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You Can Love Teaching and Still Want It to Be Easier

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In this special 300th episode of The Stellar Teacher Podcast, Emily is joined by Tami to talk about a powerful truth that every teacher needs to hear: you can love teaching and still want it to be easier. Those two things are not in conflict, they can exist at the same time.

As the school year winds down, the pressure can feel especially heavy. Between increased expectations, new curriculum demands, student engagement challenges, and the everyday responsibilities of teaching, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. It can feel difficult to love teaching in the trenches. And for many teachers, the response is to work harder, stay later, and try to do more.

But in this episode, Emily and Tami challenge that idea.

They explain why “hard” is not proof that you’re doing it right and why constantly pushing yourself can actually lead to burnout instead of better outcomes.

Instead, they shift the focus to what’s actually within your control. Take back your energy and love teaching (even in the busiest seasons!)

You’ll hear simple, practical ways to make teaching feel more manageable and sustainable, including:

  • Building consistent routines that reduce decision fatigue
  • Creating systems that simplify planning, grading, and organization
  • Focusing on the parts of teaching you genuinely enjoy—and doing more of them

This episode is your reminder that you don’t have to do it all to love teaching and be a great teacher. In fact, making teaching easier might be exactly what allows you to stay in it for the long run.

So if you’re feeling stretched thin, take a breath … you’re in the right place. We love teaching too!

Resources Connected to this Episode: 

Enjoyed this episode? Check out these!

  • Episode 288: Choosing Intention Over Perfection with Sara Marye
  • Episode 295: Teaching is a Long Game: A Reminder for Teachers Feeling the Pressure

Stay Connected:

More About Stellar Teacher Podcast:

Welcome to the Stellar Teacher Podcast where we believe teaching literacy is a skill that can be strengthened with the right strategies, systems, and support.

Each week, Sara Marye — along with members of the Stellar Teacher Company team and other special guests — shares practical insights, instructional strategies, and honest conversations from the voices behind the magic of STC. With over a decade of experience as a classroom teacher and school leader, Sara is passionate about helping upper elementary teachers simplify their literacy block and make a meaningful impact.

Tune in on your favorite podcast platform: Apple, Google, Amazon, Spotify, Castbox, and more! If you’re loving this podcast, please rate, review, and follow.

Learn more about The Stellar Literacy Collective:

The Stellar Literacy Collective (SLC) is a membership designed for upper elementary teachers who want strong, effective literacy instruction… without spending hours planning every week.

Inside SLC, you’ll find ready-to-use, research-aligned lessons for reading, writing, and word study that work together to create a cohesive literacy block. From whole group comprehension lessons and vocabulary routines to small group supports and writing instruction, everything is built around consistent systems that support real classroom implementation.

If you’re tired of piecing lessons together or feeling like every week requires a brand-new strategy, SLC offers structure and clarity. It helps you simplify your literacy block, teach with intention, and create meaningful growth for your students!

Click HERE to learn more!

When the school year is winding down (but the classroom energy isn’t…), The Stellar Teacher Podcast is here to support you. Each episode is designed to empower upper elementary teachers to simplify lesson planning, strengthen classroom routines, and build confident, capable readers without burnout. Teaching doesn’t have to feel overwhelming to be effective. With practical strategies, honest conversations, and systems that work in real classrooms, you can protect your energy while still delivering meaningful instruction. Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode filled with encouragement and actionable ideas to support your literacy block all year long.

Want Even More?

You’ll love these related episodes!

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Hey There!

I’m Sara, your literacy lovin’ mentor and cheerleader.

With over a decade of experience working as a classroom teacher and school administrator, I understand the joys and challenges of teaching. That’s why I’m on a mission to make an impact by serving stellar upper elementary teachers just like you. Get ready, because I’m pulling out all the stops to ensure that you have the tools and confidence you need to build a literacy block that you’re proud of. One that excites you and your students while also meeting the standards. Oh yes, it’s totally possible to have both!

Let's get to know each other!