In this episode of the Reading Inspires podcast, host Erin Bailey sits down with Dr. Shannon Kane, an assistant clinical professor and literacy expert, to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and literacy education. Dr. Kane shares her unique journey from international development to K-12 education and higher ed, and discusses how she and her colleagues began investigating the role of AI in teaching. The conversation delves into the varying comfort levels with AI among pre-service and in-service teachers, highlighting the challenges and opportunities that come with integrating new technologies into the classroom. Dr. Kane emphasizes the importance of intentional training and ethical, critical engagement with AI, both for educators and their students.

The discussion covers practical applications of AI in education, such as supporting foundational reading skills, differentiating instruction for multilingual learners, and scaffolding the writing process. Dr. Kane and Erin address equity concerns, noting the need for accessible AI tools and thoughtful policy decisions to ensure all students benefit. They also reflect on the evolving capabilities of AI, the importance of teacher and student agency, and the critical role of feedback in reducing bias and improving technology. The episode concludes with Dr. Kane sharing how reading inspires creativity, connection, and courage, leaving listeners with a hopeful vision for the future of literacy and technology in education.

About Dr. Shannon Kane:
Shannon M. Kane, Ed.D., serves as an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Teaching,Learning, Policy, and Leadership at the University of Maryland. Her academic and professional endeavors focus on literacy education, teacher preparation, and teacher professional growth. Dr. Kane’s career beganin the field of international development, where she worked on initiatives centered on women’s empowerment and access to education. She later joined the inaugural DC Teaching Fellows cohort, teaching in both traditional public and public charter schools in Washington, D.C. Her professional experience includes time as an instructional coach, curriculum developer, professional development consultant, school leader, teacher-researcher, and adjunct faculty member. Dr. Kane holds a doctorate in Reading, Writing, and Literacy from the University of Pennsylvania, as well as master’s degrees in International Development and in Elementary Education/TESOL. Her research examines multiple dimensions of literacy and teacher development, including K–12 literacy instruction with an emphasis on critical literacy, the preparation and mentoring of teachers as literacy practitioners, the integration of technology into literacy pedagogy, the role of classroom discourse in literacy learning, and the ways identity shapes literacy practices and experiences.

This webinar, hosted by Reading Is Fundamental (RIF), explores the critical role of reading aloud in fostering literacy and language comprehension for children of all ages. Dr. Molly Ness, a literacy expert, shares research-backed insights on the cognitive, emotional, and physiological benefits of read-alouds, both at home and in classrooms. Key points include:

• Reading aloud is the single most important activity for literacy success, building vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking skills.
• Interactive read-alouds—with conversation and engagement—are most effective, and should include high-quality texts across genres, including nonfiction.
• Scientific studies show that frequent read-alouds activate brain regions linked to language development, reduce stress, and even improve health outcomes in children, including premature infants and hospitalized kids.
• Author visits and read-alouds boost children’s motivation to read and write, especially when students can interact with authors.
• Practical strategies for families include modeling reading, creating cozy reading spaces, tracking books read, and integrating reading into daily routines beyond bedtime.
• Fight the “decline at nine”: Continue read-alouds beyond age nine, as children still value and benefit from them.
• Use “think-alouds”: Model your thought process during reading to help children develop comprehension skills.
• Read above grade level: Children’s listening comprehension exceeds their reading ability until adolescence, so expose them to more complex texts.
• Highlight print features for young children to build early literacy skills.
• Include nonfiction: Intentionally read informational texts to prepare children for academic demands.
• Multiple readings: Re-reading books allows for deeper vocabulary and comprehension work.

The session concludes with a Q&A on best practices for think-alouds and multiple readings, and encouragement for educators and families to make reading aloud a joyful, regular part of children’s lives.

About Dr. Molly Ness:
Molly Ness is a former classroom teacher, a reading researcher, and a teacher educator. She earned a doctorate in reading education at the University of Virginia, and spent 16 years as an associate professor at Fordham University in New York City. The author of five books, Molly served on the Board of Directors for the International Literacy Association and is a New York state chapter founder of the Reading League. Dr. Ness has extensive experience in reading clinics, consulting with school districts, leading professional development, and advising school systems on research-based reading instruction. She provided literacy leadership for nationally recognized literacy non-profits, as well as major educational publishers.   

