Skip to main content
"Literacy Leadership" The Learning Ally Podcast with Dr. Terrie Noland, CALP

"Literacy Leadership" The Learning Ally Podcast with Dr. Terrie Noland, CALP

By Learning Ally

We are growing a community of educators dedicated to literacy leadership. Our mission is simple: to smash the literacy gap by applying evidence-based reading practices to all grades and all stages of a student's reading journey, effectively influencing up, down, and sideways to drive the best outcomes for all. This is a place where educators empower each other through relationship building, storytelling, vulnerability, and intentionality. We believe that when educators are empowered, students succeed.
Available on
Apple Podcasts Logo
Google Podcasts Logo
Pocket Casts Logo
RadioPublic Logo
Spotify Logo
Currently playing episode

Literacy Leaders Build Three Things

"Literacy Leadership" The Learning Ally Podcast with Dr. Terrie Noland, CALP Dec 06, 2022

00:00
21:55
Literacy Change-makers: Reflecting on the Podcast Journey

Literacy Change-makers: Reflecting on the Podcast Journey

In the final segment of their Change-makers podcast miniseries, Dr. Terrie Noland is joined by colleagues Linda Diamond, Dr. Tim Odegard, and Dr. Tracy Weeden. The group reflects on what they learned about leading large and modeling for others throughout the series. They discuss various takeaways from the esteemed guests they've hosted, emphasizing themes such as the importance of involving all stakeholders, acknowledging the shortcomings in the education system, growing as a leader, the humility necessary in leadership, and the importance of maintaining a growth journey. The conversation highlights the attributes and actions necessary for educators and staff to contribute effectively to systemic change in the teaching and learning landscape.

Key Points:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:40 Reflections on the Leadership Journey

00:56 Key Takeaways from Esteemed Guests

01:17 The Importance of Involving Stakeholders

02:58 The Challenge of Depletion of Human Capital

03:32 The Role of Higher Education

04:12 The Power of Measured Voices

04:56 Bringing Honor Back to Teaching

05:16 The Impact of Change and Leadership

09:36 The Role of Parents in Education

11:05 The Importance of Growth and Learning

13:39 The Power of Humility and Vulnerability

16:43 The Role of Literacy in Shaping the Future

18:09 The Impact of Personal Experiences on Leadership

18:43 The Importance of Professional Learning

23:53 The Power of Hope and the Journey of Change

42:16 Conclusion: The Power of Leadership in Education

Feb 20, 202444:49
Literacy Change-makers: Transforming Adversity into Advocacy

Literacy Change-makers: Transforming Adversity into Advocacy

In this episode, the co-hosts are joined by Ameer Baraka, an award-winning actor, author, dyslexia advocate, youth mentor, and prison coach. Baraka shares his inspiring journey of being a dyslexic who learnt to read as an adult due to his dyslexia not being diagnosed during his childhood. He highlights his descent into a criminal life and his eventual rise to success through education. Having benefited from mentors who encouraged him and believed in his potential, Baraka highlights the importance of mentorship and the need for early dyslexia screening and remediation. Baraka uses his life story to inspire others and advocates for literacy as a way of combating the high incarceration rates.

Visit LearningAlly.org to find out more about how you can unlock student potential through our equitable literacy solutions.

Key Points:

00:04 Introduction and Welcome

01:24 Introducing the Guest: Ameer Baraka

02:42 Ameer's Early Life and Struggles

04:55 Ameer's Journey into Crime and Drug Addiction

08:42 Ameer's Incarceration and Self-Realization

09:17 Ameer's Path to Literacy and Self-Improvement

14:32 Ameer's Advocacy for Early Dyslexia Screening

19:48 Ameer's Role in the First Step Act

23:30 Ameer's Views on Education and Society

27:04 Experiencing the System: Personal Insights

27:18 The State of Education: A Critical Look

29:12 The Power of Mentorship: Personal Stories

32:06 The Impact of Incarceration: A Discussion

37:22 The Power of Literacy: A Personal Journey

42:22 The Future of Literacy: A Vision

44:28 The Power of Storytelling: A Personal Mission

46:57 The Role of Literacy in Society: A Discussion

49:32 The Power of Literacy: A Call to Action

50:47 Conclusion: The Journey Ahead

Feb 06, 202452:19
Literacy Change-makers: Engaging Parents in a Literacy Movement

