Best Literacy Specialist for Elementary Reading Teachers Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 11: Writing About Reading: 7 Clever Ways To Build Comprehension 7:58

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7h ago7:58

7:58

Writing and comprehension go hand in hand. Reading response journals, games, activities, and sentence stems will increase your students' reading comprehension. Let's Connect: Website Literacy Library Teachers Pay Teachers Instagram Opening music by White_RecordsBy Stacy

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From Mighty to Masterful: Lindsay Kemeny’s Next Chapter 45:02

29d ago45:02

45:02

In this special summer bonus episode of Literacy Talks, co-host Lindsay Kemeny steps into the spotlight to share the story behind her newest book, Rock Your Literacy Block. Building on the foundation of Seven Mighty Moves, Lindsay reveals how her latest work takes teachers deeper—offering a practical, behind-the-scenes look at how to structure a po…

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From FOMO to Front Row: A Deep Dive into the Reading League Summit 50:00

2M ago50:00

50:00

What happens when leading voices in literacy come together—not to lecture, but to listen, question, and grow? In this bonus episode, Donell Pons recaps her experience at the 2025 Reading League Summit, joined by co-hosts Stacy Hurst and Lindsay Kemeny and special guests Kari Kurto and Andrea Setmeyer of The Reading League. Together, they explore wh…

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Season Finale: Highlights, High Points, and Lessons in Structured Literacy 32:39

3M ago32:39

32:39

As we wrap up Season 7 of Literacy Talks, we reflect on a powerful journey through the lens of the 75th Anniversary Issue of the International Dyslexia Association. In this special finale, hosts Stacy Hurst, Donell Pons, and Lindsay Kemeny revisit the insights, standout moments, and expert voices that shaped a season devoted entirely to Structured …

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What Dr. Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan Taught Us About Structured Literacy for Multilingual Learners 51:37

3M ago51:37

51:37

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan—renowned author, educator, and advocate for multilingual learners—to explore how Structured Literacy can empower every student. From bridging language and culture to practical classroom strategies, Dr. Cárdenas-Hagan shares inspiring insights and actionable tools for supporting English learn…

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The Magical Intersection: Where Structured Literacy Meets Tiered Instruction 52:35

3M ago52:35

52:35

In this episode, the Literacy Talks team dives into Dr. Tim Odegard’s compelling article from Perspectives on Language and Literacy—“Structured Literacy: The Backbone of a Robust Literacy Ecosystem.” Join Stacy, Donell, and Lindsay as they explore what it really means to teach at the “magical intersection” of instruction and student engagement. Fro…

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Expert Insights with Dr. Louise Spear-Swerling: Prioritizing the "How" in Literacy Instruction 46:50

3M ago46:50

46:50

In this episode of Literacy Talks, we’re joined by the incomparable Dr. Louise Spear-Swerling—professor, researcher, and long-time advocate for evidence-based reading instruction. Building on her article in the 75th anniversary issue of Perspectives on Language and Literacy, Dr. Spear-Swerling dives into the how of Structured Literacy instruction a…

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Comprehension Starts Before the Text: Insights with Dr. Kate Cain 41:19

4M ago41:19

41:19

In this episode, Dr. Kate Cain joins Literacy Talks hosts Stacy Hurst and Donell Pons to explore why comprehension isn’t just about decoding—it’s about what students bring to the text. From oral language and background knowledge to the structure of “considerate texts,” Dr. Cain offers practical insights into how educators can teach comprehension in…

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Cracking the Code and Tying the Strands: Integrating Structured Literacy Across All Ages 45:59

4M ago45:59

45:59

In this episode of Literacy Talks, Donell, Stacy, and Lindsay dive into Linnea Ehri’s article from Perspectives on Language and Literacy, exploring how reading proficiency develops over time through explicit, systematic instruction. From early learners to older struggling readers, the hosts reflect on the power of Structured Literacy to support all…

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The Infomap: A Roadmap for Teaching Literacy, Part 2 39:04

