Grit and Grace: A literacy Journey

Hosts: Angela Hanlin & Gretchen Goettl

Episode Description

What happens when the research we learn at literacy conferences becomes meaningful change in the classroom?

Welcome to Episode 33 of Grit & Grace: A Literacy Journey, where hosts Angela Hanlin and Gretchen Goettl explore the importance of turning literacy knowledge into effective instructional practice.

Inspired by the work and conversations surrounding The Reading League, this episode focuses on the ongoing journey from understanding the science of reading to implementing evidence-based practices that help students become successful readers.

Literacy conferences can spark new ideas, challenge long-held assumptions, and deepen our understanding of how children learn to read. But the real work begins when educators return to their schools and translate that learning into daily instruction.

How do we move beyond simply knowing what the research says? How do we ensure that professional learning leads to meaningful changes in teaching? And how can school leaders support educators as they put evidence-based practices into action?

Through the Grit & Grace lens, this conversation highlights the importance of continuous learning, thoughtful implementation, instructional leadership, and a shared commitment to ensuring every student receives the instruction they need.

In This Episode, We Explore

Lessons and insights from The Reading League and the literacy community.

Moving from professional learning to meaningful classroom implementation.

Why understanding the science of reading is only the beginning.

The importance of evidence-based reading instruction.

How educators can turn research into practical teaching strategies.

The role of instructional leadership in supporting lasting change.

Why collaboration and ongoing professional learning matter.

The commitment to ensuring that every student has the opportunity to become a successful reader.

From Knowing to Doing

Learning about effective literacy instruction is an important first step, but knowledge alone does not guarantee better outcomes for students.

Sustainable change requires intentional planning, consistent implementation, ongoing support, and a willingness to reflect on instructional practices.

The challenge for educators and leaders is to take what they learn, put it into practice, and continually evaluate whether their instruction is meeting students' needs.

The Grit & Grace Commitment

At the heart of Grit & Grace: A Literacy Journey is a belief that all students can learn to read, all teachers can become highly effective, and all leaders can grow into strong instructional leaders.

Turning research into practice takes grit, collaboration, and the grace to keep learning along the way.

Listen and Learn

Join Angela Hanlin and Gretchen Goettl for Episode 33 of Grit & Grace: A Literacy Journey.

Share this episode with fellow educators, literacy coaches, school leaders, and everyone committed to improving reading outcomes for all students.

Because knowing matters. Doing makes the difference. And all means all.

#GritAndGrace #ALiteracyJourney #TheReadingLeague #ScienceOfReading #LiteracyEducation #EvidenceBasedInstruction #ReadingInstruction #StructuredLiteracy #LiteracyLeadership #ProfessionalLearning #InstructionalLeadership #LiteracyImplementation #ReadingSuccess #LiteracyForAll #AllMeansAll

Host: Angela Hanlin

Guest: Dr. Pam Kastner

What if a spelling error isn't simply a mistake—but evidence of what a student knows about language?

In this episode of Grit & Grace: A Literacy Journey, Angela Hanlin sits down with literacy expert Dr. Pam Kastner for an in-depth conversation about spelling instruction, why spelling matters for reading, and what effective, evidence-aligned spelling instruction should actually look and sound like in the classroom.

Dr. Kastner explains why traditional approaches—such as assigning a list of words on Monday, practicing them throughout the week, and testing them on Friday—may not create the lasting learning we want. Instead, effective spelling instruction should help students uncover the structure and logic of language and apply that knowledge beyond the words they were explicitly taught.

In this episode, Angela and Pam discuss:

🔹 Why spelling is a diagnostic tool for understanding student learning

🔹 How spelling and reading draw on shared language systems but involve different processes

🔹 The difference between reading as recognition and spelling as recall and retrieval

🔹 Phonology, orthography, morphology, and meaning—and why they need to be integrated

🔹 Why Pam emphasizes: “Integrate, don't isolate.”

