Stellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary Teachers: Daily Summaries Delivered

[Listen Again] Why Every Literacy Block Needs Read-Alouds with Molly Ness

Are read-alouds still worth making time for in an upper elementary classroom? According to literacy researcher and author Dr. Molly Ness—they absolutely are.In this episode, we dive into the research-backed benefits of read-alouds and why they still play an essential role in a Science of Reading-aligned literacy block. From building vocabulary and background knowledge to increasing engagement and comprehension, Dr. Ness shares practical insights teachers can immediately apply in their classrooms.If you’ve ever questioned whether read-alouds are “enough” academically, this conversation will remind you just how powerful they can be.

306. Comprehension: A Simple Research-Backed Framework That Actually Works

Your Literacy Block Series: Part 1If you’ve ever wondered:“How do I actually help my students comprehend what they read?” …this episode is for you.Reading comprehension is the goal of reading instruction—but it’s not just one strategy or skill. In this episode of The Stellar Teacher Podcast, we’re kicking off a brand-new series all about building an effective upper elementary literacy block.We’re sharing:What reading comprehension actually isWhy comprehension should be woven throughout your literacy blockThe key components that support comprehensionA simple research-backed 3-2-1 framework you can use with ANY textYou’ll walk away with practical ideas for building background knowledge, teaching vocabulary, supporting sentence-level understanding, asking meaningful questions, and using writing about reading to deepen comprehension.If you’ve ever wondered how to actually help students better understand what they read, this episode is for you.Resources Mentioned:⭐ Whole Group Lessons with built-in 3-2-1 comprehension support only available in the Stellar Literacy Collective ⤵︎⭐The Stellar Literacy Collective: stellarteacher.com/slc

305. [Listen Again] Let Them Be Bored: Why Boredom Might Be Exactly What Kids Need with Mike Bender and Chuck Dillon

304. 7 Things Your Future Teacher Self Will Thank You For

The school year is almost over, but before you fully switch into summer mode, there are a few things your future teacher self will be so thankful you did. In this episode of The Stellar Teacher Podcast, Sara and Emily share 7 end-of-year reflection and reset strategies that can help make next school year feel more organized, intentional, and less overwhelming.Episode Takeaways:Reflect on your favorite moments, lessons, and routines from the school yearIdentify what brought you and your students the most joy and engagementMake a plan to intentionally repeat those successful moments next yearReflect on areas where you wish you had spent more instructional timeAudit and organize your resources—keep what worked and let go of what didn’tClean up and reset your classroom now so you start next year with a clean slateBe intentional about planning a summer that actually helps you rest and rechargeStay connected with us this summer! Visit stellarteacher.com/summer to sign up for our free learning experience starting June 1!

303. Want More Engagement in May? Try These 3 Literacy Moves

In this episode, Emily shares 3 simple, low-prep literacy moves that still make a big impact at the end of the year (hello increased engagement!). You’ll hear practical ideas for:Student-led book talks that build excitement around readingFluency performances that combine comprehension, rereading, and engagementBringing back your favorite read-alouds using a simple 3-2-1 comprehension structureThese ideas are designed to help you add structure back into your literacy block while still enjoying the final weeks with your students.Want a freebie to get started? Grab 5 Book Talk Anchor Charts at stellarteacher.com/freebieGrab our Book Talk Templates + Guide on under $5 at stellarteacher.com/booktalkReady to keep the momentum going this summer? Be sure to sign up for our Summer Learning Series for book study, bonus trainings, and practical literacy support. stellarteacher.com/summer

302. Hey Teachers, Don't Miss the Magic of May

May can feel exhausting, emotional, and chaotic but it can also be one of the most meaningful months of the school year. In this episode, Tami and Sara are reminder teachers not to miss the magic of May.Sara and Tami talk about the unique opportunities this final stretch of the year brings: stronger student relationships, visible growth, classroom confidence, and the chance to finish with purpose instead of just surviving until summer.In this episode, we discuss:Why May can be a powerful month for teachers and studentsHow to stay present during the final weeks of schoolRecognizing the growth your students have madeReady to keep the momentum going this summer? Be sure to sign up for our Summer Learning Series for book study, bonus trainings, and practical literacy support. stellarteacher.com/summer

301. 3 Things That Actually Matter Before the School Year Ends

As the school year comes to a close, it’s easy to feel pressure to squeeze in one more lesson, finish one more project, or check off every remaining standard. But what if finishing strong didn’t mean doing more?In this episode, Tami shares three powerful reminders to help you navigate the final weeks of the school year with more clarity, intention, and less overwhelm. From letting go of the pressure to “cover everything” to prioritizing meaningful connections with your students, this conversation will help you shift your focus to what truly matters.In this episode, you’ll hear:Why “coverage” doesn’t = learningPermission to not finish every project, book, or standardHow to decide what actually matters in the final weeksWant to connect with Tami and other members of the Stellar Team this summer? Don't miss out on The Stellar Teacher Summer Learning series! Register for updates at stellarteacher.com/summer

300. You Can Love Teaching and Still Want It to Be Easier

If teaching feels harder than usual right now, you’re not alone—and you’re not doing it wrong.In this special 🎉300th episode🎉, Emily and Tami share 3 simple ways to make teaching feel easier and more manageable right now (so you can lean into loving it!). They talk about why doing more isn’t the solution, how routines and systems can lighten your load, and what to focus on so you can finish the year strong.P.S. The Stellar Literacy Collective is currently closed for enrollment. But not for long! Join our email list to be the first to know when doors reopen in June 2026—we’ll send updates, early access details, and helpful resources straight to your inbox.stellarteacher.com/newsletter