Literacy Mindset

In this episode of Literacy Mindset, host Jeff Pendleton is joined by Dr. Grant Rivera, Superintendent of Marietta City Schools in Georgia, for a no-fluff, all-substance conversation on what it really takes to lead a district-wide literacy transformation. Dr. Rivera shares how his district moved from a fragmented, site-based approach to becoming a model for the entire state, grounded in the science of reading, strengthened by in-house coaching, and built on a rock-solid belief in people over programs.

Dr. Rivera lays out how Marietta intentionally avoided jumping to a curriculum before they understood the pedagogy, prioritized job-embedded professional learning, and invested deeply in teacher development and structured literacy. He also unpacks their bold move to hire 37 full-time reading interventionists and provide every below-grade-level reader in grades 1–5 with an extra 60 minutes of targeted instruction daily. And yes, it’s sustainable—because they cut other positions to fund what mattered most.

But the conversation doesn’t stop at literacy. Dr. Rivera dives into a timely and powerful discussion on student cell phone use, including his district’s decision to restrict access in middle schools using Yondr pouches. Backed by real-time data and third-party research, he explains how this policy led to lower stress for teachers, better learning environments, and a cultural shift that feels… human again.

Key Moments

00:00 "Schools' Autonomy in Reading Resources"

04:42 "Strategic Approach to Reading Pedagogy"

09:35 "Continuous Job-Embedded PD for Teachers"

11:40 "Integrated Support in Schools"

14:45 Enhanced Reading Support Initiative

17:00 Budget Reflects Educational Priorities

20:02 "Integrating EdTech in Reading Comprehension"

24:04 Marietta Addresses Classroom Stress Reduction

28:12 "Envisioning Our Collective Future"

29:09 Addressing K-12 Literacy Challenges

Why You’ll Love This Episode:

Dr. Rivera doesn’t mince words. He talks candidly about the tradeoffs, the politics, and the leadership required to turn a district around. His message is clear: great reading instruction starts with people, not products and the willingness to make tough budgetary choices for long-term impact. Whether you're a superintendent, school leader, or edtech innovator, this episode will challenge you to think bigger, lead braver, and do right by kids. Oh—and you’ll probably never look at a cell phone policy the same way again.

Connect with Dr. Grant Rivera

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grant-rivera-a065b0100

Website: https://www.marietta-city.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!
Share this episode with educators, district leaders, and literacy advocates who are passionate about student success.

In this episode of Literacy Mindset, host Jeff Pendleton sits down with Wayne Lyles, Superintendent of DeKalb County Schools in Alabama. With a career spanning 30 years in education and a deep-rooted commitment to his home district, Lyles shares his journey from a high school teacher to leading a rural school district. He offers invaluable insights on literacy instruction, closing learning gaps post-COVID, and the evolving role of technology in K-12 education.

Lyles reflects on the challenges of navigating pandemic-era education, the implementation of Alabama’s Literacy Act, and how his district is embracing structured literacy practices to improve student outcomes. He also explores the growing tension between technology integration and the movement toward traditional instructional methods, as well as the future of AI in education.

Whether you're an educator, administrator, or passionate advocate for literacy, this episode delivers practical strategies for fostering a strong reading culture, supporting teachers, and preparing students for the future.

Key Moments

• 01:19 Superintendent Wayne Lyles' journey and leadership in DeKalb County
• 03:53 Lessons from early career exposure to K-2 literacy instruction
• 06:12 Returning to in-person learning post-COVID and addressing learning loss
• 08:48 DeKalb County’s recognition for high achievement in literacy recovery
• 10:04 Teacher burnout and staffing challenges in today’s education landscape
• 11:24 Implementation of Alabama’s Literacy Act and LETRS training for K-3
• 13:58 Supporting older students struggling with foundational literacy skills
• 15:02 Technology’s role in literacy education and instructional strategies
• 16:47 The shift away from device-based instruction in classrooms
• 18:35 Managing student use of personal devices to enhance learning engagement
• 21:20 High Reliability Schools (HRS) and ensuring equity across rural districts
• 26:47 The future of education: AI’s role in personalized learning and curriculum development

Why You’ll Love This Episode: 

• Reshaping Literacy Instruction – Learn how Alabama’s Literacy Act is driving structured literacy practices in DeKalb County.
• Overcoming Learning Loss – Hear how targeted interventions and summer literacy camps have helped students recover academically post-COVID.
• Teacher-Centered Leadership – Discover strategies for preventing burnout and fostering a culture of continuous professional growth.
• Balancing Technology & Traditional Teaching – Gain insights into the evolving role of EdTech, AI, and hands-on learning in K-12 classrooms.
• Visionary Leadership – Superintendent Lyles shares his roadmap for the next decade in education, highlighting the importance of adaptability and innovation.

