On the Road to Literacy Success

In this episode of On the Road to Literacy Success, Dr. Staci Bain sits down with Leta Palmiter, CEO of Illuminations Literacy Solutions, creator of Vertical Take-Off Reading, founder and board member of the Illuminations Center for Dyslexia in Meridian, Mississippi, and author of Mississippi Rising: How the Last Became First in Literacy Growth. Together, they discuss Mississippi’s remarkable literacy journey, the urgency of dyslexia advocacy, and what becomes possible when educators, leaders, families, legislators, and practitioners work together with clarity and purpose. Leta shares how structured literacy, teacher training, practitioner certification, and innovative tools like VTO Reading are helping transform literacy outcomes for students. This conversation is filled with hope, practical insight, and a powerful reminder that literacy progress does not happen by accident. It happens when people refuse to accept low outcomes, build systems that support teachers, and keep students at the center of the work. From dyslexia advocacy to education technology, Mississippi’s literacy progress offers important lessons for schools, districts, and states across the nation. As you believe, literacy is a human right, and every child deserves access to instruction that helps them read, write, and thrive. R esources mentioned in this episode: 📚 Mississippi Rising by Leta Palmiter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C7F4XK7X 🌐 Illuminations Literacy Solutions https://illuminationsliteracy.com/ 🌐 Vertical Take-Off Reading https://vtoreading.com 🎟️ Breaking Barriers: Expanding Literacy for All Learners Conference Meridian, Mississippi October 1–2, 2026 https://breakingbarriersliteracy.com 📚 Promo Code: readingisahumanright This code provides free shipping on Mississippi Rising or any product available through the Illuminations Literacy Solutions website. I am also honored to be a featured speaker at the Illuminations conference in Meridian, Mississippi, October 1–2, 2026. I hope to see you there.

On this episode of On the Road to Literacy Success, Dr. Liz Ritz describes how school districts can implement Science of Reading-aligned practices in a way that is cohesive, clear, and coherent across classrooms, schools, and systems. She shares practical insight into what it takes to move beyond awareness and into implementation: building shared language, supporting teachers, aligning instructional expectations, and creating the conditions for literacy practices to actually take root. This conversation is for leaders, coaches, and educators who know the goal is not simply to talk about the Science of Reading. The goal is to bring it to life in classrooms so more students learn to read, write, think, and thrive. It was an honor to have Dr. Ritz on the show. To learn more about Educate's Tier 1 support and literacy implementation resources, visit goodhumanseducate.com.

In Season 2, Episode 12 of On the Road to Literacy Success Podcast, Staci Bain sits down with Karen Wattenmaker of Edu-Partners to discuss the comprehensive language and literacy work required to build a literate society. At GoodHumansEducate.com, we aim to support female entrepreneurs who are doing this important literacy work. In this episode, you will gain research insights, helpful instructional moves, and insightful systems advice to move your thinking forward. Whether you are working to strengthen classroom practice or build stronger MTSS and Tier 1 systems for all students, this conversation will encourage and equip you. To learn more, feel free to check out Staci Bain, Ed.D. at GoodHumansEducate.com or our good pal Karen at Edu-Partners.

In this episode of On The Road To Literacy Success, host Dr. Staci Bain sits down with children’s author Kristen Wilks to explore how storytelling helps build strong, motivated readers. Kristen shares how her love of writing began early, and how she now creates stories that make kids belly-laugh, stay engaged, and feel genuinely connected to the characters. She unpacks what keeps young readers hooked—especially the blend of humor and action—and explains how books can nurture hope and resilience along the way. The conversation also highlights how schools and author visits can help grow confident readers and inspire young writers. Whether you’re a teacher, school leader, parent, or literacy advocate, this episode is a reminder that literacy success is built—one story at a time. Connect with Kristen: kristenjoywilks.com Connect with Dr. Bain: GoodHumansEducate.com