In 2024, Molly was invited to serve on the New York State Dyslexia Task Force. A frequent speaker and presenter, her happy place is translating the science of reading to schools and teachers. As a tireless literacy advocate, Molly created the End Book Deserts podcast, which brings awareness to the 32 million American children who lack access to books. She is currently writing a forthcoming Scholastic book, helping teachers understand orthographic mapping. In 2024, she founded Dirigo Literacy, a literacy consulting firm supporting schools, districts, and states align with and implement the science of reading.  

When she is not reading and writing about reading and writing, Dr. Ness is driving her ice-hockey obsessed teenage daughter to the rink, learning how to fly fish, or hiking with her poorly behaved goldendoodle.  

Dr. Molly Ness’s books:

Read Alouds for All Learners

Making Words Stick by Molly Ness, Katie Pace Miles | Scholastic Education

In this episode of the Reading Inspires podcast, host Erin Bailey welcomes Khari Arnold, the founder of Library Dads, to discuss his journey and the mission behind his organization. Khari shares the story of how Library Dads began, highlighting the importance of father figures and male role models in promoting reading among children. The conversation explores the challenges and successes Khari has experienced in building a supportive network that encourages dads to become more involved in their children's literacy development.

Throughout the episode, Khari and Erin delve into the impact that positive male involvement can have on young readers, as well as the broader implications for families and schools. They discuss practical strategies for engaging fathers, overcoming barriers to participation, and fostering a love of reading at home and in the community. The episode concludes with reflections on the transformative power of reading and the ways in which initiatives like Library Dads can inspire lasting change in children's lives.

Episode Links:
Library Dads: Home | The Library Dads
Jim Trelease's Read-Aloud Handbook: Jim Trelease's Read-Aloud Handbook: Eighth Edition
Murdoch Children's Research Institute: Dad's reading is new chapter of child language development - Murdoch Children's Research Institute
Let Them Theory: The Let Them Theory: A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can't Stop Talking About

In this episode, Dr. Erin Bailey hosts a conversation with bestselling children's authors and educators Susan Verde and Emma Walton Hamilton, exploring how to nurture a lifelong love of reading in children amidst the distractions of the digital age.

The discussion highlights the cognitive and emotional benefits of reading, contrasts the effects of screen time versus print, and offers practical strategies for parents and educators to foster curiosity and joy around books. Key takeaways include starting to read with children early and often, modeling reading as a pleasurable activity, connecting books to children's passions and daily life, and allowing autonomy in book choices.

The guests also introduce the Enlightened Generation initiative, which pairs books with themed clothing to reinforce learning and curiosity. The episode concludes with a Q&A, emphasizing the importance of preserving the connection between reading and joy, and encouraging flexibility and patience in supporting young readers.

About Susan Verde:

Susan Verde is a #1 New York Times bestselling and award-winning author and yoga-mindfulness expert. Susan has written over 20 books for children and adults, including all nine books in the New York Times bestselling I Am series illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds. Her picture book The Water Princess was an ALA Notable Children’s Book, Amazon Best Book of the Month, and New York Public Library Best Book. Her nonfiction book for adults, Say One Kind Thing, is an original essay collection about the power of positive self-talk and her reflections on motherhood.  

In addition to her writing career, Susan co-founded Enlightened Generation, a groundbreaking children’s clothing brand with an impact-driven mission. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s degree in reading remediation and was an elementary school teacher for many years. She is now certified in yoga and mindfulness and teaches workshops for kids of all ages. Susan currently lives in East Hampton, New York with her rescue dogs, 2 cats, and three children.  

About Emma Walton Hamilton:

EMMA WALTON HAMILTON is a best-selling and award-winning author, editor, producer and writing coach. 

Together with her mother, Julie Andrews, she has co-authored over thirty-five books for children and adults, nine of which have been on the New York Times best-seller list, including The Very Fairy Princess series (#1 NY Times Bestseller) and Andrews' second memoir, Home Work: A Memoir of My Hollywood Years. A Bridport Prize-winning poet, Emma's poetry collection, Door to Door, was published by Andrews McMeel, and her book for parents and caregivers, Raising Bookworms: Getting Kids Reading for Pleasure and Empowerment, premiered as a #1 best-seller on Amazon.com in the literacy category and won a Parent's Choice Gold Medal. 

