Tune in to Literacy Lunch Break as host Marjorie Bottari engages in a dynamic conversation with Dr. Esmeralda Carini, a passionate K-12 literacy leader. Esmeralda shares strategies for ensuring educators have access to targeted professional learning opportunities, specifically focusing on enhancing content knowledge to drive student achievement. From her experiences in Hawaii, Esmeralda shares insights on fostering teacher growth and empowering educators to make impactful instructional decisions.Learn more about Heggerty! Visit Heggerty.org for FREE Resources and to download samples of our curriculum. Follow us on Social MediaInstagram Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Want to keep in touch and be the first to know about new episodes, sign-up for our newsletter here!

Join us for an insightful episode of Literacy Lunch Break as we sit down with Dr. Gyimah Whitaker, Superintendent at City Schools of Decatur, and Jennifer Burton, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching & Learning. Discover their innovative approaches to literacy leadership and learn how they are transforming literacy education to foster student success and engagement in their district.Learn more about Heggerty! Visit Heggerty.org for FREE Resources and to download samples of our curriculum. Follow us on Social MediaInstagram Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Want to keep in touch and be the first to know about new episodes, sign-up for our newsletter here!

Join us in this enlightening episode as we sit down with Christine Quesada, the Assistant Director of Literacy and Humanities at the New Mexico Public Education Department. Christine shares her expertise on leading literacy instruction from a statewide perspective, discussing key initiatives, effective leadership strategies, and the vital support systems in place for educators. Discover how New Mexico is tackling challenges and measuring success to ensure every elementary student has the opportunity to excel in literacy. Whether you're an educator, school leader, or policy maker, this conversation provides valuable insights into driving meaningful and sustainable literacy change from the top down.Learn more about Heggerty! Visit Heggerty.org for FREE Resources and to download samples of our curriculum. Follow us on Social MediaInstagram Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Want to keep in touch and be the first to know about new episodes, sign-up for our newsletter here!

Join us in this insightful episode as we sit down with Carrie Willer, the Director of Elementary Education (5K-6) at Appleton School District, the sixth largest district in Wisconsin. Carrie shares her expertise on how effective school leadership can drive literacy instruction, fostering a love for reading and learning in young students. We discuss the strategies Appleton uses to support literacy development, the role of school leaders in creating a culture of reading, and practical tips for educators and administrators looking to enhance literacy programs in their schools. Don’t miss this engaging conversation on empowering young minds through strong leadership and innovative literacy instruction.Learn more about Heggerty! Visit Heggerty.org for FREE Resources and to download samples of our curriculum. Follow us on Social MediaInstagram Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Want to keep in touch and be the first to know about new episodes, sign-up for our newsletter here!

Join us for a conversation about literacy instruction with Shanna Beber, Executive Director of Literacy at the Louisiana Department of Education. Shanna shares her journey and commitment to education, along with Louisiana's initiatives to enhance literacy instruction. Explore how the department supports educators through innovative programs and professional development opportunities.Learn more about Heggerty! Visit Heggerty.org for FREE Resources and to download samples of our curriculum. Follow us on Social MediaInstagram Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Want to keep in touch and be the first to know about new episodes, sign-up for our newsletter here!

Join us for a dynamic Literacy Lunch Break episode with Dr. Ernesto Ortiz, Jr., as we dive into the transformative power of literacy leadership. Dr. Ortiz shares his expertise on district-wide literacy initiatives, the role of leadership in driving literacy change in elementary schools, and strategies for supporting educators. Discover how educational leaders are addressing challenges and measuring the impact of their literacy programs to ensure every student thrives.Learn more about Heggerty! Visit Heggerty.org for FREE Resources and to download samples of our curriculum. Follow us on Social MediaInstagram Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Want to keep in touch and be the first to know about new episodes, sign-up for our newsletter here!

