You are in for a real treat on this episode of Leading Literacy as Leslie and Mara sit down with Dr. Sonia Cabell, assistant professor in the School of Teacher Education and the Florida Center for Reading Research at Florida State University.  As a former second grade teacher and literacy coach, Dr. Cabell has focused much of her research and work on early literacy instruction and the prevention of reading difficulties.  She recently co-authored a book titled, Literacy Learning for Infants, Toddlers, &  Preschoolers and is also an advisor for The Knowledge Matters Campaign.  Listen in as Dr. Cabell discusses practical ways educators can develop students’ oral language skills and the importance of building content knowledge with our earliest learners.  Enjoy!

On this episode of Leading Literacy, Leslie and Mara welcome award-winning author, teacher, and professional development leader, Donalyn Miller.  As if that were not impressive enough, Donalyn is also a wonderful, down-to-earth literacy advocate that exudes a passion for learning and helping teachers find ways to engage students in finding a love for reading books.  Settle in for a fun conversation where Donalyn shares her thoughts about being known as “the book whisperer” and using classroom libraries as a co-teacher in the classroom.

Leading Literacy welcomes Dr. Jana Echevarria, Professor Emerita at California State University, Long Beach.  As an educator, Dr. Echevarria has taught all grade levels in both general and special education settings, as well as in ESL and bilingual programs.  She is a founding researcher and creator of the Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol, or SIOP Model, and has dedicated her career to effective literacy instruction for English learners. Listen in as Dr. Echevarria shares her extensive knowledge and passion around equitable instruction for English learners, students with disabilities, and all students. We know you’re going to love this episode!  Enjoy.

On this episode of Leading Literacy, we're thrilled to speak with noted reading researcher and language expert, Dr. Claude Goldenberg. Dr Goldenberg is a professor emeritus in the Graduate School of Education at Stanford University. A native of Argentina, his areas of research and professional interest have centered on promoting academic achievement among language minority children and youth. Claude is a noted author of three books and scores of articles related to early reading with special emphasis on literacy and English Learners.  He’s been on the editorial boards of various literacy, academic, and professional journals. Claude is not only a distinguished expert in the field of education, but a former classroom teacher and an all-around great guy who's passionate and dedicated to this work. Sit back and enjoy our conversation with Dr. Claude Goldenberg.

We have a treat for you on this episode of Leading Literacy. We interview Deidra Mayberry, president, and founder of Reading to New Heights, a nonprofit that teaches adults how to read. Deidra grew up one of seven kids, in a military family, who often moved. Her struggles with reading began early and persisted throughout her education.  Listen as Deidra shares her journey to learn to read and how she both masked and compensated for her lack of reading skills and the toll this took on her both emotionally and physically.  You won't want to miss her inspirational story and how she's now changing lives through the gifts of literacy and joy.  Enjoy!

We are so excited to introduce you to Chris Ann Horsley, the Director of Elementary Curriculum at Bonita Unified School District.  As a district and school site leader, Chris Ann has played a pivotal role in helping her schools become the number 1 ranked district on the California Reading Report Card. Listen in on this insightful conversation as Chris Ann discusses the fundamental systems she set in place to help her students and teachers succeed.  This is a good one!  Enjoy.

On this episode of Leading Literacy, we are thrilled to have Todd Collins as our guest.  Todd is a board member of a California school district that has had a “reading reckoning.”  Todd’s literacy advocacy work prompted him to launch the California Reading Coalition, which is a group of educators, advocates, researchers, and policy makers who are committed to improving reading outcomes for all California students.  Enjoy this lively chat!

Leading Literacy welcomes Dr. Kymyona Burk to the podcast.  Currently, Dr. Burk is a senior policy fellow from ExcelinEd where she supports states and leaders with comprehensive K-3 reading policies.  Dr. Burk also served as the former state literacy director at the Mississippi State Department of Education where she helped to lead a statewide literacy improvement campaign.  Thanks to Dr. Burk's efforts, Mississippi was the only state in 2019 to make gains on the NAEP assessment!  Join the conversation as Dr. Burk shares Mississippi’s policies, efforts, and journey towards statewide literacy improvement.  Such a great listen!