Literacy Mindset

In this episode of The Literacy Mindset Podcast, Jeff Pendleton sits down with Joanna Hall, principal of Bennett Elementary School in Broken Bow, Oklahoma. A lifelong community member and former special educator, Joanna shares how her school serves third through fifth graders with a mix of structured literacy, targeted small-group instruction, and a community-centered approach. She explains how her teachers use both core 90-minute literacy blocks and “WIN” (What I Need) time to give students personalized support, while helping students track their own progress to build ownership of learning. Joanna also opens up about professional development in a rural setting, the challenges of bringing the Science of Reading to an isolated community, and how her dedicated staff embrace new strategies with enthusiasm.

The conversation also highlights the role of community engagement and creativity in building a culture of literacy. From literacy nights and library programs to her now-famous “principal challenges” (involving everything from kissing pigs to eating worms), Joanna finds ways to make reading exciting and visible for students and families alike. She discusses balancing technology and traditional approaches, the impact of Oklahoma’s cell phone ban, and why she is reintroducing novel units to help students grapple with figurative language and complex storytelling. Looking ahead, Joanna shares her excitement about how technology can open up the world for her students, even in a small, rural corner of Oklahoma.

Key Moments

05:08 Student Self-Tracking with Colors

07:56 Professional Development Across Grade Levels

10:22 Community Engagement through School Events

14:31 Engaging Novel Study Initiative

18:54 Global Learning Opportunities for Kids

20:09 Overcoming Phonological Barriers

Why You’ll Love This Episode

This episode captures both the challenges and the joys of leading literacy in a small-town school. Joanna Hall’s blend of humor, practicality, and deep care for her students shows how creative leadership and community support can make literacy come alive. Whether you’re an educator looking for strategies, an administrator thinking about culture, or simply someone who loves stories of rural innovation, you’ll walk away inspired—and maybe a little amused by the lengths one principal will go to celebrate student success.

Connect with Joanna Hall:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanna-hall-675a1bb8 
• Website: https://www.bbisd.org/o/bes 

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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 The Literacy Mindset Podcast, Jeff Pendleton talks with Megan Muldoon Brown, Director of Special Education at Township High School District 214 in Illinois. Serving over 12,000 students across six high schools in the Chicago suburbs, Megan shares how her district is rethinking literacy at the secondary level, particularly for students with special education needs. She discusses the renewed emphasis on structured literacy since the pandemic, highlighting how gaps in foundational skills, vocabulary, and phonological awareness are showing up in ways high schools haven’t historically seen

Megan explains how her team is equipping teachers—many of whom aren’t trained as reading specialists—with the tools and training they need to deliver effective literacy instruction. She also emphasizes the importance of relationships, belonging, and trauma-informed practices in creating an environment where struggling readers feel supported. From co-teaching models and professional development to thoughtful curriculum choices, device policies, and embracing AI as a tool for differentiation, she offers an inside look at how one of Illinois’s largest high school districts is navigating literacy, equity, and innovation.

Key Moments

03:25 Adapting Curriculum for Diverse Needs

08:47 Strengthening Special Ed Teacher Training

12:12 Relationships First, Student Success Follows

13:35 Teachers Maximizing Student Engagement

18:40 "Technology's Role in Literacy Curriculum"

22:53 Teaching Professional Communication Skills

26:00 Future Concerns and Excitement

28:30 Exciting Future for High Schoolers

Why You’ll Love This Episode

If you want a realistic view of what literacy leadership looks like in large, diverse high schools, this conversation is full of insight. Megan Muldoon Brown blends practical strategies with a deep commitment to student well-being, showing how schools can balance evidence-based reading instruction with social-emotional support. You’ll walk away with fresh ideas for equipping teachers, engaging students, and preparing high schoolers not only to read more confidently but also to thrive in their postsecondary pathways.

Connect with Meghan Muldoon Brown:

• Website: https://www.d214.org/d214 

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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 The Literacy Mindset Podcast, Jeff Pendleton sits down with Dr. Lynette Burchfield, assistant principal at Catoosa High School in Oklahoma, to discuss how literacy leadership plays out at the secondary level. With a background spanning higher education, drama, speech, and English language arts, Dr. Burchfield shares the unique perspective she brings to shaping literacy instruction in a high school setting. She highlights the powerful correlations between public speaking and writing, the importance of modeling fluent reading for teenagers, and why she believes every teacher, regardless of subject, carries responsibility for literacy.