🔹 How spelling errors can reveal what students still need to learn

🔹 Why spelling inventories can provide valuable instructional information

🔹 How teachers can use error patterns to plan whole-group and small-group instruction

🔹 What strong spelling instruction should look like and sound like

🔹 Why morphology deserves a stronger place in spelling instruction

🔹 How instruction can help students move from accuracy and fluency toward transfer and application

🔹 Why teachers need ongoing, job-embedded professional learning

🔹 How school leaders can identify effective spelling instruction through classroom “look-fors”

One powerful takeaway:

“A spelling error is evidence of my next instructional move.” — Dr. Pam Kastner

Rather than simply marking a spelling word right or wrong, what can the error tell us about the student's understanding of phonology, orthography, morphology, or meaning?

That's where spelling becomes much more than memorization.

For Educators

If you weren't taught spelling this way, this episode is also a reminder that teachers are learners, too.

Pam encourages educators to continue building their knowledge of language, use spelling inventories, analyze patterns, collaborate with colleagues, and use what they discover to guide instruction.

📚 Pam also shares several books, researchers, and resources during the conversation, which will be included in the episode resources.

💬 What is one spelling practice you would rethink after listening to this conversation?

Share your thoughts in the comments.

And if this conversation would benefit another teacher, literacy coach, reading specialist, or school leader, share this episode with them.

#GritAndGrace #Literacy #LiteracyInstruction #SpellingInstruction #ScienceOfReading #ReadingScience #StructuredLiteracy #Phonology #Orthography #Morphology #TeacherProfessionalDevelopment #LiteracyLeaders

In this deeply personal episode, hosts Angela Hanlin and Gretchen Goettl welcome Chad and Sarah Jamerson to share their family's journey through their daughter Isla's experience with dyslexia.

From the earliest signs of reading difficulty in kindergarten to the emotional impact of seeing their daughter struggle, Chad and Sarah offer an honest look at what families experience when a child is having difficulty learning to read.

They talk about the assumptions parents and educators can make, the importance of recognizing reading difficulties early, the need for effective instruction, and the importance of advocating for children without lowering expectations for them.

One of the most powerful messages in this episode is simple:

A child's struggle with reading does not define their intelligence, potential, or future.

This conversation reminds us that children with dyslexia need more than encouragement. They need understanding, advocacy, appropriate instruction, and adults who believe they can succeed.

❤️ More than reading, this is a story about family, perseverance, advocacy, and hope.

Because all means all.

And when it comes to dyslexia, there is hope.

🎙️ Hosts: Angela Hanlin & Gretchen Goettl

👨‍👩‍👧 Guests: Chad & Sarah Jamerson

#GritAndGrace #ALiteracyJourney #Dyslexia #DyslexiaAwareness #DyslexiaAdvocacy #ScienceOfReading #Literacy #ReadingInstruction #ParentAdvocacy #AllMeansAll #EveryChildCanLearn #LiteracyForAll #ReadingMatters #HopeInEducation

What if your greatest struggle became the reason you fought for thousands of other children?

In Episode 30 of Grit & Grace: A Literacy Journey, Angela Hanlin welcomes Diane Lyon for a deeply personal conversation about dyslexia, advocacy, resilience, and hope.

Diane shares her experience growing up struggling to read and the shame, anxiety, and isolation that accompanied it. Years later, she watched her son experience many of the same challenges—and made a decision that changed the course of both their lives.

Diane refused to accept that her son's struggles were simply something he had to live with. She advocated, searched for answers, pursued effective instruction, and ultimately witnessed a remarkable transformation when he received the instruction he needed.

But Diane's journey didn't stop with her son.

His experience became the catalyst for a much larger mission: helping schools, educators, parents, leaders, and communities understand dyslexia and the importance of evidence-based reading instruction.

In this powerful conversation, Diane and Angie discuss:

📚 Growing up with dyslexia
💔 The emotional impact of struggling to read
👩‍👦 Diane's journey advocating for her son
📊 Why data and effective instruction matter
🏫 The importance of aligned instruction across tiers
❤️ Preserving the dignity of struggling readers
💡 The power educators have to change lives
🌱 Turning personal struggle into advocacy
✨ Why there is still hope

Diane's final message says it all:

"It is possible. Don't give up. It is possible."

