On the Road to Literacy Success

In this episode of On the Road to Literacy Success, Dr. Staci Bain sits down with educators from McLaurin Elementary School in Mississippi for a powerful conversation about what it takes to transform literacy outcomes from the inside out. Together, they share the story of how McLaurin’s staff embraced the Science of Reading, strengthened Tier 1 instruction, and worked collectively to move student...

In this episode of On the Road to Literacy Success, Dr. Staci Bain sits down with Leta Palmiter, CEO of Illuminations Literacy Solutions, creator of Vertical Take-Off Reading, founder and board member of the Illuminations Center for Dyslexia in Meridian, Mississippi, and author of Mississippi Rising: How the Last Became First in Literacy Growth. Together, they discuss Mississippi’s remarkable lite...

In this episode, we connect with Enid Ballot, a deeply committed and knowledgeable literacy expert who has helped shape and expand the national and international Science of Literacy conversation. Through her leadership in multiple educator communities on social media, Enid continues to push the field beyond narrow conversations about reading alone and toward a fuller understanding of literacy...

On this episode of On the Road to Literacy Success, Dr. Liz Ritz describes how school districts can implement Science of Reading-aligned practices in a way that is cohesive, clear, and coherent across classrooms, schools, and systems. She shares practical insight into what it takes to move beyond awareness and into implementation: building shared language, supporting teachers, aligning instruction...

NOTE: We apologize for the audio quality on Dr. Bain’s track and appreciate your understanding. Season 2, Ep. 13: A Superintendent’s Message: Centering the Humanity of Our Work w/ Dr. Tim Lawless In this meaningful conversation, Dr. Tim Lawless reflects on his journey through education and shares a powerful message for teachers, leaders, and school communities: the work is always about people. Tog...

In Season 2, Episode 12 of On the Road to Literacy Success Podcast, Staci Bain sits down with Karen Wattenmaker of Edu-Partners to discuss the comprehensive language and literacy work required to build a literate society. At GoodHumansEducate.com, we aim to support female entrepreneurs who are doing this important literacy work. In this episode, you will gain research insights, helpful instruction...

In this conversation, Jan Hasbrouck shares practical, research-aligned insight on what strengthens literacy outcomes in real schools. She explains why explicit instruction remains essential, why many systems are overloaded with assessment, and how leaders can support clearer, more effective literacy implementation. Jan also clarifies what reading fluency actually is—accuracy and automaticity that...

In this episode of On The Road To Literacy Success, host Dr. Staci Bain sits down with children’s author Kristen Wilks to explore how storytelling helps build strong, motivated readers. Kristen shares how her love of writing began early, and how she now creates stories that make kids belly-laugh, stay engaged, and feel genuinely connected to the characters. She unpacks what keeps young readers hoo...

In this cozy, practical conversation, Dr. Staci Bain sits down with speech-language pathologist and literacy advocate Arti Shah to unpack how language development fuels reading and writing success—from babies (0–3) to early elementary (K–2). You’ll leave with doable ways to strengthen language at home and at school. Arti Shah is a speech-language pathologist (13+ years) who has worked across early...

🎙️ On the Road to Literacy Success Podcast In this episode of On the Road to Literacy Success, host Staci Bain, Ed. D. sits down with Jennifer Throndsen, founder of Impactful Learning Designs and former Department of Education leader, for a grounded, practical conversation about what Tier 1 instruction actually needs to look like in real classrooms. Together, they explore why strong literacy outco...

In this episode, Dr. Staci Bain speaks with Jenn and Mel from Teacher Lunch, who share their journey of creating TikToks that bring joy to teachers and celebrate the profession. They discuss the importance of community, storytelling, and the role of read-alouds in fostering a love for literacy among students. The conversation highlights the significance of collaboration between teachers and librar...

In Part 2 of this conversation, we go straight to the heart of what teachers and leaders are wrestling with in Tier 1 literacy: overwhelm, uncertainty, and the pressure to “get it right” for every student in the room. We talk about the practical moves that help teachers feel more successful right away, from tightening daily Tier 1 routines to finding one small, repeatable win they can lean on when...

