Literacy Matters: Empowered Conversations
Episodes
S4E14. Dr. Leslie Laud - Self-Regulated Writers: Practical Tools to Build Confidence and Skill
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Leslie Laud explains how explicit writing strategies, modeling, and goal setting help students take ownership of their writing. She shares practic...
S4E13. Amanda Morin and Emily Kircher-Morris, LPC - See the Student, Not the Label: Neurodivergent-Affirming Teaching
Contributed by Lukas
Host Dr. Cheryl Lundy Swift talks with Amanda Morin and Emily Kircher-Morris about creating neurodiversity-affirming schools. They explore how educato...
S4E12. Dr. Romana T. Pittman - Language, Identity, and Literacy: Teaching with Cultural Responsiveness and Clarity
Contributed by Lukas
Educator and researcher Dr. Ramona T. Pittman sheds light on African American English, its features, cultural significance, and how teachers can affir...
S4E11. Stephanie Stollar and Sarah Brown - Breaking the Pyramid Myth: Rethinking MTSS for Reading Growth
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Stephanie Stollar and Dr. Sarah Brown reveal how rethinking MTSS can improve schoolwide reading success. From strengthening Tier 1 instruction to ...
S3E11. Dr. Carolyn Strom - Language, Learning, and the Reading Brain
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Carolyn Strom is a clinical professor, reading specialist, and former first-grade teacher. She collaborates widely with school districts, teachers...
S3E7. Dr. Melanie R. Kuhn - Fluency to Comprehension: Surprising Truths and Best Routines
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Melanie R. Kuhn from Purdue University who shares insights on reading fluency. She discusses its role in the Scie...
S3E6. Dr. Karen R. Harris - Is Evidence-Based Writing Instruction Emotional?
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Karen R. Harris, Regents Professor Emeritus at Arizona State University, unveils the secrets behind Self-Regulated Strategy Development (SRSD) and...
S3E5. Leah Mermelstein - Encoding and Decoding Our Way to Beautiful Sentences
Contributed by Lukas
Leah Mermelstein, literacy expert and author, explores the vital roles of encoding and decoding in our latest episode. She discusses the impact of pho...
S3E4. Maya Payne Smart - Beyond Family Literacy Night
Contributed by Lukas
Maya Payne Smart, a literacy advocate and author, emphasizes family engagement and strong school-family partnerships as crucial for early literacy dev...
S3E1. Dr. Christina Bretz and Dr. Suzanne Asherson - Cursive Is Not a Frill-It's a Life Skill
Contributed by Lukas
Drs. Christina Bretz and Suzanne Asherson advocate for cursive writing's role in modern education, emphasizing its lifelong benefits.
S5E8. Dr. Terrie Noland - The Word Well: Why Language Is the Foundation of Literacy
28 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Before students become readers and writers, they are speakers and listeners. In this episode, Dr. Terrie Noland explores oral language as the true fou...
S5E7. Cristina Gonzalez - Real Schools, Real Impact: Making It Impossible for the School Community to Fail
24 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
At PS 94 in Brooklyn, Principal Cristina Gonzalez shows how equity lives in everyday decisions. In this episode of Literacy Matters: Empowered Convers...
S5E6. Kass Minor & Cornelius Minor - Equity on an Ordinary Tuesday: The Instructional Choices That Shape Belonging
06 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Equity isn’t a program—it’s a daily practice. In this episode, Cornelius and Kass Minor, founders of The Minor Collective, explore how belonging...
S5E5. Denise Johnson - Real Schools, Real Impact: The Leadership Moves Behind Strong Writing Instruction
26 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Literacy Matters: Empowered Conversations, Denise Johnson, Curriculum Director and Building Principal at Lawrence Public Schools in...
S5E4. Shawn Datchuk - Sentence Writing: The Missing Link in Literacy Instruction
10 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Sentence-level writing is often overlooked, yet it plays a critical role in literacy development. Dr. Cheryl Lundy Swift and Dr. Sean Datchuk explore ...
S5E3. Jaime Drew - Real Schools, Real Impact: Practical Dysgraphia Strategies from Magnolia ISD
30 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This episode brings the dysgraphia conversation into classrooms. Jaime Drew, district-level Reading Specialist from Magnolia ISD, shares practical str...
S5E2. Katrina Erickson - From Identification to Impact: What Really Supports Dysgraphia
23 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In Part 2, the conversation turns to action. Dr. Cheryl Lundy Swift and occupational therapist Katrina Erickson discuss what effective dysgraphia supp...
S5E1. Katrina Erickson - Dysgraphia vs. “Dys-Teach-ia”: Identifying the Difference - Season 5 Episode 1
15 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this Season 5 opener of Literacy Matters: Empowered Conversations, Dr. Cheryl Lundy Swift and occupational therapist Katrina Erickson explore what ...
