In this episode of the Learning Ally Literacy Leadership Podcast, we are pleased to host Dr. Danielle Frith and Leana Malinowsky to discuss the often-overlooked social and emotional well-being of students with dyslexia. The conversation explores the crucial role of teacher knowledge, collaborative practices, and supportive classroom environments in addressing the academic and emotional challenges faced by students with dyslexia.

The guest experts emphasize the importance of literacy leadership, the power of a collaborative educational community, and the significance of empowering both students and educators.

Listeners are encouraged to explore the on-demand sessions from the Spotlight on Dyslexia conference to further their understanding and advocacy for effective literacy practices.

• 00:00 Introduction to the Literacy Leadership Podcast
• 00:21 Spotlight on Dyslexia: Social and Emotional Wellbeing
• 00:49 Meet the Experts: Dr. Danielle Frith and Leana Malinowsky
• 02:53 The Importance of Social and Emotional Support
• 06:28 Collaboration in Literacy Education
• 10:43 Leadership and Literacy: An Inseparable Bond
• 21:38 Advocacy and Knowledge in Literacy Leadership
• 27:54 Building Trust in Literacy Communities
• 29:09 The Role of Social Media in Literacy
• 30:56 Empowering Educators Through Shared Knowledge
• 31:47 Leadership in Literacy Education
• 32:18 Determining Reliable Information
• 35:48 Social and Emotional Challenges for Dyslexic Students
• 38:39 Supporting Teachers and Families
• 40:43 The Importance of Teacher Knowledge
• 46:39 Promoting Equity in Literacy
• 48:53 Spotlight on Dyslexia: Final Thoughts

Description: In this episode of the Learning Ally Literacy Leadership Podcast, hosts Liz Zwerg and Eleanor Cotton are joined by Missy Purcell and Mallary Lattanze, two renowned thought leaders and former educators, to discuss the upcoming 10th Spotlight on Dyslexia event, and the importance of advocating for students with dyslexia. They share their professional journeys, obstacles they've faced, and effective strategies for advocating for change in literacy education. The podcast emphasizes the importance of staying informed, building relationships, and being persistent in the fight for evidence-based, structured literacy instruction. Both Missy and Mallory provide practical advice, insights and highlight the crucial role of personal stories and data in driving effective advocacy. Tune in for insightful discussions and gain valuable tools and strategies to support literacy and advocacy efforts in schools, districts, and beyond. We can’t wait to see you at Missy and Mallary’s Spotlight on Dyslexia session, June 4-5, 2025. 

Register today:  https://learningally.org/spod

In this episode of the Learning Ally Literacy Leadership Podcast, special guest Nanci Shepardson, delves into the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in supporting students with dyslexia. The discussion covers AI's potential in various educational aspects, such as planning, differentiation, and personalized learning, while also addressing challenges like bias and equitable access. Listeners are encouraged to attend Nanci’s session for practical tools and insights on leveraging and understanding AI to enhance literacy instruction. 

Register for Spotlight on Dyslexia here: https://learningally.org/spod

✪✪✪ Your game passcode is ENHANCING ✪✪✪

In this episode of the Learning Ally Literacy Leadership Podcast, esteemed literacy advocate Barbara Steinberg discusses her journey in literacy education and her upcoming session at the Spotlight on Dyslexia conference. The conversation covers the necessity of adopting evidence-based instructional practices, the essence of structured literacy, and the challenges educators and administrators face in implementing these practices. Barbara emphasizes the importance of understanding the 'why' behind structured literacy to drive effective change, and shares practical insights into overcoming obstacles and building collective teacher efficacy. Listen to this episode for insightful tips and a passionate discussion on literacy leadership. 

