On the Road to Literacy Success

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.

Season 2, Ep. 11: A Conversation with Literacy Expert Jan Hasbrouck

In this conversation, Jan Hasbrouck shares practical, research-aligned insight on what strengthens literacy outcomes in real schools. She explains why explicit instruction remains essential, why many systems are overloaded with assessment, and how leaders can support clearer, more effective literacy implementation. Jan also clarifies what reading fluency actually is—accuracy and automaticity that protect comprehension, not just speed. This episode offers a grounded, doable lens for teachers and school leaders who want literacy instruction to be more cohesive, clear, and coherent. Want to grab the book Jan Hasbrouck spoke about? Grab it here: https://www.amazon.com/Reading-Fluenc... [https://www.amazon.com/Reading-Fluenc...] Want to grab Staci Bain’s new book? Grab it here: Empowered to Teach and Lead [https://a.co/d/hcTExp8]

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

In this episode of On The Road To Literacy Success, host Dr. Staci Bain sits down with children’s author Kristen Wilks to explore how storytelling helps build strong, motivated readers. Kristen shares how her love of writing began early, and how she now creates stories that make kids belly-laugh, stay engaged, and feel genuinely connected to the characters. She unpacks what keeps young readers hooked—especially the blend of humor and action—and explains how books can nurture hope and resilience along the way. The conversation also highlights how schools and author visits can help grow confident readers and inspire young writers. Whether you’re a teacher, school leader, parent, or literacy advocate, this episode is a reminder that literacy success is built—one story at a time. Connect with Kristen: kristenjoywilks.com Connect with Dr. Bain: GoodHumansEducate.com