As a student growing up with a learning difference, Rupen Fofaria brings a particular empathy and vulnerability to his writing. He offers a storyteller’s sensibility in his reporting, and his work truly embodies the Gandhi quote he lives by: “In a gentle way, you can shake the world.” In this podcast episode we’ll dig into the power of story, Rupen’s background and influences (including his life-changing moment with Mr. Boggs), and the journey that has brought him to focus his reporting on the intersection of literacy and equity.

Our guest today is Deborah Jacobson, a special education attorney from Berkeley, California who came to my attention when I read about a lawsuit against Berkeley Unified School District for not serving the needs of students who struggle to learn to read. We’ll talk about what led to the legal action, the terms of the settlement, and what this might mean for districts across the country and for the future of our children.

Audie Alumbaugh is an extraordinary advocate for the children of Arkansas, traveling the state supporting families as they navigate the education system, and working with legislators and the governor to pass important legislation over the last ten years. In this podcast episode, she’ll share her journey and her relentless pursuit of literacy for all; as she states, “society will not rest until we get this fixed.” You will leave this podcast inspired and moved.

I’ve known Kelly for several years and have had the good fortune to work with her on several projects. I find her a passionate leader in advocating for evidence-based and equitable instruction for all students, with true devotion to her home state of Mississippi. In this episode, you’ll learn about the Mississippi success story (including lessons learned), Kelly’s professional journey, and the five credos she lives by.

Shawn Anthony Robinson has an amazing and inspiring story to tell. In this episode, you’ll learn about his journey from special education to learning to read, then going on to receive bachelors, masters, and doctorate degrees. You’ll also hear about the scope and impact of his work, which he describes as the intersection of race, giftedness, and dyslexia. Finally, you’ll meet “Dr. Dyslexia Dude,” his autobiographical superhero graphic novel series.

Jeannine Herron has led a remarkable life. She is an accomplished neurobiologist, educator, research psychologist, software developer, author, and entrepreneur. In this episode you’ll learn about her involvement in the civil rights movement and how this led to directing the first Head Start program, her family’s year-and-a-half sailing journey to West Africa, her groundbreaking research, and her current work. Jeannine continues her relentless devotion to the cause of literacy for all, and her greatest hope is a “literacy revolution.” This episode is a fascinating look at a fascinating life.

Matthews Elementary in New Madrid County, Missouri resides in one of the poorest congressional districts in the U.S. and was chronically low-achieving in the area of reading. In this episode, you’ll hear the inspiring story of two educational leaders who transformed this school and district to ensure that all children could learn to read. As principal Angie Hanlin and Superintendent Sam Duncan led this change process, they adopted the mantra: “It doesn’t matter about the past. What matters is now; no blaming, only fixing.” Angie and Sam share their journey and lessons learned, including the relentless nature of pursuing change, the power of high expectations, the importance of giving everyone a voice, and the key to owning your data. They will also discuss their respective roles as leaders and change agents, and how they are driven to never give up on what they consider their moral obligation to their students.

Dr. Tracy Weeden leads us into a deeply personal and honest discussion around her work and her passion, particularly the conviction that literacy is the currency of the 21st century and that we need to educate ALL of our children well so that they can have a “place at the table.” Tracy talks about her beginnings as the oldest of seven children (her “first classroom”) and “Bessie’s Book Club” as early influences. Her words of wisdom include acknowledging that we don’t know what we don’t know so we must strive to be “better not bitter.” She defines memorable acronyms for FEAR and FAITH, and advises young people to not answer the question, “What do you want to do?” but answer the question “How do you want to change the world?” Tracy has indeed done her part to change the world, and for that we are grateful. This discussion will inspire, motivate, and touch your heart.

Jan Hasbrouck is a well-known and respected researcher, teacher, and author, with a career dedicated to serving students. In this episode, you’ll learn about her beginnings and early influences as a teacher, how her work continues to evolve, and her commitment to remaining humble, curious and collaborative. This is a delightful conversation with a very generous educator whose work has positively impacted teachers and children everywhere.

What do a dog, a girl, and a robot have in common? First and foremost, Dusty, Dott, and Alphabott are best friends. But they are also reading buddies! Dusty loves to talk, but learning to read is a new skill. With the help of Dott and Alphabott, he discovers that it can be so much fun! Along the way, the friends practice letters, sounds and reading words, improvise stories, get letters from their globe-trotting friend Otto, practice social skills, and so much more.

Dr. Pam Kastner is one of the most generous teachers in the field of reading, sharing her unparalleled collections of resources, hosting learning events, and serving as a literacy leader in her state of Pennsylvania and nationally. She is a true “teacher’s teacher,” believing in and providing multiple points of entry to teachers in their professional learning. In this podcast episode, Pam discusses ways to support our collective efficacy. She also unpacks the idea that sometimes behavior can persuade belief. Pam’s thoughts and words will touch a chord, as she imparts some great words of wisdom: Be kind, celebrate wins along the way, and keep all of our work anchored to kids. We are helping them become the person they are meant to be. Pam considers herself a “literacy warrior.” She is indeed.

