In this episode of Literacy Mindset, we sit down with Dr. Mark Marshall, Superintendent of Los Banos Unified School District in California, to explore the district’s approach to strengthening literacy outcomes. Dr. Marshall shares insights into the unique demographic and economic challenges of Los Banos, including a high percentage of commuting parents and a growing student population.

He delves into how the district strategically used federal funding to invest in a new curriculum and robust professional development, ensuring that educators have the tools they need to support student literacy growth. We discuss early interventions, the impact of structured reading programs, and how tutoring—both in-person and online—has helped close achievement gaps.

Dr. Marshall also highlights the role of technology in literacy instruction, from providing devices to students to integrating AI-driven learning tools. He candidly shares the challenges of maintaining consistency across multiple schools, implementing effective reading interventions, and building teacher capacity for literacy instruction, especially at the secondary level.

Key Moments

[00:01:16] Mark Marshall’s Journey in Education

[00:02:32] Los Banos USD: A Unique Educational Landscape

[00:03:46] The District’s Literacy Philosophy 

[00:06:22] Early Interventions & Closing Achievement Gaps 

[00:07:34] Intervention Strategies That Work 

[00:11:04] The Role of Technology in Literacy Instruction

[00:16:47] Overcoming Challenges in Literacy Implementation 

[00:18:41] Creating Healthy Competition for Literacy Success 

[00:20:59] The Future of Literacy Education

Why You’ll Love This Episode:

• Gain real-world insights into how a superintendent tackles literacy challenges at the district level.
• Learn proven strategies for early intervention and professional development that can be replicated in other districts.
• Discover how technology and AI are being used to support literacy education.
• Understand how healthy competition among schools can drive improvement in literacy scores.
• Get a realistic and transparent look at the journey toward improving literacy outcomes.

Connect with Mark Marshall

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-mark-marshall-06982a47/

Website: https://www.losbanosusd.org/

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Host LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-pendleton-2a614b26/ 

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mindplayeducation 

Company Website: https://mindplay.com/ 

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In this episode of Literacy Mindset, Jeff Pendleton is joined by Dr. Lynmara Colón, Director of Student Opportunity and Multilingual Services for Prince William County Schools in Virginia. With more than 90,000 students, over 50 languages spoken, and one of the most diverse student populations in the nation, Dr. Colón brings a bold and deeply personal perspective to the work of making literacy both equitable and joyful.

Born in Puerto Rico and once told she’d need to be retained due to her lack of English proficiency, Dr. Colón now leads one of the most innovative multilingual literacy programs in the U.S.—and she’s doing it with what she calls a “Disney Mentality.” In this episode, she explains how schools can create environments so engaging and inclusive that students (and teachers) can’t wait to come back. From student “kid-watching” teams that dig deep into learning barriers, to cross-functional planning tables where reading and language specialists co-design instruction, this conversation reveals how Prince William County is rethinking what it means to serve every child, every day.

Dr. Colón also shares powerful strategies on how to balance high expectations with developmentally appropriate pacing, how to reshape teacher collaboration and staff culture, and how her district is preparing for a future where AI and personalized learning allow students to take the wheel. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn literacy instruction into something that feels more like a joyful field trip than a standardized test grind, this episode will change how you think about school culture, instructional design, and student potential.

Key Moments

00:00 "Dream Fulfilled: From Learner to Leader"

05:08 "Creating a 'Disney Mentality' in Learning"

07:14 "Transforming Education into Magical Experiences"

11:07 Feedback: Serving Overseeing

15:08 Supporting Diverse Literacy Development

19:39 "High Expectations, Intentional Support"

23:13 Inclusive Literacy in Education

27:26 Proactive Collaboration in Schools

31:00 Enhancing Literacy Through Inclusive Tools

33:15 "Student-Driven Personalized Learning Evolution"

Why You’ll Love This Episode:

Dr. Lynmara Colón is equal parts visionary and pragmatist. Her passion for equity is matched by a grounded understanding of what it takes to create inclusive, culturally responsive learning environments—especially for multilingual learners. You’ll love her powerful metaphors, no-nonsense insights, and practical advice for leaders who want to move beyond compliance and into transformation. Whether you’re a teacher, district administrator, or policymaker, this episode is a vibrant reminder that with the right mindset and systems, every school can become a place where literacy truly feels magical.

