed on the first Monday of every month, giving you that extra dose of inspiration and encouragement to kick off your month. For these episodes I will be joined by my amazing teammate, Emily Caudill, who is one of our curriculum creators at The Stellar Te...2024-10-0731 minStellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary Teachers189. Understanding and Supporting Sticky Student Behaviors With Sara Cottrill-Carlo From The Responsive CounselorWhen working with kids, part of the job is dealing with their behaviors. Just like adults, kids have good and bad days, experience emotions, get excited, and would rather partake in activities that interest them than do their school work. Learning to understand their behaviors and how to manage them in a productive way is the key to supporting them. To help with this, in today’s episode, I have guest Sara Cottrill-Carlo on to discuss understanding student behaviors and proactive intervention strategies to put in place. Grab Sara's Behavior Intervention Handouts here!Sign up fo...2024-04-1543 min
Rainbow Skies for Teachers21. What is the Science of Reading with Sara MaryeHave you heard people online, around the staffroom, in teacher friend circles talking about the Science of Reading?It is a hot topic right now and for good reason. Today, we are joined by literacy specialist Sara Marye from the Stellar Teaching Company. Sara dives into the Science of Reading and what makes it relevant in our classrooms in 2024. We discuss: What is the Science of ReadingThe 5 pillars of Literacy instructionThe Balanced Literacy Approach vs The Science of Reading The misconceptions about the Science of Reading (aka why som...2024-03-1043 min
The Savvy Seller with Kristen Doyle81. How Sara Marye Started a Thriving Teacher Membership to Diversify Her IncomeSend us a text! (Your number stays private)Are you ready to diversify your income as a teacher seller? One great way to create a new revenue stream is to start a membership. Whether you're wondering if the membership path is for you or are already planning your own, this episode will give you the answers you're looking for!Today's guest is Sara Marye of The Stellar Teacher Company. She is a longtime TPT seller who decided to branch out to diversify her income several years ago and add a membership to her business. She...2024-01-0944 min
Equipping ELLs105. Unlocking Vocabulary for ELLs Using 5 Types of Context Clues with Special Guest, Sara MaryeTeacher, are you ready to supercharge your ELLs' vocabulary skills? Do you want to equip them to add new words to their working vocabulary on their own?Today's show is all about context clues, and I've got a fantastic treat for you—it's a special episode featuring my awesome friend, Sara Marye, from The Stellar Teacher Podcast! She's a real rockstar in teaching and has loads of wisdom to share.In this episode, Sara breaks down the 5 different types of context clues that can be used to decipher the meaning of unknown words. (Bet you di...2023-12-1528 min
The Literacy Lounge: Uncover the Magic of Reading Through Ciera Harris’ Guide to Building Comprehension2. Understanding and Implementing Literacy Routines into Your Reading Block with Sara MaryeIf you constantly find yourself saying “I wish I had more time to fit everything in”, then this episode is for you. Teachers have so much content to cover each day, and it can feel like an impossible task to make it work, especially in your literacy block. That’s where routines come in.Literacy specialist, Sara Marye, joins us to share exactly why literacy routines can be a game-changed for both students and teachers. By following literacy routines, you can eliminate decision fatigue, accurately plan your lessons, and make the most of your precious instructional time. The be...2023-10-1836 min
Educator Forever47. Building a Literacy-Based Business with Sara Marye of The Stellar Teacher CompanyThere are lots of reasons why someone switches jobs and changes career paths. For some it’s financial reasons, for others it’s the challenge of a new opportunity, and in the case of my guest on today’s episode, making the biggest impact on students and teachers. Sara Marye, a successful business owner, shares how first sharing her resources on Teachers Pay Teachers transformed into being CEO of The Stellar Teacher Company.Just like many of you, Sara started out as a classroom teacher who wanted to do more, so she eventually began making small steps toward...2023-09-0630 min
The Literacy Dive Podcast: Reading and Writing Strategies for Upper Elementary Teachers and Parents138. Science of Reading Tips for Upper Elementary with Sara MaryeWhile most of my episodes involve writing strategies and creative ways to get students writing in the classroom, literacy skills are developed and mastered alongside reading. And one of the hottest trends in education right now is the science of reading. There’s so much to unpack with this, so to help us, I have my good friend, Sara Marye, who’s sharing 4 tips on why you should align your instruction to the science of reading in upper elementary. The science of reading encompasses so many aspects of literacy, so it can be hard to determine what it al...2023-06-0533 minEquipping ELLs76. Effective Strategies for Promoting Writing Success with ELLs with Guest, Sara MaryeWriting is one of the biggest challenges for ELLs and teachers of ELLs. Too often, writing is viewed as a product, when it should be viewed as a process. A foundational step in the process is understanding and mastering syntax, or sentence structure. We welcome back to the show Sara Marye, from The Stellar Teacher Co. as we delve into the fundamental role of sentence writing in shaping students' future writing abilities. Sara shares 5 practical strategies for integrating sentence-level writing into instruction. This episode is packed with useful writing activities, and may leave you inspired to bring...2023-05-2638 minStellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary Teachers133. Keep Your Students Engaged in Reading Until the Very Last Day of School: 7 Tips for You!If you’re anything like me, you have a countdown to the end of the school year. And while the end is in sight, it’s also far enough away that it can be a challenge keeping your students engaged in reading. Luckily, there are ways to make the end of year purposeful, yet fun for all students. In the second episode of our engagement series, I’m sharing 7 tips for keeping students engaged in reading until the last day of school.Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series here!Get on...2023-05-0814 minStellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary Teachers132. Two Simple Ways to Boost Engagement During Whole Group LessonsAs you’re approaching the end of the school year, it can be an exciting time, as the pressure of tackling major content is gone. However, there’s still topics to be taught, which requires engagement. And let’s be honest, engagement from students any time of the school year can be challenging, nevertheless at the end of the school year. To help increase engagement in your classroom, I’m doing a three part mini series on effective tools towards better engagement. So in today’s episode, I’m sharing two simple ways to boost engagement during whole group l...2023-05-0126 minStellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary Teachers131. The #1 Mistake Upper Elementary Writing Teachers MakeIf you’re a longtime listener of the podcast, you know that the majority of my episodes revolve around reading content. But being a literacy expert is more than just reading; it also involves writing content. I get asked a lot of writing questions, so I’ve decided to dedicate more episodes and resources to feature information regarding writing. That starts with today’s episode, in which I share the #1 writing mistake upper elementary teachers make.Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membershipSign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confide...2023-04-2420 minStellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary Teachers130. Practical Tips for Supporting Special Education Students During Your Literacy Block with Dr. Chris ReeveIf you’re a classroom teacher, you probably have students with disabilities in your class, whether they're there full time or for just parts of the day. Either way, teachers sometimes struggle knowing how to support them with their academic and social needs. Since I’m not an expert on the topic, I brought in an export in the field, Chris Reeve, who is a behavior analyst and who has worked with special education programs for 25 years. In today’s episode, she’s sharing practical tips for supporting special education students during your literacy block and in education...2023-04-1730 min
Autism Classroom Resources Podcast: A Podcast for Special EducatorsTalking Strategies for Teaching Literacy with Reading Expert Sara Marye from the Stellar TeacherFocusing on literacy can be difficult for special education teachers. The relationship between language and reading and the difficulties some of our students have can make teaching literacy challenging. Literacy expert Sara Marye is joining us to share some amazing strategies for teaching literacy to help us better reach our students.Sara is a former teacher, literacy coach, and assistant principal and is the creator behind The Stellar Teacher Company. She is an expert at helping teachers better support their students in reading and writing. In this episode, she is sharing practical and effective ways we can...2023-04-1127 minStellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary Teachers129. How to Love Teaching Again: A Conversation with Jamie SearsWith so much being thrown at teachers these days, it’s no wonder your days are filled with stress, overwhelm, fear, and thoughts of burnout. The joy that you once had when starting your teaching career may be depleting, but there’s a way to get it back! My guest on today’s episode, Jamie Sears, wrote a book, How to Love Teaching Again, that will help you implement strategies and systems to break the cycle of burnout. Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membershipTo check out all of the resource...2023-04-1035 minStellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary Teachers128. Unleashing the Power of Poetry to Teach the Big 5 Reading SkillsWe often think of poetry as something we just teach during April for National Poetry Month or in preparation for the state test at the end of the year. But in reality, poetry can be taught all year long, for poetry has all of the literary elements we teach our kids through other reading genres. In order to help you connect the two, I’m sharing how to teach the Big 5 reading skills using poetry.Grab my Poem of the Week Routine freebie here!Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership2023-04-0321 minStellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary Teachers127. Managing Stress and Teacher Burnout with Brittany BlackwellThe topic of teacher burnout has been front and center in conversations for the last several years. And while you’ve probably heard other podcast episodes or read articles on the topic, I can guarantee you, this conversation is different. My guest Brittany Blackwell, who is a burnout and resilience coach, shares a new perspective on teacher burnout.Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membershipTo check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode127Connect with Brittany on Inst...2023-03-2726 minStellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary Teachers126. From Stress to Success: Strategies for Empowering Students on Testing DayIf you’ve been with us these last few weeks, I’ve been diving into ways to make students confident on testing day, particularly with the constructed response portion of the test. However, we know that there’s more to the test than writing an essay, so students should feel empowered about the whole test when the day comes. In the last episode of the series, I’m sharing 5 strategies that will make your students confident on testing day.Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membershipTo check out all of the resou...2023-03-2017 min
The Resilient Teacher PodcastTeacher Burnout Busting Systems: 3 Steps to Creating a Personalized Lesson Planning System with Sara Marye [SUSTAINABILITY SERIES]Do you feel like you're constantly racing against the clock as a teacher? Are you sacrificing your personal life for the demands of the job? Teacher burnout is a real issue, but it doesn't have to be the norm. In fact, there are simple and effective systems you can implement to reduce stress and make teaching a sustainable career.Why Creating a Personalized Lesson Planning System will Save You Time & Sanity:In the third episode of The Sustainability Series, we're joined by Sara Marye, a former teacher, principal, and business owner, who shares her personal...2023-03-1431 minStellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary Teachers125. Providing Students a 5-Step Process for Writing a Constructed Response ParagraphWelcome back to another episode of the podcast! We’re in the middle of a three part series about test prep and ways to make students feel more confident, particularly when writing a constructed response paragraph. We know that this portion of the test can be challenging for students, which is why I’ve come up with a 5-step process that will increase their confidence when writing a constructed response paragraph on test day.Check out my Constructed Response Framework Checklist here!Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membershipTo ch...2023-03-1215 minStellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary Teachers124. Mastering the Constructed Response: A Teacher's Guide to Boosting Student ConfidenceWe’re getting closer to the part of the school year that all teachers dread: standardized test season. Since giving the test is inevitable, test prep becomes part of our lessons and activities that prepare our students for success. Recently, state tests have added a written portion, which adds another stressful element for students. In this first episode of the three part series, I’m sharing how to master a constructed response, which boosts students’ confidence.Check out my Sentence Writing Routine Free Sample here!Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellart...2023-03-0616 minStellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary Teachers123. Troubleshooting Classroom Management with Heidi and Emily of Second Story WindowWe’re over halfway through the school year, and the procedures and routines you established at the beginning of the year might look a little different. Students might not be pushing in their chairs, putting the art supplies away, or turning in their homework in the correct location. If this sounds like your classroom, it’s time for a revamp.Heidi and Emily from Second Story Window specialize in research based and teacher approved strategies that are guaranteed to help you be a more efficient and effective teacher. We’re taking a break from literacy and they’re here...2023-02-2736 minStellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary Teachers122. A 5-Step Process for Decoding Big Words (That You Can Implement TODAY!)As students move up into upper elementary, reading can sometimes turn into a struggle with the exposure to more multisyllabic words in texts that they’re reading. Coming across big words can be intimidating for students and overwhelming to try and decode. That's why I’ve come up with a simple strategy that you can start using with your students immediately. In today’s episode, I’m sharing this strategy, my 5-step process for decoding big words.Check out my Reading Big Words Poster Freebie here!Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membe...2023-02-2026 minStellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary Teachers121. Your Guide to Teaching Syllabication in Upper ElementaryLet’s start off with a big question: how many of your students struggle to read big words? If students lack the foundational skills of syllables, they’re more than likely going to struggle with multisyllabic words. And the majority of these foundational skills were taught in lower elementary, but we know it may not be mastered by the time they get to upper elementary.Therefore, by intentionally teaching syllabication, it provides students with the confidence to become proficient readers and writers. In today’s episode, I’m sharing my guide to teaching syllabication in upper elementary with a f...2023-02-1330 minStellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary Teachers120. Reading Simplified: Help Struggling Readers Crack the Code with Dr. Marnie GinsbergStruggling readers. Unfortunately, this is a reality that all teachers face, yet many don’t know how to fix. Whether teachers weren’t taught how to teach the proper foundational skills, their district doesn’t have a reading program, or a combination of both, helping struggling readers can be a tall task. Although I enjoy talking about all things literacy, I love bringing on experts in the field to help fill your teaching toolbox. So in today’s episode, I’m talking with literacy expert Dr. Marnie Ginsberg on her reading program Reading Simplified, to help struggling readers get...2023-02-0640 minStellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary Teachers119. 5 Steps to Teaching with Thematic UnitsAs elementary teachers, it’s customary to teach all of the core subject areas. But have you ever thought about teaching them in a way that connects them all together? This style of teaching is called thematic planning or cross-curricular instruction. For most, teaching in this particular style is uncommon, but it provides impactful meaning for your students. To help you get started, I’m sharing what thematic planning is and my 5 simple step process to teaching with thematic units.Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membershipTo check out all of th...2023-01-3031 min
Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies47. 6 Secrets to Literacy Small Group Success with Sara MaryeTake a look at your classroom instruction. If small groups aren’t part of your instruction, now’s the perfect time to implement them! Sara Marye, host of Stellar Teacher Podcast, is an expert in all things literacy. She joins us on the podcast today and is sharing 6 secrets to literacy small group success.For all the resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes:https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/literacy-small-groupConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Mentioned in this episode:Sign up for our FREE Essential 5 Chall...2023-01-2330 minStellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary Teachers118. How to Say 'No' (Without the Guilt!) ft. Rachel LenhartNo. How hard is it for you to say to someone when asked to complete a task, volunteer for a committee, make copies for a colleague, or anything else in your life? For most people, it is extremely difficult. And if they do, there seems to be a wave of guilt that follows the word ‘no’, even when you shouldn’t feel guilty at all. If you’re wanting to say no and focus on yourself this year, today’s podcast is for you. I have guest Rachel Lenhart, who is a teacher life coach and host of the Chal...2023-01-2325 minStellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary Teachers117. 5 Things to Consider When Teaching Nonfiction Text Structure: Part 2I value teaching nonfiction text structure so much that I couldn’t fit all of the information in just one episode. Last week, in Episode 116, I explained that there are five things to consider when teaching nonfiction text structure. But since it was part 1, I only shared two of the five elements, which were the use of exemplar or mentor texts and how to use graphic organizations or visualizations. In today’s episode, I’m sharing my final three elements when it comes to explicitly teaching nonfiction text structure.Check out my text structure resources on TPT...2023-01-1628 minStellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary Teachers116. 