The first step in leading yourself is to put on the mindset of being a learner. Approach every interaction, every conversation, every meeting and every lesson with the mindset of a learner and you will see the significant different it makes.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/learning-ally/message ..read more

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 high ..read more

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 stor ..read more

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 educ ..read more

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 c ..read more

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 e ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ..read more

In this episode, Dr. Michelle Rodriguez discusses her work as Superintendent of Pajaro Valley Unified School District in transforming literacy education. She shares how implementing targeted literacy programs, committing administrators to learning, and directly working with teachers and the community have led to major improvements. The discussion focuses on the district's success with systemic programs to make reading skills automatic, while emphasizing the vital roles of piloting to scale, consistency, sustainability, and using data to validate effectiveness. Check out Learning Ally's ⁠Spotli ..read more