Literacy Change-makers: Engaging Parents in a Literacy Movement

In this episode of the Literacy Leadership Change-makers miniseries, hosts Dr. Terrie Noland, Dr. Tracy Weeden, Dr. Tim Odegard and Linda Diamond converse with Resha Conroy, the founder of the Dyslexia Alliance for Black Children. As a mother of two children with learning disabilities, Resha shares her journey of fighting for her children’s education and breaking from the low expectations set for black students. The discussion dives deep into transformative literacy, the importance of evidence-based reading instruction, and the need for literacy and equity to go hand in hand for inclusive education and societal transformation. The hosts and Resha also explore the critical role of parents and the community in advocating for equitable access to education and literacy resources.


Key Points:

00:00 Introduction to Literacy Leadership Change-makers Miniseries

00:30 Highlighting the Parent Perspective in Literacy Movement

00:58 Introducing Resha Conroy: A Powerful Voice in Literacy Transformation

02:00 Resha's Personal Journey to Becoming an Education Advocate

04:41 The Formation of Dyslexia Alliance for Black Children

06:28 The Impact of Reading Challenges on Resha's Family

12:34 The Systemic Nature of Reading Challenges and the Role of Parents

14:31 The Historical Perspective of Literacy and Its Impact on Black Children

17:23 The Importance of Literacy in Achieving Equity

19:33 The Role of Parents and Community in Advocating for Literacy

20:34 The Need for Evidence-Based Literacy Instruction in Schools

25:23 The Importance of Asking the Right Questions as a Parent

29:25 The Political Struggle for Education Reform

31:05 The Power of Advocacy and Community Action

31:58 The Concept of Floating Schools: Immediate Solutions for Literacy

33:26 The Importance of Immediate Action and Systemic Change

34:51 The Generational Impact of Illiteracy

36:28 The Power of Literacy in Transforming Lives

44:03 The Role of Literacy in Accessing Systems and Resources

46:18 The Importance of Celebrating Cultural Diversity in Education

49:42 The Power of Resilience and Determination in Overcoming Challenges

52:14 The Role of Faith and Hope in Driving Change

54:24 Conclusion: The Need for Community Catalysts in Education

Jan 30, 202457:52
Literacy Change-makers: Igniting a Community Movement

Literacy Change-makers: Igniting a Community Movement

This episode features an impassioned discussion with Sonya Thomas, the executive director of Nashville Propel, known for her fierce advocacy in the field of literacy transformation. She shares her personal struggle with her son being unable to read at grade level, pushing her towards transforming parental literacy advocacy and founding Nashville PROPEL, a Nashville, TN group that organizes and develops powerful parent leaders that demand equitable education policies and practices.

Engaging in a symphony of voices advocating for literacy leadership, Sonya voices her anger and determination to change the systemic failures of the educational system. Mentioning literacy as a broader societal issue, not limited by race, color or creed, Sonya specifically empathizes with parents’ struggles. The episode encourages listeners to champion the rights of all children to read through collective advocacy and calls for a deeper understanding of literacy beyond quick-fix solutions. Key Points:

