In Part 1 of this conversation, Harvey speaks with Dena Mortensen, Assistant Professor of Literacy, Elementary, & Early Childhood Education, and former Head of ELA for Waterbury Public Schools. Dena reflects on her work leading literacy change in a large urban district, the instructional challenges teachers face, and what meaningful, sustained support for educators truly looks like. She also shares her role in the film Hopeville: How to Win the Reading Wars and talks about the upcoming Hopeville screening in Waterbury, CT, where the community will come together around the movement for stronger reading outcomes. This episode sets the stage for a thoughtful and inspiring discussion about leadership and hope.