Leading Literacy

Leslie & Mara
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Leading Literacy is a podcast co-hosted by Leslie Zoroya, Project Director III of Reading Language Arts, and Mara Shinn Smith, Coordinator I, at the Los Angeles County Office of Education. Join Leslie & Mara as they engage in literacy conversations that both inspire and instruct.

  1. From Sight Words to Aligned Systems with Janee Butler

    2 MARS

    From Sight Words to Aligned Systems with Janee Butler

    In this episode of Leading Literacy, we had a chance to chat with Janee Butler, the Director of Program Design & Implementation at The Center for Literacy and Learning. Janee shares her expertise on what it takes to build strong literacy systems, including effective sight word instruction, the importance of vertical instructional alignment across all grade levels, and much more! If you're interested in accessing Janee's article that she co-authored with Dr. Katie Pace Miles and Denise Eide titled, The Regularity of High-Frequency Words (Sight Words): Teacher Phonetic Knowledge is Key, you can reach out directly to Janee via The Center for Literacy & Learning website. Want to hear more about what the Center for Literacy & Learning has to offer?  If so, check out Leading Literacy's past episode, number 22, with DeJunne Clark Jackson.

    50 min
  2. Purpose, Passion, and Joy in Education with Dr. Joyce Jamerson

    8 JANV.

    Purpose, Passion, and Joy in Education with Dr. Joyce Jamerson

    Today's guest on Leading Literacy is someone who truly embodies the power of education and the importance of a hero's journey. Dr. Joyce Jamerson is a nationally recognized literacy leader who has spent decades uplifting students, supporting educators, and strengthening communities. From her experience as a classroom teacher, to a college educator, Dr. Jamerson's work is fueled by purpose, passion, and joy.  Let's jump right into this fun and inspiring conversation with Dr. Joyce Jamerson. Thanks for listening to this episode of Leading Literacy from the Los Angeles County Office of Education.  To learn more about upcoming LACOE professional learning offerings, head over to the Reading/Language Arts page HERE.

    48 min

  3. 24/10/2025

    Inside The Reading League's Compass Resource with Kari Kurto

    On this episode of Leading Literacy, we're joined by the incredible Kari Kurto. She's the National Science of Reading Project Director at The Reading League, and honestly, just an all-around amazing human. Her passion and energy for this work is palpable. You're going to love hearing about The Reading League's Compass resource tool — it's packed with resources for all kinds of different stakeholders.  So, sit back and enjoy this conversation with our friend and colleague, Kari Kurto. Want more? Join The Reading League California chapter to find out more about state-specific events, literacy-related legislation, and continue to build your knowledge with other like-minded educators.  To learn more about LACOE's upcoming professional learning opportunities and resources, visit LACOE's Reading/Language Arts page for direct links.

    50 min
  4. More than Reading: Highlighting 50 Years of Joan Sedita's Work as an Educator

    15/09/2025

    More than Reading: Highlighting 50 Years of Joan Sedita's Work as an Educator

    We spend a lot of time on Leading Literacy talking about reading, and for this episode we are going to switch things up and focus in on writing. We're fortunate to have Joan Sedita, author of The Writing Rope here with us to talk about her book and some of her other amazing projects, like Keys to Literacy, as well as what she's learned from 50 years as an educator! Enjoy this fun conversation with the incredible Joan Sedita. To learn more about our upcoming book study on Joan Sedita's book, The Writing Rope, and our other professional learning opportunities and resources, visit LACOE's Reading/Language Arts page for direct links.

    47 min
  5. Building Better Teachers in California with Univ. of La Verne Professors Drs. Nancy Walker and Shana Matamala

    10/04/2025

    Building Better Teachers in California with Univ. of La Verne Professors Drs. Nancy Walker and Shana Matamala

    ​​Hello Leading Literacy friends!  As you know, Institutes of High Ed. play an important role in making the instructional shift from balanced to structured literacy with educators.  On today's episode, we talk with Nancy Walker and Shana Matamala from LaFetra College of Education at the University of La Verne, the only A-rated teacher education program for literacy in the state.  This conversation is so important, and we know you'll find it interesting to see how ULV made the switch from balanced to structured literacy within their own ranks to help teachers be better prepared in the field.  Enjoy this golden episode!

    38 min
  6. Tami Wilson - California's Dyslexia & Literacy Advocate

    03/03/2025

    Tami Wilson - California's Dyslexia & Literacy Advocate

    On this episode Leading Literacy, we welcome Tami Wilson, Director of Development and Training at the Sacramento County Office of Education and lead of the California Dyslexia Initiative. Tami has been a driving force in California's shift from balanced to structured literacy instruction and a long-time literacy advocate and warrior. Tami is an incredible friend, colleague, and leader and we're so excited for this conversation around her dyslexia work and California's new Risk of Reading Difficulties Screener. So, sit back and enjoy. Below are the websites mentioned in this episode with Tami: CA Dyslexia Initiative Professional Learning UC|CSU Collaborative for Neurodiversity and Learning – in the future, these resources will also be housed on Arraya Learning.

    51 min
  7. Lessons from Lancaster School District

    23/01/2025

    Lessons from Lancaster School District

    Welcome to Leading Literacy!  In this episode, we are thrilled to have a conversation with three incredible leaders from the Lancaster School District in Lancaster, California.  We partnered with Lancaster for three years on the $5 million dollar California State Literacy Development (CLSD) Grant.  We worked with four school sites who made the switch from balanced to structured literacy.  This district had every reason to give up and they did not!  If you're looking for change and inspiration to bring structured literacy to your district, this episode is a must-listen.  Learn the ins and outs of this work and be inspired by their story of triumph over adversity in reading instruction!   Click HERE to watch a highlight reel about the impact of the CLSD Grant with Lancaster's grant schools.

    1 h 5 min
  8. Jasmine Rogers

    02/10/2024

    Jasmine Rogers

    Hey there, educator friends!  On this episode of Leading Literacy, we can't wait for you to get to know Dr. Jasmine Rogers.  Dr. Rogers is from the Washington D.C. area where she is professor at American University and supports teachers at the  D.C. Reading Clinic.  If that's not enough, she also co-authored the NAACP Discussion Guide for "The Right to Read" documentary.  Learn how Dr. Rogers is committed to sharing her knowledge about Black language and how she "can't stop, won't stop."  Enjoy! Click HERE to access the resources Dr. Rogers references in this episode.

    53 min
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À propos

Leading Literacy is a podcast co-hosted by Leslie Zoroya, Project Director III of Reading Language Arts, and Mara Shinn Smith, Coordinator I, at the Los Angeles County Office of Education. Join Leslie & Mara as they engage in literacy conversations that both inspire and instruct.

Informations

  • Création
    Leslie & Mara
  • Années d’activité
    2021 - 2026
  • Épisodes
    57
  • Classification
    Tous publics
  • Copyright
    © Leading Literacy Podcast 2021
  • Site web de l’émission
    Leading Literacy

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