00:04 Introduction: The Power of Literacy Transformation

00:52 Meet the Panel: Advocacy and Community in Literacy Leadership

01:54 Guest Spotlight: Sonya Thomas and Nashville Propel

02:39 Sonya's Personal Journey: The Fight for Literacy

04:57 The Impact of Illiteracy: A Personal Perspective

05:45 The Birth of Nashville Propel: A Movement for Change

06:41 The Betrayal of the Education System: A Parent's Perspective

07:44 The Emotional Damage of Illiteracy: A Call to Action

08:51 The Power of Parent Advocacy: Building a Movement

09:10 The Struggle for Academic Achievement in the Black Community

11:34 The Right to Read: A Human Rights Issue

13:32 The Role of Parents in Literacy Advocacy

15:41 The Importance of Reading: A Life-Changing Skill

16:48 The State of Literacy in Nashville: A Call for Accountability

23:31 The Role of Leadership in Literacy Advocacy

27:52 The Dirty Secret of Illiteracy

28:55 Channeling Passion into Constructive Outcomes

29:15 The Role of Parents and Educators in Literacy

30:11 The Struggle of Reading and Poor Instruction

30:59 The Pain of Dyslexia and Dystaughtia

33:18 The Fight for Literacy: A Personal Journey

35:11 The Importance of Educating Educators

37:55 The Power of Storytelling in Advocacy

46:28 The Struggles of Parents and the Socioeconomic Problem

49:58 The Importance of Data and Understanding Reading

52:16 The Role of Nashville Propel in Literacy Advocacy

54:20 Closing Remarks

Jan 23, 202456:06
Literacy Change-makers: Tomorrow's Literacy Leaders

Literacy Change-makers: Tomorrow's Literacy Leaders

In this episode of our Change-makers podcast miniseries, Dr. Terrie Noland is joined by co-hosts Linda Diamond, Dr. Tracy White Weeden, and Dr. Tim Odegard to converse with guest Dr. Stephanie Stollar. Dr. Stollar discusses how we should educate pre-service teachers about the science of reading. She stresses on the 'silo-effect' and the importance of integrating teaching approaches within universities to better align with current research and effective teaching methodologies. The episode additionally explores policy changes as potential enablers to adapt science-oriented approaches in higher education. The conversation delves into the complexities of teacher training, the reality of the classroom environment, and understanding the difference in qualitative and quantitative research to help accelerate student outcomes. The participants also debate how universities need to play a more active role in creating teachers who can systematically apply teaching methodologies that have shown proven results from scientific research.

Key Points:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:51 Introducing the Special Guest

02:43 The Disconnect in Higher Education

03:50 The Role of Higher Education in Developing Quality Educators

06:39 The Importance of Engaging with Research Literature

07:22 The Liability of Lack of Engagement with Empirical Research

09:31 The Role of Qualitative Research in Education

11:41 The Impact of Personal Philosophy on Teaching Reading

13:28 The Role of Higher Education in Preventing Educator Failure

30:01 The Role of Policy in Higher Education

36:52 The Importance of Setting People Up for Success

37:54 The Need for Integration of Initiatives at the State Level

38:38 Engaging Universities in the Education Process

39:26 The Role of Communication in Education

40:31 The Power of Partnerships in Education

41:42 The Impact of University Education on Teacher Training

42:19 The Importance of Infrastructure for Change in Education

43:20 The Role of Policy in Changing Teacher Preparation

45:35 The Need for Acceleration in University Education

56:05 The Challenge of Accessing Academic Content for Teachers

01:06:28 The Role of In-Service Professional Development in Building Teacher Knowledge

01:08:54 The Importance of Community in Literacy Leadership

Jan 16, 202401:10:32
Literacy Change-makers: Navigating Multilingual Literacy

Literacy Change-makers: Navigating Multilingual Literacy

In this episode of the Change-makers podcast miniseries from Learning Ally, literacy experts discuss strategies, opportunities, and challenges in improving literacy for multilingual learners. The discussion is led by co-hosts Linda Diamond, Dr. Terrie Noland, Dr. Tracy Weeden, and Dr. Tim Odegard, as they talk with featured guest Dr. Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan, a bilingual expert and literacy advocate. The conversation delves into the importance of literacy for multilingual learners, the role of educators in creating an inclusive and enriching learning environment, and strategies to effectively teach reading to multilingual learners. They also address the need for effective screening, assessment, and early, targeted intervention in literacy education for multilingual learners. Additionally, the complexities of aligning the science of reading to the needs of multilingual learners are discussed, with a focus on the challenges and potential solutions for implementing evidence-based practices in classrooms.

