On the Road to Literacy Success

Dr. Staci Bain

"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. 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
  3. 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

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

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