Hey there, educator friends!  We’re super excited to share this special episode of Leading Literacy. It’s the one where Leslie and I have a chat with Andrea Setmeyer, The Reading League’s National Chapter Coordinator, and Kristen Koeller, the President of the brand-new Reading League California Chapter.  Join this entertaining and informative conversation about the backstories of The Reading League and why it takes a league to do this important literacy work.  Enjoy!

Be sure to check out the amazing learning opportunities with The Reading League California Chapter and The Reading League National Chapter.  Exciting events coming up in 2024 include The Annual Reading League Summit in San Diego, California in April and the Annual National Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina in October.

Hello educator friends!  You are in for a treat on this episode as we talk with literacy and social justice advocate Lacey Robinson.  Lacey is the President and CEO of UnboundEd, the Nation’s largest K-12 educator development organization focused on improving teaching and learning for underserved students.  As a former elementary teacher, middle school principal, and professional development specialist, Lacey works tirelessly to enable educators to accelerate their impact in the classroom.  Lacey’s been named to the 2023 Forbes 50 Over 50 list in recognition of her innovative, equity centered leadership.  Her new book, Justice Seekers: Pursuing Equity in the Details of Teaching and Learning, was released in July of 2023, which she calls a love letter to teachers, inspiring us all to recognize that justice is found in the details of teaching and learning.  Enjoy this amazing conversation with Lacey Robinson.

Hey there, educator friends!  On this episode of Leading Literacy, we have the pleasure of introducing you to the wonderful Dr. Tracy White Weeden.  Dr. Weeden has held lots of varied positions in education and is currently the president and CEO of Neuhaus Education Center.  As you listen to this episode, you’ll see why Tracy is regarded as an inspirational leader and relentless advocate on behalf of all students to achieve academic excellence.  She talks with us about the real-real on how to help educators build their knowledge and set up the systems necessary to ensure student success.  Dr. Weeden has a special gift of relaying her message with both urgency and compassion that you’ll feel it in your mind, heart, and soul.  We can’t wait for you to meet her!

On this episode of Leading Literacy, we talk about the role of libraries.  I know, sounds kind of boring, right?  Well, my listeners, this episode is awesome!  Our guest is Debbie Anderson, the Assistant Director of Education Engagement for the L.A. County Library System, and WOW!  We had no idea libraries had so many resources available!  In 2023, Debbie was selected to receive the Sullivan Award for Public Library Administrators Supporting Services to Children and after listening to this episode, you’ll understand why.  You’ll definitely want to hook up with your local library after listening to all the great things that Debbie has to share.  Be sure to head on over to the L.A. County Library’s main website at https://lacountylibrary.org/ to check out all of the amazing resources and locations!

Hi friends!  On this episode of Leading Literacy, we have such an amazing guest.  Dr. Trisha Tucker is the Head of the Writing Instruction in the Thematic Honors program at the University of Southern California.  However, in this episode, we will not be talking with Dr. Tucker about writing, instead, we are focusing on a subject that she is very passionate about: book banning.  She unpacks the issue in a way we’ve never heard before and really helps break down how to address concerns that arise in schools and districts with respect to removing access to books.  Settle in, everyone - you’re going to love this one!

Hello friends and welcome to Leading Literacy!  On this episode we are excited to delve further into The Right to Read documentary.  (Small aside, if you haven’t listened to our previous episode with Kareem Weaver, please do. OMG, it’s so good!). Today, we continue to have a blast of a chat with the new teacher featured in the film, Sabrina Causey, and her coach, Jessica Reid Sliwerski.  We get to spill the hot tea on all the behind the scenes work of the film and hear how Bri’s class is doing now.  Jess launched a company called Ignite! Reading as a result of her participation in this project.  It’s so exciting!  Can’t wait for you to join us in this amazing conversation with fellow educators. 

Hey, educator friends! OMG! This episode of Leading Literacy is one of our best ones yet!  We had a chance to sit down with Kareem Weaver, educator, and literacy advocate from Northern California’s Bay Area.  If you want to know how to light a fire in your district or school site around evidence-aligned literacy instruction AND you believe that learning how to read is a civil right, then this episode has your name written all over it.  Kareem also talks to us about his new documentary, The Right to Read.  So much goodness!  Enjoy!

Hey all you spelling word-nerds out there!  On this episode of Leading Literacy, we get to share all the buzz on one of our favorite topics – spelling instruction.  As a queen of the spelling bee world here in L.A., Leslie is super excited to introduce you all to Dr. Shelley Blackwell.  Shelley is a licensed speech-language pathologist and MTSS Literacy Support Interventionist in the Olathe Public Schools District in Kansas.  She’s got some wit and wisdom around spelling instruction that will make all kinds of spelling sense.  So, buckle up and enjoy this conversation.

Leading Literacy had the honor and pleasure of chatting with Lee Herrick, California’s Poet Laureate.  Lee was awarded this title by Governor Newsom in November of 2022, and as a resident of Fresno, he brings to this position his diverse perspectives and passions as a father, professor, and poet.  As the first Asian American to serve in this role, Lee hopes to bring together poetry with social justice and civic engagement during his term.  Lee has a deep connection with California, its residents, and the varied experiences our great state has to offer, which is captured in his work.  So, sit back, get comfy, and enjoy this rich and delightful discussion with California’s Poet Laureate, Lee Herrick.

We’re so excited to have Susan Lambert on this episode of Leading Literacy.  Susan is the Chief Academic Officer for Elementary Humanities at Amplify and she’s also the host of one of our favorite podcasts, Science of Reading: The Podcast.  Susan’s been a classroom teacher, school administrator, and district level leader who has remained focused on creating high quality learning environments using evidence-based practices.  She’s a lover of knowledge, a passionate podcaster, and utterly devoted to helping bridge the gap between literacy research and classroom practice.  Enjoy this amazing conversation with fellow podcaster, Susan Lambert.