DiscoverThe Science of Reading FormulaHow Early Literacy Prevents the School to Prison Pipeline with Hilderbrand Pelzer III
How Early Literacy Prevents the School to Prison Pipeline with Hilderbrand Pelzer III

How Early Literacy Prevents the School to Prison Pipeline with Hilderbrand Pelzer III

Update: 2025-09-29
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Description

What if the behavior issues in your classroom weren’t about defiance—but about reading? In this powerful episode, we talk with Hildebrand Pelzer III, a former prison principal turned education advocate, about how early literacy is the key to preventing the school to prison pipeline. This is a conversation every teacher and school leader needs to hear.

In this episode, we'll talk about:

  • Why reading failure—not behavior—is at the root of the school to prison pipeline.
  • How to reframe classroom misbehavior as a cry for academic help.
  • The role school leaders play in supporting science-backed instruction.
  • Practical ways to use reading data to intervene early and effectively.
  • Why investing in early reading instruction is a moral and professional imperative.

Show Links

Hilderbrand Pelzer III Website / LinkedIn / Instagram
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How Early Literacy Prevents the School to Prison Pipeline with Hilderbrand Pelzer III

How Early Literacy Prevents the School to Prison Pipeline with Hilderbrand Pelzer III

Malia Hollowell