Welcome, in this episode I sat down with Dr. Maria Murray, President of The Reading League, for a candid and heartfelt conversation about the state of reading education. Dr. Murray shares her personal journey from history teacher to literacy advocate, opening up about her initial lack of awareness regarding learning disabilities and dyslexia, and the frustration that drove her to spark real change in the field.Together, Kathryn and Maria pull back the curtain on the persistent gaps between research and classroom practice, reflecting on why so many teacher preparation programs still fail to equip educators with the tools and knowledge grounded in the science of reading. From anecdotes about university roadblocks to the grassroots beginnings of The Reading League, they discuss the urgency of bridging disciplinary divides and ensuring every teacher—and every student—has access to evidence-aligned instruction.You’ll hear stories about the real-world challenges faced by teachers, the surge of momentum for literacy reform, and the importance of honest, actionable professional development. Whether you’re an educator, parent, or advocate, this episode dives into the passion and perseverance it takes to transform how we teach children to read—and why the work is far from done.Tune in for inspiration, practical insights, and a glimpse into the future of reading education.Three fun facts from this episode are:Dr. Maria Murray helped track down participants from a major dyslexia study 11 years later using creative methods like MySpace!The Reading League grew rapidly by hosting free, energetic sessions—attracting thousands of teachers, some of whom drove six hours to attend after-school events.Dr. Murray once handed out so many copies of the National Reading Panel report to her students that UPS would deliver them by the cartload to her office!Meet Dr. Maria Murray:Maria S. Murray, Ph.D., is the founder and CEO of The Reading League, a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to advance the awareness, understanding, and use of evidence-aligned reading instruction. Before founding The Reading League, Dr. Murray was an associate professor at the State University of New York at Oswego, where she taught courses related to literacy assessment and intervention for ten years. She received her Ph.D. in Reading Education from Syracuse University, where she served as project coordinator for Dr. Benita Blachman’s numerous federally funded early reading intervention grants. As a nationally recognized expert in the science of reading, Dr. Murray serves on advisory boards and committees for numerous local, state, and national literacy organizations, such as the National Joint Committee on Learning Disabilities and the Evidence Advocacy Center.Dr. Murray is passionate about the prevention and remediation of reading difficulty and consistently strives to increase educator knowledge and the connections between research and practice. You can find more from Dr. Maria Murray onLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-murray-ph-d-734a1973/Website: https://www.thereadingleague.org/—-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Would you like a transcript of this episode? Click here**** Enjoying this podcast? Please share it with someone who would benefit. Also, don’t forget to hit “follow” so you get all the new episodes as soon as they are released. **** Come hang out with me on Facebook or Instagram. Follow me @R2RInitiative to get more practical tools to help you create sustainable clinical medicine in your life. **** Questions? Comments? Want to share how this podcast has helped you? Would you like to join me as a Guest? Shoot me an email at info@right2readinitiative.com I would love to hear from you.
Join host Dr. Kathryn Garforth on the latest episode of the Right to Read Initiative as she sits down with Elise Lovejoy, the founder of Express Readers, to delve into foundational reading skills and the creation of decodable books for young learners. Elise, a seasoned educator and parent, shares her personal journey, enriched by her experience with a neurodiverse family member, and how it has shaped her empathetic approach to teaching. Together, they discuss the transformative power of phonics and the critical role of connecting with students, especially those with neurodiverse backgrounds. Tune in to understand the importance of phonemic awareness, the use of "pseudo words," and the differences in communication styles when teaching young children versus educators. Elise reveals her path from creating classroom resources to establishing a successful business, overcoming challenges with inspiration from significant educational research. She stresses the need for continuous learning, teacher support, and resource availability, advocating for a systemic shift towards phonetically systematic education methods. This episode is filled with valuable insights on the necessity of adaptable teaching practices, the benefits of decodable books, and practical strategies for fostering student engagement in reading. Discover the importance of building trust with students, leveraging collaboration among educators, and the power of personalized education to meet the unique needs of every child. Whether you’re an educator, parent, or passionate about literacy, this episode offers profound discussions and actionable advice to enhance reading education practices.
