Alabama Literacy Network's Podcast

Interviews with leaders in Alabama on improving literacy.

The beginning of the Alabama Literacy Act -Interview with Collins & Baker

This episode features Representative Terri Collins of Decatur, sponsor of the Alabama Literacy Act, and co-sponsor Representative Alan Baker of Escambia County. They discuss what led to the creation and passage of the act, implications of the act, and the status of literacy in the state. 

10-29
26:11

Training the Next Generation of Reading Teachers: Interview with Dr. Lauren Brannan & Dr. Hannah Szatkowski

In this interview with Dr. Hannah Szatkowski and Dr. Lauren Brannan, professors of reading instruction at the University of South Alabama, they share how the training of pre-service teachers has changed with the Science of Reading and the benefits they are already seeing. 

01-22
32:33

Ending Book Deserts - Why it matters: Interview with Dr. Molly Ness

This episode is an interview with Dr. Molly Ness, who created the national End Book Deserts campaign and podcast to increase access of books and book culture to underserved populations. 

02-12
28:16

Breaking the School-to-Prison Pipeline Through Early Literacy: Interview with Hilderbrand Pelzer III

Learn from one of the country's top experts in educating incarcerated youth how the school-to-prison pipeline can be broken through early literacy. 

05-13
32:21

Improving Literacy During a Pandemic: Interview with Dr. Matt Warford & Dr. Demedia Edwards

Adopting a new curriculum in the middle of a pandemic was a challenge, but it is already paying off in Aldine, Texas. Learn how literacy leaders Dr. Matt Warford and Dr. Demedia Edwards are learning how to improve teaching and creating leaders as they go. Learn what went well, what they would improve, and the benefits they are already seeing from their implementation of CKLA.

04-15
34:25

The Partnership Approach for Adolescent Readers: Interview with Dr. Leigh Hall

Working with adolescents can be challenging, but add in the fact that many young people struggle with reading, it can become a battle. Dr. Leigh Hall has spent her career identifying ways to help adolescent readers. Her latest work identifies simple ways to build bridges between these readers, their motivation, and futures where they love to read and read well.

04-29
31:42

Maximizing Impact of Instructional Coaches: Interview with Dr. Lindsay Clare Matsumura

Instructional coaches are an incredible tool in improving teacher practice, but how do we support these individuals in their work? Learn how to maximize their impact, create the conditions for success, and revolutionize opportunities for teachers to be coached effectively in this interview with Dr. Lindsay Clare Matsumura. Also learn about her work with literacy instruction and improving students' reading comprehension through dialogic conversations. It's a conversation you don't want to miss!

06-17
35:50

The Writing AND Learning Revolution: Interview with Dr. Judith Hochman

With students from all types of schools struggling to write effectively, Dr. Judith Hochman brought together evidence-based strategies for writing that became known around the world as "The Hochman Method." This work was shared in her book The Writing Revolution, which was co-written with Natalie Wexler. Dr. Hochman continues to show teachers how to use writing as a teaching tool to accelerate learning in all content areas.

07-15
38:46

Explicit Instruction in ALL subjects: Interview with Dr. Laura Fiveash

How do we help EVERY student, including those with learning differences succeed in all subjects? Find out how one school is leading the way with explicit instruction in all disciplines while also writing a math curriculum specifically for students with learning differences. Our latest podcast featuring Dr. Laura Fiveash, head of school at Spring Valley School in Birmingham, Alabama, will inspire your work to help all students, but especially those with learning differences.

08-12
44:47

AIMing High to Improve Learning: Interview with Pat Roberts & Nancy Blair of AIM Academy & Institute

As educators, we want to reach every child, but helping students with learning challenges has often been difficult. What if there was a place that was not only transferring the latest research into classrooms, but also leading the research within their school that can help all students? Pat Roberts & Nancy Blair of the AIM Academy and AIM Institute are doing exactly this, and they're willing to share what they've learned with everyone.

09-09
44:40

The Art & Science of Improving Core Instruction: Interview with Carol Dissen

The first step in improving tiered instruction is to provide high-quality Tier 1 (core) instruction, but how do we do this with what we're already asked to teach? Carol Dissen, creator of ECRI (Enhanced Core Reading Instruction) shares the benefits of an enhanced core and how all teachers can incorporate explicit strategies into their instruction, regardless of what program they're using.

11-06
47:19

Writing the Next Chapter for Educators: Interview with Dr. Tonya Perry

Dr. Tonya Perry's work in teacher education has helped prepare thousands of teachers for success in classrooms. Her work with the Red Mountain Writing Project continues to allow teachers to develop their skill in writing instruction. As the incoming vice-president of NCTE, her influence continues to grow. Learn more about how she is writing the next chapter for educators in our latest podcast.

12-09
44:14

Why the Governor Cares About Reading: Interview with Nick Moore

Learn about why the reading level of Alabamians is important to the success of Alabama.  

11-06
36:29

When Dyslexia Parents Rose Up - Interview with Dr. Denise Gibbs

This interview with Alabama Scottish Rite Foundation Learning Center, Dr. Denise Gibbs, discusses her work with Alabama schools and educators in helping dyslexic students. Nationally recognized for her expertise in dyslexia, Dr. Gibbs has worked with a variety of parent groups and has spearheaded grassroots efforts for dyslexia in the state. 

11-13
28:07

Why we need Dyslexia Therapists: Interview with Julia Wall & Vikki Wolfe

This interview introduces listeners to Certified Academic Language Therapists (CALT's) from Alabama, the history of CALT's in Alabama, what CALT's do for students, and how we can promote more people seeking this certification. 

11-20
13:20

The Preventative Model for Reading - Interview with Mrs. Sonya Yates

This episode interviews Mrs. Sonya Yates, President of the Alabama Dyslexia Advisory Council. 

12-04
28:17

Early Literacy: Interview with Dr. Barbara Cooper & Mrs. Liletta Jenkins

This episode features an interview with staff from the Alabama Department of Early Childhood and a discussion of how their work affects literacy in the state.

12-11
29:21

Literacy as Social Justice - Interview with Dr. Joseph Roy

Learn more about how Bethlehem Unified School District has used literacy as a tool to achieve Social Justice. 

01-08
26:47

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