Upstream Podcast with Dr. Tracy White

Episode 6 - Rewriting the Story: When Schools Call Children “Slow”

Dr. Tracy White sits down with literacy advocate and nonprofit leader Dr. Tracy Johnson Rockmore for a deeply personal conversation about dyslexia, faith, and the fight for literacy justice. After years of being labeled “slow” and struggling through school without proper support, Dr. Rockmore shares how a late dyslexia diagnosis transformed her life and led to the creation of Vessels of Hope, a nonprofit serving children and adults with learning differences. Together, they unpack the emotional impact of illiteracy, why literacy is a human rights issue, and how educators can help children reclaim hope, identity, and purpose. A special thank you to this episode's sponsors, Raise Your Hand Texas, and the International Dyslexia Association Austin TX and Virginia Branches! "Our mission at Raise Your Hand Texas is to create a vibrant civic culture where Texans vote, engage lawmakers and their neighbors, and act together to champion public education in their communities and at the state capitol. For more information, visit https://www.raiseyourhandtexas.org/ [https://www.raiseyourhandtexas.org/] "Together, we support Structured Literacy and evidence-based reading instruction for all learners—including multilingual language learners. Website: https://aus.dyslexiaida.org [https://aus.dyslexiaida.org] , https://va.dyslexiaida.org/ [https://va.dyslexiaida.org/] Promo Code: UPSTREAM"

Episode 5 - The Brain on Language: What Bilingualism, Dyslexia, and Literacy Research Reveal

In this episode of Upstream, Dr. Tracy White is joined by Dr. Ioulia Kovelman to examine the neuroscience of language and literacy. They dissect how children acquire language, what bilingualism reveals about the brain, and why applied literacy science is critical for long-term success. This conversation connects research to real-world application for educators, leaders, and families working to improve literacy outcomes. Explore more at drtracywhite.com [http://drtracywhite.com] A special thank you to this episode's sponsors, Raise Your Hand Texas, and the International Dyslexia Association Austin TX and Virginia Branches! "Our mission at Raise Your Hand Texas is to create a vibrant civic culture where Texans vote, engage lawmakers and their neighbors, and act together to champion public education in their communities and at the state capitol. For more information, visit https://www.raiseyourhandtexas.org/ [https://www.raiseyourhandtexas.org/] "Together, we support Structured Literacy and evidence-based reading instruction for all learners—including multilingual language learners. Website: https://aus.dyslexiaida.org [https://aus.dyslexiaida.org] , https://va.dyslexiaida.org/ [https://va.dyslexiaida.org/] Promo Code: UPSTREAM"

Episode 4 - The Great Equalizer: Why Public Education is Essential

Dr. Tracy White welcomes her spiritual sister and friend Dr. Martha Salazar-Zamora, 2023 Texas Superintendent of the Year and a national finalist, for an honest conversation about what it takes to lead public education in a polarized era. *This interview took place at the end of 2024, some events may have developed or changed since the recoding of this episode.* A special thank you to this episode's sponsor, Raise Your Hand Texas! Our mission at Raise Your Hand Texas is to create a vibrant civic culture where Texans vote, engage lawmakers and their neighbors, and act together to champion public education in their communities and at the state capitol. For more information, visit RaiseYourHandTexas.org

Episode 3 - Black Literacy Matters: When a Child Can’t Read

Dr. Tracy White sits down with nationally recognized literacy advocate and dyslexia consultant Clarice Jackson for a deeply personal conversation about purpose, policy, and the fight for literacy as a human right. Clarice shares how her daughter’s educational suffering and eventual breakthrough transformed her into an advocate, leading to the creation of the Voice Advocacy Center and the Black Literacy Matters movement.

Episode 2 – From Prison to Purpose: Ameer Baraka’s Journey

Dr. Tracy White welcomes award winning actor and author Ameer Baraka for a powerful conversation on dyslexia, literacy, and redemption. Ameer shares how being undiagnosed in school shaped his self worth, led him toward the streets, and how learning to read in prison became the turning point that changed his life. This episode challenges us to look upstream at the systems we have built and to recognize the untapped potential that emerges when literacy finally meets opportunity. Intro Music By: Robin Lorraine