If you're a parent, teacher, school leader, literacy coach, or anyone who cares about children learning to read, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

Share this episode with someone who needs to hear that there is hope.

#GritAndGracePodcast #DianeLyon #AngelaHanlin #Dyslexia #ScienceOfReading #DyslexiaAwareness #LiteracyLeadership #ReadingInstruction #StructuredLiteracy #EveryChildCanLearn #LiteracyAdvocacy #ReadingSuccess #EducationPodcast #TeacherSupport #LiteracyMatters

Hosts: Angela Hanlin & Gretchen Goettl

Every educator has students they never forget.

In Episode 29 of Grit & Grace: A Literacy Journey, Angela Hanlin and Gretchen Goettl share the deeply personal stories that launched their journey into understanding dyslexia and transformed the way they think about reading instruction.

This heartfelt conversation explores how struggling readers became their greatest teachers, leading them toward evidence-based practices and a renewed commitment to ensuring every child has the opportunity to become a successful reader.

If you've ever wondered what inspired Angie and Gretchen's passion for literacy, this episode tells that story.

In this episode:

✔ The students who changed everything

✔ Understanding dyslexia through experience

✔ Lessons learned from struggling readers

✔ The importance of evidence-based instruction

✔ Why every child deserves hope

✔ Building better literacy practices

Whether you're an educator, school leader, parent, or literacy advocate, this episode is a powerful reminder that one student's journey can transform an entire career.

Subscribe for more conversations about literacy, leadership, and the Science of Reading.

#GritAndGracePodcast #ScienceOfReading #Dyslexia #ReadingInstruction #LiteracyLeadership #Teachers #EducationPodcast #StructuredLiteracy #TeacherLife #ReadingSuccess #EducationLeadership #EveryChildCanLearn

Hosts: Angela Hanlin & Gretchen Goettl

Guest: Dr. Jan Hasbrouck

One of our most requested guests is back!

Following her most-listened-to episode on reading fluency, Dr. Jan Hasbrouck returns to Grit & Grace: A Literacy Journey to discuss one of the most important topics in education: dyslexia.

Together, Angela Hanlin and Gretchen Goettl explore how educators and families can better understand dyslexia, recognize the importance of evidence-based instruction, and most importantly, hold on to hope.

Whether you're a classroom teacher, interventionist, school leader, or parent, this episode provides practical guidance, research-based insights, and encouragement for supporting struggling readers.

In this episode:

✔ Understanding dyslexia

✔ Evidence-based reading instruction

✔ Supporting struggling readers

✔ Hope for families

✔ Practical classroom strategies

✔ Building confident readers

If you believe every child deserves the opportunity to become a successful reader, this episode is for you.

Subscribe for more conversations on literacy, leadership, and the Science of Reading.

#GritAndGracePodcast #JanHasbrouck #ConqueringDyslexia #ScienceOfReading #DyslexiaAwareness #ReadingInstruction #LiteracyLeadership #StructuredLiteracy #Teachers #Parents #EducationPodcast #ReadingSuccess

This might be the most honest episode of Grit & Grace yet.

In Episode 27, Angela Hanlin and Gretchen Goettl have an unfiltered conversation about teaching, leadership, and the realities educators face every day.

From teacher evaluations and classroom expectations to professional learning, leadership, and instructional challenges, Gretchen shares the truths many educators discuss privately—but rarely say publicly.

This episode is raw, honest, and deeply important.

Not to criticize education—but to improve it.

Because meaningful change starts with truthful conversations.

In this episode:

✔ Honest truths about teaching

✔ Challenges educators face daily

✔ Leadership realities

✔ Teacher frustrations

✔ What needs to change in education

If you're a teacher, instructional coach, school leader, or literacy advocate, this conversation will resonate deeply.