🎙️ On the Road to Literacy Success Podcast In this episode of On the Road to Literacy Success, host Staci Bain, Ed.D. sits down with Jennifer Throndsen, founder of Impactful Learning Designs and former Department of Education leader, for a grounded, practical conversation about what Tier 1 instruction actually needs to look like in real classrooms. Together, they explore why strong literacy outcomes don’t come from initiatives alone—but from clear, cohesive systems that translate into daily instructional practice for teachers. Dr. Throndsen shares her personal journey into education, her passion for teaching, and her unwavering commitment to improving literacy outcomes for all students. She also names several common instructional pitfalls she sees across schools and districts, including: 📌 The need for explicit, intentional instruction 📌 Increasing meaningful engagement with grade-level texts 📌 The danger of over-scaffolding, which can unintentionally limit student independence and cognitive growth This episode is a must-listen for teachers, instructional coaches, principals, and district leaders who are serious about strengthening Tier 1 literacy in a way that is doable, effective, and sustainable. 👩‍🏫 About the Guest Dr. Jennifer Throndsen is the founder of Impactful Learning Designs and a former Department of Education leader. Her work centers on helping educators build instructional systems that improve outcomes while honoring the realities of classrooms and schools. 💛 About Good Humans Educate and Dr. Staci Bain Good Humans Educate supports teachers and school leaders with practical, research-aligned tools for Tier 1 literacy instruction. Staci Bain, Ed.D. is the author of Empowered to Teach and Lead: Whole-Group Literacy Instruction Made Easy—your go-to elementary school playbook for whole-group literacy that’s cohesive, clear, and coherent. 📘 Learn more at GoodHumansEducate.comExplore:Asynchronous Tier 1 Roadmap CoursesProprietary whole-group Tier 1 instructional frameworksVirtual and onsite professional learning designed to reduce overload and increase clarity ✨ If this conversation resonated with you, be sure to like, subscribe, and share this episode with a fellow educator committed to Tier 1 excellence. 📚 Education is liberation. 🦄 Whole-group is the work.

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.

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.

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

🎙️ 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

Dr. Bolger discusses the importance of moving beyond "sticking with the script" and "The Simple View"--and MUCH more!

In this episode of 'On the Road to Literacy Success', Dr. Staci Bain interviews Kareem Weaver, a civil rights activist and literacy advocate. They discuss the importance of evidence-based practices in education, the role of leadership in fostering a culture of literacy, and the need for transparency and accountability in schools. Kareem shares his personal journey in education, highlights unsung heroes in literacy, and emphasizes the significance of cultural context in teaching. The conversation also touches on the complex relationship between belonging and literacy, and the future of education focused on empowering students to read and learn effectively. You can check out the trailer for The Right To Read by clicking here.

In this episode of "On the Road to Literacy Success", Educate's Co-Founder interviews Angy Graham, an Executive Director for the Rankin County School District, Mississippi. They discuss the district's journey towards implementing Educate's K-8 Science of Reading in Tier 1 approach in EVERY classroom and EVERY building. This Mississippi district has shifted from a balanced literacy approach to a Science of Reading in Tier 1 approach. They have trained all K-8 teachers on Educate's Tier 1, 3-pronged approach. Executive Director Graham emphasizes the importance of providing an environment where all students can thrive and learn -- and that it all begins with effective, collective Tier 1 instruction. There is hope and a solution. Enjoy the episode!

Welcome back to another episode of Educate's "On the Road to Literacy Success"! We're thrilled to have you with us as we dive back into the heart of literacy instruction. In Part 2, we're continuing our engaging conversation with the insightful Dr. Nathaniel Swain. In this episode, we’ll explore the dynamics of whole group teaching, break down the literacy block, and discuss why it's essential to stay flexible and adaptable in your teaching approach. If you're interested in diving deeper into whole class teaching, be sure to check out Dr. Swain's website at nathanialswain.com, grab a copy of his new book, "Harnessing the Science of Learning", and don't forget to visit me, Staci, at GoodHumansEducate.com for your Tier 1 strategy, professional learning, resources, and more. So, get ready for some valuable insights—let's take a listen, good human! -staci Staci Bain, Ed.D. Educate, Co-Founder & President GoodHumansEducate.com