Key Points:

00:04 Introduction to Literacy Transformation

00:57 Introducing the Guest Speaker: Dr. Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan

02:25 Understanding the Science of Reading for Multilingual Learners

04:53 The Importance of Oral Language Proficiency in Literacy

05:43 The Role of Phoneme Awareness in Multilingual Learning

06:33 The Impact of Vocabulary and Comprehension on Multilingual Learning

06:49 The Importance of Evidence-Based Practices in Multilingual Learning

07:41 Specific Considerations for Improving Literacy Outcomes for Multilingual Learners

08:58 The Role of Phoneme Awareness in Multilingual Learning

11:00 The Importance of Fluency and Vocabulary in Multilingual Learning

16:02 The Challenges and Barriers to Implementing Multilingual Learning Practices

19:29 Effective and Appropriate Ways to Assess and Screen Multilingual Learners

26:43 The Importance of Data in Multilingual Learning

29:16 Finding Common Ground Between Advocates of Multilingual Students and the Science of Reading

33:14 Discussing Change Management and Social Contracts

33:45 The Role of Grassroots Activism in Social Change

34:35 Personal and Professional Lessons from Activism

35:36 The Importance of Community Involvement in Change

37:50 The Impact of Literacy on Job Opportunities

39:11 The Role of AI in the Knowledge Economy

40:13 The Power of Partnerships in Achieving Goals

40:32 The Importance of Individual Action in Change

41:22 The Role of Leadership in Community Change

41:53 The Importance of Involving Others in Change

42:36 The Role of Literacy in Community Development

44:51 The Challenges of Marginalized Communities

51:03 The Importance of Early Intervention in Literacy

51:59 The Impact of Legislation on Literacy Education

52:36 The Role of Technology in Addressing Literacy Gaps

59:16 The Importance of Parental Involvement in Literacy Education

01:04:02 Closing Remarks and Reflections on Literacy Leadership

Jan 09, 202401:06:48
Literacy Change-makers: Embrace Change & Implement with Purpose

Literacy Change-makers: Embrace Change & Implement with Purpose

In this insightful episode, we dive deep into the journey of literacy transformation with Dr. Robert Sahli, Assistant Superintendent in Lodi Unified School District, California. The discussion covers a range of topics like the importance of phonemic awareness and phonics, the impact of coaching and continuous professional development, and the importance of early interventions and systematic instructions. Dr. Sahli also talks about the challenges of the pandemic and how it impacted the education system and how he navigated through it by using technology and virtual training for teachers. There are also discussions about the importance of English Language learner institutes and the approaches taken to improve literacy proficiency among multi-language learners. Join Learning Ally's award-winning Educator Community!

Key Points

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

01:08 Introducing the Guest Speaker

01:38 In-depth Discussion with Dr. Robert Sahli

02:42 Understanding Lodi Unified School District

05:06 Implementing the Science of Reading Process

06:01 Overcoming Challenges during the Pandemic

07:18 Expanding the Reading Program

07:31 Addressing the Teacher Shortage

10:11 Improving Literacy Outcomes for Multilingual Learners

14:17 Addressing the Needs of Migrant Students

16:10 The Importance of Ongoing Professional Development

17:08 The Impact of COVID-19 on Literacy Outcomes

18:49 The Importance of Early Literacy Assessment

19:50 The Role of Administrators in Literacy Transformation

19:50 The Role of Coaches in Literacy Transformation

36:04 The Importance of Family Engagement in Literacy

38:51 The Importance of Knowledge for Administrators

47:20 Avoiding Initiative Overload

48:22 The Importance of Ongoing Coaching and Support

52:14 Conclusion and Farewell

Dec 19, 202354:20
Literacy Change-makers: Developing Educator Knowledge

Literacy Change-makers: Developing Educator Knowledge

In this episode, guest Dr. Rebecca Tolson shares her valuable insights on literacy leadership, transformation, and the importance of professional development. She emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to literacy, incorporating structured literacy, and stresses the importance of coaching and support for teachers' growth. The need for decision-making based on a balance of qualitative and quantitative data, as well as the elimination of silos in education systems, is also discussed. Rebecca also highlights some practical examples of leadership and change within Ohio's educational landscape. The discussion concludes with thoughts on the importance of empowering teachers and students, particularly in marginalized communities. Don't miss this thoughtful episode, and check out Learning Ally's ⁠Solutions for Schools⁠! Key Points:

00:04 Introduction and Welcome

01:45 Introducing the Guest Speaker

03:30 Guest Speaker's Journey in Literacy Education

05:55 The Importance of Professional Development in Literacy

09:51 The Role of Screening and Intervention in Literacy Education

24:37 The Importance of Leadership in Literacy Transformation

30:26 The Role of Compliance and Passion in Literacy Education

32:31 The Importance of Emotional Connection in Teaching

32:55 The Role of Superintendents in Education

33:29 The Power of Data in Education

33:51 Addressing Defiance in the Classroom

34:59 The Need for a Structured Approach in Multilingual Education

35:58 The Journey of Teaching and Learning

36:11 The Importance of Oral Language and Listening Comprehension

37:11 The Role of Professional Development in Education

37:59 The Importance of Small Steps in Teaching

38:27 The Challenges of Teaching Writing

39:41 The Role of Data in Education

43:44 The Importance of Accountability in Education

44:48 The Role of Effective Professional Development and Coaching

53:41 The Importance of Triangulating Data in Education

56:07 The Role of Leadership in Education

58:16 The Importance of Literacy for Life

58:43 The Impact of Qualitative Conditions on Teachers

01:03:05 Closing Remarks and Reflections

Dec 12, 202301:05:13
Literacy Change-makers: Fostering Literacy from Within and Without
Dec 05, 202359:58
Literacy Change-makers: Change Leadership
Nov 28, 202358:05
Literacy Change-makers: Implementation at the Speed of Trust
Nov 14, 202351:35
Literacy Change-makers: Literacy is Our Bedrock
Nov 07, 202301:19:46
Literacy Change-makers: Our Why
Oct 31, 202301:04:02
Literacy Change-makers: Current Status of the Literacy Landscape

Literacy Change-makers: Current Status of the Literacy Landscape

This is the opening episode in a Change-makers podcast miniseries featuring co-hosts Dr. Terrie Noland, Linda Diamond, Dr. Tim Odegard, and Dr. Tracy White Weeden.

Our hosts discuss the importance of literacy leadership and the impact of literacy on individuals and society. They reflect on past efforts such as Reading First and Common Core, and discuss the lessons learned and the need for continuous learning and growth in the field of literacy.

They emphasize the importance of leadership that adds value, continuous learning, and partnerships with stakeholders to drive change in literacy education. The leaders envision a future where leaders are well-prepared and equipped to address the challenges of literacy education and ensure that every student has the opportunity to become literate.

Oct 24, 202301:00:47
Literacy Leaders Lead From Their Classrooms

Literacy Leaders Lead From Their Classrooms

This week Dr. Terrie Noland talks with educator, Chris Heim, whose journey in education has led him to understand literacy leadership doesn't necessarily mean title; it means leading where you are. Chris, an educator with administrator experience who ultimately went back into the classroom, and now is in a Specialist role talks about his "why" and how focusing on students' development has been a guiding light in his life. You won't want to miss this powerful conversation.


⁠Join the Community ⁠and be part of the movement.


Coming Next Week!

October 24th marks the launch date of the Literacy Leadership Change-makers mini-series. This 14 episode miniseries will take the place of regularly scheduled Literacy Leadership Podcast programming, and will feature mastermind miniseries co-hosts Linda Diamond, Dr. Tim Odegard, and Dr. Tracy Weeden, as they have extensive conversations with renowned thought leaders in the literacy space.

Oct 17, 202319:20
Literacy Leaders Have Hopes and Dreams
Oct 10, 202347:53
Literacy Leaders Leave Footprints

Literacy Leaders Leave Footprints

Do you realize there are several ways to leave footprints in this world, whether you are doing it consciously or unconsciously? Footprints can be left for good or left that creates negativity. Footprints can also be so light and insignificant that they get washed away by the next wave that comes along. In this podcast, Dr. Terrie Noland reminds us why we need to leave big, bold, strong, positive footprints as Literacy Leaders.

✪✪✪ As literacy leaders we need to leave FOOTPRINTS that last a lifetime. ✪✪✪

Jun 06, 202316:38
Literacy Leaders Attend Spotlight on Dyslexia

Literacy Leaders Attend Spotlight on Dyslexia

This week Dr. Terrie Noland sits down with Dr. Molly Ness to dive in to the history and the current impact of Learning Ally's Spotlight on Dyslexia conference. They highlight some speakers and bring to light the energy and the feeling of community that is found at this epic event.


