Stellar Teacher Podcast with Sara Marye

Have you ever had a student declare, “I’m bored!”—especially at the end of the school year? Instead of rushing to fix it, what if boredom is actually something worth embracing? In this episode, we explore why boredom is good for kids and how it can open the door to deeper thinking and creativity. As we head into the final stretch of the year, we’re bringing back this favorite conversation with author Mike Bender (The End Is Just the Beginning, The Most Serious Fart, The Bravest Booger) and illustrator Chuck Dillon, the creative team behind Bored Panda. Their work highlights why boredom is good for kids and how those quiet, unstructured moments can lead to imagination and discovery.

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.

Between field trips, award ceremonies, class parties, and constant schedule changes, the end of the year can feel chaotic. And while it’s tempting to switch into survival mode, these final weeks still matter—especially when it comes to literacy instruction and student engagement. In this episode of The Stellar Teacher Podcast, Emily shares 3 simple, high-impact literacy ideas that help boost engagement while keeping learning meaningful through the last day of school.

This month can feel like one of the most exhausting months of the school year. Testing is over, schedules are changing, energy is lowwwwww, and summer break is just around the corner. But even with all the up and down energy, May can also be one of the most meaningful and rewarding times in the classroom. In this episode of the Stellar Teacher Podcast, Sara and Tami remind teachers why they shouldn’t miss the magic of May. How? With a little intention, connection, and perspective.