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7 Teacher Tips Your Future Self Will Thank You For

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As the school year comes to an end, most teachers are counting down the days until summer break. If you are… We understand! By May and June, classrooms feel chaotic, energy is low, and many teachers are simply trying to make it to the finish line.

But in this week’s episode of The Stellar Teacher Podcast, Sara and Emily share 7 practical teacher tips that can help make next school year feel easier, more organized, and less overwhelming.

These aren’t complicated systems or massive summer projects. Instead, they are simple end-of-year habits and reflection strategies that can help teachers start the next school year with more clarity and a stronger plan for instruction.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

  • Teacher tips for reflecting on the lessons, routines, and classroom moments that worked best this year
  • How to identify the instructional practices you wish you had prioritized earlier
  • Simple teacher tips for organizing classroom materials and decluttering resources before summer break
  • Why cleaning and resetting your classroom now can make back-to-school season less stressful
  • The mindset shift teachers need to stop holding onto resources “just in case”
  • Teacher tips for planning a summer that includes actual rest and restoration
  • How scheduling reminders and future emails can help support your future teacher self throughout the school year

Sara and Emily also share personal stories about classroom organization, end-of-year reflection, summer planning, and how small intentional actions now can have a huge impact later.

Plus, you’ll hear more about the Stellar Teacher Summer Learning Series designed to help upper elementary teachers strengthen their literacy instruction and walk into next school year with a clearer plan for their literacy block. Who doesn’t want teacher tips to make next school year easier?

Listen in and give your future teacher self a head start!

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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!

When your brain is on summer but your still in school, 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. Every epsidoe is full of teacher tips! 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.

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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!

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