On the Road to Literacy Success

Dr. Staci Bain
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"On the Road to Literacy Success" is here to be a HELPFUL PART of your daily teaching, learning, and leadership life. If you're striving to get the MOST amount of kiddos as possible reading, spelling, writing, listening, speaking, and critically thinking -- this is the place for you. We take the MESSINESS of teaching, learning, and leading and ask people who have figured things out to share their minds with us. So join us and come ON THE ROAD as we drive for literacy and justice for all 8 billion humans on this planet. -staci

  1. Season 2, Ep. 6: Tier 1 with Vicki Ferrari (Part 2)

    12/12/2025

    Season 2, Ep. 6: Tier 1 with Vicki Ferrari (Part 2)

    In Part 2 of this conversation, we go straight to the heart of what teachers and leaders are wrestling with in Tier 1 literacy: overwhelm, uncertainty, and the pressure to “get it right” for every student in the room. We talk about the practical moves that help teachers feel more successful right away, from tightening daily Tier 1 routines to finding one small, repeatable win they can lean on when everything feels noisy. Then we zoom out to the school and system level and ask, “What actually gives us hope about the future of Tier 1 literacy?” You’ll hear how strong leadership, coherent support, and a shared Tier 1 vision are changing outcomes for students and renewing energy for teachers. In this episode, you’ll hear about: How to support teachers who feel overwhelmed by Tier 1 routines Simple shifts that build teacher confidence and classroom success fast Hopeful Tier 1 literacy trends we are seeing in real schools Specific ways leaders can protect, prioritize, and strengthen Tier 1 instruction If you are a teacher, coach, or leader who wants Tier 1 to finally feel doable, aligned, and effective, this conversation is for you. Listen in, take what serves your team, and keep building the kind of literacy block that actually moves the needle for kids. 👉 When you’re ready for more Tier 1 support, head to GoodHumansEducate.com for asynchronous Tier 1 courses, virtual trainings, and ready-to-use classroom resources. 📘 And if you’re looking for a concrete Tier 1 roadmap you can put in place right away, check out Empowered to Teach and Lead: Whole-Group Literacy Instruction Made Easy—a K–5 playbook designed to help teachers and leaders slay whole-group instruction and finally make Tier 1 feel clear, coherent, and doable.

    12 min
  2. Season 2, Ep. 5 - Tier 1 w/Vicki Ferrari (Part 1)

    12/12/2025

    Season 2, Ep. 5 - Tier 1 w/Vicki Ferrari (Part 1)

    In this episode, Dr. Staci Bain sits down with the brilliant and deeply committed Vicki Ferrari to talk about what it really takes to make Tier 1 work in real classrooms. Together, they dive into the clarity, coherence, and consistency teachers and leaders deserve, and why whole-group instruction remains the most powerful lever for literacy success. Vicki brings her extensive experience as a school leader to unpack what Tier 1 looks like on the ground, how schools can strengthen alignment, and the practical moves that help teachers feel more confident and supported. From daily routines to instructional decision-making to building a culture of success, this conversation is equal parts energizing and actionable. If you’re ready to strengthen Tier 1 for your students, empower your teachers, and bring more joy and success to whole-group instruction, this episode is your roadmap. Slay on, good humans. 💛📘👊🏽 Sincerely, Staci Bain, Ed.D. Co-Founder of Educate America LLC™ GoodHumansEducate.com

    18 min
  3. Season 2, Ep. 4 - An Uplifting Conversation w/Author & Speaker Erin Jones

    11/13/2025

    Season 2, Ep. 4 - An Uplifting Conversation w/Author & Speaker Erin Jones

    In this episode of On the Road to Literacy Success, I sit down with THE Erin Jones — author, speaker, equity advocate, and longtime educator whose work reminds us that love + strong instruction can truly change communities. the-erin-jones We talk about what it means to call people in, how to stay grounded in purpose, and why real equity work shows up through relationships and daily instructional practice. Erin also shares her perspective on direct teaching, belonging, leadership, and her dream for the future of public education. If this conversation reignited your belief in Tier 1 instruction, visit GoodHumansEducate.com for courses, coaching, and community built to support your whole-group teaching. And be sure to explore THE Erin Jones’s powerful work, writing, and speaking at ErinJonesDreams.com—her voice is changing hearts, minds, and school communities across the nation.

    41 min
  4. Season 2, Ep. 3 - Superintendent Mires on Tier 1 Systems for Strong Public Schools

    10/18/2025

    Season 2, Ep. 3 - Superintendent Mires on Tier 1 Systems for Strong Public Schools

    In this conversation, Tabatha Mires, the superintendent of Manson School District, shares her journey into education, her leadership philosophy, and the importance of public schools in fostering democracy. She discusses the district's success in improving literacy through direct instruction and the significance of community engagement in education. Mires emphasizes the need for collective efficacy among educators and offers advice for other superintendents on enhancing literacy at a tier one level.

