On the Road to Literacy Success

Season 2, Ep. 17: Slaying Tier 1 with Brooke Duke, Kimeka Corley, and Kristen Langerman (Mississippi)

In this episode of On the Road to Literacy Success, Dr. Staci Bain sits down with educators from McLaurin Elementary School in Mississippi for a powerful conversation about what it takes to transform literacy outcomes from the inside out. Together, they share the story of how McLaurin’s staff embraced the Science of Reading, strengthened Tier 1 instruction, and worked collectively to move student data in meaningful ways. This episode highlights the real work behind literacy success: strategic planning, teacher learning, coaching, collaboration, trust, and a shared belief that reading failure can and should be prevented. The conversation also explores the human side of school improvement. The McLaurin team reflects on the courage it takes to learn something new, the importance of supporting teachers as they shift practice, and the role of leadership in creating the conditions for sustainable change. From building buy-in to reducing cognitive load for teachers, their story offers practical insight for schools and districts working to improve literacy instruction. This episode is a reminder that statewide success is built by the people closest to students: teachers, coaches, principals, and district leaders who are willing to learn, lead, and stay committed to the process. If you care about literacy, school transformation, and the collective effort it takes to change student outcomes, this conversation is for you.

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