Connect with Wayne Lyles:
Website: https://www.dekalbk12.org/
LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/wayne-lyles-4167a6353/

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 education.

In today’s episode, host Jeff Pendleton sits down with Andrea G. Valadez, Director of Special Education and Support Services at Heartland Charter School in California. Andrea shares her unique journey from school psychologist to educational leader in an innovative virtual-home school hybrid environment. 

Together, they dive into Heartland’s distinctive approach—where parents serve as learning coaches, students learn at home with guidance from credentialed teachers, and individualized, multisensory literacy interventions are delivered online. 

Andrea opens up about the challenges and rewards of working in a nontraditional educational setting, how her team builds a strong literacy foundation for every learner, and why she believes early intervention and empowering parents are the keys to student success.

Key Moments

00:00 "Homeschooling with Learning Coaches"

04:38 Online Charter School Education Model

09:14 Tracking Literacy Progress with Lexia

13:11 Addressing Reading Gaps in Schools

14:18 Remote Reading Intervention Boost

17:46 Supporting Literacy and Education Gaps

22:04 Supporting Special Education Connectivity

24:54 Early Intervention in Learning Challenges

Why You’ll Love This Episode:

1. Be inspired by Andrea G. Valadez’s passionate approach to cultivating a literacy mindset—where reading is more than a skill; it’s a pathway to student identity, agency, and joy.
2. Hear powerful stories about reluctant readers turned book lovers—and the daily practices that helped shift those trajectories.
3. Gain insight into what it really means to be a literacy leader—from modeling vulnerability with your own reading life to co-creating space for every student’s voice on the page.
4. Hear powerful stories about reluctant readers turned book lovers—and the daily practices that helped shift those trajectories.

Connect with Andrea G. Valadez

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-valadez-ed-s-55a85010/ 
Website: https://heartlandcharterschool.com/ 

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 Mind Play for more conversations on building powerful school cultures—one little win at a time.

In this episode of Literacy Mindset, we sit down with Dr. Prissy LeMay, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction at Grandview C-4 School District in Missouri. With a deep commitment to literacy and student success, Dr. LeMay shares how her district is implementing the Science of Reading, leveraging data-driven strategies, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement to drive reading proficiency.

She discusses the district’s ambitious goal—ensuring that 80% of students are proficient in reading by 2027—and the key initiatives making it possible. From professional development for educators to the integration of technology and AI in literacy instruction, Dr. LeMay provides invaluable insights for district leaders, educators, and literacy advocates.

Key Moments

04:47 District Science Improvement Collaboration

08:58 Teachers' Ongoing Professional Development

12:51 Prioritizing Transformative Tech and Books

14:09 Year-Round Diagnostic and Data Use

20:10 District's Literacy and Leadership Initiative

21:03 BLT Leadership Teams Sharing Insights

24:54 Strong Growth in Student Opportunities

Why You’ll Love This Episode:

• Learn how Grandview C-4 is using data and collaboration to improve literacy outcomes.
• Get an inside look at the district’s innovative Network Improvement Community (NIC) meetings, where educators share best practices and problem-solve together.
• Explore the role of AI, personalized learning, and technology in shaping the future of reading instruction.
• Gain valuable takeaways on balancing structure and teacher autonomy in curriculum development.

Connect with Dr. Prissy LeMay

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-prissy-lemay-121b3050/

Website: https://www.grandviewc4.net/

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!
Share this episode with educators, district leaders, and literacy advocates who are passionate about student success.

In this episode of Literacy Mindset, host Jeff Pendleton sits down with two passionate education leaders from Guymon Public Schools in Oklahoma: Melissa Watson, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction (and incoming Superintendent), and Julie Edenborough, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services.