The conversation explores how Catoosa High School structures intervention through its RTI system, how peer-to-peer teacher observations have transformed professional development, and how creative test-prep boot camps are giving students an edge on state and college-readiness exams. Dr. Burchfield also shares her concerns about overreliance on AI in education, emphasizing that reading is, at its core, a deeply social activity. Looking ahead, she offers an optimistic vision where students graduate high school not only college ready but also career ready, with expanded opportunities for concurrent enrollment and technical training

Key Moments

04:37 Reading: Bridging Drama and ELA

09:02 Deep Reading Techniques in Education

11:16 Intervention Strategy Cycle Timetable

14:43 Individualized Student Remediation Planning

16:32 Cross-Disciplinary Literacy Teaching Practices

22:00 ACT Preparation Strategies

25:37 High School Students' Growth Opportunities

26:32 Evolving High School Education Pathways

Why You’ll Love This Episode

If you’ve ever wondered what the science of reading looks like at the high school level or how to keep literacy central when students are juggling complex subjects and looming graduation requirements, this episode offers both inspiration and practical strategies. Dr. Burchfield’s blend of administrative insight and classroom experience makes for a candid, energizing conversation. You’ll come away with fresh ideas for teacher collaboration, student engagement, and building systems that prepare teenagers for both tests and life beyond school.

Connect with Dr. Lynette Burchfield

Website: https://www.catoosaps.net/ 

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Host LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-katschke-86752929a

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

Company Website: http://MindPlay.com

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In this episode of The Literacy Mindset Podcast, Jeff Pendleton talks with Latisha Broomfield, Director of ESL for Westborough Public Schools in Massachusetts, about leading literacy work for a growing population of English learners. With nearly three decades in education and experience as both a classroom teacher and ESL leader, Latisha shares her philosophy that good instruction begins with knowing students deeply—then tailoring strategies to meet them where they are. She explains the nuances of co-teaching in general education classrooms, how to view students’ native language as an asset, and why collaboration between EL teachers and gen ed teachers is critical for success.

The conversation dives into real challenges such as supporting SLIFE (Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education), balancing the pace of a high-performing district with the realities of language acquisition, and preventing long-term English learners from getting “stuck” in programs. Latisha also highlights innovative approaches her district is using—like data-driven instruction, peer walkthroughs, and cross-district partnerships—to build teacher capacity and improve student outcomes. With a mix of candor and optimism, she underscores the importance of family engagement, cultural respect, and seeing bilingualism as a gift rather than a barrier

Key Moments

04:01 Challenges in Transitioning to ESL Teaching

07:09 Co-Teaching Strategies and Flexibility

12:36 Enhancing Teacher Support Strategies

16:54 English Learner Program Duration Concerns

18:15 "Collective Success Through Flexibility"

23:45 Concerns About Safety and Belonging

24:41 "Data-Driven Education Initiatives"

Why You’ll Love This Episode

If you care about literacy, equity, and the unique needs of multilingual learners, this episode will resonate. Latisha Broomfield brings both expertise and heart, offering practical strategies for teachers and leaders while reminding us of the human side of education—belonging, empathy, and resilience. You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of how to support English learners at every stage, how to strengthen co-teaching partnerships, and how to use data to drive meaningful progress without losing sight of relationships.

Connect with Latisha Broomfield:

• Website: https://www.westboroughk12.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/
  
  

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In this episode of The Literacy Mindset Podcast, guest host Amy Katschke talks with Keith Pautler, principal of Edmond Memorial High School in Oklahoma, about leading literacy efforts in a large and diverse high school setting. With experience as an elementary, middle, and now high school principal, Keith shares how foundational literacy strategies transcend grade levels—and why they remain essential even for older students, especially English learners and struggling readers. He discusses how his team adapts early literacy practices for teenagers without making them feel “babyish,” and how they work to instill a sense of purpose by connecting reading to real-world applications in trades, careers, and life beyond school.

The conversation explores both challenges and innovations: the rollout of a new district-wide cell phone ban to restore the “power of presence” in classrooms, the use of AI tools to differentiate reading levels and make texts more accessible, and the implementation of universal screeners to target interventions more effectively. Keith emphasizes the importance of collaboration among teachers, the need for fresh resources at the high school level, and the critical role of helping students understand the “why” behind reading. His candid reflections highlight both the obstacles and the opportunities of bringing literacy to life in a 2,800-student high school.

Key Moments

05:58 Resource Disparity: Elementary vs. High School

09:40 "Finding Motivation in Learning"

12:16 First-Year Rollout: Digital Device Integration

14:40 AI-Enhanced Student Reading Support

18:20 Assessing Kids' Needs for Progress

23:35 Navigating AI in Education

24:34 Teaching Kids to Use AI

Why You’ll Love This Episode

If you’ve ever wondered how to keep literacy a priority in the whirlwind of high school life, this episode is for you. Keith Pautler brings a unique perspective shaped by leading at every level of K–12 education, offering practical strategies for engaging older students, supporting English learners, and leveraging technology in meaningful ways. You’ll come away with fresh ideas on motivation, intervention, and culture-building—plus a glimpse into how schools are tackling the challenges of AI, technology distraction, and foundational skill gaps head-on.

