Leading Literacy

Leading Literacy had the honor and pleasure of chatting with Lee Herrick , California's Poet Laureate.  Lee was awarded this title by Governor Newsom in November of 2022, and as a resident of Fresno, he brings to this position his diverse perspectives and passions as a father, professor, and poet.  As the first Asian American to serve in this role, Lee hopes to bring together poetry with social ju...

We're so excited to have Susan Lambert on this episode of Leading Literacy.  Susan is the Chief Academic Officer for Elementary Humanities at Amplify and she's also the host of one of our favorite podcasts, Science of Reading: The Podcast .  Susan's been a classroom teacher, school administrator, and district level leader who has remained focused on creating high quality learning environments usin...

You are in for a real treat on this episode of Leading Literacy as Leslie and Mara sit down with Dr. Sonia Cabell, assistant professor in the School of Teacher Education and the Florida Center for Reading Research at Florida State University.  As a former second grade teacher and literacy coach, Dr. Cabell has focused much of her research and work on early literacy instruction and the prevention o...

On this episode of Leading Literacy, Leslie and Mara welcome award-winning author, teacher, and professional development leader, Donalyn Miller.  As if that were not impressive enough, Donalyn is also a wonderful, down-to-earth literacy advocate that exudes a passion for learning and helping teachers find ways to engage students in finding a love for reading books.  Settle in for a fun conversatio...

On this episode of Leading Literacy, Mara sits down with two special guests to discuss an issue that has not yet been addressed on the podcast. As part of this discussion, Mara welcomes RLA's Director and Leading Literacy co-host, Leslie Zoroya, and secondary ELA Coordinator, Jessica Sullivan. Enjoy this insightful conversation as we delve into the issues facing older, struggling readers and talk...

Leading Literacy welcomes Dr. Jana Echevarria , Professor Emerita at California State University, Long Beach.  As an educator, Dr. Echevarria has taught all grade levels in both general and special education settings, as well as in ESL and bilingual programs.  She is a founding researcher and creator of the Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol, or SIOP Model , and has dedicated her career to...

On this episode of Leading Literacy, we're thrilled to speak with noted reading researcher and language expert, Dr. Claude Goldenberg. Dr Goldenberg is a professor emeritus in the Graduate School of Education at Stanford University. A native of Argentina, his areas of research and professional interest have centered on promoting academic achievement among language minority children and youth. Clau...

We have a treat for you on this episode of Leading Literacy. We interview Deidra Mayberry, president, and founder of Reading to New Heights , a nonprofit that teaches adults how to read. Deidra grew up one of seven kids, in a military family, who often moved. Her struggles with reading began early and persisted throughout her education.  Listen as Deidra shares her journey to learn to read and how...

Leading Literacy can't wait to introduce you to Dr. Elsa Cardenas-Hagan!  Elsa is a Bilingual Speech Language Pathologist, who has spent decades working with and advocating for multilingual learners.  As a multilingual student herself, Elsa discusses the importance of cross-linguistic relationships, teacher knowledge, and the deep value of research to effectively support all our students.  Elsa is...

We are so excited to introduce you to Chris Ann Horsley, the Director of Elementary Curriculum at Bonita Unified School District.  As a district and school site leader, Chris Ann has played a pivotal role in helping her schools become the number 1 ranked district on the California Reading Report Card . Listen in on this insightful conversation as Chris Ann discusses the fundamental systems she set...

On this episode of Leading Literacy, we are thrilled to have Todd Collins as our guest.  Todd is a board member of a California school district that has had a "reading reckoning."  Todd's literacy advocacy work prompted him to launch the California Reading Coalition , which is a group of educators, advocates, researchers, and policy makers who are committed to improving reading outcomes for all Ca...

Leading Literacy welcomes Dr. Kymyona Burk to the podcast.  Currently, Dr. Burk is a senior policy fellow from ExcelinEd where she supports states and leaders with comprehensive K-3 reading policies.  Dr. Burk also served as the former state literacy director at the Mississippi State Department of Education where she helped to lead a statewide literacy improvement campaign.  Thanks to Dr. Burk's e...

