Stellar Teacher Podcast with Sara Marye

Winter break is almost here, and you’re probably balancing excitement for the holidays with the pressure to assess student learning before the semester wraps up. But assessments don’t have to mean stressful, time-consuming tests. This week on The Stellar Teacher Podcast, we’re bringing back one of our most popular episodes from the archives: Creative Ways to Assess Student Learning. These quick and engaging strategies will help you gather valuable insights without overwhelming your students—or yourself!

Dyslexia 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.

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? Throughout this episode, Sara and Emily share practical strategies to make familiar books and routines feel fresh and engaging, even for students who’ve seen them before.

Outlining is an essential step in the writing process, yet it’s often rushed or overlooked in classrooms. In today’s episode, we’re diving into the art of teaching outlining—a skill that makes writing easier and more effective for students. By helping students create a roadmap for their writing, you’ll set them up for success and reduce the frustration of staring at a blank page.