Stellar Teacher Podcast with Sara Marye

In today’s episode, we’re kicking off the back-to-school season with a Dear Stellar Teacher conversation that’s all about getting ready for the new year. Whether you’re feeling excited, overwhelmed, or somewhere in between, we’re here to cheer you on and help you find your balance as you dive into the chaos of back-to-school preparations. Emily and I chat through the pressures that come with this time of year—like trying to make everything perfect before the first day—and share our best advice for navigating the madness without burning yourself out.

What is orthographic mapping—and why does it matter so much for your upper elementary readers? In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Molly Ness, educator, researcher, and co-author of Making Words Stick, to unpack the science behind how students store and retrieve words. We break down what orthographic mapping actually is, how it develops, and why it’s a missing piece for so many students who struggle with fluency and comprehension.

This week’s episode is extra special—we’re celebrating a decade of the Stellar Teacher company! If you’ve ever wondered how Stellar Teacher came to be, or what’s next on the horizon, you’re in for a treat. From upcoming resources to Sara’s dream of making the membership accessible to schools everywhere, this episode gives a glimpse into the heart, hustle, and hope that has defined the last 10 years—and sets the stage for what’s ahead. This conversation is full of honesty, growth, and the kind of encouragement teachers need when they’re dreaming up big things of their own. Tune in and celebrate 10 years with us!

In this special episode of The Stellar Teacher Podcast, we're giving you a behind-the-scenes look at one of our most exciting new resources—the Stellar Teacher Reading Intervention Kit! If you’ve ever felt unsure about how to approach reading intervention or wondered how to fit it into your already packed schedule, this episode is for you. Emily and I talk candidly about the biggest challenges teachers face when it comes to reading intervention—limited time, lack of confidence, and keeping older students engaged—and how each of those challenges shaped the design of this kit. You’ll hear about our goals, the research that guided us, the beta testing process, and the thoughtful routines we built to make reading intervention practical, effective, and doable in just 15 minutes a day.