S4E10. Zaretta Hammond - Power of Productive Struggle: Rebuilding Students' Learning Power
15 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In part-two of this conversation, Dr. Cheryl Lundy Swift and Zaretta Hammond discuss culturally responsive teaching, blending the science of reading a...
S4E9. Zaretta Hammond - The Craftsmanship of Learning: Building Agency Through Instructional Equity
08 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this powerful two-part conversation, Dr. Cheryl Lundy Swift and Zaretta Hammond explore culturally responsive teaching, the science of learning, an...
S4E8. Sara Marye - Stellar Literacy for All: Practical Ideas to Reach Every Reader and Writer
09 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Literacy Matters: Empowered Conversations, Dr. Cheryl Lundy Swift welcomes Sara Marye of the Stellar Teacher Company to explore how...
S4E7. Joan Sedita - From Play-Doh to Paragraphs: Strategies for Writing in K–6
24 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In part two of their conversation, Dr. Cheryl Lundy Swift and Joan Sedita dive deeper into the Writing Rope framework, offering practical strategies f...
S4E6. Joan Sedita - Utilizing the Writing Rope on the Journey to Proficiency
17 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Cheryl Lundy Swift interviews Joan Sedita about her Writing Rope framework, emphasizing explicit writing instruction, integrating reading and writ...
S4E5. Malia Hollowell - Three Wishes for Brain-Friendly Strategies
13 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this energizing episode, Dr. Cheryl Lundy Swift chats with literacy expert Malia Hollowell about turning the science of reading into daily classroo...
S4E4. Amy Siracusano - Active Volcanoes & Active Writers: Avoiding Cognitive Eruptions
22 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Cheryl Lundy Swift and Amy Siracuscano examine the simple view of reading and the not so simple view of writing. The conversation highlights the ...
S4E3. Dr. Ana Taboada Barber - Bridging Languages: The Science of Reading for Linguistically Diverse Students
21 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Anna Taboada Barber explores the cognitive and motivational factors affecting reading comprehension in linguistically diverse students. She highli...
S4E2. Alison Ryan - Kid-Watch in Action: Managing Meaningful Small Groups
21 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Small-group instruction is a powerful tool for literacy, but how can educators make it truly effective? In this episode of Literacy Matters, Dr. Chery...
S4E1. Dr. Denise Donica and Dr. Peter Giroux - Handwriting, Dysgraphia and Literacy
04 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Literacy Matters: Empowered Conversations, Dr. Cheryl Lundy Swift speaks with Dr. Denise Donica and Dr. Peter Giroux about the over...
S3E10. Dr. Molly Ness - Read Alouds to the Rescue: Give Students a Lifeline to Language and Literacy
07 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Molly Ness is a former classroom teacher, a reading researcher, and a teacher educator. Dr. Ness has extensive experience in reading clinics, consulti...
S3E9. Spencer Russell - Teaching Reading: The Things Parents and Teachers Need to Leave Behind
09 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Spencer Russell, founder of Toddlers CAN Read, shares his journey from struggling reader to literacy leader. He highlights the crucial role parents pl...
S3E8. Dr. Chase Young - Synergize Your Lessons: 5 Steps to Enliven Skills, Content, Practice, and Performance
12 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Chase Young, an award-winning literacy expert, reveals the power of "synergistic instruction" by blending phonics, creativity, and content learnin...
S3E3. Kareem Weaver - Love Is a Lesson Plan-Teaching That Counts
06 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Kareem Weaver, Co-Founder of FULCRUM, shares insights into championing children's literacy through the Science of Reading.
S3E2. Dr. Tim Shanahan - Teaching Reading with Grade-Level Texts
13 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Tim Shanahan shares insights on using grade-level texts to elevate reading instruction and meet diverse learning challenges.
S2E15. Dr. Shayne Piasta - Four Key Components of Teaching Alphabetic Knowledge
17 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Shayne Piasta breaks down alphabetic knowledge teaching, focusing on the sequence and pacing of letter learning.
S2E14. Tim Cusack and Vince Bustamante - Pathways to Principalship
06 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tim Cusack and Vince Bustamante outline pathways to leadership in education, highlighting mentorship's role in developing school leaders.
S2E13. Keisha Smith-Carrington - The Connection Between Literacy Growth and Self-Worth
19 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Keisha Smith-Carrington discusses boosting literacy and self-worth by connecting emotionally with students.
S2E12. Dr. Gravity Goldberg - The Instructor-Student Paradox
05 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Gravity Goldberg reveals how embracing student challenges fosters independence, shifting the teaching paradigm.