Connect with Keith Pautler

Website: https://memorial.edmondschools.net/

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Host LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-katschke-86752929a

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

Company Website: http://MindPlay.com

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In this episode of The Literacy Mindset Podcast, Jeff Pendleton is joined by a panel of literacy leaders from American Paradigm Schools in Philadelphia: Susan Senek, Brittany Reid Harden, and Kyle Black. Together, they bring perspectives from across the K–12 spectrum, sharing how their network of charter schools is approaching literacy instruction with both innovation and consistency. From building consensus around Tier 1 curriculum choices to weaving the science of reading into upper grades, the trio discusses the challenges and opportunities of aligning literacy practices across diverse school communities.

The conversation explores pressing issues like the balance between fluency and comprehension, the impact of short-form digital communication on student reading habits, and the ongoing importance of physical libraries and book choice in cultivating lifelong readers. The panel also dives into how they’re navigating AI in classrooms, setting policies that prepare students to use new tools responsibly while ensuring authentic literacy growth. Looking ahead, they share their hopes for culturally responsive teaching, new texts entering the curriculum, and the role of learning science in closing achievement gaps.

Key Moments

04:01 Literacy Structure in Schools

07:02 "Reading Development Journey Overview"

12:48 Ninth Grade Academic Foundations

15:03 "Essential School Libraries Boost Literacy"

19:39 AI in Education: Tools and Challenges

21:36 Monitoring Student Tech Use

25:37 Science of Learning Advances Education

Why You’ll Love This Episode

If you’ve ever wondered how literacy leadership looks when it spans every grade level, this episode delivers. Susan, Brittany, and Kyle offer candid, practical insights on everything from managing curriculum adoption to coaching students through the distractions of technology. Their blend of expertise—rooted in classrooms, libraries, and system-wide leadership—makes this a dynamic conversation packed with takeaways for teachers, administrators, and literacy advocates alike. You’ll leave with fresh ideas on building strong literacy systems, equipping students for the future, and ensuring every learner sees themselves in the texts they read.

Connect with Guests

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susansenek
• Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-paradigm-schools

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/
  
  

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In this episode of The Literacy Mindset Podcast, Jeff Pendleton talks with Michelle Brumley, principal of Choteau Middle School in Oklahoma, about leading literacy efforts in a small-town school with big challenges. Brumley shares how her 5th–8th grade building supports struggling readers without dedicated interventionists, blending technology-driven assessments with targeted reteaching. She also dives into creative initiatives like “Well Said Wednesdays” to combat the decline of complete sentences in the era of texting, and the school’s bold no-cellphone policy that’s improved both student interaction and behavior. From building a library from scratch to incentivizing reading with a book vending machine, Brumley’s approach is all about fostering a genuine love for literacy.

Throughout the conversation, she discusses the realities of addressing vocabulary gaps, the balance between academic language and student engagement, and how community alignment can make even unpopular policies work. Brumley also reflects on the broader challenges facing public education—like teacher shortages—while sharing why she’s still energized for the year ahead. This episode is full of practical strategies, creative problem-solving, and a deep commitment to helping students succeed in reading and beyond.

Key Moments

05:22 Using Tech for Reading Assessment

06:42 Oklahoma's Teacher Training Initiative

10:04 Banning Personal Tech Boosts Interaction

14:32 Book Vending Rewards Program

16:14 Encouraging Diverse Reading Habits

19:28 "Excitement for New School Year"

Why You’ll Love This Episode

If you’re an educator, administrator, or literacy advocate looking for inspiration and actionable ideas, this episode delivers. Michelle Brumley’s blend of resourcefulness, community connection, and relentless focus on student growth offers a model for making meaningful literacy gains—even without big budgets or large staffs. You’ll walk away with fresh ideas for building a reading culture, addressing foundational skill gaps in older students, and rallying your school community behind bold, student-first changes.

Connect with Michelle Brumley

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-brumley-7612635a

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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 The Literacy Mindset Podcast, Jeff Pendleton chats with Carrie Sebora, Director of Curriculum and Instruction at Soledad USD, about the power of building strong systems to support both teachers and students. Sebora shares her experiences working alongside educators to implement structured literacy practices, highlighting the importance of professional learning communities, coaching cycles, and collaborative goal setting. She emphasizes how consistent, research-based instruction paired with intentional teacher support can close gaps and drive student achievement in meaningful ways.

Carrie also opens up about the realities teachers face—time constraints, shifting mandates, and the challenge of balancing data with authentic student needs. Through practical strategies and candid insights, she explains how schools can strengthen their literacy culture without overwhelming staff. From tips on fostering teacher confidence to examples of successful schoolwide initiatives, Sebora brings a grounded, hopeful perspective on what it takes to move literacy forward.

