Have you ever had a student with autism in your classroom and felt unsure of how to best support them? You’re not alone! In this episode, I sit down with special education teacher Heather Cacioppo to break down simple, evidence-based strategies to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment for students with autism.

We explore common misconceptions, how to recognize early signs, and what teachers can do to provide meaningful support—without overhauling their entire classroom routine. Whether it’s sensory-friendly accommodations or strategies to build social skills, you’ll walk away with practical tools to implement right away.

In this episode, we'll talk about... 

• The biggest myths about autism—and the truth behind them.
• How to create a sensory-friendly classroom without disrupting learning.
• Simple ways to support communication and social skills development.

Show Links

Full Sped Ahead blog
Follow Heather on Instagram
Full Sped Ahead Facebook group
Board Maker
Lesson Pix
Visual Timer
Squeeze Cheese
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Have you ever given your students a list of spelling words, drilled them all week, and still watched them struggle on Friday’s test? If so, you’re not alone! In this episode, I’m breaking down the biggest myths about spelling instruction—and sharing research-backed strategies that actually help students retain spelling patterns for the long haul.

We’ll dive into how spelling and phonics go hand in hand, why memorization doesn’t work, and how to teach spelling in a way that sticks. Plus, I’ll share simple tweaks you can make today to align spelling instruction with the research.

In this episode, we'll explore... 

• Why traditional spelling drills don’t work—and what to do instead.
• How to integrate spelling into phonics instruction for stronger retention.
• Easy, evidence-based strategies like sound mapping to make spelling stick.

Show Links

Spelling Rule Posters
Spelling Rules Cheat Sheet
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Ever feel like you're running on caffeine and fumes just to make it through the school day? You're not alone! In this episode, I sit down with nutrition educator and coach Kate Lyman to talk about how small, strategic nutrition shifts can boost energy, improve focus, and help prevent teacher burnout.

We break down the science behind brain fuel and simple, no-stress ways to eat better—even with a packed schedule. From high-protein breakfasts to easy grab-and-go snacks, you’ll walk away with practical strategies to stay energized without overhauling your entire routine.

In this episode, you'll learn...

• The link between nutrition and teacher burnout (and how to fix it). 
• Quick, high protein breakfasts that actually keep you full. 
• Easy, no-prep snacks to keep in your classroom for all-day energy.

Show Links

Check out Kate on Instagram
The Ultimate Batch Prep Guide
Oats Overnight
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Have you ever had a student who struggles to pronounce words clearly—or one who seems to have trouble following directions or understanding new vocabulary? You might be seeing early signs of speech and language difficulties, which can directly impact reading success.

In this episode, I sit down with pediatric speech pathologist Rita Shamoun to explore the critical connection between oral language development and literacy. We break down how speech and language delays affect phonemic awareness, reading comprehension, and spelling—and, most importantly, what teachers can do to provide effective support.

You'll learn:

1. The difference between speech and language difficulties—and why both matter for reading.
2. How to spot early signs that a student may need extra support.
3. Why a multidisciplinary approach is key to ensuring students don’t fall through the cracks.

Show Links

Wine With Wita Podcast
Rita Shamoun Speech Pathology Website
Follow Rita on Instagram 
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Teaching phonics doesn’t have to feel like reinventing the wheel! In this episode, I'm sharing my favorite multisensory strategies to engage every learner. Whether you’re a new teacher looking to make phonics fun or a veteran searching for fresh ideas, this episode will give you practical tips to elevate your instruction. Learn how multisensory techniques activate multiple parts of the brain, making learning faster, easier, and more enjoyable for kids—without adding extra work to your plate.

In this episode, we'll talk about... 

• Why multisensory phonics instruction works. 
• Simple multisensory phonics activities to try with your students (that don't require any prep!)
• How to integrate multisensory learning into your day. 

Show Links

Join Malia on Instagram.
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Have you ever had a student who was hard of hearing and felt unsure about how to meet their needs? You’re not alone! In this episode, I sit down with Deanna Barlow, an itinerant teacher of the deaf and hard of hearing, to explore practical, research-backed strategies for making literacy instruction more accessible.

We dive into how hearing loss impacts phonemic awareness, language development, and reading skills—and what you can do to ensure every student thrives. Whether it’s using assistive technology, making simple classroom adjustments, or incorporating visual supports, these strategies will benefit all learners, not just those with hearing challenges.

In this episode, we'll talk about... 

• The connection between hearing loss and phonemic awareness.
• Easy classroom modifications to support students with hearing loss.
• How to use assistive technology like FM systems to improve access.

Show Links

Join Deanna on Instagram
Listening Fun Blog
Tod Pod
Accommodations Form
Deanna's TPT Shop
Learn Sign Language on Lingvano
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Are you curious about how AI is reshaping the future of education? This episode of The Science of Reading Formula dives deep into the transformative power of AI in the classroom—specifically for elementary teachers. Join me and my guest Dan Fitzpatrick, author of The AI Classroom for Teachers and Infinite Education, as we discuss the role of AI in enhancing literacy instruction, fostering creativity, and saving teachers countless hours.

In this episode, we'll talk about... 

• How AI tools like ChatGPT can support lesson planning, differentiation, and student feedback.
• Why strong communication skills are essential for students in an AI-driven world.
• Practical, time-saving tips to integrate AI into your teaching—without sacrificing quality.

If you're ready to embrace the possibilities of AI while staying grounded in evidence-based reading strategies, this episode is for you.

Show Links

The AI Educator website
Dan's books:  Infinite Education, The AI Educator, and Back to School Guide 24-25
ChatGPT
Brisk AI Teaching Assistant
Google Notebook LM
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In this episode, I sit down with one of the show’s favorite guests, Dr. Brian Plante, a licensed naturopathic physician from the Amen Clinics. Dr. Plante shares invaluable insights into preventing and managing burnout—something so many teachers grapple with in their quest to balance teaching responsibilities and personal lives.

From understanding the difference between stress and burnout to discovering practical strategies for replenishing energy, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you move from surviving to thriving in your classroom and beyond.

In this episode, we'll talk about... 

• The key differences between stress and burnout—and how to recognize the early warning signs.
• Why boundaries matter and how to set them with courage and compassion.
• Practical mindfulness and relaxation techniques for reducing daily stress.

Show Links

Join Dr. Plante on Instagram
Psychology Today
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One of my favorite ways to learn new teaching strategies is to watch OTHER teachers teaching. That’s why I’m so excited about today’s guest. MeQuel Bolden spends her days supporting teachers in classrooms throughout Washington DC and today she’s sharing her best lessons learned with US so that we can take literacy centers to the next level.

In this episode, we'll talk about... 

• How much time is TOO much time for literacy centers. 
• The most common challenges teachers face with literacy centers and how to overcome them.
• Tips for setting up literacy centers on a budget. 

Show Links

Early Literacy Center Observation Sheet
Follow MeQuel on Instagram//LinkedIn
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Teaching advanced phonics can feel like a daunting leap—vowel teams, r-controlled vowels, diphthongs, multisyllabic words... where do you even begin? In this episode, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about teaching phonics to advanced readers.

Whether you’re supporting students who are ready to level up or those who need extra scaffolding to decode tricky words, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help every reader succeed.

Discover how to take your phonics instruction to the next level—because your students are ready, and you’ve got the tools to guide them!

In this episode, we'll talk about... 

• What advanced phonics really is and why it’s critical for fluency and comprehension.
• Common challenges students (and teachers!) face when tackling complex phonics patterns.
• Proven strategies, like syllable division rules and morphology that make advanced phonics instruction effective and manageable.

Show Links

Scope and sequence
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