In this episode of On the Road to Literacy Success, I sit down with THE Erin Jones — author, speaker, equity advocate, and longtime educator whose work reminds us that love + strong instruction can truly change communities. the-erin-jones We talk about what it means to call people in, how to stay grounded in purpose, and why real equity work shows up through relationships and daily instructional practice.

Erin also shares her perspective on direct teaching, belonging, leadership, and her dream for the future of public education.

If this conversation reignited your belief in Tier 1 instruction, visit GoodHumansEducate.com for courses, coaching, and community built to support your whole-group teaching.

And be sure to explore THE Erin Jones’s powerful work, writing, and speaking at ErinJonesDreams.com—her voice is changing hearts, minds, and school communities across the nation.

In this conversation, Tabatha Mires, the superintendent of Manson School District, shares her journey into education, her leadership philosophy, and the importance of public schools in fostering democracy. She discusses the district's success in improving literacy through direct instruction and the significance of community engagement in education. Mires emphasizes the need for collective efficacy among educators and offers advice for other superintendents on enhancing literacy at a tier one level.

In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Timothy Shanahan discusses his book 'Leveled Reading, Leveled Lives' and the implications of leveled reading practices on student growth. He emphasizes the importance of teaching students with grade-level texts and the need for educators to adapt their instructional strategies to ensure all students have access to complex texts. The discussion covers the balance between challenge and support in reading instruction, the efficiency of whole class teaching versus small group instruction, and the necessity of grounding educational practices in research and evidence. Dr. Shanahan advocates for a shift in teaching practices to create a more equitable and effective literacy education system. Grab Dr. Shanahan’s new book, Leveled Reading, Leveled Lives, using code HCPR25 for 20% off at checkout. Adolescent Literacy book noted in the podcast link is here: https://www.amazon.com/Adolescent-Literacy-Academic-Disciplines-Principles/dp/1462502806

🎙 Empowering Educators: A Conversation with Dr. Nathaniel Swain

Season Two kicks off with a powerful and thought-provoking conversation between Dr. Staci Bain and returning guest Dr. Nathaniel Swain. Together, they explore the evolving landscape of literacy education, from supporting new teachers and principals to building strong Tier 1 systems that help every student thrive.

Dr. Swain shares practical strategies for whole-class teaching, insights on reducing cognitive load, and reflections on balancing professional life with parenthood. He also introduces his new book, Harnessing the Science of Learning—a must-read for educators looking to simplify and strengthen their teaching practice. ✨

Grab Dr. Swain’s book here → https://www.nathanielswain.com/hsol-book 🎧 Whether you’re a classroom teacher, instructional coach, or school leader, this episode will inspire you to lean into what works and empower others along the way.

✅ Episode Chapters 00:00 –

Welcome to Season Two

02:10 – What’s new with Dr. Nathaniel Swain

07:16 – Advice for new teachers entering the field

10:19 – Practical guidance for new principals

13:32 – Whole-class teaching: A flexible, high-impact approach

22:05 – Supporting experienced teachers in evolving systems

25:15 – Balancing parenthood and professional life

28:31 – Highlights from Harnessing the Science of Learning (and how to get it)

36:00 – Closing reflections and what’s ahead this season

✅ What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why strong Tier 1 instruction is the foundation for success

• Practical advice for new teachers and principals

• How to share your expertise to strengthen your school ecosystem

• The freedom that comes from structured literacy

🎙️ Favorite Sound Bites “It’s selfish not to share your expertise.”

“Be a hands-on leader in your school.”

“Structured literacy isn’t rigid—it’s freeing.”

✨ Subscribe for more inspiring conversations about literacy success!

🎙️ Leading with Intention: Principal Langerman on Tier 1 Transformation

In this episode of On the Road to Literacy Success, we’re joined by Principal Kristen Langerman of McLaurin Elementary (Rankin County School District, MS), a recognized Mississippi Emerging Science of Reading School.

Principal Langerman takes us inside her school’s journey toward literacy transformation by sharing what it truly means to lead intentionally. From demonstrating instruction to co-teaching and engaging in continuous, focused instructional conversations, she models the kind of leadership that brings Tier 1 to life.