Emma was a two-time Emmy Award nominee for her role as Executive Producer and Writer for Julie's Greenroom, a children's television program about the performing arts created for Netflix, starring Julie Andrews and co-produced by the Jim Henson Company. Emma is also a Grammy Award-winning voice-over artist, having provided voicing for numerous audiobooks, including Julie Andrews’ Collection of Poems, Songs and Lullabies (2010 Grammy Award, Best Spoken Word Album for Children), as well as numerous radio, television, theater and industrial spots. Currently, she and her mother co-host and co-produce Julie's Library, a story-time podcast for family audiences produced by American Public Media.

 A faculty member for Stony Brook University’s MFA in Creative Writing and Literature, Emma teaches all forms of children’s book writing at the graduate and undergraduate level and serves as Director of their annual Children’s Literature Conference, as well as Executive Director of the Young Artists and Writers Project (YAWP), an interdisciplinary writing program for middle and high school students. A former actress and theatre director, Emma was a co-founder of Bay Street Theatre in Sag Harbor, where she served as co-Artistic Director and Director of Education and Programming for Young Audiences for 17 years. 

Emma is also the co-creator of Picture Book Summit, the world-class, annual online conference for picture book writers, and The Complete Picture Book Submissions System. Independently, Emma o`ers home-study courses and other products and resources for writers at her website, EmmaWaltonHamilton.com. An accomplished public speaker, she regularly addresses conferences, schools, universities and other groups about the value of, and synergy between, the arts and literacy.

In this episode, host Erin Bailey welcomes Dr. Molly Ness, a renowned literacy expert, to discuss the transformative power of reading aloud. Dr. Ness shares her journey from classroom teacher to researcher, emphasizing that read alouds are not just enjoyable but essential for language comprehension, emotional well-being, and building lifelong readers. She explains that reading aloud should never be used as a reward or punishment, but as a cornerstone of effective literacy instruction for all ages—even infants and adults.

Dr. Ness highlights research showing the physiological and psychological benefits of reading aloud, including its calming effects on infants in neonatal care. She also discusses the importance of making read alouds accessible in any language and adapting them to fit diverse family routines. The conversation explores creative approaches, such as reading to animals or using wordless picture books, to foster a love of reading in all children.

The episode delves into orthographic mapping—a cognitive process that helps readers instantly recognize words—and its critical role in reading comprehension. Dr. Ness addresses the gap between literacy research and classroom practice, advocating for educators and families to become critical consumers of research and to seek out accessible resources.

Looking ahead, Dr. Ness is excited about the interdisciplinary focus in literacy research and the growing recognition that every teacher is a reading teacher. She concludes by sharing how reading inspires her, providing both intellectual stimulation and personal rejuvenation, and encourages listeners to embrace whatever reading brings them joy.

About Dr. Molly Ness:
Molly Ness is a former classroom teacher, a reading researcher, and a teacher educator. She earned a doctorate in reading education at the University of Virginia, and spent 16 years as an associate professor at Fordham University in New York City. The author of five books, Molly served on the Board of Directors for the International Literacy Association and is a New York state chapter founder of the Reading League. Dr. Ness has extensive experience in reading clinics, consulting with school districts, leading professional development, and advising school systems on research-based reading instruction. She provided literacy leadership for nationally recognized literacy non-profits, as well as major educational publishers.   

In 2024, Molly was invited to serve on the New York State Dyslexia Task Force. A frequent speaker and presenter, her happy place is translating the science of reading to schools and teachers. As a tireless literacy advocate, Molly created the End Book Deserts podcast, which brings awareness to the 32 million American children who lack access to books. She is currently writing a forthcoming Scholastic book, helping teachers understand orthographic mapping. In 2024, she founded Dirigo Literacy, a literacy consulting firm supporting schools, districts, and states align with and implement the science of reading.  

When she is not reading and writing about reading and writing, Dr. Ness is driving her ice-hockey obsessed teenage daughter to the rink, learning how to fly fish, or hiking with her poorly behaved goldendoodle.  

