In this episode of The Literacy Lunch Break, host Marjorie Bottari sits down with Dr. Molly Ness—literacy advocate, researcher, and author—to unpack what it really takes to move from knowing the science of reading to putting it into practice. Dr. Ness shares her journey from classroom teacher to national thought leader and offers insight into why literacy reform requires whole-system change, not just new materials. They dive into the importance of language comprehension, intentional read alouds, and building student identity and joy in reading. Listeners will walk away with practical ideas for supporting literacy that go beyond test scores and into everyday classroom life. 

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In this episode of The Literacy Lunch Break, host Marjorie Bottari sits down with Dr. Almitra Berry, a nationally recognized educator and author who has spent over 30 years advocating for all learners. Dr. Berry shares her personal journey and the experiences that fueled her passion for transforming educational outcomes. Together, they discuss , the importance of self-reflection for educators, and practical steps toward improving learning outcomes for all learners. Listeners will leave inspired to honor the whole child while embracing the science—and art—of teaching.

Learn more about Heggerty! 

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 In this episode of The Literacy Lunch Break, host Marjorie Bottari sits down with Kai-leé Berke, CEO of Heggerty and a nationally recognized early childhood education expert. With decades of experience as a teacher, administrator, and author of widely used classroom solutions, Kai-leé shares her insights on addressing the complex challenges of reading development. Together, they explore why solving reading problems requires examining multiple lenses—moving beyond surface-level assumptions like “parents don’t read to their kids”—and the importance of asking, What can we do next? They discuss examples of districts making measurable gains, such as Louisiana, and the role programs like Heggerty play in supporting growth. Listeners will gain perspective on using assessment data to guide instruction, understanding factors outside educators’ control, and taking actionable steps to support every child’s reading success. 

Learn more about Heggerty! 

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In this episode, Shelia Cooper, an ELA coordinator, discusses her work supporting teachers and students in achieving literacy success. Shelia highlights the importance of using research-based strategies to foster growth, resilience, and inclusivity in literacy instruction. Learn how Shelia is empowering educators to implement simple, effective approaches in their classrooms, and how she champions a positive learning environment that helps students reach their full potential.

Learn more about Heggerty! 

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In this episode, Lisa Elaine Peters, a kindergarten teacher, shares her insights into building literacy skills in young learners. Lisa discusses how she integrates engaging and research-backed methods into her daily teaching, fostering both a love of learning and a growth mindset in her students. Get a behind-the-scenes look at how Lisa’s approach to literacy is helping her students thrive, while providing inspiration to educators everywhere.

Learn more about Heggerty! 

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Join Kathie Saia and Caroline Ventresca from New York as they discuss their approach to elevating early literacy through explicit writing instruction. Kathie and her team share their experiences using researched literacy practices to create an inclusive, engaging environment where every child feels empowered to learn and grow. 

Learn more about Heggerty! 

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In this episode, Chelsea Mytko, a kindergarten teacher in Canada, shares how she’s laying the foundation for early literacy success. Hear how Chelsea uses engaging, research-backed strategies to foster resilience and growth in her students, while creating a joyful and inclusive learning environment. Tune in for practical tips and inspiring stories about the little wins that shape her students' literacy journeys.

Learn more about Heggerty! 

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Join us as we speak with Sophia Pruett, a 2nd-grade teacher in California, about how she’s creating lasting literacy success in her classroom using systematic literacy instruction. Sophia shares how simple, engaging instruction combined with research-backed best practices is driving student growth, resilience, and a love for reading. Get inspired by her stories of progress, the little wins that keep her students motivated, and how she makes literacy both fun and impactful for her young learners.

Learn more about Heggerty! 

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In this episode of Literacy Lunch Break, host Marjorie Bottari chats with renowned writing expert Steve Graham about actionable strategies for improving writing instruction in elementary classrooms. Steve shares research-backed tips that teachers can apply tomorrow. Learn how to connect reading and writing, support diverse learners, and enhance essential writing skills like handwriting and sentence construction. Don’t miss these insights for elevating writing instruction in your classroom!

Learn more about Heggerty! 

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Explore the interconnectedness of reading and writing with Joan Sedita, a leading researcher in literacy education. This episode provides insights into how these two critical skills reinforce each other and offers practical tips for seamless integration in your teaching practice.

Learn more about Heggerty! 

• Visit Heggerty.org for FREE Resources and to download samples of our curriculum. 
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