In this episode, Dr. Staci Bain sits down with the brilliant and deeply committed Vicki Ferrari to talk about what it really takes to make Tier 1 work in real classrooms. Together, they dive into the clarity, coherence, and consistency teachers and leaders deserve, and why whole-group instruction remains the most powerful lever for literacy success. Vicki brings her extensive experience as a schoo...

In this episode of On the Road to Literacy Success, I sit down with THE Erin Jones — author, speaker, equity advocate, and longtime educator whose work reminds us that love + strong instruction can truly change communities. the-erin-jones We talk about what it means to call people in, how to stay grounded in purpose, and why real equity work shows up through relationships and daily instructional p...

In this conversation, Tabatha Mires, the superintendent of Manson School District, shares her journey into education, her leadership philosophy, and the importance of public schools in fostering democracy. She discusses the district's success in improving literacy through direct instruction and the significance of community engagement in education. Mires emphasizes the need for collective efficacy...

In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Timothy Shanahan discusses his book 'Leveled Reading, Leveled Lives' and the implications of leveled reading practices on student growth. He emphasizes the importance of teaching students with grade-level texts and the need for educators to adapt their instructional strategies to ensure all students have access to complex texts. The discussion covers the bala...

🎙 Empowering Educators: A Conversation with Dr. Nathaniel Swain Season Two kicks off with a powerful and thought-provoking conversation between Dr. Staci Bain and returning guest Dr. Nathaniel Swain. Together, they explore the evolving landscape of literacy education, from supporting new teachers and principals to building strong Tier 1 systems that help every student thrive. Dr. Swain shares prac...

🎙️ Leading with Intention: Principal Langerman on Tier 1 Transformation In this episode of On the Road to Literacy Success, we’re joined by Principal Kristen Langerman of McLaurin Elementary (Rankin County School District, MS), a recognized Mississippi Emerging Science of Reading School. Principal Langerman takes us inside her school’s journey toward literacy transformation by sharing what it trul...

In this conversation, Dr. DJ Bolger shares his extensive journey in literacy research, emphasizing the importance of brain imaging and the science of reading movement. He discusses the need for explicit teaching, the role of cultural humility, and the significance of understanding the unique backgrounds of students. Bolger highlights the complexities of reading as a cognitive process and the impor...

Dr. Bolger discusses the importance of moving beyond "sticking with the script" and "The Simple View"--and MUCH more!

🎙 On the Road to Literacy Success by GoodHumansEducate Host: Dr. Staci Bain In this engaging episode, Dr. Leslie Laud shares insights from her extensive experience in writing instruction and its transformative impact on both students and teachers. Dr. Laud discusses her passion for teaching, the effectiveness of evidence-based writing strategies, and the significant gains observed in student perfo...

In this episode of 'On the Road to Literacy Success', Dr.  Staci  Bain interviews Kareem Weaver, a civil rights activist and literacy advocate. They discuss the importance of evidence-based practices in education, the role of leadership in fostering a culture of literacy, and the need for transparency and accountability in schools. Kareem shares his personal journey in education, highlig...

In this conversation, Educate's Founder (Staci) interviews Angy Graham, the Executive Director of PK Curriculum and Instruction at Rankin County School District in Mississippi. They discuss how the district achieved significant improvements in literacy outcomes, with 89% of kindergartners reaching grade level according to iReady by the end of 2024. They also talk about the district's focus on Tier...

In this episode of "On the Road to Literacy Success", Educate's Co-Founder interviews Angy Graham, an Executive Director for the Rankin County School District, Mississippi. They discuss the district's journey towards implementing Educate's K-8 Science of Reading in Tier 1 approach in EVERY classroom and EVERY building. This Mississippi district has shifted from a balanced literacy approach to a Sc...

Are you ready for the messy work of teaching and learning to make more sense? In this episode, Nate Joseph, a dynamic researcher and author, provides listeners with clear language on research theories and instructional practices to get us/keep us on the literacy road. With his background as a scholar, educator, and writer, Nate Joseph brings a wealth of knowledge that is both practical and inspiri...