Literacy Mindset

Summary

In this episode, Jeff Pendleton interviews Dr. Niyoka McCoy, Chief Learning Officer of K12, discussing her journey from teacher to educational leader. They explore the role of K12 in online education, the challenges of literacy in a virtual environment, and innovative approaches to engage students. Niyoka shares insights on curriculum development, the importance of libraries, and the balance between screen time and ...

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In this episode of the Literacy Mindset, Dr. Sabrina Salmon, Senior Director of Exceptional Students at Tucson Unified School District, shares her journey into education and the importance of literacy in student success. She discusses the district's diverse population, the implementation of a multi-tiered system of support (MTSS), and the significance of early intervention programs. Dr. Salmon emphasizes the chall...

Summary

In this episode, Dr. Kathy Rollo and Misty Rieber discuss their personal journeys in education, the challenges and successes of literacy initiatives in Lubbock, Texas, and the evolving role of technology and AI in education. They emphasize the importance of community engagement, addressing socioeconomic challenges, and the need for effective phonics instruction to improve literacy outcomes for students. The conversa...

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In this episode of The Literacy Mindset, Dr. Stephanie Howard, the superintendent of Midland ISD, shares her extensive experience in education and her strategic approach to improving literacy and overall student performance in the district. She discusses the importance of curriculum changes, professional development for teachers, and the integration of technology in the classroom. Dr. Howard emphasizes the need fo...

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In this conversation, Eric Satterly, the Chief Information Officer at Jefferson County Public Schools, shares his journey from the banking sector to education technology. He discusses the challenges and opportunities in K-12 education, particularly in integrating technology into literacy instruction. Eric emphasizes the importance of collaboration, data governance, and the role of AI in personalizing learning expe...

In this episode of The Literacy Mindset Podcast, Jeff Pendleton sits down with James P. Franz, principal of Bishop Kelley Catholic High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma. With more than 40 years in education, including decades as an English teacher, Franz shares how staying in the classroom even while leading as principal, keeps him connected to students and teachers alike. He reflects on his journey from teaching in Samoa to ...

In this episode of The Literacy Mindset Podcast, Jeff Pendleton talks with Catina Taylor, founder and CEO of Dreams KC, a nonprofit focused on empowering parents to become active partners in their children’s literacy journey. A former law student turned educator and advocate, Catina shares her powerful story of returning to Kansas City classrooms and realizing the urgent need to address literacy gaps. She explains how her ...

In this episode of The Literacy Mindset Podcast, Jeff Pendleton sits down with Joanna Hall, principal of Bennett Elementary School in Broken Bow, Oklahoma. A lifelong community member and former special educator, Joanna shares how her school serves third through fifth graders with a mix of structured literacy, targeted small-group instruction, and a community-centered approach. She explains how her teachers use both core 9...

In this episode of The Literacy Mindset Podcast, Jeff Pendleton talks with Megan Muldoon Brown, Director of Special Education at Township High School District 214 in Illinois. Serving over 12,000 students across six high schools in the Chicago suburbs, Megan shares how her district is rethinking literacy at the secondary level, particularly for students with special education needs. She discusses the renewed emphasis on st...

In this episode of The Literacy Mindset Podcast, Jeff Pendleton sits down with Dr. Lynette Burchfield, assistant principal at Catoosa High School in Oklahoma, to discuss how literacy leadership plays out at the secondary level. With a background spanning higher education, drama, speech, and English language arts, Dr. Burchfield shares the unique perspective she brings to shaping literacy instruction in a high school settin...

In this episode of The Literacy Mindset Podcast, Jeff Pendleton talks with Latisha Broomfield, Director of ESL for Westborough Public Schools in Massachusetts, about leading literacy work for a growing population of English learners. With nearly three decades in education and experience as both a classroom teacher and ESL leader, Latisha shares her philosophy that good instruction begins with knowing students deeply—then t...

In this episode of The Literacy Mindset Podcast, guest host Amy Katschke talks with Keith Pautler, principal of Edmond Memorial High School in Oklahoma, about leading literacy efforts in a large and diverse high school setting. With experience as an elementary, middle, and now high school principal, Keith shares how foundational literacy strategies transcend grade levels—and why they remain essential even for older stu...

In this episode of The Literacy Mindset Podcast, Jeff Pendleton is joined by a panel of literacy leaders from American Paradigm Schools in Philadelphia: Susan Senek, Brittany Reid Harden, and Kyle Black. Together, they bring perspectives from across the K–12 spectrum, sharing how their network of charter schools is approaching literacy instruction with both innovation and consistency. From building consensus around Tie...

In this episode of The Literacy Mindset Podcast, Jeff Pendleton talks with Michelle Brumley, principal of Choteau Middle School in Oklahoma, about leading literacy efforts in a small-town school with big challenges. Brumley shares how her 5th–8th grade building supports struggling readers without dedicated interventionists, blending technology-driven assessments with targeted reteaching. She also dives into creative in...

In this episode of The Literacy Mindset Podcast, Jeff Pendleton chats with Carrie Sebora, Director of Curriculum and Instruction at Soledad USD, about the power of building strong systems to support both teachers and students. Sebora shares her experiences working alongside educators to implement structured literacy practices, highlighting the importance of professional learning communities, coaching cycles, and collab...

In this episode of The Literacy Mindset Podcast, Jeff Pendleton talks with Kathy Hunt, a veteran educator and reading interventionist, about transforming literacy instruction through small, consistent shifts in classroom practice. Hunt shares how her journey from a traditional teacher to a literacy coach reshaped her understanding of what struggling readers really need—and how to deliver it in ways that work. She unpac...

In this episode of The Literacy Mindset Podcast, Jeff Pendleton sits down with Dr. Michelle Miller, a seasoned literacy leader, to explore how intentional, research-based strategies can transform student reading success. Dr. Miller shares her journey from classroom teacher to district-level administrator, revealing the pivotal moments that shaped her belief in literacy as the foundation for all learning. She dives deep int...

In this episode of Literacy Mindset, host Jeff Pendleton speaks with Richard Kirksey, the newly appointed principal at Moreland High School in rural northwest Oklahoma. With a background that spans corporate creative work, multimedia design, and classroom teaching, Richard brings a unique perspective to educational leadership—one rooted in storytelling, relationship-building, and community connection.

He shares how More...

In this episode, host Jeff Pendleton sits down with Josh Aston, Director of Secondary Curriculum at Atascadero Unified School District in California, to explore what it takes to foster literacy in today’s evolving educational landscape. Josh shares his journey from small-town Idaho social studies teacher to curriculum director on the California coast, and how his diverse experience offers a unique lens on literacy acro...