5 Things to Consider When Teaching Nonfiction Text Structure: Part 1We are starting off the new year with one of my favorite reading topics: nonfiction text structure. As literacy teachers, we put a lot of focus on students’ reading comprehension, but we don’t always think about how understanding text structure is beneficial for that skill as well. When teaching nonfiction text structure, there are five things you should consider during your instruction. Since there’s so much to unpack with this topic, I’m breaking this up into two episodes so we can fully dive into all the different aspects. We’re starting this series off with the us...2023-01-0930 minStellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary Teachers115. Kicking Off 2023 with a 'More and Less List’ for Literacy TeachersHappy 2023, friends! As this podcast celebrates 2 years, I like to reflect on the journey of this milestone, while also thinking about the goals and plans for the upcoming year. I have to admit that I’m not into making resolutions, for I tend to make them specific, which then ultimately, I end up not following through. Instead, I make a ‘more and less list’. So in the spirit of resolutions, in today’s episode, I’m sharing my ‘more and less list’ for literacy teachers.Download my Free Word of the Day: Context Clue Routine here!Join us in t...2023-01-0126 minStellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary Teachers114. Seasonal Spotlight: Five Tips for Returning To Independent Reading After Winter BreakAfter a long break, there’s bound to be some challenges that arise when students return. Before break, your students were in a routine and had good stamina for independent reading. But now, it’s almost like starting from the beginning all over again. To help your students regain their momentum towards independent reading, I’m sharing 5 tips to implement during your reading block.Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membershipTo check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode1142022-12-2622 minStellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary Teachers113. Seasonal Spotlight: Establish Student Independence With Book ClubsIt’s our job to provide instruction to students on a variety of skills and strategies to use outside of the classroom. But it’s something special when we can do something inside the classroom that translates to an authentic experience in real life. One way to do that is through the implementation of book clubs. I’m known as a “serial book club starter”, which explains why I’m sharing tips on how to establish student independence with book clubs. Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membershipTo check out all of the re...2022-12-1929 minStellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary Teachers112. Seasonal Spotlight: Reading Response Ideas to Energize Independent ReadingYou’ve hit the halfway mark in the school year, so it’s a great time to reevaluate your literacy routines and take this opportunity to revamp your ideas. One way to do that is through your reading response activities. While students read independently, the goal is for them to think about what they’re reading, which is exactly what reading response activities do. So if you’re looking for fresh and new reading response ideas that will energize independent reading time, today’s episode will do just that!Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteac...2022-12-1231 minStellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary Teachers111. 4 Ways to Easily Incorporate Movement into Your Instructional DayThe weeks between now and winter break can be long for both teachers and students, and a time when students tend to lose focus and need more engagement. One way to regain their attention is to incorporate movement into your instructional day. In Episode 53, I shared 4 ways to incorporate movement into your literacy block, so in a way, this is part 2 of that episode. In today’s episode, I’m sharing 4 additional ways to incorporate movement into any part of your instructional day!Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membershipTo check...2022-12-0524 minStellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary Teachers110. Creating a Positive Perspective using "The End Is Just the Beginning" with Mike BenderWith the new year just around the corner, we often think of this time as a fresh start and a new beginning to something that is ending. But what if we applied that same logic to every ending that occurred in our lives? After reading the children’s book The End Is Just The Beginning, you will start doing just that. Giving us more insight, I have the author of that book, Mike Bender, to help discuss how to create a positive perspective on any ending.Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership2022-11-2823 minStellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary Teachers109. Taking Control of Your Professional and Personal Happiness During Stressful Seasons of LifeIn the spirit of Thanksgiving and being grateful and thankful, I first, am so grateful for each of my listeners on this podcast. Y’all are amazing and the reason why I get to do what I’m doing. And secondly, this time of year provides a great opportunity to reflect and evaluate your professional and personal happiness. So we’re going to take a short break from our regular literacy discussions, and focus on how to take control of your professional and personal happiness during stressful seasons of life.Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Member...2022-11-2132 minStellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary Teachers108. Powerful and Practical Tips to Boost Your Students’ Reading Fluency with Aylin ClaahsenWe’ve talked about this idea of trying to fit all these different skills into your literacy block, but with what time? It’s so difficult to designate time specifically for certain skills when you have so much to cover. So what if I told you focusing on the skill of fluency doesn’t have to take up extra time and it can be organically streamlined throughout all parts of your day? Game changer! In today’s episode, my special guest, Aylin Claahsen, is sharing powerful and practical tips to increase student reading fluency.Check out Aylin's Fluency...2022-11-1435 minStellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary Teachers107. 