In this episode of All For Literacy, host Kerri Larkin sits down with Dr. Marisa Ramirez Stukey, Chief Academic Officer of The Reading League, to explore what it really takes to turn literacy research into meaningful classroom practice. Together, they unpack why the science of reading—while essential—is not enough on its own, and how the science of learning and implementation science are critical to achieving lasting, equitable literacy outcomes.

This conversation dives into the realities educators face every day, from competing initiatives to limited time and resources. Dr. Stukey challenges traditional ideas of fidelity, emphasizing integrity, context, and systems-level alignment. Listeners will come away with a clearer understanding of why real change requires not just adding new programs, but also removing barriers, de-implementing what no longer works, and supporting educators with coherent, connected professional learning.

• Why knowledge alone doesn’t change practice
• What implementation science looks like in real classrooms
• Fidelity vs. integrity in literacy instruction
• Identifying and removing systemic barriers
• The importance of de-implementation for long-term change

A must-listen for educators, school and district leaders, and anyone committed to evidence-based literacy transformation.

In this episode of All For Literacy, host Kerri Larkin sits down with Maggi Lambert, principal of Cloud Peak Elementary in Buffalo, Wyoming. Together, they unpack how a rural school community transformed its approach to literacy—moving from one-size-fits-all interventions to a dynamic, data-driven, and collaborative model that empowers every educator and student.

Maggi shares her journey from classroom teacher to principal, the pivotal role of professional learning, and how including paraprofessionals and using data as a tool (not a weapon) led to measurable student growth. If you’re a school leader, teacher, or literacy advocate, this episode is packed with actionable insights and hope.

00:00 – Welcome & The Power of One

01:28 – Community & Collaboration

03:15 – Maggi’s Journey: Teacher to Principal

07:25 – The Catalyst for Change: Data & Discomfort

12:07 – From Intervention to Prevention

15:27 – Collaboration & Professional Learning

18:04 – Data as a Tool, Not a Weapon

21:57 – Student Impact & Results

37:53 – Advice for School Leaders

45:08 – Maggi’s Reading Stack

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What happens when a district empowers its teachers to lead change? In this episode, three educators from Federal Way Public Schools in Washington share how a grassroots effort turned into a systemwide literacy transformation across one of the state’s most diverse districts.

• A “middle-out” professional development approach that started with teachers and coaches instead of administrators
• Teacher-led transformation sparked by a kindergarten and first grade teacher exploring the science of reading
• LETRS training implementation with stipends, accountability emails, and protected learning time
• A comprehensive five-year literacy plan addressing curriculum, assessment, schedules, and support structures
• Systems change, not just PD, ensuring a holistic approach to districtwide literacy improvement
• Voluntary teacher engagement, with hundreds of teachers requesting LETRS by Year 4
• Support structures that work, based on the idea that accountability + collaboration = more impactful training

Listen now to learn how this team is redefining literacy success—and how your district can, too.

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