# 289. Embracing Imperfection in Teaching

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/stellar-teacher-podcast-a-podcast-for-upper-elementary-teachers-3455242/289-embracing-imperfection-in-teaching
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/stellar-teacher-podcast-a-podcast-for-upper-elementary-teachers-3455242/289-embracing-imperfection-in-teaching.md
Podcast: [Stellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary Teachers](https://stenobird.com/podcast/stellar-teacher-podcast-a-podcast-for-upper-elementary-teachers-3455242)
Published: 2026-02-01T08:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://www.stellarteacher.com/stellar-teacher-podcast-with-sara-marye/
Audio file: https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/006f035b-c98b-4cf1-8350-bd6a77c5f2f9.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/stellar-teacher-podcast-a-podcast-for-upper-elementary-teachers-3455242/episodes/289-embracing-imperfection-in-teaching
Duration seconds: 1006

## Resource

In this episode of the Stellar Teacher Podcast, Emily and Tami discuss the pressures teachers face to make every lesson extraordinary. They explore the impact of social media on teacher expectations, the importance of setting realistic reading goals, and the value of establishing routines in the classroom. The conversation emphasizes that not every lesson needs to be perfect, and that building relationships with students is more important than delivering flawless lessons. Key Takeaways: Not every lesson needs to be amazing. Social media creates unrealistic expectations for teachers. Teaching is a marathon, not a sprint. Focus on one key element in lesson planning. Routines help free up mental space for both teachers and students. Learning is cumulative; students will revisit concepts. It's about how you make students feel in the classroom. Set a timer to combat perfectionism in planning. Games can be integrated into routines for engagement. Teachers are doing an amazing job despite challenges. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and 03:38 Setting Reading Goals 04:39 The Pressure of Perfection in Teaching 06:47 Advice for Moving Away from Perfectionism 09:34 The Importance of Routines 12:39 Engagement Strategies in the Classroom 14:02 Lesson Delivery and Student Learning 16:13 Final Thoughts and Encouragement for Teachers Resources: Join The Stellar Literacy Collective Get the Stellar Intervention Toolkit Sign up for my Private Podcast: Confident Writer Systems Series Sign up for my FREE Revision Made Easy email series If you’re enjoying this podcast, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts!

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## Transcript

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