Connect with Dr. Lynmara Colón

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynmara-colon-phd-85a400163

Website: https://www.pwcs.edu/

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Host LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-pendleton-2a614b26/

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mindplayeducation

Company Website: http://MindPlay.com

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In this episode of Literacy Mindset, host Jeff Pendleton welcomes Dr. Robin E. Henderson, Chief Program Officer at SchoolSmart KC and a veteran educator with a PhD in reading, to unpack one of the most ambitious and community-driven literacy efforts underway in the country. As Kansas City faces the sobering reality of over 250,000 adults without full literacy, Dr. Henderson and her team are leading a coordinated initiative to turn the tide—starting with K–3 readers.

Dr. Henderson shares how SchoolSmart KC is combining early childhood support, embedded literacy coaching, family engagement, and scalable technology solutions like Mindplay to bring about long-term change. She emphasizes the need for both prevention and intervention, and explains why lasting literacy gains can’t be achieved with short-term fixes or piecemeal programs. Instead, she makes the case for deep partnerships, patient capital, and smart data collection, all anchored in a four-year commitment to results.

Along the way, you’ll hear how the Kansas City Royals are helping to make reading joyful, how funders are investing in both instructional coaching and tech-based tutoring, and how SchoolSmart is creating a replicable model for urban literacy transformation. Whether you’re an education leader, policymaker, philanthropist, or advocate, this conversation will expand your thinking on what’s possible when an entire city rallies behind the right to read.

Key Moments

00:00 "SchoolSmart: Collaborative Education Funding"

04:12 Innate Curiosity vs. Learned Reading

09:35 "Enhancing Literacy: Prevention and Support"

10:46 Strengthening Early Literacy Education

14:00 Bridging Education Gaps: Personalized Intervention

19:08 "Community Effort for Literacy Improvement"

22:54 Raising Awareness of Literacy Crisis

24:04 Collaborative Solutions for School Needs

Why You’ll Love This Episode:

This episode goes beyond theory and dives straight into how literacy transformation actually happens—through aligned systems, empowered teachers, informed families, and strategic use of both human and technological capital. Dr. Henderson’s passion is matched by her precision: she lays out a realistic, replicable vision for how communities can create lasting literacy outcomes. If you’re hungry for an uplifting, smart, and deeply grounded conversation on what works in education, this one delivers.

Connect with Dr. Robin Henderson

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinehenderson

Website: https://schoolsmartkc.org/

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Host LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-pendleton-2a614b26/

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mindplayeducation

Company Website: http://MindPlay.com

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In this episode of Literacy Mindset, host Jeff Pendleton sits down with Dr. John Asplund, Superintendent of Galesburg District 205, to explore the essential role of literacy in student success. Dr. Asplund shares his personal journey—from discovering a student in his high school English class who couldn’t read to dedicating his career to closing literacy gaps.

Together, they discuss the Science of Reading, the importance of phonemic awareness, and how early intervention (PreK–3) can shape a child’s academic future. Dr. Asplund also unpacks how his district is implementing effective literacy strategies, leveraging data-driven instruction, and creating systems to support struggling readers through tiered interventions.

Beyond literacy, the conversation dives into the evolving role of technology in education, the impact of a no-cell-phone policy, and why personal connections between students and teachers remain at the heart of learning. If you’re passionate about literacy and educational leadership, this episode is a must-listen!

Key Moments

03:14 Educator's Journey from Teacher to Superintendent

09:28 "Phonics vs. Whole Language Debate"

11:45 Encouraging Student Engagement in Literature

16:08 Ensuring Effective Tier Three Interventions

18:56 Personalized Classroom Coaching Success

20:20 Coach Oversees District-Wide Educational Support

23:58 Preserving Traditional Snow Days

27:51 Tech in Education: Benefits & Concerns

31:32 Essential Role of Teachers and Mentors

Why You’ll Love This Episode:

• Discover the moment that shaped Dr. Asplund’s commitment to literacy advocacy.
• Learn how the Science of Reading is transforming early education.
• Understand why foundational literacy skills by third grade are critical for lifelong success.
• Hear how Galesburg District 205 uses data and coaching to enhance reading instruction.
• Explore the balance between technology and human connection in the classroom.
• Get insight into a bold no-cell-phone policy and its surprising impact on student engagement.

