PODCAST · education
Leading Literacy
by Leslie & Mara
Leading Literacy is a podcast co-hosted by Leslie Zoroya, Project Director III of Reading Language Arts, and Mara Shinn Smith, Coordinator I, at the Los Angeles County Office of Education. Join Leslie & Mara as they engage in literacy conversations that both inspire and instruct.
Episodes
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Connecting the Science of Reading to the Science of Learning with Dr. Marisa Ramirez Stukey
Welcome back to another episode of Leading Literacy. We're excited to talk with Dr. Marisa Ramirez Stukey, Chief Academic Officer at The Reading League. Marisa has a wealth of educational experience as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, professor in higher education and as a national...
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Behind the Pages with Author Suzanne Lang
Hello there, literacy friends! We're so glad that you're here with us for this episode of Leading Literacy because we have an amazing guest. Joining us is Suzanne Lang, the best-selling author of the "Grumpy Monkey" series along with other beloved picture books. We'll chat with Suzanne about her...
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Literacy, Leadership, and Lessons Learned with Kristen Wynn
Hello, literacy friends! We had the amazing opportunity to chat with the amazing Kristen Wynn with AIM Institute of Literacy and Research. Kristen has served in education for more than 20 years. You may have heard of her from her role as the former state literacy director for the Mississippi...
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Equity at the Heart of Literacy with Dr. Altheria Caldera
In this episode of Leading Literacy, we have an awesome conversation with Dr. Altheria Caldera on the intersection of literacy and equity. Dr. Caldera is an educator, a researcher and equity consultant. She's also a brand-new author and her work is just incredible. She's just released her new…
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Making Literacy Go Viral with Jake Daggett
Leading Literacy is thrilled to welcome Instagram and TikTok sensation, Jake Daggett. Jake is the current literacy director in a Milwaukee school who rose to internet fame for his passionate literacy work and engaging learning routines. Today, you'll hear more about his journey and work and what...
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From Sight Words to Aligned Systems with Janee Butler
In this episode of Leading Literacy, we had a chance to chat with Janee Butler, the Director of Program Design & Implementation at The Center for Literacy and Learning. Janee shares her expertise on what it takes to build strong literacy systems, including effective sight word instruction, the...
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Purpose, Passion, and Joy in Education with Dr. Joyce Jamerson
Today's guest on Leading Literacy is someone who truly embodies the power of education and the importance of a hero's journey. Dr. Joyce Jamerson is a nationally recognized literacy leader who has spent decades uplifting students, supporting educators, and strengthening communities. From her...
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Inside The Reading League's Compass Resource with Kari Kurto
On this episode of Leading Literacy, we're joined by the incredible Kari Kurto. She's the National Science of Reading Project Director at The Reading League, and honestly, just an all-around amazing human. Her passion and energy for this work is palpable. You're going to love hearing about The...
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More than Reading: Highlighting 50 Years of Joan Sedita's Work as an Educator
We spend a lot of time on Leading Literacy talking about reading, and for this episode we are going to switch things up and focus in on writing. We're fortunate to have Joan Sedita, author of The Writing Rope here with us to talk about her book and some of her other amazing projects, like Keys to...
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Building Better Teachers in California with Univ. of La Verne Professors Drs. Nancy Walker and Shana Matamala
Hello Leading Literacy friends! As you know, Institutes of High Ed. play an important role in making the instructional shift from balanced to structured literacy with educators. On today's episode, we talk with Nancy Walker and Shana Matamala from LaFetra College of Education at the University…
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Tami Wilson - California's Dyslexia & Literacy Advocate
On this episode Leading Literacy, we welcome Tami Wilson, Director of Development and Training at the Sacramento County Office of Education and lead of the California Dyslexia Initiative. Tami has been a driving force in California's shift from balanced to structured literacy instruction and a...
