Literacy Lunch Break

In this episode, we're joined by Heather Minter, Amanda Senter, and Sean Toy to explore the often-overlooked side of learner readiness: the importance of educators caring for themselves so they can show up fully for their students. From recognizing the signs of burnout to understanding how our own regulation impacts the classroom, this conversation highlights why teacher well-being is foundat...

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Diane King-Shaw to explore what it looks like to return to the classroom after dysregulation and how to support both students and teachers in that process. From re-establishing a sense of safety to navigating the emotions that linger after challenging moments, this conversation highlights the importance of intentional repair. Dr. King-Shaw shares practical ways...

In this episode, we continue the conversation with Kai-leé Berke, shifting from understanding dysregulation to what it looks like in real classroom moments and how educators can respond. From disengagement and avoidance to more outward behaviors, we explore the many ways dysregulation can show up, especially during challenging tasks like literacy instruction. Kai-leé shares practical strategies in...

In this episode, we sit down with Kai-leé Berke to unpack what dysregulation can look like in the classroom and what educators can do in the moment. While understanding the “why” can be helpful over time, this conversation emphasizes that the first step is always to de-escalate and support students in returning to a regulated state. Kai-leé walks through practical strategies, including staying reg...

The most powerful learning moments in every classroom don’t start with instructional content–they start with connection. For children, learning does not take place in isolation—it happens in the context of relationships. This session explores how secure relationships and stable environments create the conditions students need to engage, persist, and learn, especially during literacy instruction. D...

The webinar recording can be accessed here . Every teacher has seen it—a student who can’t focus, can’t follow, or can’t find calm enough to learn—no matter how strong the instruction. This edWeb podcast introduces the concept of learning readiness through regulation —how emotional, cognitive, and relational factors shape students’ capacity to access and retain foundational literacy skills. We exp...

In this episode of The Literacy Lunch Break , host Marjorie Bottari sits down with a nationally recognized educator and literacy expert to explore the true foundations of reading success. They discuss the critical role of oral language, the science behind reading development, and how educators can take actionable steps to support every child’s learning journey. From early intervention to innovativ...

In this episode of Literacy Lunch Break, we are joined by Alvin Irby, educator, social entrepreneur, and founder of Barbershop Books, for a powerful conversation on advancing literacy equity. Drawing from his experience as a teacher and national thought leader, Alvin shares how his journey shaped a deep commitment to making reading accessible and joyful for all children. We explore the systemic ba...

In this episode of The Literacy Lunch Break , host Marjorie Bottari talks with Dr. Katie Pace Miles , known for her research on high-frequency words and orthographic mapping, about her powerful work with the CUNY Reading Corps . Katie shares how the program, born during COVID, now provides  high-impact tutoring to thousands of New York City students while transforming preservice teacher training....

In this episode of The Literacy Lunch Break , host Marjorie Bottari sits down with Dr. Lori Hernandez , Director of Teaching and Learning in Newport Mesa School District. Dr. Hernandez shares how her team has created a district-wide culture of literacy that supports every learner, from newcomers and English learners to students in Title I and non-Title I schools. She discusses the district’s strat...

In this episode of The Literacy Lunch Break , host Marjorie Bottari sits down with Dr. Molly Ness —literacy advocate, researcher, and author—to unpack what it really takes to move from knowing the science of reading to putting it into practice. Dr. Ness shares her journey from classroom teacher to national thought leader and offers insight into why literacy reform requires whole-system change, not...

In this episode of The Literacy Lunch Break, host Marjorie Bottari sits down with Dr. Almitra Berry, a nationally recognized educator and author who has spent over 30 years advocating for all learners. Dr. Berry shares her personal journey and the experiences that fueled her passion for transforming educational outcomes. Together, they discuss , the importance of self-reflection for educators, and...

 In this episode of The Literacy Lunch Break , host Marjorie Bottari sits down with Kai-leé Berke, CEO of Heggerty and a nationally recognized early childhood education expert. With decades of experience as a teacher, administrator, and author of widely used classroom solutions, Kai-leé shares her insights on addressing the complex challenges of reading development. Together, they explore why solv...

