On the Road to Literacy Success

In Part 2 of this conversation, we go straight to the heart of what teachers and leaders are wrestling with in Tier 1 literacy: overwhelm, uncertainty, and the pressure to “get it right” for every student in the room. We talk about the practical moves that help teachers feel more successful right away, from tightening daily Tier 1 routines to finding one small, repeatable win they can lean on when everything feels noisy. Then we zoom out to the school and system level and ask, “What actually gives us hope about the future of Tier 1 literacy?” You’ll hear how strong leadership, coherent support, and a shared Tier 1 vision are changing outcomes for students and renewing energy for teachers. In this episode, you’ll hear about: How to support teachers who feel overwhelmed by Tier 1 routines Simple shifts that build teacher confidence and classroom success fast Hopeful Tier 1 literacy trends we are seeing in real schools Specific ways leaders can protect, prioritize, and strengthen Tier 1 instruction If you are a teacher, coach, or leader who wants Tier 1 to finally feel doable, aligned, and effective, this conversation is for you. Listen in, take what serves your team, and keep building the kind of literacy block that actually moves the needle for kids. 👉 When you’re ready for more Tier 1 support, head to GoodHumansEducate.com for asynchronous Tier 1 courses, virtual trainings, and ready-to-use classroom resources. 📘 And if you’re looking for a concrete Tier 1 roadmap you can put in place right away, check out Empowered to Teach and Lead: Whole-Group Literacy Instruction Made Easy—a K–5 playbook designed to help teachers and leaders slay whole-group instruction and finally make Tier 1 feel clear, coherent, and doable.

In this episode, Dr. Staci Bain sits down with the brilliant and deeply committed Vicki Ferrari to talk about what it really takes to make Tier 1 work in real classrooms. Together, they dive into the clarity, coherence, and consistency teachers and leaders deserve, and why whole-group instruction remains the most powerful lever for literacy success. Vicki brings her extensive experience as a school leader to unpack what Tier 1 looks like on the ground, how schools can strengthen alignment, and the practical moves that help teachers feel more confident and supported. From daily routines to instructional decision-making to building a culture of success, this conversation is equal parts energizing and actionable. If you’re ready to strengthen Tier 1 for your students, empower your teachers, and bring more joy and success to whole-group instruction, this episode is your roadmap. Slay on, good humans. 💛📘👊🏽 Sincerely, Staci Bain, Ed.D. Co-Founder of Educate America LLC™ GoodHumansEducate.com

In this episode of On the Road to Literacy Success, I sit down with THE Erin Jones — author, speaker, equity advocate, and longtime educator whose work reminds us that love + strong instruction can truly change communities. the-erin-jones We talk about what it means to call people in, how to stay grounded in purpose, and why real equity work shows up through relationships and daily instructional practice. Erin also shares her perspective on direct teaching, belonging, leadership, and her dream for the future of public education. If this conversation reignited your belief in Tier 1 instruction, visit GoodHumansEducate.com for courses, coaching, and community built to support your whole-group teaching. And be sure to explore THE Erin Jones’s powerful work, writing, and speaking at ErinJonesDreams.com—her voice is changing hearts, minds, and school communities across the nation.

In this conversation, Tabatha Mires, the superintendent of Manson School District, shares her journey into education, her leadership philosophy, and the importance of public schools in fostering democracy. She discusses the district's success in improving literacy through direct instruction and the significance of community engagement in education. Mires emphasizes the need for collective efficacy among educators and offers advice for other superintendents on enhancing literacy at a tier one level.

In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Timothy Shanahan discusses his book 'Leveled Reading, Leveled Lives' and the implications of leveled reading practices on student growth. He emphasizes the importance of teaching students with grade-level texts and the need for educators to adapt their instructional strategies to ensure all students have access to complex texts. The discussion covers the balance between challenge and support in reading instruction, the efficiency of whole class teaching versus small group instruction, and the necessity of grounding educational practices in research and evidence. Dr. Shanahan advocates for a shift in teaching practices to create a more equitable and effective literacy education system. Grab Dr. Shanahan’s new book, Leveled Reading, Leveled Lives, using code HCPR25 for 20% off at checkout. Adolescent Literacy book noted in the podcast link is here: https://www.amazon.com/Adolescent-Literacy-Academic-Disciplines-Principles/dp/1462502806