Literacy Mindset

Summary:  This episode dives into the nuances of literacy education, leadership in small school districts, and the future of learning with experts from Rancho Santa Fe School District. Discover how tailored support systems, innovative practices, and a focus on holistic development are shaping literacy and student success. The structure and philosophies behind literacy programs in K-8 districts Hol...

Summary:  In this episode of the Literacy Mindset, we dive into the critical role of literacy in fostering social change, supporting students across the K-12 spectrum, and embedding the science of reading into instructional practice. Our expert guests share insights on collaboration, systemic barriers, and ensuring equity for all learners. Main Topics Covered: The foundational importance of litera...

Discover expert insights from education professionals on overcoming challenges like digital bloat, teacher burnout, and engaging diverse learners through effective digital solutions. This episode offers practical advice for school administrators and educators aiming to make the most of technology to support student growth and teacher efficiency. Main Topics Covered: The impact of digital bloat pos...

Summary In this episode, Jeff Pendleton interviews Dr. Niyoka McCoy, Chief Learning Officer of K12, discussing her journey from teacher to educational leader. They explore the role of K12 in online education, the challenges of literacy in a virtual environment, and innovative approaches to engage students. Niyoka shares insights on curriculum development, the importance of libraries, and the balan...

Summary:  In this episode of the Literacy Mindset, Dr. Sabrina Salmon, Senior Director of Exceptional Students at Tucson Unified School District, shares her journey into education and the importance of literacy in student success. She discusses the district's diverse population, the implementation of a multi-tiered system of support (MTSS), and the significance of early intervention programs. Dr....

Summary In this episode, Dr. Kathy Rollo and Misty Rieber discuss their personal journeys in education, the challenges and successes of literacy initiatives in Lubbock, Texas, and the evolving role of technology and AI in education. They emphasize the importance of community engagement, addressing socioeconomic challenges, and the need for effective phonics instruction to improve literacy outcomes...

Summary:  In this episode of The Literacy Mindset, Dr. Stephanie Howard, the superintendent of Midland ISD, shares her extensive experience in education and her strategic approach to improving literacy and overall student performance in the district. She discusses the importance of curriculum changes, professional development for teachers, and the integration of technology in the classroom. Dr. Ho...

Summary:  In this conversation, Eric Satterly, the Chief Information Officer at Jefferson County Public Schools, shares his journey from the banking sector to education technology. He discusses the challenges and opportunities in K-12 education, particularly in integrating technology into literacy instruction. Eric emphasizes the importance of collaboration, data governance, and the role of AI in...

In this episode of The Literacy Mindset Podcast , Jeff Pendleton sits down with James P. Franz, principal of Bishop Kelley Catholic High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma. With more than 40 years in education, including decades as an English teacher, Franz shares how staying in the classroom even while leading as principal, keeps him connected to students and teachers alike. He reflects on his journey fro...

In this episode of The Literacy Mindset Podcast, Jeff Pendleton talks with Catina Taylor, founder and CEO of Dreams KC, a nonprofit focused on empowering parents to become active partners in their children’s literacy journey. A former law student turned educator and advocate, Catina shares her powerful story of returning to Kansas City classrooms and realizing the urgent need to address literacy g...

In this episode of The Literacy Mindset Podcast, Jeff Pendleton sits down with Joanna Hall, principal of Bennett Elementary School in Broken Bow, Oklahoma. A lifelong community member and former special educator, Joanna shares how her school serves third through fifth graders with a mix of structured literacy, targeted small-group instruction, and a community-centered approach. She explains how he...

In this episode of The Literacy Mindset Podcast, Jeff Pendleton talks with Megan Muldoon Brown, Director of Special Education at Township High School District 214 in Illinois. Serving over 12,000 students across six high schools in the Chicago suburbs, Megan shares how her district is rethinking literacy at the secondary level, particularly for students with special education needs. She discusses...

In this episode of The Literacy Mindset Podcast, Jeff Pendleton sits down with Dr. Lynette Burchfield, assistant principal at Catoosa High School in Oklahoma, to discuss how literacy leadership plays out at the secondary level. With a background spanning higher education, drama, speech, and English language arts, Dr. Burchfield shares the unique perspective she brings to shaping literacy instructi...

