In this episode, Jeffrey Bradbury and Laura Stewart discuss the science of reading with Dr. Rob Friel and Dr. Brian Cromer from South Western School District. They explore the importance of leadership in implementing literacy changes, the challenges faced during the transformation, and the significance of building a collaborative culture among educators. 

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Bold Moves from Theory & Practice

95 Percent Group is an education company whose mission is to build on science to empower teachers—supplying the knowledge, resources, and support they need—to develop strong readers. Using an approach that is based in structured literacy, the company’s One95 Literacy Ecosystem™ integrates professional learning and evidence-based literacy products into one cohesive system that supports consistent instructional routines across tiers and is proven and trusted to help students close skill gaps and read fluently. 95 Percent Group is also committed to advancing research, best practices, and thought leadership on the science of reading more broadly. For additional information on 95 Percent Group, visit: https://www.95percentgroup.com.

Laura Stewart is the Chief Academic Officer at 95 Percent Group. She is a nationally recognized Science of Reading and Structured Literacy advocate who has dedicated her career to improving literacy achievement at leading education companies. Stewart has more than 25 years of academic leadership experience. Most recently, she served as the Chief Innovation Officer for The Reading League and Chief Academic Officer for professional development with the Highlights Education Group. Other key education roles include vice president of professional development for the Rowland Reading Foundation and Zaner-Bloser, school district administrator and adjunct professor.

She is the author of several training guides and training workshops, as well as 12 children’s books, and the co-author of The Everything Guide to Informational Text, K-2: Best Texts, Best Practices (Corwin Press, 2014). She serves on several advisory boards, including The Path Forward for Teacher Preparation and Licensure in Early Literacy.

Dr. Robert S. Freil is the Assistant Superintendent for the South Western School District, Hanover,PA. He has worked for South Western as a member of the Educational Leadership Cabinet since 2017, serving previously as the Director of Curriculum Instruction and Assessment (2017 - 2023) and in his current role as Assistant Superintendent (2023 - present).  Prior to his work at South Western, he spent over 16 years with the Mt. Lebanon School District, Pittsburgh, PA, as Principal (Markham Elementary School 2010 - 2017), an Assistant Principal (Jefferson Middle School 2006 - 2010) and as a High School English teacher (2001 - 2006). He also taught from 1997 - 2001 at the Littlestown Area School District, also as a HS English teacher.  

Dr. Freil is an active member of several professional organizations, most notably with PASCD where he has served in multiple leadership roles for the organization, most recently named President Elect for the state organization, beginning the term in 2025 and ending in 2028.  Additionally, he works as an adjunct faculty at McDaniel College in the Innovations of Teaching and Learning program, and previously worked in an adjunct role at Penn West University in the Administration and Secondary Education Department for their K-12 principal certification and Masters of Education program.  He has been able to present at multiple conferences within the state, focused on topics ranging from curricular leadership to literacy leadership, most specifically featured at the 2024 Pennsylvania Literacy Leadership Summit sponsored by the International Dyslexia Association of PA.   

His educational background includes a Bachelor’s of Arts in English Education from Westminster College, a Masters of Education in K-12 Administration from California University of PA, and a Doctorate of Education in School Leadership and Administrative and Policy Studies from the University of Pittsburgh.  

He and his wife Carlyn have been married for 25 years and have four children - Jonah (23), Evan (21), Audra (18) and Zachary (16). They reside in Hanover PA and are active in their church and with extended family members. 

Dr. Brian M. Cromer, a seasoned South Western School District educator, currently serves as the Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment in Hanover, PA. His 26-year tenure with the district has spanned various roles, showcasing his dedication to education at all levels.

Before his current leadership position, Brian spent sixteen years as an elementary principal at both Manheim Elementary and West Manheim Elementary. In his final two years as a principal, he additionally assumed the role of Elementary Supervisor, overseeing the programmatic initiatives of the district's four elementary schools. Before embarking on his administrative career, Brian taught Physical Education at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.

Beyond his work within the South Western School District, Brian contributes to the field of education as an adjunct professor at McDaniel College. He focuses on K-12 principal certification within the Educational Leadership program, sharing his expertise and guiding future educational leaders.

Brian and his wife, Shannon, reside in Hanover with their three children. Madalyn, a PreK-4 and Special Education major, attends Shippensburg University. Owen will soon embark on his academic journey at Towson University, majoring in Secondary Math. Sullivan, currently a fifth-grader in the South Western School District, rounds out the family. The Cromers enjoy their time together, often spending it at the beach and Chesapeake Bay, indulging in activities like fishing, crabbing, and camping.

In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:

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