Reading Inspires by Reading Is Fundamental

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.