Harvey Hubbell Show n Tell Podcast

In this episode, Harvey sits down with literacy leader Jason Borges, whose two decades of experience in education have been driven by a passion for literacy as the foundation of educational justice. Jason shares his journey from teaching in alternative schools in Massachusetts to his leadership role as Executive Director of Literacy and Academic Intervention Services for the New York City Departme...

In Part 2, Harvey continues the conversation with Dr. Pam Kastner, diving deeper into what it takes to sustain meaningful literacy reform across schools, districts, and higher education. Dr. Kastner discusses supporting educators through change, building communities of learning, and aligning teacher preparation with the science of reading. They explore the importance of shared language, collaborat...

In Part 1 of this conversation, Harvey speaks with Dr. Pam Kastner, Educational Consultant at PaTTAN Harrisburg and State Lead for Literacy in Pennsylvania. Dr. Kastner has played a key role in the state’s Dyslexia Screening and Early Literacy Intervention Program and works to bring the science of reading and structured literacy into teacher preparation programs across higher education. She also s...

In Part 2, Harvey and Jessica McKee, LCSW, continue their discussion about supporting children and teens who learn differently. Jessica shares practical approaches for navigating school stress, strengthening communication between families and educators, and helping young people build confidence in their identities as learners. They also talk about what genuine advocacy looks like, and how emotiona...

In Part 1 of this conversation, Harvey speaks with Jessica McKee, LCSW, a clinical social worker and therapist who supports children, teens, and families navigating learning disabilities, ADHD, anxiety, and life transitions. Jessica brings a compassionate and grounded approach that emphasizes emotional well-being alongside academic support. She discusses the importance of safe relationships, self-...

In this episode, Harvey speaks with Malia Hollowell, creator of Playdough to Plato, a trusted resource hub supporting parents and educators with science-backed, hands-on literacy instruction. Malia shares how her experience as a classroom teacher led her to develop playful, easy-to-use activities that help young learners build strong reading foundations. The conversation explores how to translate...

In Part 2, Harvey continues the conversation with Maria Murray and Kari Kurto of The Reading League, shifting from the origins of the movement to the work of sustaining it. They discuss what it takes to support educators through instructional change, how to build shared language around literacy, and how to navigate the challenges and misconceptions that can complicate this work. The discussion hig...

In Part 1 of this conversation, Harvey sits down with Dr. Maria Murray, founder and CEO of The Reading League, and Kari Kurto, National Science of Reading Project Director. Together, they discuss the origins of The Reading League movement, the importance of separating evidence from ideology, and the growing nationwide effort to ensure all children receive effective, research-based reading instruct...

In this episode, Harvey speaks with Nora Chahbazi, founder of EBLI (Evidence-Based Literacy Instruction), a training approach used in schools, clinics, and tutoring centers across the country to help students become accurate, efficient readers and writers. Nora shares the story of how helping her own daughter overcome reading struggles led her into decades of research, educator training, and instr...

In Part 2, Harvey and Tara Roepke, M.Ed. continue their exploration of how to truly support children who learn differently. Tara shares practical, evidence-based strategies that parents and educators can use at home and in the classroom, while emphasizing the importance of emotional connection and confidence-building. They discuss how to recognize student strengths, navigate learning challenges wi...

In Part 1 of this conversation, Harvey speaks with Tara Roepke, M.Ed., founder of TeachThemToThrive.com and a viral voice on Instagram known for her clear, joyful, and research-aligned guidance for families. With over a decade of experience across public, private, international, and in-home education settings, Tara brings deep expertise as both a classroom teacher and Orton-Gillingham trained dysl...

In Part 2 of Harvey’s conversation with Dr. Lucy Hart Paulson, the discussion continues into practical application — how educators and families can support early language and literacy growth in ways that are meaningful, engaging, and developmentally aligned. Dr. Hart Paulson shares strategies for building strong oral language foundations, supporting social communication, and creating classroom env...

In Part 1 of this conversation, Harvey speaks with Dr. Lucy Hart Paulson, Ed. D., CCC-SLP — author, speech-language pathologist, and literacy specialist dedicated to helping educators bring research into everyday instruction. With years of experience supporting young children and families, teaching at the university level, and developing practical literacy resources, Dr. Hart Paulson brings a uniq...

