In this episode of Literacy Mindset , host Jeff Pendleton speaks with Richard Kirksey, the newly appointed principal at Moreland High School in rural northwest Oklahoma. With a background that spans corporate creative work, multimedia design, and classroom teaching, Richard brings a unique perspective to educational leadership—one rooted in storytelling, relationship-building, and community connection. He shares how Moreland’s small-school setting allows for personalized intervention, creative t...
Aug 13, 2025•22 min•Ep. 64
In this episode, host Jeff Pendleton sits down with Josh Aston, Director of Secondary Curriculum at Atascadero Unified School District in California, to explore what it takes to foster literacy in today’s evolving educational landscape. Josh shares his journey from small-town Idaho social studies teacher to curriculum director on the California coast, and how his diverse experience offers a unique lens on literacy across multiple subjects—not just English Language Arts. Together, Jeff and Josh d...
Aug 12, 2025•25 min•Ep. 63
In this special episode from our Oklahoma miniseries, hosts Jeff and MindPlay CEO Jeff Pendleton sit down with Dr. Susan Wray, principal of Wellston Elementary School in Wellston, Oklahoma. Dr. Ray brings a unique perspective with her background in both science and elementary education, as well as experience working at the state level. Together, they explore the powerful intersection of literacy and science, discussing how reading comprehension is foundational not only for ELA, but also for stud...
Aug 06, 2025•23 min•Ep. 62
In this episode of Literacy Mindset , Dr. Michael Taylor, Director of Special Education for Bryant School District in Arkansas, shares how his unique journey—from high school Spanish teacher to special education leader—shapes his approach to literacy and learning. Dr. Taylor dives into why language development in early childhood is a critical predictor of reading success and how his district is confronting that head-on. You’ll hear how his team uses data, structured intervention, and science of ...
Aug 05, 2025•24 min•Ep. 61
In this episode from our Oklahoma series, host Jeff Pendleton sits down with Susan L. Jones, Director of Special Education at Marlow Public Schools in Oklahoma. With a background that spans from deaf education interpreting to leading district-wide special education efforts, Susan brings a deeply human perspective on literacy equity, early intervention, and the evolving role of community partnerships. Susan shares how her journey shaped her understanding of phonics instruction, especially for stu...
Jul 30, 2025•24 min•Ep. 60
In this episode of Literacy Mindset with Dr. Lisa Hill, host Jeff Pendleton sits down with Dr. Lisa Hill, Director of Instruction at Canyon ISD in Texas, for an insightful conversation about what it truly takes to develop strong readers and writers in our schools. Dr. Hill dives into her district’s approach to core instruction, emphasizing the importance of both reading and writing as critical literacy skills, from early phonics to advanced comprehension and composition. Together, Jeff and Dr. H...
Jul 29, 2025•35 min•Ep. 56
In this episode of Literacy Mindset , host Jeff Pendleton talks with Dr. Bobbi Gillham, principal of Pansy Kidd Middle School in Poteau Public Schools, Oklahoma. Dr. Gillham brings 27 years of experience and a multifaceted career across elementary, curriculum leadership, and now middle school leadership. Her passion for literacy, data-driven instruction, and trauma-informed strategies shines through in this insightful conversation. Dr. Gillham shares how her district has evolved from a whole-lan...
Jul 23, 2025•23 min•Ep. 59
Welcome to another episode of MindPlay’s Literacy Mindset, where we dive into the heart of education with leaders who are shaping the future of literacy. In this episode, host Jeff Pendleton sits down with Dr. Patricia Mondragón-Doty, Director of Instruction, Curriculum, and Assessment at California’s Oak Grove School District. Patricia brings a wealth of experience spanning classroom teaching, dual language programs, and building administration, all the way to district-wide leadership. Together...
Jul 22, 2025•32 min•Ep. 54
In this special Oklahoma Edition of The Literacy Mindset Podcast , host Jeff Pendleton sits down with Blaine Wise , Principal of Glenpool Middle School in Oklahoma, to explore how passion-driven leadership and creative collaboration are driving real results in student literacy. Wise shares his personal journey from social studies teacher to principal and how his deep roots in the Glenpool community shape his student-centered leadership approach. At Glenpool Middle School, reading success is nurt...
Jul 16, 2025•23 min•Ep. 58
In this episode of Literacy Mindset , host Jeff Pendleton is joined by Danieli Parker , Director of Innovation and Instructional Technology at Hallsville ISD in East Texas, for a no-fluff, all-substance conversation on how to elevate literacy without losing the foundational skills that make reading stick. Parker shares how her district balances instructional technology with a deep commitment to early literacy, decoding skills, and meaningful teacher-student relationships. Parker breaks down how ...
