On the Road to Literacy Success

🎙️ VOCAB ISSUES! | Dr. Freddy Hiebert | On the Road to Literacy Success | Season 3, Episode 2

Are we making vocabulary instruction more complicated than it needs to be? And are some of our longstanding instructional practices actually limiting students' opportunities to become skilled readers?

🚐 In this episode of On the Road to Literacy Success, Dr. Staci Bain welcomes renowned literacy researcher Dr. Elfrieda (Freddy) Hiebert for a conversation about vocabulary, text complexity, word recognition, and the research that should be informing literacy instruction.

📚 Together, we explore some BIG questions:

🔹 Are we teaching vocabulary in ways that actually support reading comprehension?

🔹 What does research tell us about how students acquire vocabulary through reading?

🔹 How do text selection, word frequency, and repeated exposure influence reading development?

🔹 Are traditional vocabulary lists and isolated word instruction giving students what they need?

🔹 How can teachers integrate vocabulary, word recognition, and comprehension into cohesive Tier 1 literacy instruction? This conversation challenges educators to look beyond familiar routines and think critically about how we design literacy experiences for ALL students.

🙋🏼‍♀️ Whether you're a classroom teacher, instructional coach, principal, or district leader, this episode offers research-informed perspectives to help strengthen the literacy instruction happening in your schools. Less instructional fragmentation. More coherence. Better opportunities for students to become skilled readers and thinkers. Check out Dr. Hiebert's TEXT PROJECT site for innumerable goodies.

🌐 Learn more about Educate America LLC® at GoodHumansEducate.com.

🎧 Subscribe to On the Road to Literacy Success for conversations with researchers, educators, and leaders who are helping move literacy research into classroom practice.

#ScienceOfReading #VocabularyInstruction #LiteracyInstruction #ReadingResearch #Tier1Instruction #StructuredLiteracy #EducateAmerica #GoodHumansEducate

Season 3 of On the Road to Literacy Success is HERE—and we are kicking it off with an international K–12 conversation about teaching, learning, literacy, and leadership.

Host Dr. Staci Bain is joined by returning guest Dr. Nathaniel Swain and secondary education leader and PhD candidate Rebecca Birch from Australia for a practical conversation that moves from the early grades all the way through secondary school.

Dr. Swain has officially become part of our season-opening tradition. He joined us for Episode 1 of Season 1, returned to open Season 2, and is back again for Season 3—this time bringing Rebecca Birch into the conversation. Together, Nathaniel and Rebecca also host Chalk Dust, where they examine real classroom instruction, celebrate great teaching, and translate research into concrete instructional moves educators can use.

In this episode, we get into some BIG topics:

💎 Strong whole-group instruction and why teacher-led learning does not mean passive learning

💎 Why interactive, explicit, well-structured instruction can allow teachers to respond to many learners at the same time

💎 The role of small-group instruction—and why it does not need to dominate the instructional block

💎 How classroom structure, explicit teaching, engagement, and behavior may be more connected than we sometimes recognize

💎 Teacher cognitive load and what happens when educators are expected to implement too many new practices at once

💎 Why early-career teachers may benefit from clear instructional structures before being expected to make expert-level decisions in the moment

💎 What strong Tier 1 literacy instruction can look like in middle and secondary schools

💎 The importance of giving older students access to complex text, academic vocabulary, reading, writing, syntax, and disciplinary literacy

💎 Why sentence-level writing and syntactic knowledge deserve far more attention across K–12 classrooms

💎 The importance of high expectations paired with high levels of support

💎 What school and district leaders need to understand about implementation, professional learning, instructional leadership, and creating the conditions for teachers to succeed

One of the strongest messages running through this conversation is simple: great teaching is extraordinarily sophisticated work. Whole-group instruction is not a teacher talking while students sit passively. At its best, it is interactive, diagnostic, explicit, responsive, and deeply dependent upon the instructional expertise of the teacher. And meaningful school improvement requires more than introducing another initiative.

Leaders have to consider teacher knowledge, cognitive load, implementation, time, resources, and whether educators have had enough opportunity to develop proficiency before something new is added. This conversation is for teachers, principals, instructional coaches, district leaders, superintendents, literacy leaders, and anyone working to create stronger K–12 Tier 1 systems. 🎙️

ABOUT THE GUESTS Dr. Nathaniel Swain is an author, speaker, researcher, and classroom expert whose work focuses on evidence-informed instruction, explicit teaching, student engagement, literacy, and school improvement. He is the author of Harnessing the Science of Learning and co-host of the Chalk Dust podcast.

🌎 Learn more: NathanielSwain.com Rebecca Birch is an English teacher, secondary education leader, PhD candidate, writer, and co-host of Chalk Dust. Her work brings an important secondary lens to conversations about reading, writing, complex text, academic language, explicit instruction, school improvement, and implementation.

🎙️ ABOUT YOUR HOST Dr. Staci Bain is the host of On the Road to Literacy Success and co-founder of Educate America® LLC. A former teacher, principal, executive director, and national literacy facilitator, Staci works with K–12 educators and leaders across the country to strengthen Tier 1 instruction and create systems that empower teachers to teach and students to learn.

🌎 GoodHumansEducate.com If this episode gives you something to think about, share it with another good human in education and leave a review wherever you listen.

No paywalls. No corporate sponsorships. No paid endorsements. Just educators learning with and from educators.

Welcome to Season 3. Let’s get On the Road. 💛

In this episode of On the Road to Literacy Success, Dr. Staci Bain sits down with educators from McLaurin Elementary School in Mississippi for a powerful conversation about what it takes to transform literacy outcomes from the inside out. Together, they share the story of how McLaurin’s staff embraced the Science of Reading, strengthened Tier 1 instruction, and worked collectively to move student data in meaningful ways.