Connect with Dr. John Asplund

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-asplund-a4a6211/

Website: https://www.galesburg205.org/

Follow & Subscribe

Host LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-pendleton-2a614b26/

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mindplayeducation

Company Website: http://MindPlay.com

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In this episode of Literacy Mindset, host Brian Williams sits down with Tabatha Miller, Executive Director of Student Services at Weld RE-5J School District in Colorado, for an insightful conversation about how to deliver equitable, data-driven literacy outcomes for students with diverse needs. From special education and multilingual learners to gifted and homeless student populations, Miller shares how her district uses strategic data analysis, inclusive practices, and systems like Impact Teams to close post-COVID learning gaps. 

She discusses how fidelity, flexibility, and family partnerships are essential in personalizing instruction—especially when balancing compliance, limited resources, and philosophical differences among educators. Plus, hear how Weld RE-5J is leveraging tools like I-Ready, SIPPS, and Lexia, and what Miller hopes AI can do to reduce the paperwork burden and unlock more time for student connection.

Key Moments

00:00 Addressing Post-COVID Educational Needs

04:22 Improving GT and Special Education

09:20 Special Education Inclusion Initiative

14:11 Educational Challenges: Time, Money, Philosophy

15:38 "Challenges in Adopting New Teaching Methods"

19:07 "Navigating Educational Goals and Technology"

22:21 Technology Enhances Special Education Strategies

27:11 Advocating for Implementation Capacity

29:51 Optimizing Literacy Strategies

33:08 "Essential Partnership for Student Success"

36:02 "Future of Education: Challenges & Prospects"

39:25 AI's Impact on Student Outcomes

42:34 State Education Standards Variability

Why You’ll Love This Episode:
 

Tabatha Miller speaks with clarity and conviction about one of the most complex challenges in education: serving every student, equitably and effectively. 

You’ll appreciate her honest take on post-pandemic learning loss, the power of inclusion, and how strategic data use and a whole lot of teamwork can help schools meet rising demands. 

Whether you’re a district leader or a classroom educator, this episode offers a rare blend of compassion and tactical wisdom.

Connect with Tabatha Miller

Website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tabatha-miller-b3417a209

Follow & Subscribe

Host LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-williams-624a1485

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mindplayeducation

Company Website: http://MindPlay.com

Enjoyed this episode?
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In this episode of Literacy Mindset, host Jeff Pendleton sits down with two pioneers in the field of literacy and education: Dr. Nancy Mather, a professor emeritus at the University of Arizona and an expert in reading disabilities, and Judith Bliss, the visionary founder of MindPlay. Together, they discuss the origins of MindPlay, a revolutionary literacy intervention program rooted in the science of reading, and its impact on students with dyslexia and other reading challenges.

Judith shares her personal journey with dyslexia and the challenges her son faced, which fueled her mission to create an accessible and effective reading solution. Dr. Mather, with decades of experience in literacy instruction, reveals the critical role of early intervention, the power of differentiated instruction, and how technology can enhance reading instruction beyond the traditional classroom model.

The conversation dives deep into how artificial intelligence and adaptive learning can further personalize literacy education, ensuring every child gets the support they need to succeed. Whether you're an educator, parent, or literacy advocate, this episode will leave you with valuable insights on how reading success is achievable for all students.

Key Moments

04:49 Overcoming Teacher Hesitancy

06:51 From Party to Teaching Career

09:29 Career Shift Inspired by Experts

14:53 "Mind Reading Coach Development Process"

16:26 Effective Golf Practice Strategies

22:35 Individualized Instruction for Reading Challenges

24:14 Enhancing Teacher Preparedness in Reading

30:30 Accelerated Learning Through AI

31:43 AI Enhancing Reading Education

Why You’ll Love This Episode

Inspiring Personal Stories – Hear how Judith Bliss turned her struggles with dyslexia into a powerful literacy movement.

Expert Insights on Dyslexia – Dr. Nancy Mather explains the importance of early intervention and individualized instruction.

The Science of Reading in Action – Learn how MindPlay's Reading Coach aligns with research-backed literacy strategies.

The Role of Technology in Literacy – Discover how AI and adaptive learning can bridge literacy gaps in classrooms.

Empowering Teachers & Students – Find out how literacy programs can support educators and help struggling readers gain confidence.