In this episode, Shelia Cooper, an ELA coordinator, discusses her work supporting teachers and students in achieving literacy success. Shelia highlights the importance of using research-based strategies to foster growth, resilience, and inclusivity in literacy instruction. Learn how Shelia is empowering educators to implement simple, effective approaches in their classrooms, and how she champions...

In this episode, Lisa Elaine Peters, a kindergarten teacher, shares her insights into building literacy skills in young learners. Lisa discusses how she integrates engaging and research-backed methods into her daily teaching, fostering both a love of learning and a growth mindset in her students. Get a behind-the-scenes look at how Lisa’s approach to literacy is helping her students thrive, while...

Join Kathie Saia and Caroline Ventresca from New York as they discuss their approach to elevating early literacy through explicit writing instruction. Kathie and her team share their experiences using researched literacy practices to create an inclusive, engaging environment where every child feels empowered to learn and grow.  Learn more about Heggerty!  Visit Heggerty.org for FREE Resources and...

In this episode, Chelsea Mytko, a kindergarten teacher in Canada, shares how she’s laying the foundation for early literacy success. Hear how Chelsea uses engaging, research-backed strategies to foster resilience and growth in her students, while creating a joyful and inclusive learning environment. Tune in for practical tips and inspiring stories about the little wins that shape her students&apos...

Join us as we speak with Sophia Pruett, a 2nd-grade teacher in California, about how she’s creating lasting literacy success in her classroom using systematic literacy instruction. Sophia shares how simple, engaging instruction combined with research-backed best practices is driving student growth, resilience, and a love for reading. Get inspired by her stories of progress, the little wins that ke...

In this episode of Literacy Lunch Break, host Marjorie Bottari chats with renowned writing expert Steve Graham about actionable strategies for improving writing instruction in elementary classrooms. Steve shares research-backed tips that teachers can apply tomorrow. Learn how to connect reading and writing, support diverse learners, and enhance essential writing skills like handwriting and sentenc...

Explore the interconnectedness of reading and writing with Joan Sedita, a leading researcher in literacy education. This episode provides insights into how these two critical skills reinforce each other and offers practical tips for seamless integration in your teaching practice. Learn more about Heggerty!  Visit Heggerty.org for FREE Resources and to download samples of our curriculum.  Follow us...

Series 5, Episode 3: In this episode, Dr. Julie Behmer shares practical strategies for bringing research-backed approaches to writing instruction into your classroom. Discover how to build your confidence, enhance your teaching practices, and make writing a rewarding experience for both you and your students. This podcast series focuses on writing instruction in structured literacy classrooms, pro...

Series 5, Episode 2: Writing instruction can be intimidating for many educators. Janine from Heggerty addresses common fears and challenges teachers face when teaching writing. Tune in for practical advice and encouragement to help teachers overcome these hurdles and build their confidence. This podcast series focuses on writing instruction in structured literacy classrooms, providing expert insig...

Series 5, Episode 1: Literacy Coordinator Sandra Chen shares her experience in leading district-wide changes in writing instruction. From curriculum evaluation to professional development, learn where to start and how to create lasting change in your district. This podcast series focuses on writing instruction in structured literacy classrooms, providing expert insights and practical strategies. F...

Series 4, Episode 6: Tune in to Literacy Lunch Break as host Marjorie Bottari engages in a dynamic conversation with Dr. Esmeralda Carini, a passionate K-12 literacy leader. Esmeralda shares strategies for ensuring educators have access to targeted professional learning opportunities, specifically focusing on enhancing content knowledge to drive student achievement. From her experiences in Hawaii,...

Series 4, Episode 5: Join us for an insightful episode of Literacy Lunch Break as we sit down with Dr. Gyimah Whitaker, Superintendent at City Schools of Decatur, and Jennifer Burton, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching & Learning. Discover their innovative approaches to literacy leadership and learn how they are transforming literacy education to foster student success and engagement in the...