This episode highlights the real work behind literacy success: strategic planning, teacher learning, coaching, collaboration, trust, and a shared belief that reading failure can and should be prevented. The conversation also explores the human side of school improvement. The McLaurin team reflects on the courage it takes to learn something new, the importance of supporting teachers as they shift practice, and the role of leadership in creating the conditions for sustainable change. From building buy-in to reducing cognitive load for teachers, their story offers practical insight for schools and districts working to improve literacy instruction.

This episode is a reminder that statewide success is built by the people closest to students: teachers, coaches, principals, and district leaders who are willing to learn, lead, and stay committed to the process. If you care about literacy, school transformation, and the collective effort it takes to change student outcomes, this conversation is for you.

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.

In this episode, we connect with Enid Ballot, a deeply committed and knowledgeable literacy expert who has helped shape and expand the national and international Science of Literacy conversation.

Through her leadership in multiple educator communities on social media, Enid continues to push the field beyond narrow conversations about reading alone and toward a fuller understanding of literacy instruction. Together, we discuss vocabulary development, syntax and grammar, handwriting, writing, and the instructional decisions that help students become stronger readers, writers, and thinkers.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that literacy success is not built through isolated skills or one narrow slice of instruction. It is built through clear, connected, evidence-aligned teaching that honors the complexity of language and the expertise of educators.

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.

NOTE: We apologize for the audio quality on Dr. Bain’s track and appreciate your understanding.

Season 2, Ep. 13: A Superintendent’s Message: Centering the Humanity of Our Work w/ Dr. Tim Lawless

In this meaningful conversation, Dr. Tim Lawless reflects on his journey through education and shares a powerful message for teachers, leaders, and school communities: the work is always about people. Together, we discuss what it looks like to lead with love, build trust over time, hire with heart, and create a school culture grounded in honesty, consistency, faith, humor, and human connection.

This episode offers practical insight for educators and leaders who want to strengthen relationships, communicate more effectively, and cultivate school systems where both adults and students can thrive.

Dr. Lawless reminds us that strong leadership is not only about systems and strategy. It is also about the way people feel seen, valued, supported, and inspired within the work.

Whether you are a superintendent, principal, teacher, coach, or district leader, this conversation will encourage you to keep the humanity of the work at the center. In this episode, we discuss:

--The role of love and trust in school leadership

--Hiring for heart, character, and relational capacity

--Building trust through honesty, consistency, and follow-through

--The importance of humor and human connection in schools

--Strategies for communication, relationship building, and positive culture

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 conversation, Jan Hasbrouck shares practical, research-aligned insight on what strengthens literacy outcomes in real schools.

She explains why explicit instruction remains essential, why many systems are overloaded with assessment, and how leaders can support clearer, more effective literacy implementation. Jan also clarifies what reading fluency actually is—accuracy and automaticity that protect comprehension, not just speed.

This episode offers a grounded, doable lens for teachers and school leaders who want literacy instruction to be more cohesive, clear, and coherent.

Want to grab the book Jan Hasbrouck spoke about?

Grab it here: https://www.amazon.com/Reading-Fluenc...

Want to grab Staci Bain’s new book?

Grab it here: Empowered to Teach and Lead

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

In this cozy, practical conversation, Dr. Staci Bain sits down with speech-language pathologist and literacy advocate Arti Shah to unpack how language development fuels reading and writing success—from babies (0–3) to early elementary (K–2).

You’ll leave with doable ways to strengthen language at home and at school. Arti Shah is a speech-language pathologist (13+ years) who has worked across early intervention, community health, and schools. She also hosts the podcast Human Chapters, where she explores meaningful “chapters” of people’s lives with deep curiosity and connection.

▶️ To connect with Arti, watch/listen to Human Chapters on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@humanchapters

To collaborate with Staci Bain on K–12 Tier 1 systems, feel free to connect. Educate supports teachers and school leaders with practical, research-aligned tools to strengthen Tier 1 literacy instruction—so the work becomes cohesive, clear, and coherent in real classrooms.

Learn more: https://goodhumanseducate.com

If this episode helped you think differently, lead more confidently, or support kids more clearly—leave a Good Human review on YouTube. It helps other educators and families find the show.

🎙️ 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 this episode, Dr. Staci Bain speaks with Jenn and Mel from Teacher Lunch, who share their journey of creating TikToks that bring joy to teachers and celebrate the profession.

They discuss the importance of community, storytelling, and the role of read-alouds in fostering a love for literacy among students. The conversation highlights the significance of collaboration between teachers and librarians, the challenges faced in education, and the joy of making connections with students and fellow educators. You can connect with Jenn and Mel: TeacherLunchJennMel@gmail.com.

They are also on IG and TikTok @ JennMel4.

Join them on YouTube as well ‪@jennmel4‬.

If you enjoy this podcast and this space, we invite you to SUBSCRIBE. If you're wanting to connect with Dr. Bain, please visit GoodHumansEducate.com.

Take-Aways:

Teacher Lunch started as a fun way to connect over lunch.

The joy of teaching is rooted in relationships with students.

Creating a safe space in the library is essential for students.

Community support among teachers enhances the teaching experience.

Storytelling is a powerful tool in education.

Read-alouds are crucial for developing a love for reading.

Motivating reluctant readers requires creativity and patience.

Teachers should encourage students to choose their own reading materials.

The partnership between teachers and librarians is vital for student success.

Celebrating achievements in education fosters a positive environment.

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, 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

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 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.

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

🎙 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!

🎙️ 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