4M ago39:04

39:04

In this episode of Literacy Talks, we continue our deep dive into the Structured Literacy Infomap, shifting our focus from word recognition, handwriting, and spelling to comprehension and composition. Hosts Stacy Hurst, Donell Pons, and Lindsay Kemeny explore how vocabulary development, sentence structure, grammar, text organization, and critical t…

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The Infomap: A Roadmap for Teaching Literacy, Part 1 40:18

4M ago40:18

40:18

In this episode of Literacy Talks, we dive into the Structured Literacy Infomap, a powerful tool designed to align educators on the principles and practices of effective literacy instruction. Hosts Stacy Hurst, Donell Pons, and Lindsay Kemeny explore how this visual framework supports professional development, bridges gaps between teacher knowledge…

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The Ultimate Plain Talk Recap: Our Must-Share Insights from the Conference 47:03

4M ago47:03

47:03

Join Literacy Talks hosts Stacy Hurst, Donell Pons, and Lindsay Kemeny as they dive into their favorite moments from the 2025 Plain Talk Conference! In this special bonus episode, they reflect on what makes this conference a must-attend event, from the inspiring keynotes to the camaraderie among educators. They also break down key takeaways from th…

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Bridging the Gap: From Three Cueing to Structured Literacy 52:39

5M ago52:39

52:39

This episode invites you into an eye-opening conversation about transforming reading instruction. Host Stacy Hurst, along with co-hosts Donnell Pons and Lindsay Kemeny, sits down with literacy expert Margaret Goldberg to challenge the outdated practice of three cueing—a method that once dominated classrooms but falls short of scientific backing. Ma…

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The Urgency of Structured Literacy: Preventing Reading Failure 40:25

5M ago40:25

40:25

In this episode of Literacy Talks, we dive into the essential question: Why is Structured Literacy critical for all learners? Hosts Stacy Hurst, Donell Pons, and Lindsay Kemeny explore research-backed reasons why explicit, systematic reading instruction is the most effective way to support students—especially those who struggle. They discuss the li…

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22. Overwhelmed and Undervalued: Mental Health Struggles in Teaching 24:36

5M ago24:36

24:36

If you’re a teacher, you probably know the feeling of juggling too many things all at once, taking care of all the people around you. But how often do you stop to check in with yourself? Today we’re diving into a topic that’s not talked about enough, especially in education. It’s something that impacts each one of us every day—mental health. I’ll s…

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Structured Literacy: The Answer We’ve Had All Along 40:49

5M ago40:49

40:49

For decades, we've had the research, the science, and the strategies to teach every child how to read—so why has it taken so long to put them into practice? 🤔 In this must-listen episode of Literacy Talks, we welcome Dr. David Hurford, Editor-in-Chief of Perspectives on Language and Literacy, to discuss the latest issue focusing on Structured Liter…

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Structured Literacy Unpacked: Insights from IDA’s Landmark Issue 26:10

5M ago26:10

26:10

This season opener of Literacy Talks dives into the foundational elements of structured literacy, inspired by the International Dyslexia Association's 75th Anniversary issue of Perspectives on Language and Literacy. Hosts Stacy Hurst, Lindsay Kemeny, and Donell Pons explore the insights of Barbara Wilson and Jessica Hammond on how structured litera…

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Bright Beginnings: Shaping the Next Generation of Literacy Champions 1:00:20

6M ago1:00:20

1:00:20

This bonus episode of Literacy Talks recaps the Bright Beginnings pre-service teacher conference. Hosted by Stacy Hurst and featuring insights from a panel of esteemed educators, Lori Anderson, Stephanie Edgren, Dr. Vicki Piquette, and Papae Wymore, the episode delves into the key sessions and takeaways from the conference. Listeners will gain valu…

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Addressing Some Misunderstandings of the Science of Reading 53:38

7M ago53:38

53:38

In our Season 6 finale, the hosts dive deep into an article from The Reading League Journal that addresses common misunderstandings about the science of reading. They explore a range of topics, including the role of comprehension, the 95% claim, the debate between speech-to-print and print-to-speech, the necessity of learning spelling and syllable …

