Literacy Change-makers: Tomorrow's Literacy Leaders

In this episode of our Change-makers podcast miniseries, Dr. Terrie Noland is joined by co-hosts Linda Diamond, Dr. Tracy White Weeden, and Dr. Tim Odegard to converse with guest Dr. Stephanie Stollar. Dr. Stollar discusses how we should educate pre-service teachers about the science of reading. She stresses on the 'silo-effect' and the importance of integrating teaching approaches within universities to better align with current research and effective teaching methodologies. The episode additionally explores policy changes as potential enablers to adapt science-oriented approaches in higher education. The conversation delves into the complexities of teacher training, the reality of the classroom environment, and understanding the difference in qualitative and quantitative research to help accelerate student outcomes. The participants also debate how universities need to play a more active role in creating teachers who can systematically apply teaching methodologies that have shown proven results from scientific research.

Key Points:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:51 Introducing the Special Guest

02:43 The Disconnect in Higher Education

03:50 The Role of Higher Education in Developing Quality Educators

06:39 The Importance of Engaging with Research Literature

07:22 The Liability of Lack of Engagement with Empirical Research

09:31 The Role of Qualitative Research in Education

11:41 The Impact of Personal Philosophy on Teaching Reading

13:28 The Role of Higher Education in Preventing Educator Failure

30:01 The Role of Policy in Higher Education

36:52 The Importance of Setting People Up for Success

37:54 The Need for Integration of Initiatives at the State Level

38:38 Engaging Universities in the Education Process

39:26 The Role of Communication in Education

40:31 The Power of Partnerships in Education

41:42 The Impact of University Education on Teacher Training

42:19 The Importance of Infrastructure for Change in Education

43:20 The Role of Policy in Changing Teacher Preparation

45:35 The Need for Acceleration in University Education

56:05 The Challenge of Accessing Academic Content for Teachers

01:06:28 The Role of In-Service Professional Development in Building Teacher Knowledge

01:08:54 The Importance of Community in Literacy Leadership