Principal Langerman also shares how her team implemented Educate’s 3-part Tier 1 system across their K–6 classrooms, creating common language and common practices that boosted clarity and collaboration. The results? In the 2023–2024 school year, every single 3rd grader at McLaurin passed the state’s literacy promotion assessment.

This is an episode filled with heart, strategy, and inspiration—you won’t want to miss it.

✨ Highlights

How instructional leadership shows up in classrooms—not just offices

Using co-teaching and live modeling to support teacher growth

Building a culture of focused instructional conversations

Implementing Educate’s Tier 1 Framework© to create shared systems

Celebrating 100% 3rd grade reading proficiency on the state test

🎧 Tune in and be inspired to lead literacy with intention. #GoodHumansEducate #DrStaciBain #EducateWithStaci #wecandothis

In this conversation, Dr. DJ Bolger shares his extensive journey in literacy research, emphasizing the importance of brain imaging and the science of reading movement. He discusses the need for explicit teaching, the role of cultural humility, and the significance of understanding the unique backgrounds of students. Bolger highlights the complexities of reading as a cognitive process and the importance of evidence-based practices in education.

Dr. Bolger discusses the importance of moving beyond "sticking with the script" and "The Simple View"--and MUCH more!

🎙 On the Road to Literacy Success by GoodHumansEducate

Host: Dr. Staci Bain

In this engaging episode, Dr. Leslie Laud shares insights from her extensive experience in writing instruction and its transformative impact on both students and teachers. Dr. Laud discusses her passion for teaching, the effectiveness of evidence-based writing strategies, and the significant gains observed in student performance. The conversation offers practical solutions for K-12 educators, emphasizing the need for professional development and the joy of seeing students thrive in their writing abilities.

📚 Key Takeaways:

👉 Don’t miss this inspiring conversation!

Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of On the Road to Literacy Success, dedicated to driving literacy growth!

Also, visit us at GoodHumansEducate.com to transform your Tier 1 practices.

#OnTheRoadToLiteracySuccess #DrLeslieLaud #WritingInstruction #EvidenceBasedPractices #GoodHumansEducate

In this episode of 'On the Road to Literacy Success', Dr. Staci Bain interviews Kareem Weaver, a civil rights activist and literacy advocate.

They discuss the importance of evidence-based practices in education, the role of leadership in fostering a culture of literacy, and the need for transparency and accountability in schools.

Kareem shares his personal journey in education, highlights unsung heroes in literacy, and emphasizes the significance of cultural context in teaching.

The conversation also touches on the complex relationship between belonging and literacy, and the future of education focused on empowering students to read and learn effectively.

You can check out the trailer for The Right To Read by clicking here.

In this conversation, Educate's Founder (Staci) interviews Angy Graham, the Executive Director of PK Curriculum and Instruction at Rankin County School District in Mississippi. They discuss how the district achieved significant improvements in literacy outcomes, with 89% of kindergartners reaching grade level according to iReady by the end of 2024. They also talk about the district's focus on Tier 1 instruction, the importance of collaboration and collective practices, and the impact of their efforts on student success. Angy Graham shares the district's journey, the results they have achieved, and their plans for the future. KEYWORDS: literacy success, Rankin County School District, Mississippi, kindergarten, iReady, tier one instruction, collaboration, collective practices, student success TAKEAWAYS: Rankin County School District in Mississippi achieved significant improvements in literacy outcomes, with 89% of kindergartners reaching grade level according to iReady by the end of 2024. The district's success can be attributed to their focus (by teachers and leaders) on Tier 1 instruction and the implementation of collective practices across all grade levels. Collaboration and communication between teachers, leaders, and administrators played a crucial role in the district's achievements. The district's efforts have had a positive impact on student success, with increasing percentages of students performing at or above grade level. Rankin County School District's story has gained recognition and they have been invited to share their experiences and strategies at various conferences and events. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 00:28 Implementation and Challenges 00:51 Expanding the Implementation 02:04 Building a Bench of Educate Facilitators 03:20 Empowering Teachers with Tier One Training 05:39 Repurposing Resources for Success 08:31 Data-Driven Results 09:59 Excitement of Seeing Success 10:12 Reflections on the Journey and Future Plans 10:54 Unifying the District and Meeting in the Middle 13:13 Expanding the Focus to Grades 9-12 15:40 Recognition and Humility 16:12 Sharing the Story and Future Engagements 22:51