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Episode 10: Young Author Secrets: from Writing to Celebrating 8:04

7M ago8:04

8:04

It's no secret that each young author needs a boost of confidence to develop into excited, imaginative, independent writers. With an idea, a partner, and a writing celebration, your students will gain the courage to jump into writing with self-reliance. Let's Connect: Website Literacy Library Teachers Pay Teachers Instagram Opening music by White_R…

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Part Two: Exploring Frustrations with Constructive Discussions 39:04

7M ago39:04

39:04

This episode of Literacy Talks focuses on the hosts' shared pet peeves related to literacy education. Donell expresses frustration with the persistent challenges around dyslexia awareness and support in schools. Stacy sometimes gets frustrated with the "checklist mentality" in teaching, where some pre-service teachers struggle to move beyond rigid …

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Episode 9: Spelling Assessment K-2: What Do I Do Now? 13:52

7M ago13:52

13:52

Whether you call it a spelling assessment or a spelling inventory, they can provide teachers with a generous amount of information about students' literacy skills. Rather than just slipping the test results into a filing cabinet, it's important to look at the data to uncover strengths and areas for improvement. Let's turn that data into actionable …

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Dyslexia Talks: Empowering Students with Mentorship and Community Support 1:32:00

7M ago1:32:00

1:32:00

This episode provides a powerful and inspiring look into the work of the Joseph James Morelli Legacy Foundation, which supports high school and college students with dyslexia who wish to pursue degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Co-founder Dr. Barbara Wirostko Morelli shares her personal story of navigating …

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Leveraging Oral Language for Literacy Growth 52:57

8M ago52:57

52:57

This episode of Literacy Talks examines the fundamental role of oral language in student success and literacy development. The hosts - Stacy, Donell, and Lindsay - share their journeys of understanding the distinction between speech and language and how oral language forms the foundation for all literacy skills, from reading comprehension to writin…

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Exploring Stanislas Dehaene's Groundbreaking Research on Reading Acquisition 53:03

8M ago53:03

53:03

The trio dives into the insights and research of renowned neuroscientist Stanislas Dehaene on the cognitive science of reading. Dehaene's work has revolutionized our understanding of how the brain learns to read, from the development of the visual word form area to the neural markers of dyslexia. The hosts unpack Dehaene's explanations of the brain…

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Dyslexia Talks: Insights from Researcher and Professor of Psychology Tim Odegard 46:45

8M ago46:45

46:45

In this insightful conversation, Donell Pons sits down with Dr. Tim Odegard, a leading expert in dyslexia research. Odegard shares his personal journey as an individual with severe dyslexia and the challenges he faced with limited support and accommodations throughout his education. He also discusses his extensive professional background, including…

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Exploring Frustrations with Constructive Discussions 42:39

8M ago42:39

42:39

In this thoughtful episode of Literacy Talks, our hosts engage in a reflective discussion on insights and perspectives in the field of literacy education. The conversation explores the nuances and complexities involved in implementing evidence-based practices, honoring teacher expertise, and navigating the ever-evolving landscape of literacy instru…

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Dyslexia Talks: Spotlighting Strengths and Reshaping the Narrative with Jeffrey Conger 38:40

9M ago38:40

38:40

In this insightful conversation, Dr. Jeffrey Conger, a professor at Montana State University, shares his personal journey with dyslexia and the inspiring work he is doing to spotlight the strengths of the dyslexic mind. He provides a unique perspective on navigating education and career paths while embracing one's learning differences. Jeff discuss…

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Live from The Reading League Conference 2024—Highlights and Takeaways 49:37

9M ago49:37

49:37

In this special episode of Literacy Talks, our hosts—Stacy Hurst, Donell Pons, and Lindsay Kemeny—take listeners on a journey through The Reading League National Conference 2024. Beginning the conversation live from the event, they share key takeaways from Zaretta Hammond's inspiring keynote address and highlights from sessions covering topics like…

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Episode 8: Writing Goals for Kindergarten, First, and Second Graders 9:53

