7.14 Literacy Leaders

7.14 Literacy Leaders

Author: Shannon Betts and Mary Saghafi June 14, 2025 Duration: 54:53

Shannon chats with Laura Stewart (from 95 Percent Group) about bold moves that literacy leaders can take to transform the literacy practices in their learning communities.    Laura provides stories and strategies relating to successfully implementing best practices informed by the Science of Reading into schools and classrooms, and Shannon shares some real-life examples of what she's learned to do and not to do as a literacy leader.   Listen and also download the recommended resources from the show notes to be empowered in your transformation efforts.

RESOURCES MENTIONED DURING THE EPISODE:


  1. The Courage to Lead: 10 Bold Moves for Transformational Change by Laura Stewart ebook (download link from our Google Drive)
  2. bio for Laura Stewart, 95 Percent Group's Chief Academic Officer
  3. Becoming a Literacy Leader by Jennifer Allen *Amazon affiliate link*
  4. Cox Campus Structured Literacy training
  5. The Courage to Teach:   Exploring the Inner Landscape of a Teacher's life by Parker Palmer *Amazon affiliate link
  6. Science of Reading 2.0 ebook from 95 Percent Group
  7. Uphill Climb article by Laura Stewart
  8. NIRN Hub
  9. EdWEb.net Recording with Laura Stewart and Ken Kirby regarding Professional Learning in 2025
  10. 95 Percent Group on IG
  11. 95 Percent Group on Twitter/X
  12. 95 Percent Group on Facebook
  13. Morpeheme Magic
  14. Science of Reading Defining Guide (The Reading League)



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In the Reading Teachers Lounge, hosts Shannon Betts and Mary Saghafi pull up a chair for a conversation that feels both deeply professional and warmly familiar. These two elementary reading teachers and Atlanta neighbors discovered a shared, fervent passion for literacy over a local dinner, realizing they were kindred spirits in their mission. That initial chat never really ended, and now it forms the heart of this podcast. Each episode invites you into their ongoing dialogue, where practical classroom strategies, reflections on what works, and thoughtful discussions about reaching every single learner are all on the table. It’s a space designed for fellow educators, dedicated parents, and anyone invested in how children learn to read, offering tangible ideas rather than abstract theory. The tone is collaborative and grounded in real classroom experiences, reflecting a joint belief that literacy is foundational. By tuning in, you gain access to their collective experience and earnest curiosity, all focused on the complex, rewarding world of teaching reading. This isn't about performance; it's about sharing a genuine professional conversation from their lounge to yours, making the Reading Teachers Lounge a unique podcast for those who live and breathe language education.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 129

Reading Teachers Lounge
Podcast Episodes
7.17 Impactful Interventions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:13
Shannon and Mary chat with Dr. Katie Pace-Miles about MTSS and RTI, sharing practical tips for delivering effective reading interventions, choosing quality resources, and running efficient team meetings to support strugg…
7.16 Executive Functioning Demands [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:19
What's really happening when students struggle to stay on task, complete assignments, or transition between activities? In this illuminating conversation with literacy experts Dr. Matt Strader and Dr. Douglas Fisher, Sha…
7.15 Language Demands [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:24
Shannon and Mary talk with Dr. Jeannette Mancilla-Martinez about supporting Multi-Language Learners, exploring language development, daily classroom language demands, and practical strategies to help MLLs thrive. The inf…
7.13 The Right Things for Our Learners [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:41
Shannon and Mary welcome Dr. Timothy Shanahan to the Reading Teachers Lounge to quiet the noise within the literacy community and help us all realize the MOST important things we should be doing for our learners accordin…
7.12 Effective Student Engagement [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:50
Shannon and Mary chat with Brandi Dugal from The Fidget Game, featured on Shark Tank, about unique ways to engage and motivate students to learn. They share methods for gamification, brain breaks, and other strategies te…
7.11 Structured Word Inquiry [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:53:51
Dr. Pete Bowers shared how Structured Word Inquiry (SWI) transforms spelling and vocabulary into tools for deep thinking - perfect for engaging advanced and struggling readers in the elementary reading classroom. We enco…
Challenging Advanced Readers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:22
How can teachers effectively support advanced readers in elementary school? In this insightful episode, we’re joined by literacy expert Nancy Young to explore practical, evidence-based strategies for meeting the needs of…
7.9 Smart Technology [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:28
Shannon and Mary welcome Brandon Cardet-Hernadez from Mrs. Wordsmith to the RTL to chat about smart technology resources. They talk about intentional uses of technology resources for instructional purposes and what skill…
7.8 Importance of NonFiction [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:12
Shannon and Mary talk with Melissa Taylor from ImaginationSoup.net about the importance of nonfiction texts in a student's reading diet. They chat about the flexible comprehension strategies students need to organize the…
7.7 System Changes with LaMonica Williams [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:25
Shannon and Mary welcome LaMonica Williams from Teaching Matters back to the Reading Teachers Lounge. This time they chat about professional development experiences and the most effective ways to bring about positive cha…