In this episode of The Literacy Mindset Podcast, Jeff Pendleton talks with Megan Muldoon Brown, Director of Special Education at Township High School District 214 in Illinois. Serving over 12,000 students across six high schools in the Chicago suburbs, Megan shares how her district is rethinking literacy at the secondary level, particularly for students with special education needs. She discusses the renewed emphasis on structured literacy since the pandemic, highlighting how gaps in foundational skills, vocabulary, and phonological awareness are showing up in ways high schools haven’t historically seen
Megan explains how her team is equipping teachers—many of whom aren’t trained as reading specialists—with the tools and training they need to deliver effective literacy instruction. She also emphasizes the importance of relationships, belonging, and trauma-informed practices in creating an environment where struggling readers feel supported. From co-teaching models and professional development to thoughtful curriculum choices, device policies, and embracing AI as a tool for differentiation, she offers an inside look at how one of Illinois’s largest high school districts is navigating literacy, equity, and innovation.
Key Moments
03:25 Adapting Curriculum for Diverse Needs
08:47 Strengthening Special Ed Teacher Training
12:12 Relationships First, Student Success Follows
13:35 Teachers Maximizing Student Engagement
18:40 "Technology's Role in Literacy Curriculum"
22:53 Teaching Professional Communication Skills
26:00 Future Concerns and Excitement
28:30 Exciting Future for High Schoolers
Why You’ll Love This Episode
If you want a realistic view of what literacy leadership looks like in large, diverse high schools, this conversation is full of insight. Megan Muldoon Brown blends practical strategies with a deep commitment to student well-being, showing how schools can balance evidence-based reading instruction with social-emotional support. You’ll walk away with fresh ideas for equipping teachers, engaging students, and preparing high schoolers not only to read more confidently but also to thrive in their postsecondary pathways.
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