When we think of those people who have made significant contributions to teaching and learning, and specifically to our understanding of how children learn to read, Dr. Linnea Ehri is at the top of the list. From her work with the National Reading Panel to her contributions toward our understanding of young children’s language development, she continues to provide clarity on some of the most important and relevant issues in reading instruction. In this podcast episode, Dr. Ehri talks about the movement of our profession from whole language theories to evidence-based practices, fighting the “bark at words” characterization of phonics instruction, and the stories behind the National Reading Panel report. She also sheds light on accessing words “by sight,” and the importance of making the connections between phonemes and graphemes that form the “glue” which stores words in memory. Finally, she shares why she insists on “phases” rather than “stages” in her seminal work. Dr. Ehri’s best advice for novice researchers is to be both persistent and collaborative; these qualities characterize her decades-long work in this field. All of us engaged in this work will benefit from hearing from Dr. Ehri, whose contributions continue to impact educators worldwide.

Dr. Maryanne Wolf is one of the most recognized and respected international figures in the field of literacy. She is an author, researcher, and educator whose work has had a profound impact on our understanding of the reading brain, dyslexia, and effective reading instruction. She is a passionate advocate for teachers and children, and believes that literacy is a basic human right across every zip code. This conversation is rich with big ideas on many topics, including multiple literacies, the importance of the printed page, and the miracle of communication. Maryanne underscores and exemplifies the richness of living a literate life, and the joy of curiosity and learning.

Parker Palmer is a world-renowned author, educator, and activist who focuses on issues in education, community, leadership, and social change. This episode touches on a wide range of relevant topics, including the importance of healthy dialogue, listening well, why community is critical, and how we can cultivate relentless gratitude. Parker infuses the discussion with his abundant wisdom and humor, and makes clear his immense respect and compassion toward educators. Because of the breadth and depth of this conversation, we’ve divided it into two parts. Give yourself the gift of time, to savor the words and presence of Parker Palmer.

Parker Palmer is a world-renowned author, educator, and activist who focuses on issues in education, community, leadership, and social change. This episode touches on a wide range of relevant topics, including the importance of healthy dialogue, listening well, why community is critical, and how we can cultivate relentless gratitude. Parker infuses the discussion with his abundant wisdom and humor, and makes clear his immense respect and compassion toward educators. Because of the breadth and depth of this conversation, we’ve divided it into two parts. Give yourself the gift of time, to savor the words and presence of Parker Palmer.

When asked to describe Anita Archer, people use the words talented, beloved, pragmatic, and delightful. Anita and her work resonate deeply with teachers, and this is no surprise. Throughout her 50+ years in education Anita considers herself first and foremost a teacher. Her contributions to the field are prolific; she is well-known in particular for enriching our understanding of explicit instruction. “How well you teach= how well they learn” and “Teach with passion. Manage with compassion” are just two of the many memorable truths that Anita shares during this lively and lovely discussion.

Like many teachers, Jessica Pasik came into the profession for deeply personal reasons and to answer a calling. Also like many teachers, her initial training did not prepare her in evidence-aligned practices. Jessica talks about her “aha” moment, how she saw results with her students, and how it changed her practice forever. From her boots-on-the-ground perspective, Jessica addresses common misconceptions around the science of reading, along with the community and culture necessary to nurture and sustain long-term change. This lively discussion will resonate with any of us who have traveled the journey to the science of reading. Jessica’s commitment and passion will inspire you, as she reinforces that as educators we always strive to learn, grow, and move forward. “These are OUR kids, we all own them, we are all responsible for instructing them.” –Jessica Pasik

Dr. Maria Murray and Dr. Jorene Cook are founding members of The Reading League. In this episode, they offer insights into the journey many of us have taken in teaching and parenting, coming from a place of trying to solve a problem to gaining new knowledge and practice. We’ll talk about moving from frustration to advocacy, from curiosity to community, and ultimately to transforming reading instruction through the Science of Reading. You’ll learn about how The Reading League was formed and some of the incredible events and people that have allowed it to grow from a grassroots group to a national movement.

Dr. Tim Shanahan’s distinguished career has led him from teaching first grade to leading groundbreaking research panels. With over 200 publications on literacy, his work emphasizes how to improve reading achievement based on the research. He is considered one of the premier literacy educators, is widely followed through his blog and on social media, and is a sought-after speaker. In this episode, Tim reflects on his legacy, his ongoing work, and what he sees as our greatest challenges in the teaching profession.

Over the past few years, APM Reports correspondent Emily Hanford has been researching, writing and broadcasting about reading instruction in the United States, and has elevated the conversation to the national sphere. In this episode, Emily talks about how her educational reporting led her to discover how the system is failing so many children, why her work is striking such a deep chord, and why this is an urgent social justice issue.