You Are the Expert: Why Your Professional Judgement Matters

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In this episode of the Stellar Teacher Podcast, Sara is joined by Meghan, a member of the Stellar Teacher Team, for an important reminder every educator needs to hear: you are the expert in your classroom.

In a profession filled with curriculum mandates, pacing guides, and outside opinions, it’s easy to second-guess your decisions. But the truth is, you are the expert when it comes to your students, your classroom culture, and your instructional choices. Your professional judgment matters more than you may realize.

Together, they explore:

what it really means to trust your professional judgment in teaching
modifying curriculum to advocate for students’ needs (remember, you are the expert!)
why confident instructional decision-making is essential for sustainable and effective literacy instruction

If you’ve ever hesitated to voice your perspective in a meeting, questioned whether you should follow a script exactly as written, or felt unsure about adapting a lesson to better serve your students, this episode is for you.

Press play for an encouraging reminder that your professional judgment isn’t just allowed — it’s essential. You are the expert in your classroom and we are here to cheer you on!

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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!

If you’ve ever second-guessed your instructional decisions or felt hesitant to trust your instincts, 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.