    37 min
  5. Season 2, Ep. 2 - Dr. Shanahan Spills the TEA on TEXT

    10/17/2025

    Season 2, Ep. 2 - Dr. Shanahan Spills the TEA on TEXT

    In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Timothy Shanahan discusses his book 'Leveled Reading, Leveled Lives' and the implications of leveled reading practices on student growth. He emphasizes the importance of teaching students with grade-level texts and the need for educators to adapt their instructional strategies to ensure all students have access to complex texts. The discussion covers the balance between challenge and support in reading instruction, the efficiency of whole class teaching versus small group instruction, and the necessity of grounding educational practices in research and evidence. Dr. Shanahan advocates for a shift in teaching practices to create a more equitable and effective literacy education system. Grab Dr. Shanahan’s new book, Leveled Reading, Leveled Lives, using code HCPR25 for 20% off at checkout. Adolescent Literacy book noted in the podcast link is here: https://www.amazon.com/Adolescent-Literacy-Academic-Disciplines-Principles/dp/1462502806

    1h 15m
  6. Season 2, Ep. 1 - Empowering Educators: A Conversation with Dr. Nathaniel Swain

    07/23/2025

    Season 2, Ep. 1 - Empowering Educators: A Conversation with Dr. Nathaniel Swain

    🎙 Empowering Educators: A Conversation with Dr. Nathaniel Swain Season Two kicks off with a powerful and thought-provoking conversation between Dr. Staci Bain and returning guest Dr. Nathaniel Swain. Together, they explore the evolving landscape of literacy education, from supporting new teachers and principals to building strong Tier 1 systems that help every student thrive. Dr. Swain shares practical strategies for whole-class teaching, insights on reducing cognitive load, and reflections on balancing professional life with parenthood. He also introduces his new book, Harnessing the Science of Learning—a must-read for educators looking to simplify and strengthen their teaching practice. ✨ Grab Dr. Swain’s book here → https://www.nathanielswain.com/hsol-book 🎧 Whether you’re a classroom teacher, instructional coach, or school leader, this episode will inspire you to lean into what works and empower others along the way. ✅ Episode Chapters 00:00 – Welcome to Season Two 02:10 – What’s new with Dr. Nathaniel Swain 07:16 – Advice for new teachers entering the field 10:19 – Practical guidance for new principals 13:32 – Whole-class teaching: A flexible, high-impact approach 22:05 – Supporting experienced teachers in evolving systems 25:15 – Balancing parenthood and professional life 28:31 – Highlights from Harnessing the Science of Learning (and how to get it) 36:00 – Closing reflections and what’s ahead this season ✅ What You’ll Learn in This Episode • Why strong Tier 1 instruction is the foundation for success • Practical advice for new teachers and principals • How to share your expertise to strengthen your school ecosystem • The freedom that comes from structured literacy 🎙️ Favorite Sound Bites “It’s selfish not to share your expertise.” “Be a hands-on leader in your school.” “Structured literacy isn’t rigid—it’s freeing.” ✨ Subscribe for more inspiring conversations about literacy success!

    39 min
  7. Season 1, Ep. 10 - Leading Intentionally w/Principal Kristen Langerman

    04/17/2025

    Season 1, Ep. 10 - Leading Intentionally w/Principal Kristen Langerman

    🎙️ Leading with Intention: Principal Langerman on Tier 1 Transformation In this episode of On the Road to Literacy Success, we’re joined by Principal Kristen Langerman of McLaurin Elementary (Rankin County School District, MS), a recognized Mississippi Emerging Science of Reading School. Principal Langerman takes us inside her school’s journey toward literacy transformation by sharing what it truly means to lead intentionally. From demonstrating instruction to co-teaching and engaging in continuous, focused instructional conversations, she models the kind of leadership that brings Tier 1 to life. Principal Langerman also shares how her team implemented Educate’s 3-part Tier 1 system across their K–6 classrooms, creating common language and common practices that boosted clarity and collaboration. The results? In the 2023–2024 school year, every single 3rd grader at McLaurin passed the state’s literacy promotion assessment. This is an episode filled with heart, strategy, and inspiration—you won’t want to miss it. ✨ Highlights How instructional leadership shows up in classrooms—not just offices Using co-teaching and live modeling to support teacher growth Building a culture of focused instructional conversations Implementing Educate’s Tier 1 Framework© to create shared systems Celebrating 100% 3rd grade reading proficiency on the state test 🎧 Tune in and be inspired to lead literacy with intention. #GoodHumansEducate #DrStaciBain #EducateWithStaci #wecandothis

    40 min
  8. Season 1, Ep. 8 - Part 1: Beyond the Norm in the Science of Reading w/Dr. DJ Bolger

    12/21/2024

    Season 1, Ep. 8 - Part 1: Beyond the Norm in the Science of Reading w/Dr. DJ Bolger

    In this conversation, Dr. DJ Bolger shares his extensive journey in literacy research, emphasizing the importance of brain imaging and the science of reading movement. He discusses the need for explicit teaching, the role of cultural humility, and the significance of understanding the unique backgrounds of students. Bolger highlights the complexities of reading as a cognitive process and the importance of evidence-based practices in education.

    25 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

"On the Road to Literacy Success" is here to be a HELPFUL PART of your daily teaching, learning, and leadership life. If you're striving to get the MOST amount of kiddos as possible reading, spelling, writing, listening, speaking, and critically thinking -- this is the place for you. We take the MESSINESS of teaching, learning, and leading and ask people who have figured things out to share their minds with us. So join us and come ON THE ROAD as we drive for literacy and justice for all 8 billion humans on this planet. -staci

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Staci Bain
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Educate America LLC® | All Rights Reserved
  • Show Website
    On the Road to Literacy Success

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