Dr. Molly Ness’s books:

Read Alouds for All Learners

Making Words Stick by Molly Ness, Katie Pace Miles | Scholastic Education

This is a recording of the webinar “Science + Joy= Impact: The Writing Process” presented by Jennifer Jump, Senior Academic Officer at Teacher Created Materials. Get ready to rediscover the power and playfulness of writing! In this energizing webinar, we’ll unpack the writing process not as a rigid sequence, but as a flexible, recursive journey where every stage—prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing—holds power and purpose. Grounded in the writing process and supported by insights from What the Science of Reading Says About Writing, this session will explore how writing instruction can be both structured and liberating. 

You’ll walk away with high-impact strategies, fresh classroom-ready ideas, and a renewed sense of joy around teaching writing. Whether your students are brainstorming or publishing, writing for fun or function, there’s a place for every voice in the process. Let’s write our way forward—together! 

About Jennifer Jump:

Jennifer A. Jump serves as a Senior Academic Officer at Teacher Created Materials. In this capacity, Ms. Jump provides expert professional development and training for school districts, educators, and educational trainers. A passionate educator with over twenty years of experience, Jennifer has dedicated her career to improving student achievement. Before joining TCM, she served as the Literacy Director for Washington, D.C.'s public school system. In this role, she led the development of an organized, content-rich ELA curriculum for grades K-5, ensuring it addressed the diverse needs of all students. Additionally, she facilitated professional learning for large groups of educators and provided individualized coaching to support improved literacy outcomes. 

Jen Jump’s book: What the Science of Reading Says about Writing

In this episode, host Erin Bailey welcomes Dr. Daris McInnis, an educator with a unique journey from the military to early childhood teaching. Erin and Daris discuss the developmental milestones in K-2 writing, emphasizing the importance of handwriting, fine motor skills, and authentic writing experiences for young children. Daris explains concepts like invented and phonetic spelling, and offers practical advice for families to encourage writing at home, including bridging oral storytelling traditions with written expression. The conversation also touches on how parents can inspire a writing identity in their children, even if they don’t see themselves as writers. The episode concludes with Daris sharing how reading inspires him to ask questions and imagine new possibilities.

In this special 60th anniversary episode of Reading Inspires, host Dr. Erin Bailey speaks with Alicia Levi, President and CEO of Reading Is Fundamental, and Jack Remondi, Chairman of RIF's Board of Directors, to reflect on six decades of literacy leadership. The conversation explores how RIF's mission has remained steadfast since 1966—closing the gap in book access for children who need it most. While the core challenge persists, today's landscape is more complex, with digital inequities, learning loss, multilingual communities, and competing technologies requiring innovative solutions. Both guests emphasize that RIF's ability to adapt while staying true to its mission has been key to the organization's sustained impact.

The episode highlights RIF's bold vision for the future, centered on the announcement that through Skybird, RIF's ebook platform, every child in America now has access to 100 free books—a transformational milestone that fulfills the organization's founding aspiration. Alicia and Jack share powerful stories of children's joy at book distribution events, from a second-grader exclaiming "it's like Christmas with books" to children asking "is this really mine?" Their message is clear: reading changes lives when it's accessible, relevant, and joyful, and everyone—parents, educators, donors, and advocates—has a role to play in shaping the next 60 years of reading in America.

About Alicia Levi:
Alicia Levi currently serves as President and CEO of Reading Is Fundamental (RIF). Over the last five years, Alicia’s vision and guidance has led to an increased digital presence offering substantial book resources, a greater depth and breadth of community engagement, growth of program offerings including its eBook library, Skybrary and an enhanced focus on the importance of race, equity and inclusion within children’s literacy. During Alicia’s tenure RIF reached the milestone of serving its 100 millionth child. Throughout her career, Alicia has been focused on education and has worked to transform the lives of children through smart strategies to improve academic outcomes.

About Jack Remondi:
Jack Remondi currently serves as the Chair of Reading Is Fundamental's Board of Directors. Jack is a Financial Services Chief Executive Officer recognized for numerous industry firsts. A seasoned change agent, he innovates strategically and operationally, yielding sustainable growth, enhanced profitability, and greater shareholder value. He finds ways to solve the most complex organizational challenges with integrity and a balanced commitment to shareholders and employees.