Stellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary Teachers

Epizode

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  Episode 321: Differentiation vs. Intervention: What's the Difference? 20.08.2026 12min

  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 readersResources Mentioned:⭐ The Stellar Intervention Toolkit: https://learn.stellarteacher.com/intervention
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  Episode 320: A Simple Framework for Your Tier 1 Literacy Instruction 17.08.2026 11min

  Episode 320: A Simple Framework for Your Tier 1 Literacy InstructionWhen 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 connectedIf 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
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  Episode 319: MTSS Explained: What Every Upper Elementary Teacher Needs to Know 13.08.2026 13min

  Episode 319: MTSS 101: What Every Teacher Needs to KnowMTSS 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 growIf 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
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  Episode 318: What Kind of Teacher Do You Want to Be this Year? 10.08.2026 12min

  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 longIf 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
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  [Listen Again] Reading Intervention Made Easy: 15-Minute Lessons for Struggling Readers in Upper Elementary 06.08.2026 24min

  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.
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  317: Back-to-School Anxiety? Here's What Every Teacher Needs to Remember 03.08.2026 12min

  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 classroomsIf 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. 🎧📚🍎
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  315. The First Day of School Doesn't Need to Be Perfect (And That's Actually the Goal) 27.07.2026 20min

  Part 4: New Teacher Blueprint SeriesThe 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 noteWhether 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. 🎧📚🍎
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  314. The Simple Framework for Teaching Procedures That Actually Stick 20.07.2026 13min

  Part 3: New Teacher Blueprint SeriesThe 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.comYou'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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  [Listen Again] Multilingual Learner Support with Dr. Jana Echevarría and Dr. Jeannette Mancilla 16.07.2026 27min

  In this replay episode, literacy experts Dr. Jana Echevarría and Dr. Jeannette Mancilla-Martinez share research-backed insights and practical strategies for supporting multilingual learners in upper elementary classrooms.You'll learn why the term multilingual learner matters, the difference between conversational and academic language, and how teachers can provide grade-level instruction while supporting language development. Our guests also share actionable ways to integrate listening, speaking, reading, and writing into everyday lessons so multilingual learners can thrive.If you're looking for simple, effective ways to better support multilingual learners, this conversation is full of valuable takeaways you can use right away. 🎧
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  313. You Don't Need to Teach 100 Procedures. Start with These 13.07.2026 11min

  Part 2: New Teacher Blueprint SeriesThe beginning of the school year comes with a long list of classroom procedures to teach... but here's the good news: you don't have to teach all of them at once.In this episode of The New Teacher Blueprint series, Tami is breaking down the classroom procedures that matter most during the first days of school. Instead of trying to tackle an overwhelming checklist, you'll learn how to prioritize the routines students need right away so you can create a calm, organized, and successful classroom environment.We'll discuss:✔ Why you don't need to teach every procedure during the first week of school✔ The first classroom routines to teach when students arrive✔ How to make transitions smoother throughout the day✔ Important expectations for restroom breaks, hallway behavior, and lunch✔ What students should do when they finish their workWhether you're a new teacher setting up your classroom for the first time or a veteran teacher looking to refresh your routines, this episode will help you focus on the procedures that have the biggest impact.Tune in next week as we share how to teach procedures so they actually stick all year long.
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  [Listen Again] 7 Research-Backed Strategies for Reading Success with Lindsay Kemeny 09.07.2026 29min

  If you're working to align your literacy instruction with the science of reading, this listener favorite interview is for you!In this conversation, literacy expert and author Lindsay Kemeny shares the 7 research-backed strategies from her book Seven Mighty Moves that help teachers strengthen reading instruction and support all learners. Lindsay discusses how her experience supporting her son with dyslexia transformed her teaching and led her to embrace structured literacy practices.In this episode, you'll learn:✔️ The 7 "mighty moves" that improve reading outcomes✔️ How to bridge the gap between research and classroom practice✔️ Common mistakes teachers make when implementing the science of reading✔️ Practical ways to support struggling readers and build strong literacy foundations✔️ Where to start without feeling overwhelmedWhether you teach primary or upper elementary students, you'll leave with actionable ideas you can implement right away.
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  312. How to Set Up Your Classroom (Without Overthinking It) 06.07.2026 18min

  Part 1: New Teacher BlueprintGetting your classroom ready for a new school year can feel overwhelming. Between Pinterest-perfect classrooms, endless classroom décor ideas, and a growing back-to-school to-do list, it's easy to spend time focusing on things that won't actually make your year easier.In this first episode of our New Teacher Blueprint series, Tami and Meghan are sharing practical classroom setup tips that will help you create a space that works for both you and your students.You'll hear why function should come before decoration, how to think through your classroom layout, and which classroom areas are most important to prioritize before students arrive.In this episode, we'll discuss:✔ Why your classroom should function like a workspace, not a showroom✔ How to avoid overspending on classroom décor and supplies✔ The classroom areas every teacher should prioritize✔ Tips for organizing classroom materials and supplies✔ Why it's okay to change your classroom setup throughout the yearTune in next Monday as we continue the New Teacher Blueprint series and discuss the most important classroom procedures to teach first.
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  311. Small Group Instruction Made Simple: How to Use Data to Support Every Reader 02.07.2026 13min