Jul 15, 2025•34 min•Ep. 57
In this episode of Literacy Mindset , Jeff Pendleton sits down with Dr. Jim Masters, superintendent of Henry County Public Schools in Kentucky, to unpack a roadmap for real, data-driven literacy transformation. With nearly three decades in education—and a track record of turning around school performance—Dr. Masters reveals why culture must come before curriculum, how his district tackled gaps in tier one instruction, and what it really takes to boost reading proficiency. You’ll learn how Henry ...
Jul 10, 2025•29 min•Ep. 38
In this episode of Literacy Mindset , Jeff Pendleton sits down with Dr. Kellen J. Adams, superintendent of Leavenworth USD in Kansas, to unpack what it really means to place literacy at the heart of a school district’s mission. With a unique blend of military-influenced demographics, generational roots, and socioeconomic challenges, Leavenworth stands out—and so does its approach to education. Dr. Adams discusses how his district is navigating the state-mandated push for the Science of Reading, ...
Jul 08, 2025•27 min•Ep. 37
In today’s episode, Dr. Balsley shares her deep-rooted passion for inclusive education, shaped from childhood through her extensive leadership experience in special education at both state and national levels. We’ll delve into the evolution of special education policy, charting the milestones from exclusion to inclusion over the past 50 years, including a look at the impact of IDEA, No Child Left Behind, and more recent accountability measures. Dr. Balsley also unpacks the differences between sp...
Jul 03, 2025•31 min•Ep. 50
In this episode of the Literacy Mindset Podcast , Jeff Pendleton sits down with Larry Brunson Jr., Director of Special Education at Victor Valley Union High School District, to explore the evolving challenges and bold opportunities in literacy education from grades 7 through 12. With over 26 years in education, spanning K–12 and higher ed, Larry shares powerful insights into the post-COVID literacy crisis, the reality of seventh graders reading at a first-grade level, and how collaborative leade...
Jul 01, 2025•32 min•Ep. 45
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Chad Burnett, Executive Director of Teaching and Learning at Eanes Independent School District in Austin, Texas. Drawing from his background in both secondary education and administration across Texas and Massachusetts, Dr. Burnett shares his unique perspective on the evolving landscape of literacy instruction. Together, we explore how the science of reading is shaping curriculum and instructional practices from kindergarten through high school, with a speci...
Jun 26, 2025•33 min•Ep. 53
In this conversation, Glen shares the eye-opening discoveries he made as a teacher when he realized just how many students reached high school lacking essential reading skills, and how that ignited his mission to address literacy earlier and more effectively. Together, Brian and Glen dive into the lessons learned from shifting a district’s literacy philosophy, the power of early assessment and intervention, building buy-in among educators, and the challenges (and opportunities) presented by new ...
Jun 24, 2025•54 min•Ep. 52
In today’s episode, we’re diving into the heart of what it takes to help every student learn to read, especially those who face unique challenges. Our host, Jeff Pendleton, sits down with Dr. Taneka Tate, assistant director of special education at Fort Smith Public Schools in Arkansas. With a background that spans teaching, coaching, and leadership, Dr. Tate brings a fresh, collaborative perspective to literacy instruction, grounded in research, personal experience, and a genuine passion for hel...
Jun 19, 2025•29 min•Ep. 46
In today’s episode, host Jeff Pendleton welcomes Lana Ingram, principal at Harding Charter Preparatory Elementary in Oklahoma City, for a deeply insightful conversation. With over twenty years in education across both public and charter schools, Lana brings a unique perspective to early literacy and foundational skills. She shares her journey from classroom teacher and special education to school leadership, and how her firsthand experiences led her to critically reexamine popular approaches to ...
Jun 17, 2025•33 min•Ep. 48
In this episode, your host, Jeff Pendleton, sits down with Dr. Precios Armstrong, Director of Special Education at East Lansing Public Schools, to dig deep into what it really takes to help students become successful readers. Dr. Armstrong shares her unique journey from aspiring attorney to passionate educator and offers a wealth of insights on building strong literacy foundations for every child, no matter their starting point. Together, they discuss why learning to read can be such a challenge...
Jun 12, 2025•33 min•Ep. 51
In this episode of Literacy Mindset , we sit down with Dr. Daniel P. McGarry, Superintendent, and Ed Marshaleck, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, from Upper Darby School District in Pennsylvania. Together, they share an unflinching look at the challenges and breakthroughs of leading a district with over 12,000 students, where more than 80 languages are spoken. From rebuilding a once nationally recognized MTSS program to leveraging AI-driven reading tools, to implementing a district-...
