Building Better Teachers in California with Univ. of La Verne Professors Drs. Nancy Walker and Shana Matamala
Release Date: 04/10/2025
Behind the Pages with Author Suzanne Lang
Leading Literacy
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 journey as an author, the inspiration behind her character, especially our favorite, Jim Panzee, and the teamwork that’s involved in making it all work. It’s a fun conversation and we can’t wait to share it with you all. To learn more about LACOE’s upcoming professional...
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Literacy, Leadership, and Lessons Learned with Kristen Wynn
Leading Literacy
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 Department of Education. Kristen was instrumental in the literacy success in Mississippi and has a wealth of knowledge in literacy pedagogy, practice and leadership. She shares her journey, lessons learned, and what she’s working on now. We know you’re going to enjoy this fabulous conversation...
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Equity at the Heart of Literacy with Dr. Altheria Caldera
Leading Literacy
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 book, Reimagining Educational Justice in the Face of Opposition and we’re delighted to talk to her about that and all things literacy equity. So settle in for this inspiring episode with our friend and literacy warrior, Dr. Altheria Caldera. To learn more about Dr. Caldera and her...
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Making Literacy Go Viral with Jake Daggett
Leading Literacy
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 he’s doing to support educators in one of the neediest areas in the country. Enjoy this fun episode with our pal, Jake Daggett. Be sure to check out Jake’s Instagram, Jake Daggett, as well as his website.
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From Sight Words to Aligned Systems with Janee Butler
Leading Literacy
In this episode of Leading Literacy, we had a chance to chat with Janee Butler, the Director of Program Design & Implementation at . Janee shares her expertise on what it takes to build strong literacy systems, including effective sight word instruction, the importance of vertical instructional alignment across all grade levels, and much more! If you're interested in accessing Janee’s article that she co-authored with Dr. Katie Pace Miles and Denise Eide titled, The Regularity of High-Frequency Words (Sight Words): Teacher Phonetic Knowledge is Key, you can reach out directly to Janee...
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Purpose, Passion, and Joy in Education with Dr. Joyce Jamerson
Leading Literacy
Today’s guest on Leading Literacy is someone who truly embodies the power of education and the importance of a hero’s journey. is a nationally recognized literacy leader who has spent decades uplifting students, supporting educators, and strengthening communities. From her experience as a classroom teacher, to a college educator, Dr. Jamerson’s work is fueled by purpose, passion, and joy. Let’s jump right into this fun and inspiring conversation with Dr. Joyce Jamerson. Thanks for listening to this episode of Leading Literacy from the Los Angeles County Office of...
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Inside The Reading League’s Compass Resource with Kari Kurto
Leading Literacy
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 resource tool — it’s packed with resources for all kinds of different stakeholders. So, sit back and enjoy this conversation with our friend and colleague, Kari Kurto. Want more? Join chapter to find out more about state-specific events, literacy-related legislation, and continue to...
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More than Reading: Highlighting 50 Years of Joan Sedita’s Work as an Educator
Leading Literacy
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 here with us to talk about her book and some of her other amazing projects, like , as well as what she’s learned from 50 years as an educator! Enjoy this fun conversation with the incredible Joan Sedita. To learn more about our upcoming book study on Joan Sedita’s book, , and our other professional learning opportunities and resources, visit page for direct links.
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Building Better Teachers in California with Univ. of La Verne Professors Drs. Nancy Walker and Shana Matamala
Leading Literacy
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 of La Verne, the only A-rated teacher education program for literacy in the state. This conversation is so important, and we know you’ll find it interesting to see how ULV made the switch from balanced to structured literacy within their own ranks to help teachers be better...
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Tami Wilson - California’s Dyslexia & Literacy Advocate
Leading Literacy
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 long-time literacy advocate and warrior. Tami is an incredible friend, colleague, and leader and we’re so excited for this conversation around her dyslexia work and California’s new Risk of Reading Difficulties Screener. So, sit back and enjoy. Below are the websites mentioned in this episode with...
info_outlineHello 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 of La Verne, the only A-rated teacher education program for literacy in the state. This conversation is so important, and we know you’ll find it interesting to see how ULV made the switch from balanced to structured literacy within their own ranks to help teachers be better prepared in the field. Enjoy this golden episode!