In this episode of Literacy Mindset, host Jeff Pendleton is joined by Dr. Grant Rivera, Superintendent of Marietta City Schools in Georgia, for a no-fluff, all-substance conversation on what it really takes to lead a district-wide literacy transformation. Dr. Rivera shares how his district moved from a fragmented, site-based approach to becoming a model for the entire state, grounded in the science of reading, strengthened by in-house coaching, and built on a rock-solid belief in people over programs.

Dr. Rivera lays out how Marietta intentionally avoided jumping to a curriculum before they understood the pedagogy, prioritized job-embedded professional learning, and invested deeply in teacher development and structured literacy. He also unpacks their bold move to hire 37 full-time reading interventionists and provide every below-grade-level reader in grades 1–5 with an extra 60 minutes of targeted instruction daily. And yes, it’s sustainable—because they cut other positions to fund what mattered most.

But the conversation doesn’t stop at literacy. Dr. Rivera dives into a timely and powerful discussion on student cell phone use, including his district’s decision to restrict access in middle schools using Yondr pouches. Backed by real-time data and third-party research, he explains how this policy led to lower stress for teachers, better learning environments, and a cultural shift that feels… human again.

Key Moments

00:00 "Schools' Autonomy in Reading Resources"

04:42 "Strategic Approach to Reading Pedagogy"

09:35 "Continuous Job-Embedded PD for Teachers"

11:40 "Integrated Support in Schools"

14:45 Enhanced Reading Support Initiative

17:00 Budget Reflects Educational Priorities

20:02 "Integrating EdTech in Reading Comprehension"

24:04 Marietta Addresses Classroom Stress Reduction

28:12 "Envisioning Our Collective Future"

29:09 Addressing K-12 Literacy Challenges

Why You’ll Love This Episode:

Dr. Rivera doesn’t mince words. He talks candidly about the tradeoffs, the politics, and the leadership required to turn a district around. His message is clear: great reading instruction starts with people, not products and the willingness to make tough budgetary choices for long-term impact. Whether you're a superintendent, school leader, or edtech innovator, this episode will challenge you to think bigger, lead braver, and do right by kids. Oh—and you’ll probably never look at a cell phone policy the same way again.

Connect with Dr. Grant Rivera

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grant-rivera-a065b0100

Website: https://www.marietta-city.org/

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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