In Part 2, Harvey and Dena Mortensen continue their conversation about what it really takes to strengthen literacy instruction across schools and districts. Dena speaks to the importance of supporting teachers through change, building professional community, and keeping students at the center of every instructional decision. They also revisit the upcoming Hopeville screening in Waterbury, CT, disc...

In Part 1 of this conversation, Harvey speaks with Dena Mortensen, Assistant Professor of Literacy, Elementary, & Early Childhood Education, and former Head of ELA for Waterbury Public Schools. Dena reflects on her work leading literacy change in a large urban district, the instructional challenges teachers face, and what meaningful, sustained support for educators truly looks like. She also s...

In this episode, Harvey speaks with Stephanie Mitchell, M.A., Partner at The Bertram Group and a specialist in helping students with learning differences find the school or post-secondary environment that allows them to thrive. With over 15 years of experience in one-to-one remediation, transition planning, and boarding school and college advising, Stephanie works closely with families to understa...

In this episode, Harvey speaks with Jeffrey Ruggiero, Associate Head at The Southport School, where he has spent more than 30 years working in special education as both a teacher and administrator. With advanced training in dyslexia, language-based learning issues, ADHD, and executive function, Jeffrey focuses on building instructional environments where students can thrive. As an Orton-Gillingham...

In Part 2 of Harvey’s conversation with Dr. Augusto Buchweitz, the discussion turns toward the practical implications of brain research for teaching and learning. Dr. Buchweitz explains how neuroscience can inform early literacy instruction, the challenges of scaling evidence-based practices across diverse educational systems, and the promise of technology when it is grounded in science — not tren...

In this episode, Harvey speaks with Dr. Augusto Buchweitz, Associate Professor of Psychological Sciences whose research explores early literacy, brain development, bilingualism, and dyslexia — particularly in underserved communities across Latin and Central America. Dr. Buchweitz discusses the relationship between language and the developing brain, the importance of equitable access to evidence-ba...

In Part 2, Harvey and Clarice Jackson continue their powerful conversation about literacy, equity, and community leadership. Clarice dives deeper into the work of Black Literacy Matters — from supporting families and training educators to influencing policy and reshaping narratives around reading instruction. She shares her vision for sustainable literacy change and the hope that drives her forwar...

In Part 1 of this discussion, Harvey speaks with Clarice Jackson, founder and CEO of Black Literacy Matters, an organization committed to ensuring that Black students receive access to effective, evidence-based literacy instruction. Clarice shares her personal journey as a parent advocating for her daughter, how that experience opened her eyes to systemic inequities, and why she stepped forward to...

In Part 2 of Harvey’s conversation with Dr. Caroline Wilcox Ugurlu, we continue exploring how the Letters Are Characters approach empowers children to become confident early readers. Dr. Wilcox Ugurlu discusses practical strategies parents and educators can use, the importance of emotional connection in early literacy, and how small, consistent moments of playful learning make a lasting impact. Th...

Recorded in person, Harvey speaks with Dr. Caroline Wilcox Ugurlu, creator of the Letters Are Characters program — a playful, compassionate, and research-informed approach that helps parents support early reading readiness at home. Drawing on her experience as a scientist, educator, and parent, Dr. Wilcox Ugurlu offers fresh insight into how children develop relationships with letters, sounds, and...

In this episode, Harvey sits down with Eric Gardner, writer and producer of Hopeville: How to Win the Reading Wars. Eric shares what drew him into the literacy crisis, the process of shaping real stories into a compelling documentary narrative, and the responsibility of telling the truth about reading instruction in America. Together, they reflect on the emotional moments behind the camera, the ur...

In Part 2, Harvey and Susie van der Vorst continue their conversation, diving deeper into what it means to teach reading well — not just through method, but through relationship, trust, and patient guidance. Susie shares insights from directing Camp Spring Creek, where students with dyslexia gain skills, confidence, and community. Together, they reflect on what makes Orton-Gillingham instruction e...