Register for Spotlight on Dyslexia here: https://learningally.org/spod

In this episode of the Learning Ally Literacy Leadership Podcast, hosts Liz Zwerg and Eleanor Cotton welcome guest Kelly Lucero, a professional learning specialist and esteemed thought leader in literacy education. The discussion highlights Kelly's contributions to the Spotlight on Dyslexia conference, including her popular Ed Talk on neurodiversity book titles and her upcoming Spotlight on Dyslexia session titled 'Game On: Building Blocks for Reading Success.' Kelly shares practical, low-prep literacy games such as a phonological awareness version of 'I Spy' and vocabulary-building activities that educators can implement easily in the classroom. The episode underscores the importance of play in childhood learning and offers actionable strategies to improve student engagement and retention through fun and interactive methods. This episode will no doubt inspire you to attend the 10th annual Spotlight on Dyslexia conference on June 4-5, 2025.

Sign up for SPOD here: https://learningally.org/SPOD

On this episode of the Learning Ally Literacy Leadership Podcast, host Dr. Terrie Noland, CALP, speaks with Tiffany Dudley, who brings 19 years of experience in education. Her roles include an elementary educator, gifted and talented specialist, library media specialist, and currently the State Program Manager for Learning Ally. Throughout her career, Tiffany has made a significant impact, particularly through her advocacy for the Great Reading Games, an initiative designed to inspire students to engage in reading. She highlights teachers' powerful role as "reader leaders," Whether teachers realize it or not, their actions and enthusiasm for books profoundly shape students’ attitudes toward reading.

Feeling inspired? We’ve got the tools, resources, and support to help you challenge your students to take their reading to the next level in this year’s Great Reading Games. For more information, click here.

In this episode, host Dr. Terrie Noland, CALP talks with with the remarkable Kenia Flores, the Manager of Government Relations at Learning Ally. A true Literacy Leader, Kenia lives the Learning Ally mission each and every day.

Kenia, who was born blind, narrates her personal and professional journey, highlighting the impact of mentors and advocacy in her life. She emphasizes the transformative power of education for students with disabilities, as well as her efforts in advocating for accessible absentee voting in North Carolina and delivering a TED Talk on overcoming low expectations. The discussion advocates for increased inclusivity, the importance of lived experiences, and active community engagement in the democratic process.

Listen to Kenia's TED Talk here, and learn more about her recent accomplishment of being named a Democracy Hero here. 

Our latest episode of the Learning Ally Literacy Leadership Podcast, with host Dr. Terrie Noland, CALP, features Dr. Kelli Sandman-Hurley, co-founder of the Dyslexia Training Institute.

Join us as we explore practical strategies for parent advocacy and effective interventions for students with dyslexia. Discover how educators can create a supportive learning environment and collaborate with families to enhance student outcomes. In this eye-opening discussion, Kelli emphasizes the importance of personalized IEP goals, the emotional impact of low literacy, and the vital role educators play in partnership with parents. 

This week, podcast host Dr. Terrie Noland, CALP, sits down with Paul Garcia, a literacy champion with over 30 years of experience in education. Paul's journey is nothing short of inspiring, as he shares his innovative methods and unique approach to engaging students with the magic of words. Through his enchanting character, Ferny the Dragon, Paul has created a captivating world that ignites curiosity and fosters a sense of word wonder in young minds. ✨ Come explore Ferny's Learning Cave! Learn new words, laugh, and be amazed in a world of word wonder here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaj2Wt6OLeVh_f18YzLbep_H3-a5MABlv&feature=shared

This podcast was produced and edited by Rachel Huber and Elizabeth Zwerg.

Tune in to this week's podcast episode with host, Dr. Terrie Noland, CALP, as she chats with Brandon Cardet-Hernandez, Chief Strategy Officer at Mrs. Wordsmith! Learn about Brandon’s transformative journey from the classroom to spearheading cutting-edge educational tools. 

This episode dives into the significance of vocabulary in literacy, innovative learning methods, and how to make education both enjoyable and impactful. It's a must-listen!

Catch Spotlight on Dyslexia on-demand via the link sent to your email after registration. Don’t have your ticket yet? Register here: https://learningally.org/conferences/spotlight-on-dyslexia/spod24-registration