9M ago9:53

9:53

In this episode, we dive into how to set effective writing goals for kindergarten, first, and second graders. Learn why setting clear, achievable objectives is essential for helping young writers develop confidence and skill. We'll explore how to create manageable targets for different writing stages and abilities. 0:00 Introduction 0:25 Beyond Wri…

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Dyslexia Talks: Helping Students with Disabilities Succeed in College and Beyond with Christine Anderson 37:15

9M ago37:15

37:15

In this insightful conversation, Donell Pons sits down with Christine Anderson, director of the Center for Disability and Access at the University of Utah. Christine shares her personal and professional experiences working with individuals with disabilities, providing a unique perspective on the challenges students face when transitioning from high…

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Writing Tip Tuesday: Color Dictionary 5:30

9M ago5:30

5:30

Adding details to writing can sometimes be a challenge for young writers, but the Color Dictionary will help with that. With this resource, you'll see students enjoying writing as they are adding details to sentences. Check out the resources mentioned in this episode at LiteracyPlease.com/ColorDictionary Let's Connect: Website Literacy Library Teac…

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Episode 7: 9 Easy Ideas for Writing Centers for 1st and 2nd Graders 7:27

9M ago7:27

7:27

Preparing centers can be time consuming. These ideas for writing centers won't take hours to prepare and your students can use them all year long. From handwriting practice to paragraph writing, you and your students will love variety of writing ideas in this episode. journal writing postcards and letters sentence building word walls draw and label…

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Dyslexia Talks: A Personal Story of Perseverance, Discovery, and Advocacy with Curtis Pons 48:35

9M ago48:35

48:35

In this powerful and personal episode, Donell Pons introduces her husband, Curtis, and his lifelong challenges with dyslexia. Through their candid conversation, listeners take an emotional journey, from the honeymoon revelation of Curtis's reading difficulties to his decision to leave college despite academic success. Curtis shares his experiences …

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Episode 6: Simple Ways Parents Can Help with Writing at Home 8:35

9M ago8:35

8:35

Parent conferences can bring up the topic of writing and the struggles children often have with writing. Be prepared with ideas to share with families before they ask, "How can I help my child at home?" In this episode you'll find 9 different ideas for parents that can be used at home. letter formation grocery lists thank you cards and invitations …

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Depicting Dyslexia: Youth Advocate Michael Atkinson’s Inspiring Story and Advice 35:50

10M ago35:50

35:50

Our hosts have a chat with Michael Atkinson, a recent high school graduate and youth advocate with Decoding Dyslexia Utah. Michael shares his personal journey with dyslexia, from his early diagnosis in first grade to the strategies and accommodations that have helped him succeed academically. Listeners will gain invaluable insights into a student's…

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Writing Tip Tuesday: Brave Spelling 6:24

10M ago6:24

6:24

Invented spelling is used by students who are still learning to spell. You'll generally see it with kindergartners, first graders, and sometimes second graders since they haven't learned or haven't retained certain spelling patterns. Don't let this take away from the joy of writing. Show your students they can be Brave Spellers by stretching out th…

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Episode 5: Writing Partnerships 11:46

10M ago11:46

11:46

Writing partners, writing buddies, writing partnerships, it's all the same thing. In this episode, you'll learn how you can get writing partnerships started in your classroom. You'll hear: Why partnerships matter Setting up writing partnerships Activities and Exercises FAQs Success Story Let's Connect: Website Literacy Library Teachers Pay Teachers…

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Writing Matters: Integrating Reading and Writing Instruction 37:31

10M ago37:31

37:31

In this episode of Literacy Talks, the terrific trio discusses the importance of teaching reading and writing in tandem. They explore teachers' challenges in prioritizing writing instruction, from lack of confidence to limited time and resources. The conversation highlights effective strategies for embedding writing throughout the day, building stu…

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Episode 4: How to Write a Hook for 1st and 2nd Graders 6:20

10M ago6:20

6:20

Writing a hook can be one of the most powerful tools you teach your students. They add creativity and excitement to writing that inspires students to write. In this episode, I'll tell you about five hooks you can teach your students that will make reading your students writing a blast. You'll hear about: Onomatopoeia Single Word Hooks Imagine If Ho…

