70. How Effective Literacy Instruction Breaks the School-to-Prison Pipeline with Hilderbrand Pelzer III

In this powerful and deeply moving episode, Michelle welcomes Hilderbrand Pelzer III — award-winning principal, author of Unlocking Potential, national speaker, and a transformational leader whose work inside one of the largest jail systems in America has reshaped conversations about literacy, justice, and hope.Michelle heard Hilderbrand as a keynote speaker at The Reading League Conference and was profoundly inspired by his message — especially his reminder that the school-to-prison pipeline runs right through reading classrooms. Today, he shares stories from decades of work in juvenile corrections, traditional public schools, and the Philadelphia prison system. They explore why literacy is unequivocally a social justice issue, how the school-to-prison pipeline unfolds long before high school, and what educators and leaders can do to interrupt it — starting in the earliest grades.Through personal narratives, hard truths, and a hopeful vision for the future, Hilderbrand offers a call to action: Don’t give up and never underestimate the impact of teaching a child to read.Key Takeaways:Literacy is a Social Justice IssueThe School-to-Prison Pipeline Runs Through Reading ClassroomsMany “behavior issues” are actually literacy issues in disguise, leading to frustration, disengagement, and eventually dropping out.Leadership Requires VulnerabilityTeachers need the right tools and training – not blameResources Mentioned:Book: Unlocking Potential: Organizing a School Inside a Prison by Hilderbrand Pelzer IIITalk: Hilderbrand’s TED Talk (referenced in conversation)This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the podcast!Connect with Hildebrand Pelzer III:Website: www.hilderbrandpelzer3.comBluesky: @HildebrandPelzer3X (Twitter): @HP3PotentialInstagram: @hilderbrandpelzer3Facebook: HilderbrandPelzer3LinkedIn: Hildebrand Pelzer IIIYouTubeConnect with Michelle:Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.comFollow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademyJoin our Facebook CommunitySign up for my NewsletterShop on TPT: The Colorful ClassroomFor Phonics Resources, grab: The COLORFUL Phonics ToolkitWant to Support the Podcast?Make a Donation to Support ProductionInterested in Learning More about Morphology?Logos Literacy Academy with Michelle Sullivan & Sarah PaulJoin: Beyond Phonics Club - our Membership CommunityMentioned in this episode:SOR Fall Book Study Join us: https://colorful-classroom.mykajabi.com/sor-fall-book-study-2026Reading Science AcademyGet your FREE grouping resource bundle here: https://www.stephaniestollarconsulting.com/groupingsheets?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show_notes&utm_campaign=podcast Join The Reading Science Academy: https://www.stephaniestollarconsulting.com/register?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show-notes&utm_campaign=literacy-in-color