Join us! Register at www.learningally.org/SPOD

Use coupon code SPOD23PODCAST for $20.00 off

May 23, 202328:46
Literacy Leaders Take Their Meds

Literacy Leaders Take Their Meds

This podcast space is a place where we not only focus on literacy and leadership, but we focus on the humans that bring Literacy Leadership to life. In this week's episode, Dr. Terrie Noland, takes a concept from Brendon Burchard, to help us center ourselves on how we can show up every day in the best way possible. This episode will leave you inspired to take your meds.

May 16, 202315:38
Literacy Leaders Love Teacher Appreciation Week!

Literacy Leaders Love Teacher Appreciation Week!

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week to this podcast community! This week, Dr. Terrie Noland is joined by Elizabeth Zwerg, Community Manager at Learning Ally for a conversation around teacher appreciation. The Learning Ally Educator Community is a place of love and literacy leadership for everyone in it. In the conversation, we discuss: how big of a splash Teacher Appreciation Week is at Learning Ally, some inspirational quotes around leadership and education, stay tuned at the end of the podcast for some very special community member shout outs, and don't forget to join the Educator Community for a week of goodies and surprises!

May 09, 202334:07
Literacy Leaders Think Big But Act Small
May 02, 202318:60
Literacy Leaders Put the "TEN" in Po"TEN"tial

Literacy Leaders Put the "TEN" in Po"TEN"tial

We are following up on a thought from last week's podcast that said that we only use about 10% of our potential. What does that mean and what does potential look like, feel like, and sound like. This podcast dives into what potential is and how we can release the potential in our lives as well as the lives of our students.

Apr 18, 202326:40
Literacy Leaders Live A Life of You Squared

Literacy Leaders Live A Life of You Squared

A simple book recommendation turned into thinking about how living a life of you squared can catapult us to the next level of literacy leadership. This episode highlights some simple principles that can be applied to living a life that creates velocity in this work.

Based on the book by Dr. Price Pritchett, we will learn the upleveled life that can have a tremendous impact on students.


Apr 11, 202324:23
Literacy Leaders Look for Commonalities

Literacy Leaders Look for Commonalities

A literacy leader move that you can make is to connect with others while looking for commonalities rather than leading by directing. In this podcast, Dr. Terrie Noland gives a t-chart mental model of how to lead from a place that puts we before me. The podcast ends with a national example of a group of individuals that are leading literacy by looking for commonalities.


Webinar: Moving Past the Reading Wars: Peaceniks Lead the Way

https://home.edweb.net/webinar/readers20230329/

Mar 28, 202325:58
Literacy Leaders Lead With Passion and Purpose
Mar 14, 202337:42
Literacy Leaders are on a Journey
Mar 07, 202333:58
Literacy Leaders Do What They Ask Others To Do
Feb 28, 202324:19
Literacy Leaders Engage in High Quality Professional Learning
Feb 21, 202318:43
Literacy Leaders Love Out Loud
Feb 14, 202325:30
Literacy Leaders Stay Grounded

Literacy Leaders Stay Grounded

Not only does grounding have an impact in our life, grounding ourselves when it comes to reading instruction will have a profound impact on our professional careers and on the lives of students.  When you ground yourself, you will make decisions based on that grounding.

Feb 07, 202317:06
Literacy Leaders Know About Funds Of Knowledge

Literacy Leaders Know About Funds Of Knowledge

Dr. Molly Ness joins us this week to unpack what is meant by "Funds of Knowledge" in building students' language comprehension. She explains the differences between background knowledge, a term we are probably more familiar with, and funds of knowledge, and she explores how funds of knowledge relates to the Science of Reading.

Watch a webinar where Dr. Molly Ness dives in.  https://home.edweb.net/webinar/readers20230207/

Jan 31, 202320:42
Literacy Leaders Pull The Right Levers For Change

Literacy Leaders Pull The Right Levers For Change

This week we will be taking a journey through the history of Learning Ally to discover leadership moves that needed to be made to propel our organization to a multi-solution literacy provider.  You will learn about the rich history of the organization as well as how literacy leaders need to pull some levers while leaving other levers unmoved.

