Leading Literacy Leslie & Mara

Have you ever witnessed an amazing idea come to life and wonder, “Why didn’t I think of that?”  Well, this is exactly what we thought when we heard about the Laundromat Library League.  On a recent episode of Leading Literacy, Dr. Molly Ness mentioned Laundromat Library League and we knew immediately that we had to learn as much as we could about this group!  So, this all-volunteer organization provides children’s books in local laundromats for children to read while their families do their laundry.  I mean, come on.  How brilliant is that?!  Well, we reached out to the Laundromat Library League and had a chat with board member Phil Tripp who shared how this unique work began, how it’s grown, and most importantly, how we can get involved.  So fellow educators and literacy lovers this episode is a special treat just for you.  Enjoy!
 

On this episode of Leading Literacy, we are thrilled to have our first parent advocate, Denise Morgan. Denise is no ordinary parent – she’s determined and dedicated to helping all students and families get the literacy support they need. Denise began working at the California Charter Schools Association in 2017 and currently holds the role of Paralegal Director on the Legal Advocacy Team which supports and engages in successful advocacy work on behalf of California’s public schools’ students and families. Denise also volunteers a significant amount of time supporting the California State PTA at the state, district, and local levels. She proudly co-authored the Equitable Literacy for All Students Resolution that successfully passed in 2023.  So, sit back and enjoy this conversation with the amazing, Denise Morgan.

Hey there, educator friends!  I have a question for you.  How many of you love doing read alouds with your students?  I’m going to guess and say almost all of you.  And how about your students – do they love it as much as you do?  If your answers are an astounding YES and YES, then you’re going to love Dr. Molly Ness, our guest on this episode of Leading Literacy.  Molly is a former teacher, college educator, reading clinician, and researcher and describes herself as “a fierce advocate for literacy equity, access, and research-based instruction.” 
You’ll hear how her experiences helped shape her belief in the transformative power of literacy.  We talk about Molly’s newest book out titled, “Read Alouds for All Learners: A Comprehensive Plan for Every Subject, Every Day” and SO. MUCH. MORE. 
Check out the following links mentioned in this episode: We Need Diverse Books, Laundromat Library League, Barbershop Books, and End Book Deserts Podcast.

On this episode of Leading Literacy, we have an inspiring conversation with Maya Goodall.  Maya is an educator, entrepreneur, and curriculum developer dedicated to helping people become bilingual.  She’s the founder of Lingual Learning, a language learning company which she ultimately sold to Rosetta Stone where she developed Rosetta English, which has recently been renamed as Lexia English.  We spent time talking with Maya about oral language development and the role it plays in structured literacy.  You guys, this is one of those conversations where an amazing, little gold nugget of wisdom appears and we’re so excited to share with you.  Maya is such a gentle soul and so dedicated to supporting the literacy needs of all learners.  Enjoy this episode!
Be sure to check out these resources Maya mentioned in this episode.  She has partnered with Collaborative Classroom to create OL&LA: Online Language & Literacy Academy and CORE Learning.  Both are phenomenal sources to support our multilingual learners.
 

Hey there, educator friends!  We’re super excited to share this special episode of Leading Literacy. It’s the one where Leslie and I have a chat with Andrea Setmeyer, The Reading League’s National Chapter Coordinator, and Kristen Koeller, the President of the brand-new Reading League California Chapter.  Join this entertaining and informative conversation about the backstories of The Reading League and why it takes a league to do this important literacy work.  Enjoy!
 
Be sure to check out the amazing learning opportunities with The Reading League California Chapter and The Reading League National Chapter.  Exciting events coming up in 2024 include The Annual Reading League Summit in San Diego, California in April and the Annual National Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina in October.

Hello educator friends!  You are in for a treat on this episode as we talk with literacy and social justice advocate Lacey Robinson.  Lacey is the President and CEO of UnboundEd, the Nation’s largest K-12 educator development organization focused on improving teaching and learning for underserved students.  As a former elementary teacher, middle school principal, and professional development specialist, Lacey works tirelessly to enable educators to accelerate their impact in the classroom.  Lacey’s been named to the 2023 Forbes 50 Over 50 list in recognition of her innovative, equity centered leadership.  Her new book, Justice Seekers: Pursuing Equity in the Details of Teaching and Learning, was released in July of 2023, which she calls a love letter to teachers, inspiring us all to recognize that justice is found in the details of teaching and learning.  Enjoy this amazing conversation with Lacey Robinson.