Join us for an engaging episode of our podcast, where Stefanie Tenenbaum, an experienced classroom teacher, shares insights into small group literacy instruction and student engagement. Stefanie walks us through the logistics of a typical day of small group instruction, discussing decision-making processes, fluid group dynamics, and data-driven adjustments. As a current teacher, she offers practical advice for educators transitioning from guided reading to small group instruction, addressing common challenges and emphasizing the balance between the science and art of teaching. Tune in for valuable tips and strategies to enhance your literacy instruction practices in a classroom setting.Learn more about Heggerty! Visit Heggerty.org for FREE Resources and to download samples of our curriculum. Follow us on Social MediaInstagram Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Want to keep in touch and be the first to know about new episodes, sign-up for our newsletter here!

One shift as we rethink small group instruction is the amount of time students spend in a group. Previously, we would often "re-group" students according to a specific timeframe. Perhaps every 4-6 weeks. We realize now that true differentiation requires groups to be fluid. One key component to fluidity is considering how long skills take to learn and how complex they are. Katherine Doughtery Stahl uncovers the Constrained Skills Theory as an impactful resource to use when considering small group instruction. We are so excited to have Katherine join us today to share her insight on this theory and how it can inform our instruction. Learn more about Heggerty! Visit Heggerty.org for FREE Resources and to download samples of our curriculum. Follow us on Social MediaInstagram Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Want to keep in touch and be the first to know about new episodes, sign-up for our newsletter here!

Join our latest episode featuring Shawn Toy, an Orton–Gillingham certified K-3 Reading Intervention Teacher, who brings a wealth of insights and knowledge to the table. Explore the world of data-driven instruction and gather strategies for small-group literacy planning. Follow Shawn on Instagram: @learningalatteinfirstLearn more about Heggerty! Visit Heggerty.org for FREE Resources and to download samples of our curriculum. Follow us on Social MediaInstagram Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Want to keep in touch and be the first to know about new episodes, sign-up for our newsletter here!

In this episode, we continue to explore life beyond guided reading. Join us as Jamey Peavler, instructor in the Reading Science program at Mount St. Joseph University, shares her insights on how to maximize small group, targeted instruction for foundational skills.  Learn more about Heggerty! Visit Heggerty.org for FREE Resources and to download samples of our curriculum. Follow us on Social MediaInstagram Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Want to keep in touch and be the first to know about new episodes, sign-up for our newsletter here!

Join us for Series 3 of Literacy Lunch Break, where we dive into the journey of replacing guided reading with powerful small-group instruction. In Series 2, we explored shifting literacy practices and advocating for a structured literacy approach. As educators reflect and transition, the question arises: "So, what happens to guided reading?" Discover the answers in our upcoming discussions on the evolution of powerful small-group literacy instruction.Learn more about Heggerty! Visit Heggerty.org for FREE Resources and to download samples of our curriculum. Follow us on Social MediaInstagram Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Want to keep in touch and be the first to know about new episodes, sign-up for our newsletter here!

In this enlightening podcast episode, we dive into the world of structured literacy and its profound impact on English language learners and bilingual students. Join us as we engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Lucia Rocha-Nestler, an expert in the field of biliteracy education. Explore the transformative power of the science of reading and discover how it fosters equity and empowers students in bilingual classrooms, ensuring a brighter future for all.Learn more about Heggerty! Visit Heggerty.org for FREE Resources and to download samples of our curriculum. Follow us on Social MediaInstagram Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Want to keep in touch and be the first to know about new episodes, sign-up for our newsletter here!

Our guest for this episode is Lindsay Kemeny, a dedicated teacher, parent, and author who understands the power of structured literacy firsthand. Lindsay shares stories from the classroom, discussing the challenges and successes of implementing structured literacy techniques. Join us as we uncover practical strategies for teachers and gain insight into how classroom experiences can drive meaningful change.Learn more about Heggerty! Visit Heggerty.org for FREE Resources and to download samples of our curriculum. Follow us on Social MediaInstagram Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Want to keep in touch and be the first to know about new episodes, sign-up for our newsletter here!

Equity within Literacy Instruction: In this episode, we engage with Naomi O'Brien, a prominent education influencer and literacy advocate. We discuss how educators can use their online presence and influence to champion the cause of structured literacy. From social media to community engagement, learn how Naomi is mobilizing a network of educators to raise awareness and drive change in literacy instruction.Learn more about Heggerty! Visit Heggerty.org for FREE Resources and to download samples of our curriculum. Follow us on Social MediaInstagram Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Want to keep in touch and be the first to know about new episodes, sign-up for our newsletter here!