In this episode of The Literacy Mindset Podcast , Jeff Pendleton talks with Latisha Broomfield, Director of ESL for Westborough Public Schools in Massachusetts, about leading literacy work for a growing population of English learners. With nearly three decades in education and experience as both a classroom teacher and ESL leader, Latisha shares her philosophy that good instruction begins with kno...

In this episode of The Literacy Mindset Podcast , guest host Amy Katschke talks with Keith Pautler, principal of Edmond Memorial High School in Oklahoma, about leading literacy efforts in a large and diverse high school setting. With experience as an elementary, middle, and now high school principal, Keith shares how foundational literacy strategies transcend grade levels—and why they remain essen...

In this episode of The Literacy Mindset Podcast , Jeff Pendleton is joined by a panel of literacy leaders from American Paradigm Schools in Philadelphia: Susan Senek, Brittany Reid Harden, and Kyle Black. Together, they bring perspectives from across the K–12 spectrum, sharing how their network of charter schools is approaching literacy instruction with both innovation and consistency. From buildi...

In this episode of The Literacy Mindset Podcast , Jeff Pendleton talks with Michelle Brumley, principal of Choteau Middle School in Oklahoma, about leading literacy efforts in a small-town school with big challenges. Brumley shares how her 5th–8th grade building supports struggling readers without dedicated interventionists, blending technology-driven assessments with targeted reteaching. She also...

In this episode of The Literacy Mindset Podcast , Jeff Pendleton chats with Carrie Sebora, Director of Curriculum and Instruction at Soledad USD, about the power of building strong systems to support both teachers and students. Sebora shares her experiences working alongside educators to implement structured literacy practices, highlighting the importance of professional learning communities, coac...

In this episode of The Literacy Mindset Podcast , Jeff Pendleton talks with Kathy Hunt, a veteran educator and reading interventionist, about transforming literacy instruction through small, consistent shifts in classroom practice. Hunt shares how her journey from a traditional teacher to a literacy coach reshaped her understanding of what struggling readers really need—and how to deliver it in wa...

In this episode of The Literacy Mindset Podcast , Jeff Pendleton sits down with Dr. Michelle Miller, a seasoned literacy leader, to explore how intentional, research-based strategies can transform student reading success. Dr. Miller shares her journey from classroom teacher to district-level administrator, revealing the pivotal moments that shaped her belief in literacy as the foundation for all l...

In this episode of Literacy Mindset , host Jeff Pendleton speaks with Richard Kirksey, the newly appointed principal at Moreland High School in rural northwest Oklahoma. With a background that spans corporate creative work, multimedia design, and classroom teaching, Richard brings a unique perspective to educational leadership—one rooted in storytelling, relationship-building, and community connec...

In this episode, host Jeff Pendleton sits down with Josh Aston, Director of Secondary Curriculum at Atascadero Unified School District in California, to explore what it takes to foster literacy in today’s evolving educational landscape. Josh shares his journey from small-town Idaho social studies teacher to curriculum director on the California coast, and how his diverse experience offers a unique...

In this special episode from our Oklahoma miniseries, hosts Jeff and MindPlay CEO Jeff Pendleton sit down with Dr. Susan Wray, principal of Wellston Elementary School in Wellston, Oklahoma. Dr. Ray brings a unique perspective with her background in both science and elementary education, as well as experience working at the state level. Together, they explore the powerful intersection of literacy a...

In this episode of Literacy Mindset , Dr. Michael Taylor, Director of Special Education for Bryant School District in Arkansas, shares how his unique journey—from high school Spanish teacher to special education leader—shapes his approach to literacy and learning. Dr. Taylor dives into why language development in early childhood is a critical predictor of reading success and how his district is co...

In this episode from our Oklahoma series, host Jeff Pendleton sits down with Susan L. Jones, Director of Special Education at Marlow Public Schools in Oklahoma. With a background that spans from deaf education interpreting to leading district-wide special education efforts, Susan brings a deeply human perspective on literacy equity, early intervention, and the evolving role of community partnershi...