Right To Read Initiative

Right To Read Initiative

By Kathryn GarforthEducation
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Right To Read Initiative episodes

  • Maria Murray: The Reading League

    Join host Kathryn Garforth as she sits down with Dr. Maria Murray, founder of The Reading League, for an inspiring deep dive into the grassroots beginnings and remarkable growth of this movement that’s transforming literacy education. Dr. Murray shares her journey—from recognizing gaps in how reading science was (or wasn’t) reaching teachers, to coordinating the very first packed live event, to fostering a nationwide network now spanning nearly every state.

    Together, they tackle big questions: Why has reading science taken so long to reach the classroom? How can schools, educators, and administrators work together to create lasting literacy change? And what does it take to truly support all learners, not just those with specific diagnoses? Hear behind-the-scenes stories about starting state chapters, launching electrifying conferences, and developing valuable resources like The Reading League’s Compass and curriculum evaluation guidelines.

    If you care about literacy, advocacy, and the power of community-driven change, this energizing conversation is for you. Tune in for practical insights, a few good laughs, and a vision of a future where every child—and adult—has the right to read.

    43 min
  • Dr. Maria Murray: My Story

    Welcome, in this episode I sat down with Dr. Maria Murray, President of The Reading League, for a candid and heartfelt conversation about the state of reading education. Dr. Murray shares her personal journey from history teacher to literacy advocate, opening up about her initial lack of awareness regarding learning disabilities and dyslexia, and the frustration that drove her to spark real change in the field.

    Together, Kathryn and Maria pull back the curtain on the persistent gaps between research and classroom practice, reflecting on why so many teacher preparation programs still fail to equip educators with the tools and knowledge grounded in the science of reading. From anecdotes about university roadblocks to the grassroots beginnings of The Reading League, they discuss the urgency of bridging disciplinary divides and ensuring every teacher—and every student—has access to evidence-aligned instruction.

    You’ll hear stories about the real-world challenges faced by teachers, the surge of momentum for literacy reform, and the importance of honest, actionable professional development. Whether you’re an educator, parent, or advocate, this episode dives into the passion and perseverance it takes to transform how we teach children to read—and why the work is far from done.

    Tune in for inspiration, practical insights, and a glimpse into the future of reading education.

    Three fun facts from this episode are:

    1. Dr. Maria Murray helped track down participants from a major dyslexia study 11 years later using creative methods like MySpace!

    2. The Reading League grew rapidly by hosting free, energetic sessions—attracting thousands of teachers, some of whom drove six hours to attend after-school events.

    3. Dr. Murray once handed out so many copies of the National Reading Panel report to her students that UPS would deliver them by the cartload to her office!

    Meet Dr. Maria Murray:

    Maria S. Murray, Ph.D., is the founder and CEO of The Reading League, a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to advance the awareness, understanding, and use of evidence-aligned reading instruction. Before founding The Reading League, Dr. Murray was an associate professor at the State University of New York at Oswego, where she taught courses related to literacy assessment and intervention for ten years. She received her Ph.D. in Reading Education from Syracuse University, where she served as project coordinator for Dr. Benita Blachman’s numerous federally funded early reading intervention grants. 

    As a nationally recognized expert in the science of reading, Dr. Murray serves on advisory boards and committees for numerous local, state, and national literacy organizations, such as the National Joint Committee on Learning Disabilities and the Evidence Advocacy Center.

    Dr. Murray is passionate about the prevention and remediation of reading difficulty and consistently strives to increase educator knowledge and the connections between research and practice. 

    You can find more from Dr. Maria Murray on

    LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-murray-ph-d-734a1973/

    Website: https://www.thereadingleague.org/

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    Would you like a transcript of this episode? Click here

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    54 min
  • Elise Lovejoy: My Journey

    Join host Dr. Kathryn Garforth on the latest episode of the Right to Read Initiative as she sits down with Elise Lovejoy, the founder of Express Readers, to delve into foundational reading skills and the creation of decodable books for young learners. Elise, a seasoned educator and parent, shares her personal journey, enriched by her experience with a neurodiverse family member, and how it has shaped her empathetic approach to teaching.

    Together, they discuss the transformative power of phonics and the critical role of connecting with students, especially those with neurodiverse backgrounds. Tune in to understand the importance of phonemic awareness, the use of "pseudo words," and the differences in communication styles when teaching young children versus educators.
    Elise reveals her path from creating classroom resources to establishing a successful business, overcoming challenges with inspiration from significant educational research. She stresses the need for continuous learning, teacher support, and resource availability, advocating for a systemic shift towards phonetically systematic education methods.
    This episode is filled with valuable insights on the necessity of adaptable teaching practices, the benefits of decodable books, and practical strategies for fostering student engagement in reading. Discover the importance of building trust with students, leveraging collaboration among educators, and the power of personalized education to meet the unique needs of every child.
    Whether you’re an educator, parent, or passionate about literacy, this episode offers profound discussions and actionable advice to enhance reading education practices.

    1 hr 5 min
  • Nathaniel Swain: Harnessing the Science of Learning

    In this episode of the Garforth Education Podcast, host Dr, Kathryn Garforth is joined by Dr. Nathaniel Swain to delve into the transformative power of active learning in the classroom. Dr. Swain begins with a powerful quote by Anita Archer, "learning isn't a spectator sport," and emphasizes the need for engaging, participatory teaching strategies. From discussions and partner work to mini whiteboard responses and cold calls, discover how these methods foster an environment where students feel safe to take risks and learn from their mistakes.

    Dr. Kathryn Garforth and Dr. Swain also discuss how to set students up for success by tailoring questions to their readiness during activities, ensuring every learner is motivated and encouraged to participate. The conversation extends into the responsive and adaptive nature of effective teaching, differentiating between biologically primary and secondary knowledge based on David Geary's work, and the significance of explicitly teaching complex skills.
    Topics covered include cognitive load theory, the distinction between novice and expert learners, and trauma-informed and culturally responsive teaching. Learn how orchestrating success can motivate students, the benefits of high expectations and norms within the classroom, and the practical implementation of scientifically-backed educational strategies.
    Dr. Swain shares insights from his book, "Harnessing the Science of Learning," which provides foundational knowledge and practical applications for everyday teachers. The episode also explores differentiation in education, balancing teacher autonomy with accountability, and the ongoing nature of educational research.
    Join us for an enlightening discussion on making teaching both an art and a science, ensuring effective, evidence-based practices that enhance student learning and teacher satisfaction.
    Dr Nathaniel Swain is a Teacher, Instructional Coach, and Writer. He works as a Senior Lecturer in Learning Sciences at La Trobe University School of Education and SOLAR LAB, and he produces a blog for teachers called Dr Swain’s Cognitorium. Nathaniel has taught a range of learners in schools and universities, and founded a community of teachers committed to the Science of Learning: THINK FORWARD EDUCATORS, now 25,000 members and growing. Dr Swain is a sought after speaker on educational circuits, and has a new book entitled “Harnessing the Science of Learning: Success stories to help kickstart your school improvement”.

    50 min

About Right To Read Initiative

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Listen to Dr. Kathryn Garforth and her guests as they discuss ways to support children's #RightToRead. These conversations provide information for educators and advocates about: