In this episode of Literacy Mindset, Jeff Pendleton is joined by Dr. Lynmara Colón, Director of Student Opportunity and Multilingual Services for Prince William County Schools in Virginia. With more than 90,000 students, over 50 languages spoken, and one of the most diverse student populations in the nation, Dr. Colón brings a bold and deeply personal perspective to the work of making literacy both equitable and joyful.

Born in Puerto Rico and once told she’d need to be retained due to her lack of English proficiency, Dr. Colón now leads one of the most innovative multilingual literacy programs in the U.S.—and she’s doing it with what she calls a “Disney Mentality.” In this episode, she explains how schools can create environments so engaging and inclusive that students (and teachers) can’t wait to come back. From student “kid-watching” teams that dig deep into learning barriers, to cross-functional planning tables where reading and language specialists co-design instruction, this conversation reveals how Prince William County is rethinking what it means to serve every child, every day.

Dr. Colón also shares powerful strategies on how to balance high expectations with developmentally appropriate pacing, how to reshape teacher collaboration and staff culture, and how her district is preparing for a future where AI and personalized learning allow students to take the wheel. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn literacy instruction into something that feels more like a joyful field trip than a standardized test grind, this episode will change how you think about school culture, instructional design, and student potential.

Key Moments

00:00 "Dream Fulfilled: From Learner to Leader"

05:08 "Creating a 'Disney Mentality' in Learning"

07:14 "Transforming Education into Magical Experiences"

11:07 Feedback: Serving Overseeing

15:08 Supporting Diverse Literacy Development

19:39 "High Expectations, Intentional Support"

23:13 Inclusive Literacy in Education

27:26 Proactive Collaboration in Schools

31:00 Enhancing Literacy Through Inclusive Tools

33:15 "Student-Driven Personalized Learning Evolution"

Why You’ll Love This Episode:

Dr. Lynmara Colón is equal parts visionary and pragmatist. Her passion for equity is matched by a grounded understanding of what it takes to create inclusive, culturally responsive learning environments—especially for multilingual learners. You’ll love her powerful metaphors, no-nonsense insights, and practical advice for leaders who want to move beyond compliance and into transformation. Whether you’re a teacher, district administrator, or policymaker, this episode is a vibrant reminder that with the right mindset and systems, every school can become a place where literacy truly feels magical.

Connect with Dr. Lynmara Colón

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynmara-colon-phd-85a400163

Website: https://www.pwcs.edu/

Follow & Subscribe

Host LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-pendleton-2a614b26/

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mindplayeducation

Company Website: http://MindPlay.com

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