Leading Literacy welcomes DeJunne' Clark Jackson, Vice President of Program Development for the Center for Development and Learning . DeJunne' shares her insight and expertise as an educator, advocate, and parent. It is through these unique lenses that drives DeJunne's work and passion around equitable access for both struggling students and teachers. This episode both informs and inspires and we...

Leading Literacy welcomes LACOE's very own English Learner Project Director, Ruth Baskett.  Ruth is both hilarious and knowledgeable in the world of quality English learner programs and services.  Join us as we discuss pressing needs for our English learners, the mystifying disconnect between English learner and early reading advocates, and looking forward to the Dual Language initiative in Califo...

It is our pleasure to welcome Dr. Maria Murray to Leading Literacy!  Maria is the CEO and President of  The Reading League  and has served as an associate professor at the State University of New York at Oswego.  For over 10 years, she has taught courses related to literacy assessment and intervention and is extremely passionate about the prevention and remediation of reading difficulty.  You won'...

Leading Literacy has the honor and privilege to welcome L.A. County's 2021 Poet Laureate, Lynne Thompson. Listen in and get to know Lynne and the unconventional path that led her to this special role. Enjoy!  Read more about Lynne on the Los Angeles Public Library  website .

In this must-listen episode of Leading Literacy, Leslie and Mara have a wonderful discussion with Keren Taylor, Executive Director and Founder of WriteGirl L.A. Keren shares her journey in developing and expanding WriteGirl into a nationally-recognized writing and mentoring organization aimed at helping underserved Los Angeles teens discover and express their creative voices. Join this inspiring c...

Today on Leading Literacy we are thrilled to welcome licensed therapist, author, mother and advocate, Dr. Thomishia Booker. Dr. Booker is the author of three books and CEO of  HeyCarterBooks . Her self-published book, "Brown Boy Joy" has been featured in the Netflix Family series, "Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices." Dr. Booker's background serves as a foundation for writing books focused on bui...

Leslie and Mara interview celebrated young adult fiction author, Francisco X. Stork. Francisco has a very interesting backstory as a young immigrant from Mexico and overcoming many obstacles to attend both Harvard University and Columbia Law School. Although Francisco worked many years as a lawyer, it was his true passion of writing that led him to success as an author of nine young adult novels....

On this special episode of Leading Literacy, Mara interviews Leslie and Dr. Kathryn Edwards, the Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at LACOE. Leslie and Kathryn recently completed a year-long project in collaboration with UCLA and the Center for Powerful Public Schools and Riverside County Office of Education, on a document entitled,  Supporting the African American Learner: A Guide for...

Leading Literacy welcomes UC Irvine School of Education professor, Dr. Julie Washington. Dr. Washington's research is focused on the intersection of literacy, language variation, and poverty. Her work pays a particular focus on understanding the role of cultural dialect in the identification of reading disabilities in school-aged African American children. We hope you enjoy this gem of a conversat...

Leading Literacy welcomes Margaret Goldberg for a chat about all things science of reading, coaching, and evidence-based reading instruction.  Currently, Margaret is a first grade teacher in a Title 1 school in Oakland and has served in her district in a variety of literacy leadership roles.  She is the co-founder of The Right to Read Project, a group of teachers, researchers, and activists commit...

Ricky Robertson stops by Leading Literacy to discuss the importance of student trauma and adversity and how it impacts their educational experience and outcome.  As a former teacher, Ricky provides a unique lens through which to serve students who have experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACES).  Currently as an author, consultant, and coach, Ricky supports schools and districts to develop m...

Leading Literacy is super thrilled and honored to welcome Dr. Katie Novak and Mirko Chardin to the podcast to talk about their new book, "Equity by Design: Delivering on the Power and Promise of UDL." Katie is a world-known educator, college professor, author, and has done extensive work around Universal Design for Learning. Mirko Chardin is also an educator and founding head of a school in Massac...

We have a very special episode of Leading Literacy - our very first teacher roundtable discussion! We are thrilled to welcome  Xochitl Morales  (K teacher, Los Altos Elem., South Whittier SD),  Andrea Castaneda  (SPED Autism Spectrum Disorder Mod/Sev. teacher, Lone Hill MS, Bonita USD),  Ella Farinas  (Instructional Coach & 6-8 AVID Coordinator, Washington STEAM Multilingual Academy, Pasadena USD)...