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Lessons from Lancaster School District
Welcome to Leading Literacy! In this episode, we are thrilled to have a conversation with three incredible leaders from the Lancaster School District in Lancaster, California. We partnered with Lancaster for three years on the $5 million dollar California State Literacy Development (CLSD) Grant.…
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Jasmine Rogers
Hey there, educator friends! On this episode of Leading Literacy, we can't wait for you to get to know Dr. Jasmine Rogers. Dr. Rogers is from the Washington D.C. area where she is professor at American University and supports teachers at the D.C. Reading Clinic. If that's not enough, she also...
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Scott Valley Unified Educators: Hannah Shickle and Tana Piersall
Hello educator friends! On this episode of Leading Literacy we're diving back into the secondary world to talk with teacher, Hannah Shickle and school administrator, Tana Piersall from Scott Valley Unified School District in Northern California. They're doing amazing work in structured literacy...
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Denise Eide
Welcome back, educator friends. We're super excited about this episode with Denise Eide, author of the book, Uncovering the Logic of English: A Common Sense Approach to Reading, Spelling, and Literacy. We love this conversation because it centers on this notion of curiosity and how if we ignite...
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Laundromat Library League with Phil Tripp
Have you ever witnessed an amazing idea come to life and wonder, "Why didn't I think of that?" Well, this is exactly what we thought when we heard about the Laundromat Library League. On a recent episode of Leading Literacy, Dr. Molly Ness mentioned Laundromat Library League and we knew…
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Denise Morgan, Parent Advocate
On this episode of Leading Literacy, we are thrilled to have our first parent advocate, Denise Morgan. Denise is no ordinary parent – she's determined and dedicated to helping all students and families get the literacy support they need. Denise began working at the California Charter Schools...
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Molly Ness
Hey there, educator friends! I have a question for you. How many of you love doing read alouds with your students? I'm going to guess and say almost all of you. And how about your students – do they love it as much as you do? If your answers are an astounding YES and YES, then you're going to…
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Maya Valencia Goodall
On this episode of Leading Literacy, we have an inspiring conversation with Maya Goodall. Maya is an educator, entrepreneur, and curriculum developer dedicated to helping people become bilingual. She's the founder of Lingual Learning, a language learning company which she ultimately sold to…
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The Reading League California with Kristen Koeller and Andrea Setmeyer
Hey there, educator friends! We're super excited to share this special episode of Leading Literacy. It's the one where Leslie and I have a chat with Andrea Setmeyer, The Reading League's National Chapter Coordinator, and Kristen Koeller, the President of the brand-new Reading League California...
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Lacey Robinson
Hello educator friends! You are in for a treat on this episode as we talk with literacy and social justice advocate Lacey Robinson. Lacey is the President and CEO of UnboundEd, the Nation's largest K-12 educator development organization focused on improving teaching and learning for underserved...
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Tracy White Weeden
Hey there, educator friends! On this episode of Leading Literacy, we have the pleasure of introducing you to the wonderful Dr. Tracy White Weeden. Dr. Weeden has held lots of varied positions in education and is currently the president and CEO of Neuhaus Education Center. As you listen to this...
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Debbie Anderson, L.A. County Librarian
On this episode of Leading Literacy, we talk about the role of libraries. I know, sounds kind of boring, right? Well, my listeners, this episode is awesome! Our guest is Debbie Anderson, the Assistant Director of Education Engagement for the L.A. County Library System, and WOW! We had no idea...
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Trisha Tucker
Hi friends! On this episode of Leading Literacy, we have such an amazing guest. Dr. Trisha Tucker is the Head of the Writing Instruction in the Thematic Honors program at the University of Southern California. However, in this episode, we will not be talking with Dr. Tucker about writing…
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Sabrina Causey & Jessica Reid Sliwerski from The Right to Read
Hello friends and welcome to Leading Literacy! On this episode we are excited to delve further into The Right to Read documentary. (Small aside, if you haven't listened to our previous episode with Kareem Weaver, please do. OMG, it's so good!). Today, we continue to have a blast of a chat with…
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Kareem Weaver
Hey, educator friends! OMG! This episode of Leading Literacy is one of our best ones yet! We had a chance to sit down with Kareem Weaver, educator, and literacy advocate from Northern California's Bay Area. If you want to know how to light a fire in your district or school site around...