Jan 24, 202329:15
Literacy Leaders Create Margins

Literacy Leaders Create Margins

Literacy leaders need to create margins in their life. Just as a piece of notebook paper has margins and margins in a book are critical. This episode gives four guidelines on how to create margins in your life to create space for sustained thinking.

Jan 17, 202321:59
Literacy Leaders Solve for Book Deserts

Literacy Leaders Solve for Book Deserts

Dr. Molly Ness and Dr. Terrie Noland talk this week about some sobering statistics about access to books for our students. "What keeps me up at night is that the statistics are just sobering about access to books across our country. We know that 45% of our nation's kids live in neighborhoods that lack public libraries, bookstores or homes where there's a stock and flow of books. 67% of our schools in our nation's lowest income neighborhoods can't afford to buy books at retail prices. And so when you take that data, the overarching result is that 32 million American kids go without books." 

Jan 10, 202322:27
Literacy Leaders Reflect On The Past To Prepare For The Future

Literacy Leaders Reflect On The Past To Prepare For The Future

It's been said, "The more reflective you are, the more effective you are."  As literacy leaders we need to reflect on the past to prepare for the future. In this episode, Dr. Terrie Noland reflects on 2022 and pulls out 5 learnings and discusses how to apply them to the future.  Reflection is simple, the hard part is applying it to the future. 

Jan 03, 202326:38
Literacy Leaders Appreciate How Far They've Come: A 2022 Reflection on Community

Literacy Leaders Appreciate How Far They've Come: A 2022 Reflection on Community

Dec 13, 202235:57
Literacy Leaders Build Three Things
Dec 06, 202221:55
Literacy Leaders Lead From Where They Are
Nov 15, 202229:41
 Literacy Leaders Know How to Respond to NAEP Scores

Literacy Leaders Know How to Respond to NAEP Scores

Dr. Molly Ness, Vice-President of Academic Content at Learning Ally shares information about the current release of the NAEP Scores (National Assessment of Educational Progress).  Rather than looking at the NAEP scores as an alarm with doom and gloom outcomes, Dr. Ness reminds us that they should be merely used to understand the temperature of where we are as a nation and serve as a tool to help us march toward a clear vision of reading instruction for the future.

Nov 08, 202219:49
Literacy Leaders Know How to Define Literacy Leadership (Part 2)
Nov 01, 202226:25
Literacy Leaders Know How to Define Literacy Leadership (Part 1)
Oct 25, 202222:25
Literacy Leaders Understand the Epic Cry for Unity of Reading Instruction

Literacy Leaders Understand the Epic Cry for Unity of Reading Instruction

Consistency is key when it comes to creating new habits in literacy leadership. We are living in a moment of unification around reading instruction. Let's learn together what the key measures are when implementing evidence-based reading instructional practices, and how we can come together as a community to implement these practices with fidelity. 

Oct 18, 202225:34
Literacy Leaders are Partners - Part 2

Literacy Leaders are Partners - Part 2

Dr. Terrie Noland sits down with the Managing Partners, Gina Emdin, Shannon Penrose-Maddux, and Amanda Sink, for an in-depth look at the relationships they are building across the nation with schools and districts. In the second part of this 2-part series, Dr. Noland digs into the unique journeys that led each Managing Partner to Learning Ally, why building relationships with districts and educational stakeholders is necessary, and how a sense of community and belonging are essential to Learning Ally's mission.

Guests on this episode:

Amanda Sink - Managing Partner, Great Lakes

Shannon Penrose-Maddux - Managing Partner, West

Gina Emdin - Managing Partner, Northeast & Mid-Atlantic


This episode was produced by Eleanor Cotton and edited and engineered by Elizabeth Zwerg. 

Oct 11, 202228:08
Literacy Leaders are Partners - Part 1

Literacy Leaders are Partners - Part 1

Dr. Terrie Noland sits down with the Managing Partners, Gina Emdin, Shannon Penrose-Maddux, and Amanda Sink, for an in-depth look at the relationships they are building across the nation with schools and districts. In the first part of this 2-part series, Dr. Noland digs into the unique journeys that led each Managing Partner to Learning Ally, why building relationships with districts and educational stakeholders is necessary, and how a sense of community and belonging are essential to Learning Ally's mission. 