5 Ideas for Using High Impact Writing Activities in Any Content AreaI don’t know about you, but one of the things that was difficult for me to teach to my students was writing. The act of writing causes many challenges for students, but unfortunately, it’s a skill that’s necessary in academics. And why most people just associate writing during literacy or ELA class, in reality, writing is transferable to all subject areas.Since we know writing isn’t used when just talking about literacy concepts, having students practice and develop their writing skills needs to be incorporated in other content areas throughout the day. While this mig...2022-11-0729 minStellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary Teachers106. Simple Classroom Management Hacks for the Seasonal Changes with Dr. Lori FriesenIn the spirit of Halloween, I’ve got a treat for you today! If you’re like me, you think the same thing at the beginning of every single school year: I’m going to rock my classroom management this year! And while you might start with good intentions, it never seems to go the way you thought it would. Not to mention, holidays and other exciting events are starting to take place, which can disrupt the flow and management of your classroom. If this sounds like you, or you just need to tweak a few management techniq...2022-10-3141 min
The Live Free Podcast with Micala Quinn226. The Need for Freelancers Series | Working with Teachers Pay Teachers Sellers with Sara Marye and Sara WhittakerHave you ever thought about working with Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) sellers? On today’s episode, I am joined by Sara Whittaker and her client, Sara Marye. We dive more into the niche of TPT and hear how they both got started and what they do in their businesses. We talk about getting hired in the TPT niche and where to find those clients. They both share tips on getting hired in this space and what they are looking for when hiring to have that strong contractor and client relationship. If you have thought about stepping into the TPT ni...2022-10-2444 minStellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary Teachers105. How to Incorporate Writing About Reading During Small GroupsI know I’ve said it many times before, but one of the things I love is connecting and interacting with my listeners, community at Stellar Teacher, and anyone on social media. I strive to bring you relevant content that will help you become a more effective literacy teacher. One of those ways is through the questions I get asked, which is how this three-week series started. This is our last episode in our series about writing about reading, which focuses on how to incorporate writing about reading during small groups. Join us in the Stel...2022-10-2420 minStellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary Teachers104. 4 Response Frames That You Can Use When Assigning a Written ResponseGetting started is always the hardest part of any task. However, that task is so much easier to begin if we’re motivated and have a tool to get us started. This same concept applies to students and writing. As literacy teachers, you know that students struggle getting their ideas on paper formatting it in the correct way. Today’s episode is going to help with just that! In our second episode in our writing about reading mini series, I’m going to share 4 response frames that you can use when assigning a written response.Join u...2022-10-1722 minEquipping ELLs44. The Essential Components to Creating Skilled Readers with Guest Sara Marye (Part 2)I’m sure you’ve heard about the Science of Reading and maybe your school is pushing to incorporate it more into literacy lessons but you aren’t quite sure how to do that. You’re in luck! Today, we are continuing our conversation with Sara Marye about how to create skilled readers through literacy instruction and the Science of Reading.If you haven’t checked out last week’s episode, be sure to do that so you don’t miss out on the incredible information Sara shared with us! In this week’s episode, we are picking up right...2022-10-1435 min
Podcasting for Educators: Podcasting Tips for Online Entrepreneurs66. Your Podcast IS Your Business: The Roadmap to Impact and 100k Downloads with Sara MaryeAre you treating your podcast AS your business? Because in order to see growth, that's exactly what you need to do.And that's what Sara Marye, host of the Stellar Teacher Podcast and a longtime client of mine, has done. Though I might be biased, I am honestly giddy to share this episode with you today so you can learn how she uses her podcast as the driving force in her business and has seen it grow to over 100k downloads.So be sure to tune in to this super fun episode to hear Sara...2022-10-121h 02Stellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary Teachers103. 5 Tips That Help Students Improve in the Area of Writing About ReadingOne of the things I love most about what I do is interacting with the listeners within the Stellar Teacher community and helping teachers. Therefore, both of those things sparked this next mini series on the podcast. Throughout the summer and especially as school has begun, I’ve received a lot of questions in the area of writing about reading. With so much demand on this topic, we are kicking off a three week mini series on this topic in hopes to tackle your questions and provide you with information and resources you can implement in your cla...2022-10-1025 minEquipping ELLs43. The Essential Components to Creating Skilled Readers with Guest Sara Marye (Part 1)The new “hot topic” in education this year is the Science of Reading. You may have heard about it or looked into it but aren’t sure how to incorporate it into your work with ELL students. Maybe you aren’t really sure what all the buzz is about. Sara Marye from The Stellar Teacher Company is joining us today to share her expertise about literacy and the Science of Reading.Sara has so much knowledge to share that we had to make this a two part episode! In this week’s episode we are talking about what the S...2022-10-0731 minStellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary Teachers102. Ways to Reframe a Students’ Thinking of Failure using Failure Friday with Andrea Burns"I’m a failure." Unfortunately, this is a common saying amongst ourselves as teachers and adults, along with our students. But is anyone really a failure? Absolutely not! YOU are not a failure, but you might be experiencing failure, which is a part of the human experience. So how do we change the way we view failure and share that with our students? In today’s episode, I have guest Andrea Burns who discusses ways to reframe a students’ thinking of failure using her new book Failure Friday.Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/mem...2022-10-0327 minStellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary Teachers101. A Literacy Routine for Building Students’ Sentence Structure SkillsIf you know me well, you know I love a good literacy routine! Mostly because they’re quick, purposeful, and greatly improve students’ literacy skills over time. What’s not to like?! I’m super excited because I’ve spent the better part of a year developing my new literacy routine, which I know you’re going to love. So in today’s episode, I’m going to share my high impact literacy routine on sentence structure and how it improves students’ reading and writing skills.Download our Sentence Writing Routine Resource here!Join us in the Stellar Teac...2022-09-2629 minStellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary Teachers5 Tips for Creating a Personalized Lesson Planning SystemNow, we are continuing our two part mini series about lesson planning. Last week, I discussed the mindset shift that needs to take place in order to tackle writing lessons, which is the first step before moving on to practical tips regarding your lesson planning system. So in today’s episode, I’m sharing 5 tips for creating a personalized lesson planning system.Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membershipTo check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episod...2022-09-1927 minStellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary Teachers3 Mindset Shifts Teachers Should Make Regarding Lesson PlanningHere’s a question for you. Do you know how much time it takes for you to do all of your lesson planning for the week? And then, if you know how much time you’re spending, how do you feel about that number? For most of us, we’re either spending too much time or more time than we’d like to be spending. Therefore, I’m doing a two part mini series all about lesson planning. Particularly in this episode, I’m sharing 3 mindset shifts teachers should make regarding lesson planning. Join us in the Stellar Teac...2022-09-1227 min
Stellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary TeachersHow to Feel Empowered and Prepared When Taking a Sick Day with Kelsey SorensonHow many times have you woken up sick or wanted to take a day off work, but thought it’s easier to go in than make sub plans. I’m raising my hand really high! Unfortunately, this is a common thought and action amongst teachers that needs to be changed. Here to help me give you solutions and better opportunities to take a day off is Kelsey Sorenson. On today’s episode, we’re discussing how to feel empowered and prepared when taking a sick day. Download Kelsey's Sub Planning Starter Kit Freebie here! Join us in th...2022-09-0528 min
Stellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary Teachers3 Ways to Introduce Genre to Your Students at the Beginning of the YearI’m very excited about today’s episode because it’s about one of my all-time favorite reading topics - genre! Some might be wondering, Hmm, that’s an odd topic to get excited about. But I truly believe that learning about genres helps students have a love of reading and become lifelong readers, which is our ultimate goal as a literacy teacher. So in today’s episode, I’m going to share 3 ways to introduce genre to your students at the beginning of the year. For all of your genre resources, click here! Join us in the Ste...2022-08-2923 min
The Classroom CommuteBreaking Down the Science of Reading with Sara MaryeINTERVIEW WITH: SARA MARYEHave you heard the phrase “science of reading” and been afraid to ask EXACTLY what it means? (ignorance is bliss, right?)Are your worried that it’s just one more NEW thing to add to your teacher plate? (Not ANOTHER reading program!)Good News! I’ve brought on special guest, Sara Marye from The Stellar Teacher to break it all down for us (and spoiler alert - it’s NOT another new curriculum that you have to learn)In fact, the science of r...2022-08-2940 min
Stellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary TeachersProviding Your Students with 21st Century Learning Experiences with Rachael ParlettIn education, there are a lot of buzzwords that float around, and one that’s important during this time is "21st century learning". But what exactly is it and how do we as educators utilize it in a way that’s impactful for your students? To give you all those answers and more, I have guest Rachael Parlett on the show today. We’re discussing the best ways to provide your students with 21st century learning! Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership To check out all of the resources from this ep...2022-08-2239 min
Stellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary TeachersDo's and Don'ts of Word Study InstructionThis is the third and final episode in our series on word study instruction. I’ve enjoyed learning and getting to talk with you each week on this subject, and I know many of you are excited to implement this in your classroom when school starts. For our final episode, I’m sharing 5 do’s and don’ts of word study instruction. Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode952022-08-1530 min
Stellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary Teachers4 Word Study Concepts Every Upper Elementary Teacher Should TeachThis is the second episode in our series about word study instruction. If you missed out on last week’s episode, make sure you take a listen so you understand the background information on word study before moving forward. Our next step is the application piece and how to implement it in our classrooms. So in today’s episode, I’m sharing 4 word study concepts every upper elementary teacher should teach. Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show no...2022-08-0829 min
Stellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary Teachers3 Steps to Having Effective Word Study Instruction This School YearWelcome to August, my friends! Well this summer was all about the mini series, and this month is no different. In order to get you prepared for the upcoming school year, our mini series in August is going to focus on word study instruction. So in today’s episode, I’m providing a foundation of word study and the 3 things you need to consider to have effective word study instruction this school year. Head to https://stellarteacher.com/tpt to shop the sitewide Back to School sale! Use code BTS22 at checkout to get 25% off! Join...2022-08-0130 min
Stellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary Teachers3 Tips That Will Save You Time and Mental EnergyIf I had one wish, it would be the gift of time and having more hours in the day. I feel like I’m constantly thinking, I wish I had more time or if only I had more time I could get this task completed. We’re all wanting more time, especially as teachers. Although I can’t grant you more time, I can give you strategies that will help. In today’s episode, I’m sharing 3 tips that will save you time and mental energy. Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership Chec...2022-07-2529 minStellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary TeachersAnswering Your FAQs About Small Group InstructionThis is the third and final episode in this mini series about small group instruction. We’ve covered how to structure and support your students during small groups, but please know that there’s still so much to cover and many of you have more questions on this topic. So in today’s episode, I’m answering more of your questions about small group instruction. Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership Download my FREE 4T Framework for Small Group Reading Lessons To check out all of the resources from this...2022-07-1831 min
Stellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary TeachersHow Do I Support Struggling Readers During Small Group Lessons?Last week we talked about how to structure your small groups and what to do with the rest of your students not in small groups, which was our number one question asked. Today, I’ll be answering the second most popular question, which is how do I support struggling readers during small group lessons? Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership Download my FREE 4T Framework for Small Group Reading Lessons To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com...2022-07-1128 minStellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary TeachersSetting Up Your Classroom For Small Group SuccessToday marks the first episode in our new series of the month that’s all about small group instruction. Throughout this month, I’m going to provide you ways to help you be more successful during small group lessons, ranging from the structure to activities. Let’s start the series with today’s episode on setting up your classroom for small group success. Grab your 4T Framework for Small Group Reading Lessons here! Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership To check out all of the resources from this episode...2022-07-0428 min
Stellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary TeachersScience of Reading Q&AThis is the fourth and final episode in our mini series about the science of reading. We’ve covered and learned a lot this past month about the science of reading that you can now utilize in your classroom. Since there’s a lot of information to take in, today’s episode I’m answering any questions you still have about the science of reading. Grab your FREE Science of Reading Teacher Reference Guide here! Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership To check out all of the resources from this...2022-06-2729 minStellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary TeachersBreaking Down the Elements of Language Comprehension (and Practical Implementation Ideas!)All this month I’ve been talking about the science of reading, and this is the third episode of this mini series. We’ve discussed an overview of the science of reading, along with effective implementation activities for your classroom that correlate with the science of reading. On today’s episode, I’m breaking down the elements of language comprehension and practical implementation ideas. Grab your FREE Science of Reading Teacher Reference Guide here! Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership To check out all of the resources from this episo...2022-06-2033 min
Stellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary TeachersUnderstanding Phonological and Phonemic Awareness with Michelle and the Colorful ClassroomLast week I provided an overview of the science of reading and why it’s important. On today’s episode, I have my good friend Michelle from the Colorful Classroom here to talk about all things phonological awareness and what that looks like in upper elementary classrooms. Grab your FREE Science of Reading Teacher Reference Guide here! Other free resources from the episode: Key Phonics Terms + Basic Scope + Sequence Phonemic Awareness Practice Drills Small Group Phonics Lesson Plan Template David Kilpatrick's FREE Phonological Awareness Screening Test (PAST) Join us in the Stellar Teac...2022-06-1340 min
Stellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary TeachersWhat is The Science of Reading & Why is it Important?This is the first episode in our series that’s all about the science of reading. After surveying my listeners and members, this was a trending topic that y’all were curious about and wanted more information. So in today’s episode, I’m sharing with you the foundation of what the science of reading is and why it’s so important. Grab your FREE Sciecne of Reading Teacher Reference Guide here! Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the...2022-06-0635 min
Stellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary TeachersLISTENER FAVORITE: Create a Schedule for Your Reading Block – Even with Limited Time!I’ve received a lot of questions regarding scheduling and how to fit everything in and make it work. So in today’s episode, I’m going to replay a previous episode, Episode 27 Create a Schedule for Your Reading Block - Even with Limited Time! This is definitely a listener favorite and all the tips are still relevant today. Grab your FREE Literacy Block Sample Schedules here! Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://w...2022-05-3025 min
Stellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary Teachers5 Mindset Shifts Teachers Should Make Regarding Self Care with Alexis Shepard from the Afro EducatorWith summer quickly approaching, it’s time to start checking in with yourself and paying close attention to your health and wellness. On today’s episode, I have guest Alexis Shepard from The AfroEducator who is sharing 5 mindset shifts every teacher should make when it comes to self care. Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership Take Alexis's quiz, Discover Your Teacher Type. To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode832022-05-2341 min
Stellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary Teachers10 Literacy Activities to Incorporate at the End of the YearThe end of the year is just about over, you’ve finished state assessments, and have covered all of the academic content you needed for this school year. So what do you do next? In today’s episode, I’m sharing 10 ideas for you to incorporate regarding writing and literacy skills that are quick, fun, and engaging! Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode822022-05-1620 min
Stellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary Teachers5 Steps Toward a More Efficient ScheduleWhile there are many challenging aspects to teaching, having an effective schedule is definitely a struggle for most. In today’s episode, I’m sharing 5 steps to take toward a more efficient schedule. Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership Grab your FREE Literacy Block Sample Schedules: https://www.stellarteacher.com/stc_optin/literacy-block-sample-schedules/ To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode812022-05-0923 min
Stellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary Teachers7 Classroom Management Hacks With Dr. Lori FriesenToday's topic is something that most teachers struggle with, whether you’re a beginner or veteran, which is classroom management. We have one of my favorite guests today, Dr. Lori Friesen, whose mission is to support new teachers. On today’s episode, Dr. Lori is sharing 7 classroom management hacks that are so simple! Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode802022-05-0232 min
Beginning Teacher Talk: A Podcast for New Elementary TeachersSpring New Teacher Training Series #4: How to Get Started with & Make the Most Out of Small Groups in Reading with Alison Ryan & Sara MaryeLeading small reading groups is an important part of your day whether you’re a lower or upper elementary teacher. Yet, it’s a skill that many of you probably didn’t receive much training on in University. Whether you're brand new to teaching, or you've been teaching for multiple years, it's fantastic to be able to learn from other teacher experts who have been where you are and have figured this out. That’s why you’re going to love the amazing tips and tricks that my guests, Alison Ryan and Sara Marye, have to share with you to help yo...2022-04-2756 min
The Teacher Time PodcastHow Literacy Routines Can Prevent End of Year Chaos with Sara Marye, The Stellar Teacher CompanyIn this episode, I’m joined by Sara Marye of The Stellar Teacher Company and she’s sharing how Literacy routines can prevent end of the year chaos.
The end of the year gets crazy for teachers and students, schedules get disrupted, there is additional work for teachers, students become restless. One thing teachers can do now to help eliminate the end-of-year chaos is by incorporating literacy routines. Even though it is the end of the year, now is actually a great time to introduce, practice, and refine literacy routines that can help keep students engaged up unti...2022-04-2631 min
Stellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary TeachersTwo Simple Routines That Every Elementary Teacher Needs with Stephanie PalovchikI don’t know about you, but when I was in the classroom, there was never enough time in the day to get everything accomplished, whether that was teaching, planning, or grading. I never had a good work-life balance and always felt so busy! I wish I had known today’s guest, Stephanie Palovchik. On today’s episode, we’re discussing two simple routines that every elementary teacher needs to know. Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership Grab your FREE Productivity Guide for Elementary Teachers: www.teachinglittleleaders.com/freeguide To check...2022-04-2530 min
Stellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary TeachersLiteracy Routines for an Engaging End of the YearThe end of the year can be exciting, but it can also be overwhelming for both students and teachers, so try incorporating classroom routines that replace the chaos with productivity. In today’s episode, I'm discussing literacy routines for an engaging end of the year. Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership Grab your FREE Word of the Day Routine: https://www.stellarteacher.com/stc_optin/context-clues-word-of-the-day/ To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode782022-04-1825 min
Stellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary TeachersThe Importance of Picture Books with Courtney Hinshaw from Ramona RecommendsThere are so many benefits to using picture books with your students and I find them to be such an asset in the classroom. Today on the episode, I have guest Courtney Hinshaw and we’re talking about the importance of picture books in elementary classrooms. Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership Check out this freebie from Courtney here. To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode772022-04-1141 min
Stellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary TeachersHow to Navigate Difficult Parent Teacher Conferences with EaseFor some, especially novice teachers, talking with parents about difficult topics can be a struggle. So in today’s episode, I’m providing strategies on how to navigate difficult parent teacher conferences with ease. Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode762022-04-0427 min
Stellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary Teachers7 Test Prep Strategies for Student SuccessLet’s face it, standardized tests can cause a lot of stress and anxiety for our students. Therefore, in this episode, I’ll be covering 7 test prep strategies that will give your students success! Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership Check out this Test Prep Strategy Freebie! To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode752022-03-2829 min
Stellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary TeachersPoem of the Week Routine Part 2: FluencyI’m so happy you’ve joined me for the second episode in our two-part series that’s all about poetry. Last week’s episode was an introduction of my poem of the week routine with an emphasis in comprehension, so in today’s episode, I’ll be discussing how to use that same routine with the literacy skill of fluency. Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode742022-03-2118 min
Stellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary TeachersPoem of the Week Routine Part 1: ComprehensionAs most of you know, April is National Poetry Month, so this is the first of a two-part series that’s all about poetry! Each episode I’ll be breaking down how I incorporate a poem of the week routine into my literacy block and how the skills associated with literacy have a connection to poetry. In this episode, I provide a layout of my daily poem of the week routine with an emphasis on comprehension. Join us in the Stellar Teacher Reading Membership: stellarteacher.com/membership To check out all of the resour...2022-03-1428 min