Stellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary Teachers

Episode 324: 6 Small Group Mistakes We Made as Classroom Teachers 14.09.2026 21мин

Small group instruction can be one of the most powerful parts of your literacy block—but it can also be one of the hardest to figure out. In this episode, Sara and Emily are bringing back our Dear Stellar Teacher style episodes and sharing six small group mistakes they made in their own classrooms (and what they would do differently now!).In this episode, we talk about:Why too much teacher talk can take away from the practice and feedback students really need.Why you don’t need to meet with every student in a small group every day (or even every week).How relying on one data point or fixed reading levels can keep you from identifying what students actually need.Why small group instruction should focus on the specific skills students need to become stronger readers, rather than simply reteaching your whole group lesson.If small groups have ever left you wondering, Am I even doing this right?—this episode is for you. We’ve made the mistakes, learned a lot since then, and we’re sharing it all so you can feel more confident with your small group instruction.Resources mentioned:Small Group Success Checklist: stellarteacher.com/smallgroupsReading Intervention Kit: stellarteacher.com/intervention

Episode 323: Putting MTSS into Practice in Your Literacy Classroom 07.09.2026 13мин

What does MTSS actually look like in your upper elementary literacy classroom? Understanding the tiers is one thing, but knowing what instruction should look like at Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 can feel much more complicated.In this episode, Emily breaks down how to put MTSS into practice with practical examples you can use in your literacy block. You’ll learn what strong Tier 1 literacy instruction should include, how to identify the specific skills students need during Tier 2, and how Tier 3 increases the intensity of support without necessarily requiring an entirely different program.We’ll also walk through a simple Tier 2 fluency routine and a five-day phonics and decoding intervention routine to help you see what targeted support can actually look like.Resources Mentioned:Free Fluency Resource: stellarteacher.com/fluencyStellar Intervention Toolkit: stellarteacher.com/interventionStellar Literacy Collective: stellarteacher.com/join

[Listen Again]: The 3 Steps to Take This School Year If You’re Always Saying “I Wish I Had More Time” 31.08.2026 28мин

[Listen Again] The one thing teachers wish they could have more of is time. Time to plan, time to teach, time to make copies, and time to have fun with their students. The day goes by so quickly that it’s hard to fit everything in, but one thing that helps with that is time management. In order to help you gain some time back in your classroom, I’m sharing 3 tips that are effective and help free up brain space.Download my Free Mini-Lesson Plan and Sample Slides here!Check out my Free Literacy Workshop. For more information click here.Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series here!Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/joinTo check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode152

Episode 322: How to Support Struggling Readers Without Neglecting the Rest of Your Class 27.08.2026 23мин

If you have a handful of students who need intensive phonics intervention, a few who are reading well above grade level, and everyone else somewhere in the middle, you might be wondering: How am I supposed to meet all of these needs without burning myself out?The good news is that meeting every student's needs doesn't mean giving every student the exact same support.In this episode, Sara is breaking down how to support your struggling readers while still making sure the rest of your class is getting meaningful, appropriately challenging literacy instruction. She shares a helpful doctor analogy that reminds us that different students need different types of support—and that different doesn't mean unfair.You'll also hear practical ways to strengthen your Tier 1 instruction, use partner work to support all learners, make the most of your intervention time, and plan meaningful work for the rest of your class while you're meeting with small groups.In this episode, you'll learn:Why meeting every student's needs doesn't mean giving every student the exact same supportWhy not every student needs to meet with you in a small groupHow explicit Tier 1 instruction can better support struggling readers before intervention even beginsHow partner routines like RallyCoach can provide struggling readers with support while deepening learning for stronger readersA simple five-day intervention framework for making the most of your small group timeHow to plan meaningful literacy work for the rest of your class while you're providing interventionWhy it's okay for your intervention students and the rest of your class to be working on completely different assignmentsIf you're feeling overwhelmed trying to fit every student into a small group or make sure everyone completes the same work, this episode will help you rethink what effective support can look like. Your job isn't to give every student the exact same thing—it's to figure out what each student needs and provide the instruction that will help them grow.Resources Mentioned:⭐ The Stellar Reading Intervention Kit: Stellarteacher.com/intervention

[Listen Again] Dear Stellar Teacher: Our Phonics and Intervention Confessions (and What We Would Do Differently!) 24.08.2026 21мин

[Listen Again] We’re bringing back this episode because it’s just too good not to share again! As we continue talking about supporting struggling readers, this conversation feels just as relevant today. If you missed it the first time—or could use a refresher—we’re revisiting some of the biggest lessons we learned about phonics, intervention, and foundational reading skills in upper elementary.Many upper elementary teachers know their struggling readers need support with foundational reading skills, but knowing exactly what to teach—and how to fit it into an already-packed school day—can feel overwhelming. In this Dear Stellar Teacher episode, we're sharing our biggest phonics confessions, including the mistakes we made in our own classrooms and what we wish we had known about supporting struggling readers.In this episode, we're talking all things phonics, phonemic awareness, and reading intervention in upper elementary. We'll share why we didn't always prioritize systematic phonics instruction, why intervention can't simply become someone else's responsibility, and what we've learned about helping older students strengthen the foundational skills they need to become more confident readers.In this episode, we'll discuss:The biggest mistakes we made when supporting struggling readers in our own classroomsWhy systematic phonics instruction still matters in upper elementaryWhy we wish we had incorporated more phonemic awareness into our literacy instructionHow a lack of knowledge and confidence can make foundational skills instruction feel overwhelmingWhy classroom teachers still play an important role in supporting students who need interventionWhat we've learned about providing more effective decoding and foundational skills supportResources Mentioned:⭐ The Stellar Literacy Collective: stellarteacher.com/intervention

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

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

Episode 320: A Simple Framework for Your Tier 1 Literacy Instruction 17.08.2026 11мин

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

Episode 319: MTSS Explained: What Every Upper Elementary Teacher Needs to Know 13.08.2026 13мин

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

Episode 318: What Kind of Teacher Do You Want to Be this Year? 10.08.2026 12мин

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

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

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.

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

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. 🎧📚🍎

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

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. 🎧📚🍎

314. The Simple Framework for Teaching Procedures That Actually Stick 20.07.2026 13мин

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.

[Listen Again] Multilingual Learner Support with Dr. Jana Echevarría and Dr. Jeannette Mancilla 16.07.2026 27мин

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. 🎧

313. You Don't Need to Teach 100 Procedures. Start with These 13.07.2026 11мин

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.

[Listen Again] 7 Research-Backed Strategies for Reading Success with Lindsay Kemeny 09.07.2026 29мин

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.

312. How to Set Up Your Classroom (Without Overthinking It) 06.07.2026 18мин

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.

311. Small Group Instruction Made Simple: How to Use Data to Support Every Reader 02.07.2026 13мин

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

310. Writing Belongs in Your Literacy Block (Here's How) 29.06.2026 11мин

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

[Listen Again] Why Reading Fluency Matters More Than You Think 25.06.2026 17мин

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