In this episode of Literary Lunch Break, we sit down with Brent Conway, an instructional leader with a passion for effective literacy instruction. We dive into the crucial role assistant superintendents play in shaping curriculum decisions, resource allocation, and policy changes. Join us as we explore Brent Conway's insights on advocating for structured literacy to ensure strong foundations for students' literacy skills. Learn more about Heggerty! Visit Heggerty.org for FREE Resources and to download samples of our curriculum. Follow us on Social MediaInstagram Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Want to keep in touch and be the first to know about new episodes, sign-up for our newsletter here!

In Episode 7 of the Literacy Lunch Break, we continue our conversation with Amanda Hager, a reading interventionist who reveals her effective approach to using district materials in small group instruction to support reading intervention. Amanda shares her insights on how to leverage benchmarking assessments to identify students' needs, tailor instruction accordingly, and integrate phonemic awareness into reading intervention. She emphasizes the importance of teaching the "whys" of the English language to engage students and make reading practice meaningful. Join us as we explore the strategies and tools that Amanda has found success with in her reading intervention journey. Subscribe now for more bite-sized insights into literacy topics. Happy learning!Learn more about Heggerty! Visit Heggerty.org for FREE Resources and to download samples of our curriculum. Follow us on Social MediaInstagram Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Want to keep in touch and be the first to know about new episodes, sign-up for our newsletter here!

Join us for Episode 6 of Literacy Lunch Break as we have an insightful conversation with Amanda Hager, an Orton-Gillingham certified Reading Interventionist. Amanda shares her journey from being a classroom teacher to a literacy coach and ultimately becoming a reading interventionist. She discusses the importance of phonemic awareness in reading instruction and the need to adapt teaching methods to meet the unique needs of each student. Amanda emphasizes the significance of continuous learning and research-backed approaches in improving student literacy outcomes. Tune in to discover valuable insights for enhancing reading proficiency through decodable texts and effective teaching strategies. Amanda is an experienced teacher, instructional coach, and literacy interventionist. She has bachelor's degrees from Western Illinois University and Aurora University and a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Reading from Grand Canyon University. She is also a certified level 1 dyslexia practitioner. She works as a reading interventionist in a K-5 building, delivering tier 2 and 3 literacy interventions. She is passionate about early literacy and believes that every student, no matter what deserves the best possible literacy instruction.Learn more about Heggerty! Visit Heggerty.org for FREE Resources and to download samples of our curriculum. Follow us on Social MediaInstagram Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Want to keep in touch and be the first to know about new episodes, sign-up for our newsletter here!

Join us in Episode 5 as we delve into the diverse range of decodable texts and explore how they can be effectively matched to the appropriate stage or phase of reading. Gain valuable insights into the varying levels of decodability and learn strategies for selecting decodable texts that align with learners' needs.Learn more about Heggerty! Visit Heggerty.org for FREE Resources and to download samples of our curriculum. Follow us on Social MediaInstagram Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Want to keep in touch and be the first to know about new episodes, sign-up for our newsletter here!

In this exciting episode, we continue our discussion with decodable book author Cheryl Allison. Cheryl shares her expertise, providing valuable insights on what specific traits to look for when selecting decodable texts. Gain a clearer understanding of the key characteristics that contribute to the success of decodable texts in supporting reading development.Learn more about Heggerty! Visit Heggerty.org for FREE Resources and to download samples of our curriculum. Follow us on Social MediaInstagram Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Want to keep in touch and be the first to know about new episodes, sign-up for our newsletter here!

Join us as we explore the essential elements of "quality" decodable texts. Discover a comprehensive checklist and valuable insights to guide your selection of decodable texts. Unlock the secrets to finding decodable texts that effectively support early literacy instruction and empower learners on their reading journey.Learn more about Heggerty! Visit Heggerty.org for FREE Resources and to download samples of our curriculum. Follow us on Social MediaInstagram Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Want to keep in touch and be the first to know about new episodes, sign-up for our newsletter here!