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Connecting Literacy Research and Classroom Reality 42:39

10M ago42:39

42:39

This episode of Literacy Talks explores the persistent challenge of bridging the research-to-practice gap in literacy education. Hosts Stacy Hurst, Donell Pons, and Lindsay Kemeny examine the complexities of translating research findings into effective classroom practices, highlighting the crucial role of implementation science and the need for col…

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Writing Tip Tuesday: Friday Letters 7:25

10M ago7:25

7:25

Most teachers love Fridays because. . . well it's Friday. Let me give you another reason to love Fridays. . . Friday Letters. Narrative writing with a dash of friendly letter and a sprinkle of guided writing. Not sure if those are the exact measurements, but I am sure those are some of the ingredients for Friday Letters. Let's Connect: Website Lite…

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Episode 3: Launching Writer's Workshop 15:27

10M ago15:27

15:27

Whether you're new to Writer's Workshop or you’ve been doing it for years, this episode has some tips that will set you up for a year of writing success. You'll learn: How students build stamina and tips for increasing your students time on task What Writer's Workshop looks like, sounds like, and feels like. Materials you'll need to get started The…

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Multilingual Momentum: Accelerating Literacy for Diverse Learners 51:30

10M ago51:30

51:30

This episode of Literacy Talks delves into the unique strengths and needs of multilingual learners (MLLs). Hosts Stacy Hurst, Donell Pons, and Lindsay Kemeny share valuable insights and practical strategies for effectively teaching phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, and reading comprehension to MLLs. They emphasize the importance of honoring …

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Episode 2: Setting Up Your Classroom for Writing 14:23

10M ago14:23

14:23

The environment you create in your classroom has an impact on students. In this episode, I'll give you ideas to design a stress free writing classroom. Mindfulness Techniques Setting Up a Relaxing Environment Relaxation Exercises Managing Writing Anxiety Time Management Strategies Peer Support and Collaboration Positive Feedback Let's Connect: Webs…

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Episode 1: Get to Know Me 4:18

10M ago4:18

4:18

Welcome to the Literacy Please Podcast! I am your host, Stacy, and I have been in education for over 20 years. I love all things literacy, but my passion is teaching children to write. I have made it my mission to find ways to break a complicated subject into easy to understand bits and pieces for young writers. Now I want to share everything I've …

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Big Sky, Big Insights: Highlights from the 2024 Literacy Summit 43:47

11M ago43:47

43:47

In the Season 6 premiere of Literacy Talks, hosts Stacy Hurst, Donell Pons, and Lindsay Kemeny dive into their experiences at the Big Sky Literacy Summit 2024. They discuss standout moments, including John Maxwell’s transformative keynote and Dr. Tiffany Hogan’s insights on bridging research and practice. The trio also covers practical takeaways on…

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Cognitive Flexibility: The Mental Skill Every Learner Needs 38:41

1y ago38:41

38:41

Switching between different cognitive tasks is critical in the classroom. Students learn one word can have multiple meanings. They move from one subject to another. This episode of Literacy Talks focuses squarely on cognitive flexibility, its role in executive function, and how literacy educators can help students build these skills to be confident…

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Big Numbers, Big Impact: Education Statistics and What They Mean for Literacy Instruction 48:55

1y ago48:55

48:55

Our trio of experts takes a deep dive into statistics, looking at the data and trends in general education and what those numbers might mean for literacy instruction. An example? The average student-to-teacher ratio in elementary grades is 15 students to 1 teacher. What does that point to? As our hosts see it, smaller class sizes can reduce some of…

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Comprehension: It’s the Heart of the Matter 35:14

1y ago35:14

35:14

As we work to improve how we teach phonics, phonemic awareness, and word recognition while adding in writing instruction and content knowledge, we’re all working toward a key goal. It’s reading comprehension. In this episode of Literacy Talks, we turn our attention to comprehension and the tapestry of skills that come together for readers and learn…

Literacy Specialist For Elementary Reading Teachers Podcasts