In this episode, I sit down with one of the show’s favorite guests, Dr. Brian Plante, a licensed naturopathic physician from the Amen Clinics. Dr. Plante shares invaluable insights into preventing and managing burnout—something so many teachers grapple with in their quest to balance teaching responsibilities and personal lives.

From understanding the difference between stress and burnout to discovering practical strategies for replenishing energy, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you move from surviving to thriving in your classroom and beyond.

In this episode, we'll talk about... 

• The key differences between stress and burnout—and how to recognize the early warning signs.
• Why boundaries matter and how to set them with courage and compassion.
• Practical mindfulness and relaxation techniques for reducing daily stress.

Show Links

Join Dr. Plante on Instagram
Psychology Today
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One of my favorite ways to learn new teaching strategies is to watch OTHER teachers teaching. That’s why I’m so excited about today’s guest. MeQuel Bolden spends her days supporting teachers in classrooms throughout Washington DC and today she’s sharing her best lessons learned with US so that we can take literacy centers to the next level.

In this episode, we'll talk about... 

• How much time is TOO much time for literacy centers. 
• The most common challenges teachers face with literacy centers and how to overcome them.
• Tips for setting up literacy centers on a budget. 

Show Links

Early Literacy Center Observation Sheet
Follow MeQuel on Instagram//LinkedIn
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Teaching advanced phonics can feel like a daunting leap—vowel teams, r-controlled vowels, diphthongs, multisyllabic words... where do you even begin? In this episode, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about teaching phonics to advanced readers.

Whether you’re supporting students who are ready to level up or those who need extra scaffolding to decode tricky words, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help every reader succeed.

Discover how to take your phonics instruction to the next level—because your students are ready, and you’ve got the tools to guide them!

In this episode, we'll talk about... 

• What advanced phonics really is and why it’s critical for fluency and comprehension.
• Common challenges students (and teachers!) face when tackling complex phonics patterns.
• Proven strategies, like syllable division rules and morphology that make advanced phonics instruction effective and manageable.

Show Links

Scope and sequence
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Alright, teachers, today we're diving into the wild world of morphology! (Don’t worry, it’s not as fancy as it sounds.) Morphology is about breaking words into their parts like prefixes, suffixes, and roots. And trust me - it’s a teaching game-changer.

In this episode, we'll talk about... 

• What morphology is.
• Why it's essential for your reading instruction.
• Practical strategies to bring it to life in your classroom.

Show Links

Morphology Cheat Sheet
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Feeling overwhelmed by the shift to the Science of Reading? You’re not alone. Many educators worry that embracing this evidence-based approach means throwing out everything they’ve been doing—but that’s far from the truth. 

The Science of Reading isn’t about reinventing the wheel—it’s about refining what you’re already doing to help your students thrive. 

In this episode, we'll talk about... 

• What the Science of Reading really is—and what it isn’t.
• How to identify and keep the practices that align with research.
• Simple tweaks to strengthen your instruction without an overwhelming overhaul.

Show Links

Grab Your Spot in The Secret to Spotting Reading Gaps (and Filling Them!)
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While you're there, be sure to follow the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and I don't want you to miss out! Follow right here.

As the new year approaches, it’s the perfect time to hit the reset button and step back into your classroom with a fresh perspective. In this episode, I'm sharing how to set meaningful goals for 2025 using a "word of the year" approach to guide your decisions and actions. Reflect on 2024, choose a focus word, and take small, actionable steps to create a purposeful and joyful year. Tune in for practical tips, real-life success stories, and inspiration to transform your approach to goal-setting.

In this episode, we'll talk about... 

• Tips and strategies to help you feel rejuvenated and energized all year long. 
• How to choose a 'word of the year' and prioritize what you really want and need.
• Mindset shifts and practical tips that you can implement right away. 

Show Links

Grab Your Spot in The Secret to Spotting Reading Gaps (and Filling Them!)
Jumpstart Your 2025 Workbook
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While you're there, be sure to follow the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and I don't want you to miss out! Follow right here.

Teaching is a rewarding job, but balancing work and personal life can feel impossible. In this episode, we sit down with planner expert Laurel Denise to discuss practical, real-world strategies for teachers to reclaim their time and reduce stress.

In this episode, we’ll talk about:

• The #1 mistake teachers make when trying to balance work and life
• A simple planning system that helps you stay organized and stress-free
• How to set boundaries without feeling guilty
• Effective strategies for managing time and prioritizing tasks
• Why “future task” lists can help you stay focused and productive

Tune in to learn how you can create a sustainable work-life balance and bring more joy back into your teaching journey!

Show Links

Grab Your Spot in The Secret to Spotting Reading Gaps (and Filling Them!)
Follow Laurel on Instagram//YouTube
Enjoy 10% off your order with code FORMULA10
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Teaching reading to struggling students can feel overwhelming, but with the right interventions, real progress is possible! In this episode, we break down a step-by-step approach to accelerating reading success in young learners.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why some students struggle with reading and how to identify gaps.
• The best assessment tools to pinpoint missing skills.
• Phonological awareness strategies to build a strong reading foundation.
• Step-by-step phonics interventions that accelerate learning.
• How to reinforce new skills with engaging, repeated practice.

Whether you’re working with students who have fallen behind or looking for proven methods to boost literacy skills, this episode provides actionable insights you can apply immediately.

Show Links 

Join Malia on Instagram.
Become a Science of Reading Formula member!

Rate, Review, and Follow

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Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review". Then let me know what you loved most about the episode!

While you're there, be sure to follow the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and I don't want you to miss out! Follow right here.

Are you using a literacy curriculum that truly supports your students' reading success? Research shows that many of the most widely used reading programs do not align with the Science of Reading. But how can you tell if your curriculum is one of them?

In this episode, we break down the top warning signs that indicate a curriculum is not evidence-based—and what to do if your school is using one that isn't supporting effective reading instruction.

In this episode, we’ll talk about:

• Why the top 5 most popular reading curriculums aren’t research-based.
• The biggest red flags to look for in your literacy program.
• Why guessing words from pictures is NOT a reading strategy.
• How to evaluate your curriculum and advocate for evidence-based instruction.

If you're unsure whether your reading program is truly Science of Reading-aligned, this episode will give you the clarity you need!

Show Links 

27 curriculum red flags
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While you're there, be sure to follow the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and I don't want you to miss out! Follow right here.

Teaching reading with music doesn’t mean you have to sing! Our special guest, Jocelyn Manzanerez, explains how rhythm, beats, and chants can enhance literacy skills—no microphone required. 

In this episode, we'll talk about:

• Why music is a powerful tool for teaching reading skills
• How rhythm and movement improve phonemic awareness
• The science behind music and language processing
• Easy, no-singing-required activities to use in your classroom
• How to boost engagement and memory retention using music-based strategies

Join us as we uncover practical ways to make reading instruction more engaging and effective with music, even if you’re not a singer! Jocelyn shares her expertise on making literacy instruction fun and accessible for all educators.

Show Links
Musically Minded 360 on Instagram
Musically Minded on YouTube
Musically Minded's Free Lyric Sheet and Video
Musically Minded's Alphabet Song
Alphabet Chant
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Rate, Review, and Follow

If you loved this episode, please take a minute to rate and review my show! That helps the podcast world know that this show is worth sharing with other educators just like you.

Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review". Then let me know what you loved most about the episode!

While you're there, be sure to follow the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and I don't want you to miss out! Follow right here.