Jun 10, 2025•35 min•Ep. 32
In this episode of Literacy Mindset , host Jeff Pendleton is joined by Dr. Grant Rivera, Superintendent of Marietta City Schools in Georgia, for a no-fluff, all-substance conversation on what it really takes to lead a district-wide literacy transformation. Dr. Rivera shares how his district moved from a fragmented, site-based approach to becoming a model for the entire state, grounded in the science of reading, strengthened by in-house coaching, and built on a rock-solid belief in people over pr...
Jun 05, 2025•32 min•Ep. 43
In this episode of Literacy Mindset , host Jeff Pendleton sits down with Wayne Lyles, Superintendent of DeKalb County Schools in Alabama. With a career spanning 30 years in education and a deep-rooted commitment to his home district, Lyles shares his journey from a high school teacher to leading a rural school district. He offers invaluable insights on literacy instruction, closing learning gaps post-COVID, and the evolving role of technology in K-12 education. Lyles reflects on the challenges o...
Jun 03, 2025•30 min•Ep. 27
In today’s episode, host Jeff Pendleton sits down with Andrea G. Valadez, Director of Special Education and Support Services at Heartland Charter School in California. Andrea shares her unique journey from school psychologist to educational leader in an innovative virtual-home school hybrid environment. Together, they dive into Heartland’s distinctive approach—where parents serve as learning coaches, students learn at home with guidance from credentialed teachers, and individualized, multisensor...
May 29, 2025•28 min•Ep. 47
In this episode of Literacy Mindset , we sit down with Dr. Prissy LeMay, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction at Grandview C-4 School District in Missouri. With a deep commitment to literacy and student success, Dr. LeMay shares how her district is implementing the Science of Reading, leveraging data-driven strategies, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement to drive reading proficiency. She discusses the district’s ambitious goal—ensuring that 80% of students are pro...
May 27, 2025•26 min•Ep. 30
In this episode of Literacy Mindset , host Jeff Pendleton sits down with two passionate education leaders from Guymon Public Schools in Oklahoma: Melissa Watson , Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction (and incoming Superintendent), and Julie Edenborough , Assistant Superintendent of Student Services. Together, they unpack the district’s literacy journey—from the foundational importance of early reading interventions to creating systems that support every learner, regardless of b...
May 22, 2025•36 min•Ep. 33
In this episode of The Literacy Mindset , host Jeff Pendleton is joined by two extraordinary education leaders from Springdale Public Schools in Arkansas—Kimberly Glass, Director of Federal Programs, and Dr. Carrie Bredow, Director of ESL Programming and Services. With over three decades of combined experience, Glass and Bredow take us behind the scenes of one of the most linguistically diverse and economically challenged districts in the nation. You’ll discover how Springdale is innovating lite...
May 21, 2025•38 min•Ep. 44
In this episode of Literacy Mindset , we sit down with Dr. Mark Marshall, Superintendent of Los Banos Unified School District in California, to explore the district’s approach to strengthening literacy outcomes. Dr. Marshall shares insights into the unique demographic and economic challenges of Los Banos, including a high percentage of commuting parents and a growing student population. He delves into how the district strategically used federal funding to invest in a new curriculum and robust pr...
May 20, 2025•24 min•Ep. 26
In this episode of Literacy Mindset , Jeff Pendleton is joined by Dr. Lynmara Colón, Director of Student Opportunity and Multilingual Services for Prince William County Schools in Virginia. With more than 90,000 students, over 50 languages spoken, and one of the most diverse student populations in the nation, Dr. Colón brings a bold and deeply personal perspective to the work of making literacy both equitable and joyful. Born in Puerto Rico and once told she’d need to be retained due to her lack...
May 15, 2025•36 min•Ep. 41
In this episode of Literacy Mindset , host Jeff Pendleton welcomes Dr. Robin E. Henderson, Chief Program Officer at SchoolSmart KC and a veteran educator with a PhD in reading, to unpack one of the most ambitious and community-driven literacy efforts underway in the country. As Kansas City faces the sobering reality of over 250,000 adults without full literacy, Dr. Henderson and her team are leading a coordinated initiative to turn the tide—starting with K–3 readers. Dr. Henderson shares how Sch...
May 14, 2025•26 min•Ep. 42
In this episode of Literacy Mindset , host Jeff Pendleton sits down with Dr. John Asplund, Superintendent of Galesburg District 205, to explore the essential role of literacy in student success. Dr. Asplund shares his personal journey—from discovering a student in his high school English class who couldn’t read to dedicating his career to closing literacy gaps. Together, they discuss the Science of Reading , the importance of phonemic awareness, and how early intervention (PreK–3) can shape a ch...
May 13, 2025•34 min•Ep. 31
