On the Road to Literacy Success

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.

Dr. Timothy Shanahan, an experienced reading researcher and author of 'Leveled Reading, Leveled Lives', shares groundbreaking insights on literacy education. He argues for teaching students with grade-level texts, emphasizing the need for equitable instructional practices. He critiques leveled reading for limiting student growth and advocates for a balance of challenge and support in teaching. Shanahan discusses the benefits of whole-class instruction and highlights the importance of grounding educational practices in solid research. A must-listen for educators!

🎙 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

In this conversation, Dr. DJ Bolger shares his extensive journey in literacy research, emphasizing the importance of brain imaging and the science of reading movement. He discusses the need for explicit teaching, the role of cultural humility, and the significance of understanding the unique backgrounds of students. Bolger highlights the complexities of reading as a cognitive process and the importance of evidence-based practices in education.

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

🎙 On the Road to Literacy Success by GoodHumansEducate Host: Dr. Staci Bain In this engaging episode, Dr. Leslie Laud shares insights from her extensive experience in writing instruction and its transformative impact on both students and teachers. Dr. Laud discusses her passion for teaching, the effectiveness of evidence-based writing strategies, and the significant gains observed in student performance. The conversation offers practical solutions for K-12 educators, emphasizing the need for professional development and the joy of seeing students thrive in their writing abilities. 📚 Key Takeaways: The joy of teaching comes from seeing students succeed. Writing instruction should start with oral modeling. Effective writing strategies can lead to significant student gains. Self-regulation is key to student independence in writing. Professional development is crucial for teacher growth. Evidence-based practices improve student outcomes. Community support is vital for implementing new strategies. Teachers can learn from each other through shared experiences. Writing instruction should evolve with grade levels. Celebrating student success is crucial for motivation. 👉 Don’t miss this inspiring conversation! Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of On the Road to Literacy Success, dedicated to driving literacy growth! Also, visit us at GoodHumansEducate.com to transform your Tier 1 practices. #OnTheRoadToLiteracySuccess #DrLeslieLaud #WritingInstruction #EvidenceBasedPractices #GoodHumansEducate