In this episode of the Garforth Education Podcast, host Dr, Kathryn Garforth is joined by Dr. Nathaniel Swain to delve into the transformative power of active learning in the classroom. Dr. Swain begins with a powerful quote by Anita Archer, "learning isn't a spectator sport," and emphasizes the need for engaging, participatory teaching strategies. From discussions and partner work to mini whiteboard responses and cold calls, discover how these methods foster an environment where students feel safe to take risks and learn from their mistakes. Dr. Kathryn Garforth and Dr. Swain also discuss how to set students up for success by tailoring questions to their readiness during activities, ensuring every learner is motivated and encouraged to participate. The conversation extends into the responsive and adaptive nature of effective teaching, differentiating between biologically primary and secondary knowledge based on David Geary's work, and the significance of explicitly teaching complex skills. Topics covered include cognitive load theory, the distinction between novice and expert learners, and trauma-informed and culturally responsive teaching. Learn how orchestrating success can motivate students, the benefits of high expectations and norms within the classroom, and the practical implementation of scientifically-backed educational strategies. Dr. Swain shares insights from his book, "Harnessing the Science of Learning," which provides foundational knowledge and practical applications for everyday teachers. The episode also explores differentiation in education, balancing teacher autonomy with accountability, and the ongoing nature of educational research. Join us for an enlightening discussion on making teaching both an art and a science, ensuring effective, evidence-based practices that enhance student learning and teacher satisfaction. Dr Nathaniel Swain is a Teacher, Instructional Coach, and Writer. He works as a Senior Lecturer in Learning Sciences at La Trobe University School of Education and SOLAR LAB, and he produces a blog for teachers called Dr Swain’s Cognitorium. Nathaniel has taught a range of learners in schools and universities, and founded a community of teachers committed to the Science of Learning: THINK FORWARD EDUCATORS, now 25,000 members and growing. Dr Swain is a sought after speaker on educational circuits, and has a new book entitled “Harnessing the Science of Learning: Success stories to help kickstart your school improvement”.
In this episode Dr. Kathryn Garforth and Tiffany James discuss her journey.
In this episode Dr. Kathryn Garforth, Tiffany James, and Mike Jones discuss improving literacy for dyslexics.
In this episode Dr. Kathryn Garforth and Jeremiah Short discuss his approach to teaching.
In this episode Dr. Kathryn Garforth and Jeremiah Short discuss his journey.
Join Dr. Kathryn Garforth and Rick Moore as they discuss his hopes for the future Rick is a retired bus driver. He and his wife Michelle have been married for 37 years. She still works part time as an assistant librarian for SD #61. They have just become great-grandparents and are about to become grandparents for the 4th time. Rick was born and raised in North Vancouver. His parents both grew up in West Van - before the Lions Gate Bridge was built.
In this episode Dr. Kathryn Garforth and Rick Moore discuss his journey. Rick is a retired bus driver. He and his wife Michelle have been married for 37 years. She still works part time as an assistant librarian for SD #61. They have just become great-grandparents and are about to become grandparents for the 4th time. Rick was born and raised in North Vancouver. His parents both grew up in West Van - before the Lions Gate Bridge was built.
Join Dr. Kathryn Garforth and Fran Blackwood as they discuss decades of work & still no change.
In this episode Dr. Kathryn Garforth and Fran Blackwood discuss her journey as a Parent Advocate.
Join Dr. Kathryn Garforth and Linda Rhyne as they discuss her role as a Literacy Consultant. Linda Rhyne is the owner of Linda Rhyne Consulting, a company focused on helping teachers and leaders connect research to practice in a safe & supportive environment. Linda is an award-winning National Board Certified, LETRS and Orton-Gillingham trained educator with 16 years of experience in education including Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, one of the nation's 20 largest urban school districts located in Charlotte, NC. She served in multiple positions in CMS: classroom teacher, literacy facilitator, new teacher support coordinator, and Southeast Learning Community coordinator, with 10+ years of experience as an instructional coach. In her free time, you can find her playing with her two boys, hanging with her husband, reading, and working out.
Join Dr. Kathryn Garforth and Linda Rhyne as they discuss her journey.Linda Rhyne is the owner of Linda Rhyne Consulting, a company focused on helping teachers and leaders connect research to practice in a safe & supportive environment.Linda is an award-winning National Board Certified, LETRS and Orton-Gillingham trained educator with 16 years of experience in education including Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, one of the nation's 20 largest urban school districts located in Charlotte, NC. She served in multiple positions in CMS: classroom teacher, literacy facilitator, new teacher support coordinator, and Southeast Learning Community coordinator, with 10+ years of experience as an instructional coach. In her free time, you can find her playing with her two boys, hanging with her husband, reading, and working out.
