Stellar Teacher Podcast with Sara Marye

We’re breaking down five common signs that it might be time to rethink your writing instruction. From assigning writing instead of explicitly teaching it, to skipping sentence-level work and fast-forwarding to essays, we’ll unpack the most frequent challenges teachers face—and offer simple, actionable shifts you can make to see real progress in your classroom.

If you’re changing grade levels, schools, or positions next year, this episode is for you! In our monthly Dear Stellar Teacher segment, Emily and I are sharing our own experiences with making big transitions in our careers and offering encouragement and advice to help you feel more confident and supported through the changes ahead.

Whether you're new to working with multilingual learners or looking to refine your approach, this episode is filled with tips, tools, and encouragement to help you create a truly inclusive classroom. We explore how teachers can better understand the process of language acquisition, why oral language is essential for reading success, and how teachers can build in meaningful support for multilingual learners without adding more to their to-do list.

In our conversation, we talk about the emotional dual burden teachers often carry, how to be trauma-aware without stepping into the role of a therapist, and how to set boundaries that can help you keep doing the work you love—without losing yourself in the process. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed or simply trying to avoid burnout, Jenn offers a grounded, compassionate perspective that reminds us: you can be a great teacher and still have a life outside of school. This conversation is a powerful reminder that setting boundaries isn’t selfish—it’s essential for longevity in this work. You’ll walk away with practical steps and a renewed sense of permission to protect your energy and your joy.