Connect with Nancy Mather

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-mather-94634413/

Website: https://www.arizona.edu/

Connect with Judith Bliss

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bliss-judith-09043613/

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Host LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-pendleton-2a614b26/ 

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mindplayeducation 

Company Website: https://mindplay.com/ 

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Literacy Mindset and leave us a review! 

Share this episode with educators, parents, or advocates passionate about improving literacy and special education.

In this episode of Literacy Mindset, host Jeff sits down with Monique D. Boone, Senior Director of Curriculum and Instruction at Cleveland ISD in Texas. With a powerful personal story—once a selective mute who struggled with reading—Monique takes us on a journey from her early challenges with literacy to becoming a passionate advocate for foundational reading instruction across all subject areas.

Monique shares her district's strategic approach to equitable Tier 1 instruction, the importance of high-quality instructional materials, and the science behind reading success. From her roots in English classrooms to her current leadership role, she brings a deep understanding of what it takes to support multilingual learners, leverage edtech tools with purpose, and align intervention strategies across grade levels.

Whether you’re an educator, administrator, or someone committed to shaping the future of literacy, this episode offers concrete strategies, heartfelt wisdom, and a clear-eyed look at the role literacy plays in every corner of a student’s life.

Key Moments

03:31 From Dyslexic Student to Literacy Leader

09:03 Improving Instructional Quality in Cleveland ISD

10:40 Challenges in Learning English

15:18 Everyday Literacy in Action

18:17 Integrating Literacy Across Curriculum

21:12 Maximizing Educational Tool Effectiveness

22:38 Critical EdTech Utilization Analysis

27:20 Embracing AI in Education

Why You’ll Love This Episode:

• Monique’s story is real, relatable, and powerful—a reminder that our personal challenges can become our biggest motivators.
• You’ll gain fresh insights into how rural, rapidly growing districts like Cleveland ISD are tackling literacy with intentionality and innovation.
• It’s packed with practical takeaways on building aligned instructional ecosystems, choosing edtech wisely, and supporting students with phonological gaps—especially at the secondary level.
• You’ll rethink literacy as a universal skill, not just the domain of ELA teachers, but something that should thrive in math, science, PE, CTE—and even band.
• You’ll hear a vision of the future, where AI and education can work together to prepare students not just for tests, but for life.

Connect with Monique D. Boone

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monique-d-boone-m-ed-201540241/

Website: https://www.clevelandisd.org/

Follow & Subscribe

Host LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-pendleton-2a614b26/

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mindplayeducation

Company Website: http://MindPlay.com

Enjoyed this episode?
Subscribe to The Literacy Mindset Podcast and leave us a review!
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In this episode of Literacy Mindset, host Jeff Pendleton sits down with Jamie Bente, Superintendent of Faribault Public Schools in Minnesota. With a background spanning nearly every role in education—from teacher to principal to superintendent—Bente brings a wealth of insight into leadership, literacy, and equity in a uniquely diverse school district.

Faribault Public Schools serves a student population unlike many others: a rural setting with urban-level diversity. Bente shares how the district is tackling literacy challenges, including the implementation of science-based reading instruction, the importance of early intervention, and supporting multilingual learners. He also discusses innovative approaches to professional development, equity-focused community initiatives, and the evolving role of technology in education.

Whether you're an educator, administrator, or advocate for literacy and student success, this episode offers valuable perspectives on how to drive meaningful change in K-12 education.

Keypoint:

• 01:38 Jamie Bente’s journey from teacher to superintendent
• 03:20 Unique diversity in Faribault Public Schools
• 05:47 Literacy as a core district goal and challenges in early reading proficiency
• 07:28 Minnesota’s Science of Reading initiative and phonics-based instruction
• 10:25 Personalized literacy interventions and WIN (What I Need) time
• 13:34 Supporting older students with foundational reading gaps
• 15:41 Professional development tailored to teacher needs
• 19:20 Community schools: Addressing non-academic barriers to literacy
• 22:54 Equity-driven student support systems and grant-funded programs
• 27:24 One-to-one iPad access and digital learning strategies
• 29:53 Managing personal device distractions and digital responsibility
• 33:33 The future of education: Engaging students in a technology-driven world

Why You’ll Love This Episode

If you’re an educator, you’ll gain insights into data-driven instruction and personalized learning strategies.
If you’re a parent, you’ll understand the assessment process and how schools support students with learning challenges.
If you’re an advocate, you’ll be inspired by the push for inclusive education and technology’s role in bridging learning gaps.

