Season 2, Ep. 1 - Empowering Educators: A Conversation with Dr. Nathaniel Swain
🎙 Empowering Educators: A Conversation with Dr. Nathaniel Swain
Season Two kicks off with a powerful and thought-provoking conversation between Dr. Staci Bain and returning guest Dr. Nathaniel Swain. Together, they explore the evolving landscape of literacy education, from supporting new teachers and principals to building strong Tier 1 systems that help every student thrive.
Dr. Swain shares practical strategies for whole-class teaching, insights on reducing cognitive load, and reflections on balancing professional life with parenthood. He also introduces his new book, Harnessing the Science of Learning—a must-read for educators looking to simplify and strengthen their teaching practice. ✨
Grab Dr. Swain’s book here → https://www.nathanielswain.com/hsol-book 🎧 Whether you’re a classroom teacher, instructional coach, or school leader, this episode will inspire you to lean into what works and empower others along the way.
✅ Episode Chapters 00:00 –
Welcome to Season Two
02:10 – What’s new with Dr. Nathaniel Swain
07:16 – Advice for new teachers entering the field
10:19 – Practical guidance for new principals
13:32 – Whole-class teaching: A flexible, high-impact approach
22:05 – Supporting experienced teachers in evolving systems
25:15 – Balancing parenthood and professional life
28:31 – Highlights from Harnessing the Science of Learning (and how to get it)
36:00 – Closing reflections and what’s ahead this season
✅ What You’ll Learn in This Episode
• Why strong Tier 1 instruction is the foundation for success
• Practical advice for new teachers and principals
• How to share your expertise to strengthen your school ecosystem
• The freedom that comes from structured literacy
🎙️ Favorite Sound Bites “It’s selfish not to share your expertise.”
“Be a hands-on leader in your school.”
“Structured literacy isn’t rigid—it’s freeing.”
✨ Subscribe for more inspiring conversations about literacy success!
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Ep. 10 - Leading Intentionally w/Principal Kristen Langerman
Ep. 8 - Part 1: Beyond the Norm in the Science of Reading w/Dr. DJ Bolger
In this conversation, Dr. DJ Bolger shares his extensive journey in literacy research, emphasizing the importance of brain imaging and the science of reading movement. He discusses the need for explicit teaching, the role of cultural humility, and the significance of understanding the unique backgrounds of students. Bolger highlights the complexities of reading as a cognitive process and the importance of evidence-based practices in education.
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Ep 9 - Part 2: Beyond the Norm w/Dr. DJ Bolger
Dr. Bolger discusses the importance of moving beyond "sticking with the script" and "The Simple View"--and MUCH more!
🎙 On the Road to Literacy Success by GoodHumansEducate
Host: Dr. Staci Bain
In this engaging episode, Dr. Leslie Laud shares insights from her extensive experience in writing instruction and its transformative impact on both students and teachers. Dr. Laud discusses her passion for teaching, the effectiveness of evidence-based writing strategies, and the significant gains observed in student performance. The conversation offers practical solutions for K-12 educators, emphasizing the need for professional development and the joy of seeing students thrive in their writing abilities.
📚 Key Takeaways:
The joy of teaching comes from seeing students succeed.
Writing instruction should start with oral modeling.
Effective writing strategies can lead to significant student gains.
Self-regulation is key to student independence in writing.
Professional development is crucial for teacher growth.
Evidence-based practices improve student outcomes.
Community support is vital for implementing new strategies.
Teachers can learn from each other through shared experiences.
Writing instruction should evolve with grade levels.
Celebrating student success is crucial for motivation.
👉 Don’t miss this inspiring conversation!
Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of On the Road to Literacy Success, dedicated to driving literacy growth!
Also, visit us at GoodHumansEducate.com to transform your Tier 1 practices.
#OnTheRoadToLiteracySuccess #DrLeslieLaud #WritingInstruction #EvidenceBasedPractices #GoodHumansEducate
"On the Road to Literacy Success" is here to be a HELPFUL PART of your daily teaching, learning, and leadership life. If you're striving to get the MOST amount of kiddos as possible reading, spelling, writing, listening, speaking, and critically thinking -- this is the place for you. We take the MESSINESS of teaching, learning, and leading and ask people who have figured things out to share their minds with us.
So join us and come ON THE ROAD as we drive for literacy and justice for all 8 billion humans on this planet.
-staci
New Zealand