Join Dr. Kathryn Garforth and Andrea Frick as they discuss her role in the phonics companion. Andrea Frick is an elementary teacher and research assistant with a passion for evidence-based literacy practices. Under the supervision of Dr. Georgiou at the University of Alberta, Andrea developed over 150+ reading intervention resources to give to 1st grade teachers at multiple school divisions across Alberta. She also assisted with the initial planning and development of the lessons in Pearson Publishing's newest book "The Phonics Companion". Andrea has presented her work to Alberta's Minister of Education, Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools, and the Greater Edmonton Teachers' Convention. Andrea teaches grade 2 and loves to run, spend time with her husband and (of course) read about the Science of Reading!
Join Catherine Young Morris and Dr. Kathryn Garforth for their discussion about the importance of decodable texts. Catherine Young Morris began authoring decodable text during her daughter’s early elementary years in response to the overwhelming abundance of predictable texts for beginning readers, and underwhelming selection in decodable texts. Needless to say, her daughter could guess with the best of them. With two interdisciplinary degrees focused on social policy and an English minor, she was inspired, as per Toni Morrison, to write the book “you want to read, but … hasn’t been written yet.” Catherine’s career began in early childhood development research, and eventually led her to a Product Director role with the Confident Learners K-3 literacy program at The Learning Bar. It was her work at The Learning Bar with literacy experts and educators across Canada that deepened her appreciation of the vital role literacy plays across an individual’s lifespan, as well as how solid the evidence-base is on what constitutes high quality reading instruction. She is the founder of Practice Readers Books, and ever curious about the sciences of reading and learning.
Join Dr. Kathryn Garforth as she speaks to Decodable book author Catherine Young Morris about her journey. Catherine Young Morris began authoring decodable text during her daughter’s early elementary years in response to the overwhelming abundance of predictable texts for beginning readers, and underwhelming selection in decodable texts. Needless to say, her daughter could guess with the best of them. With two interdisciplinary degrees focused on social policy and an English minor, she was inspired, as per Toni Morrison, to write the book “you want to read, but … hasn’t been written yet.” Catherine’s career began in early childhood development research, and eventually led her to a Product Director role with the Confident Learners K-3 literacy program at The Learning Bar. It was her work at The Learning Bar with literacy experts and educators across Canada that deepened her appreciation of the vital role literacy plays across an individual’s lifespan, as well as how solid the evidence-base is on what constitutes high quality reading instruction. She is the founder of Practice Readers Books, and ever curious about the sciences of reading and learning.
Join Andrea Frick as she shows and tells Dr. Kathryn Garforth about how she teaches literacy in her classroom. Andrea Frick is an elementary teacher and research assistant with a passion for evidence-based literacy practices. Under the supervision of Dr. Georgiou at the University of Alberta, Andrea developed over 150+ reading intervention resources to give to 1st grade teachers at multiple school divisions across Alberta. She also assisted with the initial planning and development of the lessons in Pearson Publishing's newest book "The Phonics Companion". Andrea has presented her work to Alberta's Minister of Education, Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools, and the Greater Edmonton Teachers' Convention. Andrea teaches grade 2 and loves to run, spend time with her husband and (of course) read about the Science of Reading!
Join Dr. Kathryn Garforth and Andrea Frick as they discuss her journey as a teacher and research assistant at the University of Alberta. Andrea Frick is an elementary teacher and research assistant with a passion for evidence-based literacy practices. Under the supervision of Dr. Georgiou at the University of Alberta, Andrea developed over 150+ reading intervention resources to give to 1st grade teachers at multiple school divisions across Alberta. She also assisted with the initial planning and development of the lessons in Pearson Publishing's newest book "The Phonics Companion". Andrea has presented her work to Alberta's Minister of Education, Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools, and the Greater Edmonton Teachers' Convention. Andrea teaches grade 2 and loves to run, spend time with her husband and (of course) read about the Science of Reading!
Join Dr. Kathryn Garforth and Rachael Donnelly a School Psychologist and founder and co-host of the School Pysched Podcast as they speak about The Reading League.
Join Dr. Kathryn Garforth and Rachael Donnelly a School Psychologist and founder and co-host of the School Psyched Podcast as they speak about her role as a School Psychologist.