Grit and Grace: A literacy Journey

In this episode of Grit & Grace: A Literacy Journey, Angela Hanlin is joined by Dr. Reid Lyon and Dr. Lori Severino to explore the critical shift from understanding the Science of Reading to implementing it effectively in schools.

This conversation focuses on the role of leadership in driving meaningful change—highlighting the importance of action, alignment, and sustained effort in improving literacy outcomes. Dr. Lyon and Dr. Severino share insights into how schools can overcome barriers and create systems that support every learner.

This episode was produced in partnership with Zaner-Bloser.

#ScienceOfReading #LiteracyLeadership #EducationPodcast #InstructionalLeadership #SchoolLeadership #ReidLyon #ZanerBloser

What does it actually take to move the Science of Reading from research into real classrooms?

In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, host Angela Hanlin continues her discussion with Dr. Reid Lyon, focusing on what schools, leaders, and educators must do next to turn knowledge into impact.

Building on the foundation from Part 1, Dr. Lyon shares practical insights into how systems can implement evidence-based reading instruction with fidelity, overcome resistance to change, and ensure that every student has access to high-quality literacy instruction.

This episode dives into the realities of implementation—what works, what doesn’t, and why leadership, consistency, and commitment are critical for lasting change.

If Part 1 clarified the “why,” this episode focuses on the “how.”

This is Part 2 of a two-part conversation.

This episode of Grit & Grace: A Literacy Journey was produced in partnership with Zaner-Bloser.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
• How schools can implement the Science of Reading effectively
• The biggest barriers to meaningful literacy change—and how to overcome them
• Why leadership is essential for sustaining instructional improvement
• What it takes to align systems, instruction, and outcomes
• How to move from knowledge to real impact in classrooms

Listen now and discover what it truly takes to turn reading research into results.

#GritAndGracePodcast #ScienceOfReading #ReidLyon #LiteracyLeadership #EducationLeadership #StructuredLiteracy #InstructionalLeadership #EducationPodcast #TeacherLeadership #ZanerBloser

What if you could hear directly from one of the most influential voices behind the Science of Reading?

In this powerful episode of Grit & Grace: A Literacy Journey, host Angela Hanlin sits down with Dr. Reid Lyon to unpack the foundations of reading research and what it truly means for today’s classrooms.

Drawing from decades of experience in cognitive science, research, and national literacy leadership, Dr. Lyon shares critical insights into how children learn to read, where schools have struggled, and why aligning instruction with evidence-based practices is more urgent than ever.

This conversation goes beyond theory—offering clarity, truth, and a renewed sense of responsibility for educators, leaders, and systems committed to ensuring that every child becomes a skilled reader.

This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation.

This episode of Grit & Grace: A Literacy Journey was produced in partnership with Zaner-Bloser.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
• What the Science of Reading really is—and what it is not
• How research has shaped our understanding of how children learn to read
• The most common misconceptions in reading instruction
• Why aligning instruction with evidence is critical for student success
• The role of leadership in driving meaningful literacy change

Listen now and hear the Science of Reading directly from one of its most influential voices.

#GritAndGracePodcast #ScienceOfReading #ReidLyon #LiteracyLeadership #EducationLeadership #StructuredLiteracy #InstructionalLeadership #EducationPodcast #TeacherLeadership #ZanerBloser

In this episode of Grit & Grace: A Literacy Journey, host Angela Hanlin sits down with Angela Cammarata to discuss how schools can move beyond collecting student data and begin using it to drive meaningful instructional change.

Through the lens of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), this conversation explores how educators can identify learning needs earlier, implement targeted interventions, and create systems that support every learner. Angela and Angela discuss the importance of collaboration, clarity in instruction, and using data to guide decisions that improve literacy outcomes.

This episode of Grit & Grace: A Literacy Journey was produced in partnership with Zaner-Bloser.

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#MTSS #ScienceOfReading #LiteracyLeadership #EducationPodcast #TeacherPodcast #SchoolLeadership #InstructionalLeadership #ZanerBloser

Strong literacy outcomes don’t happen by chance—they are built through leadership.

In this episode of Grit & Grace: A Literacy Journey, we examine a literacy turnaround story that underscores the power of the principalship. The conversation highlights how focused leadership, aligned systems, and evidence-based instruction can transform teaching and learning across an entire school.

This episode reinforces a key message: when principals lead with clarity and courage, literacy outcomes follow.

#GritAndGracePodcast #Principalship #LiteracyTurnaround #ScienceOfReading #SchoolLeadership #LiteracyInstruction

“All means all” is more than a belief—it’s a responsibility.

In this episode of Grit & Grace: A Literacy Journey, we confront the reality of what it takes to ensure every student has access to high-quality literacy instruction. The conversation explores how assumptions, inconsistent systems, and lowered expectations create barriers—and how courageous leadership and strong instruction remove them.

This episode reinforces a powerful message: equity requires action, clarity, and commitment—without exceptions.

#GritAndGracePodcast #AllMeansAll #LiteracyForAll #ScienceOfReading #EducationalLeadership #EquityInEducation

We’re excited to reshare a wonderful episode you may have missed — and one that holds a very special place in our Grit & Grace archive.

This is our only episode that directly addresses secondary literacy, and we’re re-releasing it as a special feature so that more educators can benefit from Dr. Mitchell Brookins’ powerful insights.

In this episode of Grit & Grace: A Literacy Journey, we explore the complexities of adolescent and secondary literacy with Dr. Mitchell Brookins — a nationally recognized educational consultant, speaker, and leader in the Science of Reading movement.