S2E11. Leah Mermelstein and Kelly Cartwright - The Active View of Reading
21 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Kelly Cartwright and Leah Mermelstein explore the multifaceted process of reading, aligning teaching with the science of reading.
S2E10. Lester Laminack - Slow Brew Read-Alouds
07 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Lester Laminack shares the power of read-alouds to bolster comprehension, detailing three strategic approaches for educators.
S2E9. Lily Howard Scott - The Surprising, Brain-Changing Power of the Right Words at the Right Time
24 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Discover the impact of language on children's thinking and learning with Lily Howard Scott's transformative phrases.
S2E8. Nancy Frey and Doug Fisher - The Sweet Spot of Scaffolding
10 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Douglas Fisher and Nancy Frey dive into effective scaffolding techniques to build reading confidence and independence.
S2E7. Dana Clark - Teaching Comprehension and Empathy with Picture Books
27 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dana Clark explores how picture books foster comprehension and empathy, enhancing students' reading experiences.
S2E6. Dr. Eliza Braden - The Power of Revolutionary Love in the Classroom
07 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Eliza Braden discusses "revolutionary love" in teaching, offering strategies for creating an inclusive, supportive classroom culture.
S2E5. Leslie Zoroya - Families and Caregivers as the Fifth Puzzle Piece
03 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Leslie Zoroya emphasizes the vital role of families in literacy, sharing ways to extend learning beyond the classroom.
S2E4. Leslie Zoroya - How to Maximize Literacy Coaches’ Time-and Talent
23 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Uncover methods to maximize the impact of literacy coaches in enhancing educational experiences with Leslie Zoroya.
S2E3. Leslie Zoroya - Paraprofessionals as Partners in Success
08 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Learn the pivotal role of paraprofessionals in literacy success and strategies for strengthening school-to-home connections.
S2E2. Leslie Zoroya - Maximizing Class Time with Your Literacy Block
09 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Discover how to optimize your literacy block with Leslie Zoroya's strategies for maximizing instructional time and effectiveness.
S2E1. Leslie Zoroya - Making the Shift from Balanced to Structured Literacy
19 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Leslie Zoroya and Dr. Cheryl Lundy Swift discuss transitioning to structured literacy for enhanced learning outcomes in this season opener.
S1E12. Dr. Miriam Ortiz - Student Learning Needs: How to Assess, Adapt, and Achieve
20 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Miriam Ortiz provides strategies for addressing diverse student learning needs, ensuring every child finds success in the classroom.
S1E11. Pam Koutrakos - Reaping the Rewards of Interactive Read-Alouds
20 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Pam Koutrakos unveils the art of interactive read-alouds to boost comprehension and conversation skills, offering tips for engaging sessions.
S1E10. Michelle Paster - Executive Functioning
23 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Join Michelle Paster for insights into executive functioning, offering strategies for better organization and impulse control.
S1E8. Michelle Paster - Reading Comprehension
24 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Michelle Paster, M.A., the executive director of LearningWorks, joins Cheryl to address the impact of disrupted learning on reading comprehension and ...
S1E9. Patty McGee - Making the Mini-Lesson Mighty- Simple, Supporting, Succinct Steps
04 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Patty McGee unveils the power of mini-lessons in enhancing literacy instruction with simple, supportive steps.
S1E7. Dr. Julia Lindsey - Unlocking the Power of Decodable Texts
04 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Learn from Dr. Julia Lindsey about maximizing decodable texts in the classroom to boost word recognition and fluency.
S1E6. Dr. Miriam Ortiz - Classroom Success for the Year Ahead
15 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Miriam Ortiz, owner and chief consultant of K12 Matters, sits with Cheryl to share advice for making the start of the school year a success. Hear ...
S1E5. Kit Mohr - Embracing the Benefits of Fluent Handwriting
25 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Kathleen Mohr discusses the significance of handwriting fluency in early literacy development, drawing on her extensive educational experience.
S1E4. C.C. Bates - How to Effectively Teach Concepts of Print
11 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Dive into foundational literacy principles with C.C. Bates, focusing on teaching young learners to decode and comprehend text.
S1E3. Dr. Nancy Akhavan - Connecting Phonics to Reading: Answering the Big Why
29 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Nancy Akhavan shares insights on integrating phonics with reading instruction to enhance student engagement and literacy development.
S1E2. Mark Weakland - The Forgotten Power of Teaching Techniques
13 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Nancy Akhavan shares insights on integrating phonics with reading instruction to enhance student engagement and literacy development.
S1E1. Dr. Miriam Ortiz- Keeping the Literacy Momentum
18 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of Literacy Matters, Cheryl Lundy Swift connects with Dr. Ortiz, owner and chief consultant of K12 Matters. Dr. Ortiz has helped count...