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Shelley Blackwell
Hey all you spelling word-nerds out there! On this episode of Leading Literacy, we get to share all the buzz on one of our favorite topics – spelling instruction. As a queen of the spelling bee world here in L.A., Leslie is super excited to introduce you all to Dr. Shelley Blackwell. Shelley is a...
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Lee Herrick
Leading Literacy had the honor and pleasure of chatting with Lee Herrick, California's Poet Laureate. Lee was awarded this title by Governor Newsom in November of 2022, and as a resident of Fresno, he brings to this position his diverse perspectives and passions as a father, professor, and poet.…
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Susan Lambert
We're so excited to have Susan Lambert on this episode of Leading Literacy. Susan is the Chief Academic Officer for Elementary Humanities at Amplify and she's also the host of one of our favorite podcasts, Science of Reading: The Podcast. Susan's been a classroom teacher, school administrator…
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Sonia Cabell
You are in for a real treat on this episode of Leading Literacy as Leslie and Mara sit down with Dr. Sonia Cabell, assistant professor in the School of Teacher Education and the Florida Center for Reading Research at Florida State University. As a former second grade teacher and literacy coach…
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Donalyn Miller
On this episode of Leading Literacy, Leslie and Mara welcome award-winning author, teacher, and professional development leader, Donalyn Miller. As if that were not impressive enough, Donalyn is also a wonderful, down-to-earth literacy advocate that exudes a passion for learning and helping...
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Addressing Secondary Reading Gaps w/ Leslie & Jessica
On this episode of Leading Literacy, Mara sits down with two special guests to discuss an issue that has not yet been addressed on the podcast. As part of this discussion, Mara welcomes RLA's Director and Leading Literacy co-host, Leslie Zoroya, and secondary ELA Coordinator, Jessica Sullivan....
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Jana Echevarria
Leading Literacy welcomes Dr. Jana Echevarria, Professor Emerita at California State University, Long Beach. As an educator, Dr. Echevarria has taught all grade levels in both general and special education settings, as well as in ESL and bilingual programs. She is a founding researcher and…
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Claude Goldenberg
On this episode of Leading Literacy, we're thrilled to speak with noted reading researcher and language expert, Dr. Claude Goldenberg. Dr Goldenberg is a professor emeritus in the Graduate School of Education at Stanford University. A native of Argentina, his areas of research and professional...
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Deidra Mayberry
We have a treat for you on this episode of Leading Literacy. We interview Deidra Mayberry, president, and founder of Reading to New Heights, a nonprofit that teaches adults how to read. Deidra grew up one of seven kids, in a military family, who often moved. Her struggles with reading began early...
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Elsa Cardenas-Hagan
Leading Literacy can't wait to introduce you to Dr. Elsa Cardenas-Hagan! Elsa is a Bilingual Speech Language Pathologist, who has spent decades working with and advocating for multilingual learners. As a multilingual student herself, Elsa discusses the importance of cross-linguistic…
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Chris Ann Horsley
We are so excited to introduce you to Chris Ann Horsley, the Director of Elementary Curriculum at Bonita Unified School District. As a district and school site leader, Chris Ann has played a pivotal role in helping her schools become the number 1 ranked district on the California Reading Report...
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Todd Collins
On this episode of Leading Literacy, we are thrilled to have Todd Collins as our guest. Todd is a board member of a California school district that has had a "reading reckoning." Todd's literacy advocacy work prompted him to launch the California Reading Coalition, which is a group of educators,...
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Kymyona Burk
Leading Literacy welcomes Dr. Kymyona Burk to the podcast. Currently, Dr. Burk is a senior policy fellow from ExcelinEd where she supports states and leaders with comprehensive K-3 reading policies. Dr. Burk also served as the former state literacy director at the Mississippi State Department of...
