Literacy Talks
Welcome to Literacy Talks, a podcast from Reading Horizons, where reading momentum begins. Each episode features our trio of literacy champions: Stacy Hurst, an assistant professor of reading at Southern Utah University and Chief Academic Advisor at Reading Horizons; Donell Pons, a dyslexia specialist, educator, presenter, and writer, who now works with adults with reading challenges; and Lindsay Kemeny, a dedicated elementary teacher who is a CERI-certified Structured Literacy Classroom Teacher and author of 7 Mighty Moves.
Each episode is a conversation among friends with practical literacy strategies, powerful tips, and a real passion for teachers and students alike. Listen, laugh, and learn with Literacy Talks, brought to educators everywhere by Reading Horizons.
Literacy Talks
Episode 125: What We’re Carrying Into Summer
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As another school year comes to a close, Stacy Hurst, Donell Pons, and Lindsay Kemeny reflect on the moments, challenges, and lessons that shaped their year in literacy education. From advocating for students and navigating legislative pressures to celebrating reading breakthroughs and planning for growth, this candid conversation explores the very human side of teaching reading.
The hosts discuss the realities educators face beyond academics, the importance of literacy advocacy, what students truly need to become successful readers, and how they hope to reset and recharge over the summer months.
This episode is a reminder that the work of literacy changes lives — and that educators are never carrying the work alone.
Show Notes
In this episode, we discuss:
- Reflections on a year of literacy leadership and advocacy
- Why literacy instruction is deeply human work
- Student moments that stayed with us all year
- The growing need for writing instruction in teacher preparation
- Balancing research-based practices with real classroom time constraints
- Vocabulary instruction, small groups, and instructional flexibility
- Legislative challenges impacting literacy education
- Summer reset ideas, reading lists, and personal growth goals
Resources Mentioned
Reading Horizons Literacy Talks Podcast
Reading Horizons Ascend Mastery
Cascade Reading & Julie VanDyke
Lindsay Kemeny — Rock Your Literacy Block
Young-Suk Kim — Integrating Reading and Writing Instruction
Stewart Brand — Whole Earth Catalog
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