In this powerful and deeply moving episode, Michelle welcomes Hilderbrand Pelzer III — award-winning principal, author of Unlocking Potential, national speaker, and a transformational leader whose work inside one of the largest jail systems in America has reshaped conversations about literacy, justice, and hope.

Michelle heard Hilderbrand as a keynote speaker at The Reading League Conference and was profoundly inspired by his message — especially his reminder that the school-to-prison pipeline runs right through reading classrooms. Today, he shares stories from decades of work in juvenile corrections, traditional public schools, and the Philadelphia prison system. They explore why literacy is unequivocally a social justice issue, how the school-to-prison pipeline unfolds long before high school, and what educators and leaders can do to interrupt it — starting in the earliest grades.

Through personal narratives, hard truths, and a hopeful vision for the future, Hilderbrand offers a call to action: Don’t give up and never underestimate the impact of teaching a child to read.

Key Takeaways:

Literacy is a Social Justice Issue
The School-to-Prison Pipeline Runs Through Reading Classrooms
Many “behavior issues” are actually literacy issues in disguise, leading to frustration, disengagement, and eventually dropping out.
Leadership Requires Vulnerability
Teachers need the right tools and training – not blame

Resources Mentioned:

Book: Unlocking Potential: Organizing a School Inside a Prison by Hilderbrand Pelzer III
Talk: Hilderbrand’s TED Talk (referenced in conversation)

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