With over 20 years of experience in K–12 education, Dr. Brookins shares practical strategies, transformative leadership insights, and a deep commitment to equity. From his early days in Chicago Public Schools to leading major literacy gains in New Orleans, Jackson Public Schools, Baltimore City, and rural districts, Dr. Brookins offers real-world guidance for educators working with older readers.

We also discuss how to have meaningful discussions around text — an essential skill for supporting comprehension, engagement, and deeper learning in secondary classrooms.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

The unique challenges and opportunities of secondary and adolescent literacy

How to implement evidence-based practices for struggling older readers

How to facilitate rich discussions around text in secondary classrooms

What it takes to shift school-wide culture around literacy

Lessons from urban and rural district transformation

The critical role of leadership in scaling the Science of Reading

Whether you’re a classroom teacher, literacy coach, school leader, or advocate, this special re-release offers grounded insight and practical tools to strengthen secondary literacy instruction.

#SecondaryLiteracy #AdolescentLiteracy #ScienceOfReading #DrMitchellBrookins

#LiteracyLeadership #GritAndGracePodcast #MiddleSchoolLiteracy #HighSchoolLiteracy

#ReadingInstruction #LiteracyCoaching #TeacherPodcast

In this episode of Grit & Grace: A Literacy Journey, we move beyond lesson planning to focus on what truly brings instruction to life: delivery.

Strong plans matter—but it is the moment-to-moment instructional moves that determine whether learning sticks. In this conversation, we explore how intentional delivery transforms research-aligned instruction into powerful classroom practice that meets the needs of all learners.

This episode unpacks what effective delivery really looks like in literacy classrooms, why it is often the missing link between planning and outcomes, and how educators and leaders can refine their practice to ensure instruction is not only well-designed, but well-executed.

• Why strong instructional plans alone are not enough

• How teacher clarity, pacing, and responsiveness shape student outcomes

• The role of explicit instruction, modeling, and feedback in effective delivery

• Common breakdowns between planning and practice—and how to avoid them

• How leaders and coaches can support instructional delivery at scale

• Why great delivery is essential for equity, access, and student confidence

This episode is especially valuable for classroom teachers, instructional coaches, school leaders, and anyone committed to translating the Science of Reading into consistent, high-impact instruction.

If you are ready to move instruction from compliance to confidence—and from plans on paper to power in practice—this episode will challenge and inspire you.

Grit & Grace: A Literacy Journey explores what is possible when research meets real-world practice. Each episode centers on the belief that all students can learn to read, all teachers can grow their practice, and all leaders can lead courageous, lasting change.

#GritAndGracePodcast #LiteracyInstruction #ScienceOfReading #InstructionalDelivery #ExplicitInstruction #TeacherPractice #EducationalLeadership #LiteracyCoaching #FromPlanToPractice

In Episode 16 of Grit & Grace: A Literacy Journey, host Angie Hanlin is joined by nationally recognized literacy leader, author, and mentor Laura Stewart for a deeply reflective and inspiring conversation about leadership, implementation, and the evolving work of the Science of Reading.

This episode explores the heart of literacy transformation—where research meets reality, and where courage, hope, and sustained leadership are required to move schools forward. Laura shares her journey in the literacy field, her long-standing partnership with Angie, and the experiences that shaped her belief that all students can learn to read when systems are aligned with evidence-based practice and courageous leadership.

Laura discusses the thinking behind her influential e-books, The Science of Reading 2.0 and The Courage to Lead Literacy, and introduces her upcoming work, The Science of Reading 3.0. Together, Angie and Laura unpack what it truly takes to move from knowledge to action—highlighting the role of implementation science, leadership stability, belief systems, and sustained vision.

This conversation goes beyond theory to address the real, often messy work of change. It challenges educators and leaders to examine their assumptions, build buy-in through success, and lead with humility, clarity, and unwavering belief in students and teachers alike.

• Why implementation—not awareness—is the next critical phase of the Science of Reading

• The difference between knowing the research and making it happen in classrooms

• How courageous leadership drives sustainable literacy change

• Common barriers to implementation and how leaders can overcome them

• The role of belief systems in shaping instructional decisions

• Why “all means all” must move beyond words into action

• How hope, vision, and incremental success fuel buy-in and momentum

This episode is a must-listen for educators, coaches, principals, and district leaders committed to long-term, meaningful literacy transformation grounded in both science and humanity.

#GritAndGracePodcast #ScienceOfReading #LiteracyLeadership #ImplementationScience #ReadingInstruction #EducationalLeadership #HopeInEducation #AllMeansAll #LiteracyTransformation #AngelaHanlin #LauraStewart #95PercentGroup

Decoding Fluency: A Masterclass with Dr. Jan Hasbrouck Host: Angela Hanlin

Guest: Dr. Jan Hasbrouck

In this powerful episode, Angela Hanlin is joined by the legendary Dr. Jan Hasbrouck, one of the most respected experts in the science of reading. Together, they dive deep into reading fluency—what it means, why it matters, and how educators can teach it effectively.

Dr. Hasbrouck shares her decades-long journey into fluency research, including her early influence from Zig Engelmann and her work with curriculum-based measurement and ORF. Her reflections illuminate why fluency remains a foundational piece of reading comprehension.

Highlights: • The biggest misconceptions about fluency • Why fluency is not speed reading • The roles of accuracy, pace, and prosody • How fluency connects directly to comprehension • Effective fluency instruction and coaching • Why struggling fluency impacts motivation

Whether you’re a classroom teacher, literacy coach, or school leader, this episode offers the clarity and guidance needed to strengthen fluency instruction in any setting.