112 episodes

We are growing a community of educators dedicated to literacy leadership. Our mission is simple: to smash the literacy gap by applying evidence-based reading practices to all grades and all stages of a student's reading journey, effectively influencing up, down, and sideways to drive the best outcomes for all. This is a place where educators empower each other through relationship building, storytelling, vulnerability, and intentionality. We believe that when educators are empowered, students succeed.

"Literacy Leadership" The Learning Ally Podcast with Dr. Terrie Noland, CALP Learning Ally

    • Education
    • 4.6 • 5 Ratings

We are growing a community of educators dedicated to literacy leadership. Our mission is simple: to smash the literacy gap by applying evidence-based reading practices to all grades and all stages of a student's reading journey, effectively influencing up, down, and sideways to drive the best outcomes for all. This is a place where educators empower each other through relationship building, storytelling, vulnerability, and intentionality. We believe that when educators are empowered, students succeed.

    Changing Lives Through Alternative Education

    Changing Lives Through Alternative Education

    In this episode: Every child deserves the opportunity to succeed in education. Join us in learning how Colleen Kirvan and her team empower at-risk youth through innovative educational tools like the Learning Ally Audiobook Solution. Dr. Noland hosts an extraordinary conversation around the commitment, grit, and passion to ensure all students learn and succeed.


    ---

    Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/learning-ally/message

    • 29 min
    Literacy Leaders Know How to Lead Themselves

    Literacy Leaders Know How to Lead Themselves

    The first step in leading yourself is to put on the mindset of being a learner. Approach every interaction, every conversation, every meeting and every lesson with the mindset of a learner and you will see the significant different it makes. 


    ---

    Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/learning-ally/message

    • 10 min
    Literacy Change-makers: Reflecting on the Podcast Journey

    Literacy Change-makers: Reflecting on the Podcast Journey

    In the final segment of their Change-makers podcast miniseries, Dr. Terrie Noland is joined by colleagues Linda Diamond, Dr. Tim Odegard, and Dr. Tracy Weeden. The group reflects on what they learned about leading large and modeling for others throughout the series. They discuss various takeaways from the esteemed guests they've hosted, emphasizing themes such as the importance of involving all stakeholders, acknowledging the shortcomings in the education system, growing as a leader, the humility necessary in leadership, and the importance of maintaining a growth journey. The conversation highlights the attributes and actions necessary for educators and staff to contribute effectively to systemic change in the teaching and learning landscape.

    Key Points:

    00:00 Introduction and Welcome

    00:40 Reflections on the Leadership Journey

    00:56 Key Takeaways from Esteemed Guests

    01:17 The Importance of Involving Stakeholders

    02:58 The Challenge of Depletion of Human Capital

    03:32 The Role of Higher Education

    04:12 The Power of Measured Voices

    04:56 Bringing Honor Back to Teaching

    05:16 The Impact of Change and Leadership

    09:36 The Role of Parents in Education

    11:05 The Importance of Growth and Learning

    13:39 The Power of Humility and Vulnerability

    16:43 The Role of Literacy in Shaping the Future

    18:09 The Impact of Personal Experiences on Leadership

    18:43 The Importance of Professional Learning

    23:53 The Power of Hope and the Journey of Change

    42:16 Conclusion: The Power of Leadership in Education


    ---

    Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/learning-ally/message

    • 44 min
    Literacy Change-makers: Transforming Adversity into Advocacy

    Literacy Change-makers: Transforming Adversity into Advocacy

    In this episode, the co-hosts are joined by Ameer Baraka, an award-winning actor, author, dyslexia advocate, youth mentor, and prison coach. Baraka shares his inspiring journey of being a dyslexic who learnt to read as an adult due to his dyslexia not being diagnosed during his childhood. He highlights his descent into a criminal life and his eventual rise to success through education. Having benefited from mentors who encouraged him and believed in his potential, Baraka highlights the importance of mentorship and the need for early dyslexia screening and remediation. Baraka uses his life story to inspire others and advocates for literacy as a way of combating the high incarceration rates.

    Visit LearningAlly.org to find out more about how you can unlock student potential through our equitable literacy solutions.

    Key Points:

    00:04 Introduction and Welcome

    01:24 Introducing the Guest: Ameer Baraka

    02:42 Ameer's Early Life and Struggles

    04:55 Ameer's Journey into Crime and Drug Addiction

    08:42 Ameer's Incarceration and Self-Realization

    09:17 Ameer's Path to Literacy and Self-Improvement

    14:32 Ameer's Advocacy for Early Dyslexia Screening

    19:48 Ameer's Role in the First Step Act

    23:30 Ameer's Views on Education and Society

    27:04 Experiencing the System: Personal Insights

    27:18 The State of Education: A Critical Look

    29:12 The Power of Mentorship: Personal Stories

    32:06 The Impact of Incarceration: A Discussion

    37:22 The Power of Literacy: A Personal Journey

    42:22 The Future of Literacy: A Vision

    44:28 The Power of Storytelling: A Personal Mission

    46:57 The Role of Literacy in Society: A Discussion

    49:32 The Power of Literacy: A Call to Action

    50:47 Conclusion: The Journey Ahead


    ---

    Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/learning-ally/message

    • 52 min
    Literacy Change-makers: Engaging Parents in a Literacy Movement

    Literacy Change-makers: Engaging Parents in a Literacy Movement

    In this episode of the Literacy Leadership Change-makers miniseries, hosts Dr. Terrie Noland, Dr. Tracy Weeden, Dr. Tim Odegard and Linda Diamond converse with Resha Conroy, the founder of the Dyslexia Alliance for Black Children. As a mother of two children with learning disabilities, Resha shares her journey of fighting for her children’s education and breaking from the low expectations set for black students. The discussion dives deep into transformative literacy, the importance of evidence-based reading instruction, and the need for literacy and equity to go hand in hand for inclusive education and societal transformation. The hosts and Resha also explore the critical role of parents and the community in advocating for equitable access to education and literacy resources.