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DeJunne' Clark Jackson
Leading Literacy welcomes DeJunne' Clark Jackson, Vice President of Program Development for the Center for Development and Learning. DeJunne' shares her insight and expertise as an educator, advocate, and parent. It is through these unique lenses that drives DeJunne's work and passion around...
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Ruth Baskett
Leading Literacy welcomes LACOE's very own English Learner Project Director, Ruth Baskett. Ruth is both hilarious and knowledgeable in the world of quality English learner programs and services. Join us as we discuss pressing needs for our English learners, the mystifying disconnect between…
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Dr. Maria Murray
It is our pleasure to welcome Dr. Maria Murray to Leading Literacy! Maria is the CEO and President of The Reading League and has served as an associate professor at the State University of New York at Oswego. For over 10 years, she has taught courses related to literacy assessment and…
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L.A. County Poet Laureate: Lynne Thompson
Leading Literacy has the honor and privilege to welcome L.A. County's 2021 Poet Laureate, Lynne Thompson. Listen in and get to know Lynne and the unconventional path that led her to this special role. Enjoy! Read more about Lynne on the Los Angeles Public Library website.
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WriteGirl L.A. Founder: Keren Taylor
In this must-listen episode of Leading Literacy, Leslie and Mara have a wonderful discussion with Keren Taylor, Executive Director and Founder of WriteGirl L.A. Keren shares her journey in developing and expanding WriteGirl into a nationally-recognized writing and mentoring organization aimed at...
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Thomishia Booker
Today on Leading Literacy we are thrilled to welcome licensed therapist, author, mother and advocate, Dr. Thomishia Booker. Dr. Booker is the author of three books and CEO of HeyCarterBooks. Her self-published book, "Brown Boy Joy" has been featured in the Netflix Family series, "Bookmarks:...
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Francisco X. Stork
Leslie and Mara interview celebrated young adult fiction author, Francisco X. Stork. Francisco has a very interesting backstory as a young immigrant from Mexico and overcoming many obstacles to attend both Harvard University and Columbia Law School. Although Francisco worked many years as a…
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Dr. Kathryn Edwards & Leslie Zoroya
On this special episode of Leading Literacy, Mara interviews Leslie and Dr. Kathryn Edwards, the Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at LACOE. Leslie and Kathryn recently completed a year-long project in collaboration with UCLA and the Center for Powerful Public Schools and Riverside...
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Dr. Julie Washington
Leading Literacy welcomes UC Irvine School of Education professor, Dr. Julie Washington. Dr. Washington's research is focused on the intersection of literacy, language variation, and poverty. Her work pays a particular focus on understanding the role of cultural dialect in the identification of...
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Margaret Goldberg
Leading Literacy welcomes Margaret Goldberg for a chat about all things science of reading, coaching, and evidence-based reading instruction. Currently, Margaret is a first grade teacher in a Title 1 school in Oakland and has served in her district in a variety of literacy leadership roles. She…
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Ricky Robertson
Ricky Robertson stops by Leading Literacy to discuss the importance of student trauma and adversity and how it impacts their educational experience and outcome. As a former teacher, Ricky provides a unique lens through which to serve students who have experienced adverse childhood experiences...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Leading Literacy is a podcast co-hosted by Leslie Zoroya, Project Director III of Reading Language Arts, and Mara Shinn Smith, Coordinator I, at the Los Angeles County Office of Education. Join Leslie & Mara as they engage in literacy conversations that both inspire and instruct.
HOSTED BY
Leslie & Mara
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Leading Literacy have?
Leading Literacy currently has 62 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Leading Literacy about?
Leading Literacy is a podcast co-hosted by Leslie Zoroya, Project Director III of Reading Language Arts, and Mara Shinn Smith, Coordinator I, at the Los Angeles County Office of Education. Join Leslie & Mara as they engage in literacy conversations that both inspire and instruct.
How often does Leading Literacy release new episodes?
Leading Literacy has 62 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Leading Literacy?
You can listen to Leading Literacy on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Leading Literacy?
Leading Literacy is created and hosted by Leslie & Mara.
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