  Part 6: Your Literacy Block SeriesLearn 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 instruction and meet student needs.Topics Covered:Defining small group instruction vs. whole groupForming fluid groups based on student dataTime management for small groupsWord study & morphology lessonsAddressing foundational reading gapsResources Mentioned:⭐The Stellar Literacy Collective: stellarteacher.com/join
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  310. Writing Belongs in Your Literacy Block (Here's How) 29.06.2026 11min

  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 their thinking, and make their learning visible.In this episode, you'll learn:• Why writing and reading are so closely connected• The importance of sentence-level writing instruction• How writing can strengthen comprehension without adding another subject block to your day• Three simple writing routines you can start using immediately:Writing About ReadingExpand with DetailsCombining SentencesIf you've ever wondered how to fit writing into your literacy block, this episode will give you practical ideas that build stronger readers, writers, and thinkers —all within the instructional time you already have.Tune in next week as we wrap up the series with small group instruction!Resources Mentioned:⭐The Stellar Literacy Collective: stellarteacher.com/join
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  [Listen Again] Why Reading Fluency Matters More Than You Think 25.06.2026 17min

  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.Plus, we’ll share an easy-to-implement 5 day fluency routine that can help students become more confident, expressive, and successful readers.Fluency isn't just about reading faster, it’s the bridge between decoding and comprehension.Resources & Links:The Stellar Literacy Collective stellarteacher.com/joinTier 1 Instruction That Works Workshop stellarteacher.com/workshop
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  309. Fluency - The Bridge Between Decoding & Comprehension 21.06.2026 11min

  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 components of fluency: accuracy, automaticity, and prosodyHow fluency connects to Scarborough's Reading RopeWhy upper elementary teachers often overlook fluency instruction3 quick fluency activities: repeated reading (with the "One Glow, One Grow" partner routine), echo reading, and silly voicesMark your calendars! The Stellar Teacher Collective Kickoff is coming up — a live virtual training just for our Collective members. Join us July 5th - 10th as we explore the *new* Collective website and plan and prep for the school year. This is your chance to learn live, ask questions in real time, and connect with fellow upper elementary teachers in the community.Not a Collective member yet? stellarteacher.com/joinCatch up on the series:Part 1 (Comprehension)Part 2 (Word Study with Kori),Part 3 (Phonics & Phonemic Awareness).
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  [Listen Again] Intervention Strategies for Struggling Readers with Shannon Moore 18.06.2026 31min

  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 that lead to meaningful student growth. Whether you're responsible for intervention groups, supporting students during your literacy block, or looking for ways to strengthen your school's intervention practices, this conversation will provide clear, actionable ideas you can put into practice right away.In this episode, we'll discuss:• The four essential components of effective literacy intervention• How to use assessment data to make informed instructional decisions• Tips for creating flexible, skill-based intervention groupsIf you're looking for a more structured approach to supporting struggling readers, this episode is full of practical advice and encouragement.Resources & Links:The Stellar Literacy Collective stellarteacher.com/joinThe Stellar Reading Intervention Toolkit stellarteacher.com/intervention
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  308. Phonics & Phonemic Awareness: Closing Gaps in Upper Elementary 15.06.2026 11min

  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 phonemic awareness and phonics, why both are essential for reading success, and how teachers can provide targeted support without overhauling their entire literacy block.In this episode, we'll discuss:The difference between phonemic awareness and phonicsWhy foundational reading skills still matter in grades 3–5How gaps in word recognition impact fluency and comprehensionScarborough’s Reading Rope and the role of word recognitionPractical phonemic awareness activities for upper elementary studentsEffective phonics routines and instructional strategiesWays to provide targeted support without adding more to your plateResources Mentioned:⭐The Stellar Literacy Collective: stellarteacher.com/slc
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  [Listen Again] How the Brain Learns Words (and Why It Matters for Reading Success) with Dr. Molly Ness 11.06.2026 24min

  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 words in memory for quick and effortless retrieval.If you've ever worked with students who can decode a word one day but seem to forget it the next, this conversation will help explain why. Dr. Ness breaks down the science behind how the brain learns words and shares a practical four-step routine teachers can use to support word learning, fluency, and reading comprehension.Whether you're a classroom teacher, interventionist, or literacy coach, you'll walk away with a deeper understanding of how skilled reading develops—and simple instructional moves you can implement right away.In this episode, you'll learn:What orthographic mapping is and how it supports fluent readingWhy automatic word recognition is critical for comprehensionThe connection between phonemic awareness, phonics, and word memoryCommon misconceptions about how students learn wordsA simple four-step routine that helps words "stick"If you love what Dr. Molly Ness has to say in this episode, you will love what is happening in our Summer Learning Series. We are reading her book Making Words Stick. There is still time to join in - visit stellarteacher.com/summerpd.
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  307. The 5-Minute Word Study Routine That Builds Reading Confidence 08.06.2026 10min

  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 decode unfamiliar vocabulary, improve spelling, and strengthen comprehension.We also break down what explicit morphology instruction actually looks like during whole group, small group, and independent reading—without adding another complicated routine to your literacy block.Inside this episode:What morphology is and why it mattersSimple questions students can ask when decoding big wordsExamples using words like “unexplainable” and “transportation”Easy word study routines you can use in 5–10 minutes a dayHow morphology supports both decoding and comprehensionIf you teach grades 3–5, this episode will give you practical strategies you can start using right away.Resources Mentioned:⭐ FREE Reading Big Words Poster stellarteacher.com/bigwords⭐ Whole Group Lessons with built-in morphology instruction only available in the Stellar Literacy Collective ⤵︎⭐The Stellar Literacy Collective: stellarteacher.com/slc