#GritAndGracePodcast #TeachingTruths #EducationLeadership #LiteracyLeadership #TeacherLife #SchoolLeadership #EducationPodcast #ScienceOfReading #TeacherSupport #InstructionMatters

How do schools move from knowing what works to actually making it happen in classrooms every day?

In this special episode of Grit & Grace: A Literacy Journey, hosts Angela Hanlin and Gretchen Goettl pull back the curtain on two groundbreaking initiatives from Angela Hanlin & Associates: the Instructional Focus Plan (IFP) and the Instructional Excellence Academy (IEA).

After years of working alongside schools across the country, Angie noticed a common challenge. Educators understood the research. Leaders believed in evidence-based practices. Yet many schools struggled to translate that knowledge into consistent, high-quality instruction that produced lasting results.

The Instructional Focus Plan was developed to address that challenge by helping school leaders create intentional, strategic instructional priorities that drive meaningful change. Meanwhile, the Instructional Excellence Academy was designed to build the knowledge, skills, and leadership capacity needed to sustain that change over time.

Throughout this conversation, Angie shares lessons learned from her experiences as a principal, instructional coach, and literacy leader, while Gretchen helps unpack the practical realities schools face when implementing improvement efforts.

This episode is a powerful reminder that success doesn't happen by accident. It happens when leaders create clarity, establish focus, and build systems that support excellent instruction for every student.

In This Episode:

✅ Why many schools struggle with implementation despite understanding the research

✅ The inspiration behind the Instructional Focus Plan

✅ The importance of creating a clear instructional focus every school year

✅ How leaders can move from scattered initiatives to intentional action

✅ Why professional learning must align with instructional goals

✅ The story behind the creation of the Instructional Excellence Academy

✅ Practical leadership lessons from school improvement work

✅ How systems and structures create sustainable change

Key Takeaway

"Schools don't improve by hoping for the best. They improve through intentional planning, focused leadership, and a commitment to instructional excellence."

Whether you're a teacher, instructional coach, principal, district leader, or literacy advocate, this episode offers practical insights for turning vision into action and creating lasting impact for students.

What happens when educators hear words like fidelity, scripting, and implementation? Too often, these terms spark debate, confusion, or resistance. But what if we've been asking the wrong questions?

In this thought-provoking episode of Grit & Grace: A Literacy Journey, hosts Angela Hanlin and Gretchen Goettl are joined by literacy leader Justin Browning for an honest conversation about what schools need most right now.

Together, they explore the challenges facing schools across the country, including weak Tier 1 instruction, initiative overload, instructional coherence, and the growing complexity that often prevents meaningful change. The discussion digs into why fidelity matters, how instructional systems can become unnecessarily complicated, and what leaders can do to create clarity, consistency, and sustainable improvement.

The conversation also introduces the upcoming All Means All Conference and highlights the shared belief that every student can succeed when schools focus on strong instruction and aligned systems.

In This Episode:

• Why Tier 1 instruction remains the foundation of student success

• The dangers of initiative overload in schools

• How complexity can undermine implementation efforts

• What fidelity really means—and what it doesn't

• Why simplicity and consistency matter in school improvement

• How leaders can create instructional coherence across their systems

• A preview of the upcoming All Means All Conference

#GritAndGracePodcast #ScienceOfReading #InstructionalLeadership #LiteracyLeadership #Tier1Instruction #SchoolImprovement #EducationLeadership #StructuredLiteracy #AllMeansAll

In this special anniversary episode of Grit & Grace: A Literacy Journey, Angela Hanlin welcomes co-host Gretchen Goettl back from maternity leave as they reflect on one full year of conversations, growth, and literacy leadership.

Together, they revisit memorable moments from the podcast, discuss lessons learned along the way, and celebrate the community of educators and leaders who have been part of the journey.

This episode was produced in partnership with Zaner-Bloser.

#GritAndGracePodcast #LiteracyLeadership #EducationPodcast #ScienceOfReading #TeacherLeadership #ZanerBloser