Key Moments

03:45 Bridging Elementary and Secondary Education

09:01 Collaborative Educational Strategy Sessions

11:46 Unified Educational Standards Initiative

16:43 Assessing Data Needs for CIA Programs

20:21 Reading Comprehension vs. Fluency Issues

23:04 Improving Literacy Through Early Interventions

26:38 California Bans Cell Phones in Schools

30:17 "Collaboration and AI in Education"

31:25 Education Funding and Special Populations Concerns

Why You’ll Love This Episode

If you’re looking for realistic, actionable ways to elevate literacy instruction, this conversation is packed with value. Carrie Sebora’s thoughtful balance of instructional rigor and teacher empathy makes her insights especially relevant for coaches, administrators, and classroom teachers alike. You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of how to create systems that empower educators, sustain momentum, and most importantly, help students become stronger, more confident readers.

Connect with Carrie Sebora

Website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-sebora-9449a282

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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 The Literacy Mindset Podcast, Jeff Pendleton talks with Kathy Hunt, a veteran educator and reading interventionist, about transforming literacy instruction through small, consistent shifts in classroom practice. Hunt shares how her journey from a traditional teacher to a literacy coach reshaped her understanding of what struggling readers really need—and how to deliver it in ways that work. She unpacks the importance of embedding reading strategies into every subject, leveraging student strengths to build confidence, and creating a culture where literacy is everyone’s responsibility. Along the way, Hunt offers concrete examples from her work supporting teachers, modeling lessons, and fostering collaboration between educators to improve outcomes schoolwide.

Hunt also addresses the realities of burnout, time constraints, and competing priorities in education, explaining why targeted, bite-sized interventions often have more impact than sweeping overhauls. From practical tips on progress monitoring to advice for gaining teacher buy-in, her insights are both realistic and deeply motivating. Whether you’re a classroom teacher, administrator, or instructional coach, this conversation is a blueprint for making literacy gains without overwhelming your team.

Key Moments

04:31 "Success Beyond Size"

06:59 "Refining Reading in Modern Times"

11:30 Phonological Awareness and Reading Fluency

13:21 "Early Intervention for Student Success"

19:32 Politicians Threatening Public Education

20:18 Prioritize Public School Funding

24:23 Passion Drives Educators

Why You’ll Love This Episode

If you’re looking for a fresh, grounded approach to literacy instruction, Kathy Hunt delivers. Her blend of hard-earned wisdom, practical tools, and collaborative spirit makes this episode a goldmine for anyone striving to boost student reading achievement. You’ll come away with a renewed sense of what’s possible—even in challenging environments—and concrete strategies you can start using right away to make a measurable difference in your students’ literacy journey.

Connect with Kathy Hunt

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathy-hunt-5a159149

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?
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Share with educators, school leaders, and literacy champions passionate about student success, especially in Oklahoma and beyond.

In this episode of The Literacy Mindset Podcast, Jeff Pendleton sits down with Dr. Michelle Miller, a seasoned literacy leader, to explore how intentional, research-based strategies can transform student reading success. Dr. Miller shares her journey from classroom teacher to district-level administrator, revealing the pivotal moments that shaped her belief in literacy as the foundation for all learning. She dives deep into the importance of aligning instruction with evidence-based practices, building teacher capacity through targeted professional development, and creating a shared vision that drives measurable change across schools.

Dr. Miller also discusses the power of data-informed decision-making—how progress monitoring, when done well, can pinpoint the exact supports students need without overwhelming educators. From actionable tips on differentiating instruction to inspiring stories of student breakthroughs, she offers a candid look at both the challenges and the immense rewards of literacy leadership. Her insights make a compelling case for why literacy must be a schoolwide priority, not just the responsibility of reading specialists.

Key Moments

05:58 Evolving Student Reading Strategies

08:22 Critical Thinking in Education

11:47 Adapting Communication Skills for Context

16:38 Evolving Library Media Centers

19:15 Leveraging Tech for Literacy Innovation

22:00 "Immersive Learning Partnership with CMU"

26:04 "Device Use Restrictions at School"

28:58 AI Safety Concerns for Students

Why You’ll Love This Episode
If you’re passionate about moving the needle on student literacy, Dr. Michelle Miller’s expertise and practical approach will resonate deeply. You’ll gain concrete strategies for building stronger instructional systems, fostering collaboration among staff, and sustaining a culture of high expectations for all learners. This conversation blends visionary leadership with hands-on tools, making it a must-listen for educators, coaches, and administrators committed to ensuring every student becomes a confident, capable reader.

Connect with Dr. Michelle Miller:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-miller-90a1aa237

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.