S5E7. Cristina Gonzalez - Real Schools, Real Impact: Making It Impossible for the School Community to Fail

S5E11. Kate DeBottis - Real Schools, Real Impact: Raising the Bar While Keeping the Joy in Pre-K

With 18 years dedicated to early childhood education, Kate DeBottis serves as the Universal Prekindergarten Coordinator for the North Syracuse Central School District, championing strong foundations for every young learner. Her background spans teaching, instructional coaching, and leadership in the early childhood setting. Kate holds a Bachelor's in Psychology and Education, a Master's in Teacher of the Blind and Visually Impaired, and a Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Leadership.

S5E10. Jake Daggett - Everyone Is Invited: Rethinking Pre-K Literacy

In this episode of , Dr. Cheryl Lundy Swift talks with early literacy expert Jake Daggett about what effective literacy instruction really looks like in Pre-K. Together, they challenge common misconceptions, explore the power of oral language, repetition, and retrieval practice, and share practical ways to embed literacy throughout the day. Jake offers a fresh perspective on creating joyful, inclusive learning environments where every child is invited to build strong literacy foundations.

S5E9. Kelly Maly and Virginia Boulware - Real Schools, Real Impact: From Chit Chat to Academic Language

Dr. Cheryl Lundy Swift is joined by Montessori educators, Kelly Maly and Virginia Boulware, to explore how oral language supports literacy. Learn practical strategies—from turn-and-talks to read-alouds—that build vocabulary, confidence, comprehension, and help students move from chit chat to academic language.

S5E8. Dr. Terrie Noland - The Word Well: Why Language Is the Foundation of Literacy

Before students become readers and writers, they are speakers and listeners. In this episode, Dr. Terrie Noland explores oral language as the true foundation of literacy—what she calls the “word well.” She shares how language shapes the brain for reading, why it must be intentionally developed, and how educators can build stronger outcomes through purposeful talk in everyday instruction.

S5E7. Cristina Gonzalez - Real Schools, Real Impact: Making It Impossible for the School Community to Fail

At PS 94 in Brooklyn, Principal Cristina Gonzalez shows how equity lives in everyday decisions. In this episode of Literacy Matters: Empowered Conversations, Cristina shares how to support teachers, honor student thinking, and build systems rooted in belonging and high expectations—making it possible for the entire school community to succeed.