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In this deeply personal and inspiring episode, Dr. Lisa Hassler—educator, researcher, and host of The Brighter Side of Education—shares the story behind her transformative book: America’s Embarrassing Reading Crisis: What We Learned from COVID. Co-hosted by her husband, Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., this episode offers a candid look at her journey from a life-changing trip to Brazil to writing a book that’s become a call to action for educational leaders, teachers, and parents across the country.

The conversation covers:

• The origin of Lisa’s interest in family second language acquisition and online teaching
• How a rejected dissertation idea led to the research question: “Does virtual school work in second grade for third grade reading proficiency?”
• The surprising and significant research findings that emerged from her dissertation on virtual learning
• The design and implementation of a HyFlex (hybrid-flexible) classroom model for early reading intervention
• Practical, replicable strategies that led to improved outcomes in her own classroom
• The systemic barriers—and opportunities—for improving early reading instruction in a post-COVID landscape

This episode provides both professional and personal insight into the urgency of the U.S. reading crisis, offering hope, research-based solutions, and a look at how innovation can emerge from adversity.

💡 This episode is CPD accredited!
 Educators can now earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) minutes by listening. To claim your certificate:

1. Listen to the full episode
2. Visit https://thecpd.group/podcast
3. Enter code 800103 to check in and download your certificate

Continue your professional growth—one episode at a time

Great News! The Brighter Side of Education is now CPD Accredited! 

Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMD
Trusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily.

Head to the show notes to find if this episode is CPD eligible and details on how to claim your CPD certification!

Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMD
Trusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily.

Support the show

If you have a story about what's working in your schools that you'd like to share, email me at [email protected] or visit www.drlisahassler.com. Subscribe, tell a friend, and consider becoming a supporter by clicking the link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2048018/support.

The music in this podcast was written and performed by Brandon Picciolini of the Lonesome Family Band. Visit and follow him on Instagram.