Together, they unpack the district’s literacy journey—from the foundational importance of early reading interventions to creating systems that support every learner, regardless of background. With 82% of their student population identifying as Hispanic and many families new to the country, Melissa and Julie share how their rural district tackles urban-sized challenges with a community-driven, equity-centered mindset.

Learn how their team strategically implements the science of reading, uses data to drive Tier 1 and Tier 2 instruction, supports non-certified teachers with high-quality PD, and thoughtfully integrates technology and AI into learning environments. Plus, the two leaders reflect on the future of public education, school choice, and what it means to truly serve all students.

Key Moments

00:00 "Empowering Literacy Leaders"

04:07 Challenges of Literacy in Guymon

08:47 Early Literacy Focus for Grade Progress

10:54 Teacher-Driven Curriculum Challenges

12:45 Supporting Educators with Curriculum Autonomy

19:05 Leveraging RTI/MTSS with Technology

21:01 Embracing Classroom Technology

24:58 Enhancing Questions with AI

28:05 "Teaching Research Skills Evolution"

32:34 "Public School: A Beacon of Hope"

34:03 Providing Opportunities for Needy Children

 Why You’ll Love This Episode:

If you care about real-world solutions in education, this episode delivers. Melissa and Julie don’t just talk policy—they share powerful, personal insights on what it takes to lead literacy efforts in a diverse, underserved community. Their passion for kids, their collaborative leadership style, and their commitment to equity and early intervention will inspire any educator, administrator, or advocate working to ensure that all children—regardless of zip code—have the opportunity to thrive.

From data-driven interventions to heartfelt moments with students, this episode is a masterclass in leading with purpose.

Connect with Melissa Watson

• Website: https://www.guymontigers.com/

Connect with Julie Edenborough

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-edenborough-548a0a90/
• Website: https://www.guymontigers.com/

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 The Literacy Mindset, host Jeff Pendleton is joined by two extraordinary education leaders from Springdale Public Schools in Arkansas—Kimberly Glass, Director of Federal Programs, and Dr. Carrie Bredow, Director of ESL Programming and Services. With over three decades of combined experience, Glass and Bredow take us behind the scenes of one of the most linguistically diverse and economically challenged districts in the nation.

You’ll discover how Springdale is innovating literacy instruction through targeted English language development, federally funded family literacy programs, and data-driven teacher collaboration. From navigating a student body that speaks over 49 languages to adapting curriculum and technology for multilingual learners, this episode is a blueprint for inclusive, effective, and equitable literacy education.

Whether you’re a district leader, classroom teacher, or education advocate, this conversation delivers practical insights on how to meet students—and their families—where they are, and help them thrive.

Key Moments

00:00 "Excited Arkansas Conversation Intro"

04:09 Diverse Student Linguistic Support

06:39 Comprehensive Language Support Program

09:53 "EL Achieve Curriculum Implementation"

16:18 Supplemental Software Enhances Classroom Learning

19:25 Instructional Facilitators Enhance Education

22:45 Focus on Oral Language Development

27:37 Bridging Language Gaps for Students

30:32 Arkansas Teachers Embrace Science of Reading

32:10 Educator Training and Proficiency Mandates

35:54 "Future Focus: Language in Education"

Why You’ll Love This Episode:
 If you're passionate about literacy, equity, and community-driven change, this episode will leave you inspired. You’ll hear how Springdale’s leaders are blending the science of reading with culturally responsive practices, using data without losing the human element, and reshaping the role of schools as hubs of family empowerment. It's a candid, insightful look at what it really takes to turn challenges into meaningful, measurable growth.

Connect with Kimberly Glass

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-glass-57911514

Website: https://www.sdale.org/

Connect with Dr. Carrie Bradow

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-carrie-bradow-32504957

Website: https://www.sdale.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!
Share this episode with educators, district leaders, and literacy advocates who are passionate about student success.

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/

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, 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/

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!
Share this episode with educators, district leaders, and literacy advocates who are passionate about student success.

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/

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!
Share this episode with educators, district leaders, and literacy advocates who are passionate about student success.

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

Enjoyed this episode?
Subscribe to The Literacy Mindset Podcast and leave us a review!
Share this episode with educators, district leaders, and literacy advocates who are passionate about student success.