Guests on this episode: 

Amanda Sink - Managing Partner, Great Lakes

Shannon Penrose-Maddux - Managing Partner, West

Gina Emdin - Managing Partner, Northeast and Mid-Atlantic


This podcast is produced by Eleanor Cotton and edited and engineered by Elizabeth Zwerg. 

Oct 04, 202228:06
Literacy Leaders Lean into Quotes

Literacy Leaders Lean into Quotes

Sustained thinking is where you're able to set aside time and start to think deeply. That's where we need to be in order to stretch ourselves and in order to grow. So this week we are talking about how literacy leaders are inspired with quotes. There is power in the words that make up inspirational quotes, and when we read them, we build self-efficacy in the kind of dialogue we have with ourselves. Literacy Leaders lean into quotes. We hope you will lean in with us this week. 


This episode was produced, edited, and engineered by Elizabeth Zwerg and Eleanor Cotton. 


Sep 27, 202228:06
Literacy Leaders Know What it Takes for Transformation

Literacy Leaders Know What it Takes for Transformation

In this episode Dr. Noland dives into what the word "transformation" means. "When we're talking about aligning to the Science of Reading, advancing literacy outcomes and transforming, we need to think differently. We are changing the form from where we are today, to where we want to be, and how we want it to look different." In order for transformation to occur in literacy by aligning to the Science of Reading, literacy leaders need to be on the same page. Join us on this journey towards greater literacy leadership! 


This podcast episode was produced, engineered, and edited by Elizabeth Zwerg and Eleanor Cotton. 

Sep 13, 202226:32
Literacy Leaders Have Visual Reminders

Literacy Leaders Have Visual Reminders

What do a pencil sharpener, white board, playground, bulletin board, and desk have in common? These items are all commonly found in classrooms and schools, however they can also serve as visual reminders of our purpose in education and reduce cognitive load on our brains. Dr. Terrie Noland guides us through how these common classroom items can serve as visual representations of our collective "why." 


This podcast episode was produced, edited, and engineered by Elizabeth Zwerg and Eleanor Cotton. 

Aug 30, 202222:48
Literacy Leaders Know How to Solve for the Great Resignation

Literacy Leaders Know How to Solve for the Great Resignation

This week, Dr. Terrie Noland discusses "The Great Resignation." "You know it's out there. We have seen this global issue of people moving in their jobs, leaving their jobs, quitting their jobs. We've seen it in education as well. There's not a teacher shortage. We still have teachers. We've still got the same number of teachers  out there, they're just not in the classroom. It's not a teacher shortage. We  have a feeling valued, shortage. Feeling needed, shortage. Feeling relevant, feeling important, feeling equipped and not overwhelmed shortage. You've probably heard this saying people don't quit their job, they quit their boss. I also want to think about it like this, people don't quit their job, they quit the system." 



Podcast edited, produced, and engineered by Elizabeth Zwerg. 

Aug 23, 202221:47
Literacy Leaders Know How to Deal with Difficult People

Literacy Leaders Know How to Deal with Difficult People

We've all been in a situation where we thought, "Wow! That person is difficult." In this episode, Dr. Terrie Noland challenges us to take a different approach to people who may appear "difficult." "Lead people according to their dreams. Coach people, according to their weaknesses. Mentor people according to their potential. Delegate according to their strengths. Relate to people according to their personalities." If we do those things, we won't see difficult people in our path. This powerful quote by John Maxwell is front and center in this week's episode as we shift perceptions on the people we interact with. Join us in the continued journey of literacy leadership. 

Aug 16, 202221:09
Literacy Leaders Believe in 6 Possible Things

Literacy Leaders Believe in 6 Possible Things

Lewis Carroll wrote, “Sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast." In this episode, Dr. Noland challenges you to turn the "impossible" into "possible.”

Literacy leaders around the world are leading the way toward transformational change in literacy instruction. “You’re the ones carrying the torch, lighting the path, walking the halls, and reminding educators what we need to do for evidence-based practices of teaching, according to what the science says.”

Aug 09, 202251:47