    Key Points:

    00:00 Introduction to Literacy Leadership Change-makers Miniseries

    00:30 Highlighting the Parent Perspective in Literacy Movement

    00:58 Introducing Resha Conroy: A Powerful Voice in Literacy Transformation

    02:00 Resha's Personal Journey to Becoming an Education Advocate

    04:41 The Formation of Dyslexia Alliance for Black Children

    06:28 The Impact of Reading Challenges on Resha's Family

    12:34 The Systemic Nature of Reading Challenges and the Role of Parents

    14:31 The Historical Perspective of Literacy and Its Impact on Black Children

    17:23 The Importance of Literacy in Achieving Equity

    19:33 The Role of Parents and Community in Advocating for Literacy

    20:34 The Need for Evidence-Based Literacy Instruction in Schools

    25:23 The Importance of Asking the Right Questions as a Parent

    29:25 The Political Struggle for Education Reform

    31:05 The Power of Advocacy and Community Action

    31:58 The Concept of Floating Schools: Immediate Solutions for Literacy

    33:26 The Importance of Immediate Action and Systemic Change

    34:51 The Generational Impact of Illiteracy

    36:28 The Power of Literacy in Transforming Lives

    44:03 The Role of Literacy in Accessing Systems and Resources

    46:18 The Importance of Celebrating Cultural Diversity in Education

    49:42 The Power of Resilience and Determination in Overcoming Challenges

    52:14 The Role of Faith and Hope in Driving Change

    54:24 Conclusion: The Need for Community Catalysts in Education


    ---

    Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/learning-ally/message

    • 57 min
    Literacy Change-makers: Igniting a Community Movement

    Literacy Change-makers: Igniting a Community Movement

    This episode features an impassioned discussion with Sonya Thomas, the executive director of Nashville Propel, known for her fierce advocacy in the field of literacy transformation. She shares her personal struggle with her son being unable to read at grade level, pushing her towards transforming parental literacy advocacy and founding Nashville PROPEL, a Nashville, TN group that organizes and develops powerful parent leaders that demand equitable education policies and practices.

    Engaging in a symphony of voices advocating for literacy leadership, Sonya voices her anger and determination to change the systemic failures of the educational system. Mentioning literacy as a broader societal issue, not limited by race, color or creed, Sonya specifically empathizes with parents’ struggles. The episode encourages listeners to champion the rights of all children to read through collective advocacy and calls for a deeper understanding of literacy beyond quick-fix solutions.

    Key Points:

    00:04 Introduction: The Power of Literacy Transformation

    00:52 Meet the Panel: Advocacy and Community in Literacy Leadership

    01:54 Guest Spotlight: Sonya Thomas and Nashville Propel

    02:39 Sonya's Personal Journey: The Fight for Literacy

    04:57 The Impact of Illiteracy: A Personal Perspective

    05:45 The Birth of Nashville Propel: A Movement for Change

    06:41 The Betrayal of the Education System: A Parent's Perspective

    07:44 The Emotional Damage of Illiteracy: A Call to Action

    08:51 The Power of Parent Advocacy: Building a Movement

    09:10 The Struggle for Academic Achievement in the Black Community

    11:34 The Right to Read: A Human Rights Issue

    13:32 The Role of Parents in Literacy Advocacy

    15:41 The Importance of Reading: A Life-Changing Skill

    16:48 The State of Literacy in Nashville: A Call for Accountability

    23:31 The Role of Leadership in Literacy Advocacy

    27:52 The Dirty Secret of Illiteracy

    28:55 Channeling Passion into Constructive Outcomes

    29:15 The Role of Parents and Educators in Literacy

    30:11 The Struggle of Reading and Poor Instruction

    30:59 The Pain of Dyslexia and Dystaughtia

    33:18 The Fight for Literacy: A Personal Journey

    35:11 The Importance of Educating Educators

    37:55 The Power of Storytelling in Advocacy

    46:28 The Struggles of Parents and the Socioeconomic Problem

    49:58 The Importance of Data and Understanding Reading

    52:16 The Role of Nashville Propel in Literacy Advocacy

    54:20 Closing Remarks


    ---

    Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/learning-ally/message

    • 56 min

Customer Reviews

4.6 out of 5
5 Ratings

5 Ratings

ouisewoo99 ,

Love Dr. Terrie Noland’s Podcasts!

This is a fantastic opportunity for educators and administrators nationwide for a free resource to learn more about Reading in the world of education! As a mom and former classroom special education teacher, I find this podcast revolutionary and much-needed for today’s teachers!

LetterTeacher ,

Great content

Great content! The music interspersed over the discussions throughout the episode was very distracting however. I kept thinking the episode was over, and then it wasn’t. It felt chopped up and harder to follow. I would have enjoyed it without the music. That being said, the discussions and content from experts are top notch!

Top Podcasts In Education

The Mel Robbins Podcast
Mel Robbins
The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast
Dr. Jordan B. Peterson
Mick Unplugged
Mick Hunt
Small Doses with Amanda Seales
Urban One Podcast Network
TED Talks Daily
TED
School Business Insider
John Brucato

You Might Also Like

Literacy Talks
Reading Horizons
The Literacy View
Faith Borkowsky and Judy Boksner
Triple R Teaching
Anna Geiger
Melissa & Lori Love Literacy ™
Powered by Great Minds
Science of Reading: The Podcast
Amplify Education
Sold a Story
APM Reports