Season 2, Episode 10: A Joy-Filled Chat with Author Kristen Wilks

Season 2, Ep. 16 w/Leta Palmiter: Dyslexia, Assessment, and Mississippi's Journey

In this episode of On the Road to Literacy Success, Dr. Staci Bain sits down with Leta Palmiter, CEO of Illuminations Literacy Solutions, creator of Vertical Take-Off Reading, founder and board member of the Illuminations Center for Dyslexia in Meridian, Mississippi, and author of Mississippi Rising: How the Last Became First in Literacy Growth. Together, they discuss Mississippi’s remarkable literacy journey, the urgency of dyslexia advocacy, and what becomes possible when educators, leaders, families, legislators, and practitioners work together with clarity and purpose. Leta shares how structured literacy, teacher training, practitioner certification, and innovative tools like VTO Reading are helping transform literacy outcomes for students. This conversation is filled with hope, practical insight, and a powerful reminder that literacy progress does not happen by accident. It happens when people refuse to accept low outcomes, build systems that support teachers, and keep students at the center of the work. From dyslexia advocacy to education technology, Mississippi’s literacy progress offers important lessons for schools, districts, and states across the nation. As you believe, literacy is a human right, and every child deserves access to instruction that helps them read, write, and thrive. R esources mentioned in this episode: 📚 Mississippi Rising by Leta Palmiter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C7F4XK7X [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C7F4XK7X] 🌐 Illuminations Literacy Solutions https://illuminationsliteracy.com/ [https://illuminationsliteracy.com/] 🌐 Vertical Take-Off Reading https://vtoreading.com [https://vtoreading.com] 🎟️ Breaking Barriers: Expanding Literacy for All Learners Conference Meridian, Mississippi October 1–2, 2026 https://breakingbarriersliteracy.com [https://breakingbarriersliteracy.com] 📚 Promo Code: readingisahumanright This code provides free shipping on Mississippi Rising or any product available through the Illuminations Literacy Solutions website. I am also honored to be a featured speaker at the Illuminations conference in Meridian, Mississippi, October 1–2, 2026. I hope to see you there.

Season 2, Ep. 15: Write ON! with Enid Bailot

In this episode, we connect with Enid Ballot, a deeply committed and knowledgeable literacy expert who has helped shape and expand the national and international Science of Literacy conversation. Through her leadership in multiple educator communities on social media, Enid continues to push the field beyond narrow conversations about reading alone and toward a fuller understanding of literacy instruction. Together, we discuss vocabulary development, syntax and grammar, handwriting, writing, and the instructional decisions that help students become stronger readers, writers, and thinkers. This conversation is a powerful reminder that literacy success is not built through isolated skills or one narrow slice of instruction. It is built through clear, connected, evidence-aligned teaching that honors the complexity of language and the expertise of educators.

Season 2, Ep. 14: Literacy Implementation Leadership w/Dr. Liz Ritz

On this episode of On the Road to Literacy Success, Dr. Liz Ritz describes how school districts can implement Science of Reading-aligned practices in a way that is cohesive, clear, and coherent across classrooms, schools, and systems. She shares practical insight into what it takes to move beyond awareness and into implementation: building shared language, supporting teachers, aligning instructional expectations, and creating the conditions for literacy practices to actually take root. This conversation is for leaders, coaches, and educators who know the goal is not simply to talk about the Science of Reading. The goal is to bring it to life in classrooms so more students learn to read, write, think, and thrive. It was an honor to have Dr. Ritz on the show. To learn more about Educate's Tier 1 support and literacy implementation resources, visit goodhumanseducate.com.

Season 2, Ep. 13 - A Superintendent's Message: Centering the Humanity of Our Work w/Dr. Tim Lawless

NOTE: We apologize for the audio quality on Dr. Bain’s track and appreciate your understanding. Season 2, Ep. 13: A Superintendent’s Message: Centering the Humanity of Our Work w/ Dr. Tim Lawless In this meaningful conversation, Dr. Tim Lawless reflects on his journey through education and shares a powerful message for teachers, leaders, and school communities: the work is always about people. Together, we discuss what it looks like to lead with love, build trust over time, hire with heart, and create a school culture grounded in honesty, consistency, faith, humor, and human connection. This episode offers practical insight for educators and leaders who want to strengthen relationships, communicate more effectively, and cultivate school systems where both adults and students can thrive. Dr. Lawless reminds us that strong leadership is not only about systems and strategy. It is also about the way people feel seen, valued, supported, and inspired within the work. Whether you are a superintendent, principal, teacher, coach, or district leader, this conversation will encourage you to keep the humanity of the work at the center. In this episode, we discuss: --The role of love and trust in school leadership --Hiring for heart, character, and relational capacity --Building trust through honesty, consistency, and follow-through --The importance of humor and human connection in schools --Strategies for communication, relationship building, and positive culture

Season 2, Ep. 12: Supporting Multilingual Learners w/Karen Wattenmaker

In Season 2, Episode 12 of On the Road to Literacy Success Podcast, Staci Bain sits down with Karen Wattenmaker of Edu-Partners to discuss the comprehensive language and literacy work required to build a literate society. At GoodHumansEducate.com, we aim to support female entrepreneurs who are doing this important literacy work. In this episode, you will gain research insights, helpful instructional moves, and insightful systems advice to move your thinking forward. Whether you are working to strengthen classroom practice or build stronger MTSS and Tier 1 systems for all students, this conversation will encourage and equip you. To learn more, feel free to check out Staci Bain, Ed.D. at GoodHumansEducate.com or our good pal Karen at Edu-Partners.