Connect with Jamie Bente:

• Website: https://www.faribault.k12.mn.us/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-bente-59891493/

Follow Us On:

• Host LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-pendleton-2a614b26/
• Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mindplayeducation
• Company Website: https://mindplay.com/

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Literacy Mindset and leave us a review!

Share this episode with educators, administrators, and advocates who are passionate about improving literacy and student success.

In this episode of Literacy Mindset, host Jeff Pendleton sits down with Dr. Cosmas Curry, Superintendent of Stroudsburg Area School District, for a deep dive into literacy instruction, district leadership, and the future of K-12 education. Dr. Curry shares insights into his district’s structured approach to literacy, including the adoption of the science of reading, a robust MTSS framework, and the professional development initiatives that are driving student success.

From the challenges of transient student populations to the importance of early literacy interventions, this conversation highlights the strategies that have led to significant gains in student achievement. Dr. Curry also discusses the role of technology in education, the impact of school structure on student outcomes, and his vision for the future of education policy.

If you're passionate about improving literacy outcomes, fostering a data-driven instructional culture, and rethinking the way schools support students at every stage of their academic journey, this episode is a must-listen!

Key Moments

04:39 Grades Configuration Impact on Students

09:09 Teachers' Commitment to Professional Development

12:06 New Steel Standards Impact Education

14:53 "Overcoming COVID Education Gaps"

18:54 Intimate Professional Development Sessions

20:20 MTSS Team Boosts Student Performance

26:45 Improving Student Reading Proficiency

30:57 Empowering Learning with Technology

32:30 Transition to Online Curriculum

37:27 Future Education: Listening and Adapting

38:59 "Impact of Government in Education"

Why You’ll Love This Episode:

• Learn how Stroudsburg Area School District is improving literacy through the science of reading.
• Discover how MTSS and professional development are driving student success.
• Hear Dr. Curry’s insights on school structure, technology, and education policy.

Connect with Dr. Cosmas Curry

X: https://x.com/Cosmas_Curry?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

Website: https://www.sburg.org/

Follow Us On

Host LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-pendleton-2a614b26/ 

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mindplayeducation 

Company Website: https://mindplay.com/ 

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Literacy Mindset and leave us a review! 

Share this episode with educators, parents, or advocates passionate about improving literacy and special education.

In this episode of Literacy Mindset, host Jeff Pendleton sits down with Dr. Michael Lubelfeld, Superintendent of North Shore School District 112, to explore the district’s transformative journey in literacy instruction. Dr. Lubelfeld shares insights on creating a cohesive, equitable curriculum, the importance of foundational literacy skills, and the role of instructional leadership in driving meaningful change. He also discusses the impact of intervention strategies, technology integration, and the future of education with AI. 

Whether you're an educator, administrator, or passionate about literacy, this episode delivers practical strategies for improving student outcomes and shaping the future of K-12 education.

Key Moments

05:37 School District's Transformative Journey

06:25 "Predicting Student Success Variability"

10:09 Ethical AI in Education

13:53 Tier Two: Targeted Reading Interventions

16:59 Supporting Teachers with Skills Gaps

19:18 Foundational Skills Focus in Education

23:43 Device Management and EdTech Strategy

28:29 Teacher-Led Training Preference

30:41 Embracing Generative AI in Education

34:27 Transforming Education with Technology

Why You’ll Love This Episode:

Practical Literacy Strategies – Learn how structured literacy is transforming student outcomes.
Equity in Education – Discover how standardizing curriculum ensures all students thrive.
AI & The Future of Learning – Hear how AI is shaping personalized instruction.
Inspiring Leadership – Dr. Lubelfeld’s vision will leave you motivated to drive change in education.

Connect with Michael Lubelfeld

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaellubelfeld/

Website: https://www.nssd112.org/

Follow Us On

Host LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-pendleton-2a614b26/ 

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mindplayeducation 

Company Website: https://mindplay.com/ 

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Literacy Mindset and leave us a review! 

Share this episode with educators, parents, or advocates passionate about improving literacy and special education.