He was called stupid. Beaten for not being able to read. And it wasn’t until prison that Ameer Baraka learned the truth—he was dyslexic.

In this gripping episode, Ameer shares how a compassionate teacher, a late diagnosis, and sheer determination transformed his life—from a struggling student to a scriptwriter for Tyler Perry.

If you teach reading, this is the kind of story that will stay with you.

In this episode, we'll talk about:

• How undiagnosed dyslexia shaped Ameer’s childhood and led to early trauma.
• The emotional toll of being misunderstood in school.
• What prison taught him about reading—and about himself.
• The life-changing power of one teacher’s belief.
• Why he now tells every dyslexic child: You are a winner—if you choose to be.

Show Links

Find Ameer on Instagram / LinkedIn
Undiagnosed: The Ugly Side of Dyslexia by Ameer Baraka
Join Malia on Instagram.
Become a Science of Reading Formula member!

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What if your students could finally retain what you teach—and you could stop second-guessing every phonics lesson?

In this episode, veteran first grade teacher Rose shares how she went from overwhelmed and unsure… to confident and clear—thanks to her first step inside The Science of Reading Formula: our four-week bootcamp called The Reading Roadmap.

If you’re tired of piecing together your reading instruction, this conversation is the encouragement and direction you’ve been looking for.

In this episode, we’ll talk about:

• Why so many teachers feel stuck teaching reading—and how to break free.
• The very first step Rose took to start seeing real student growth.
• How the Reading Roadmap gives you just what you need (without the overwhelm).
• What changed in her confidence, planning time, and student results.
• How to know if you’re ready to join The Science of Reading Formula.

Show Links

Preview the Vault of Tools & Trainings
Join Malia on Instagram.
Become a Science of Reading Formula member!

Rate, Review, and Follow

If you loved this episode, please take a minute to rate and review my show! That helps the podcast world know that this show is worth sharing with other educators just like you.

Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review". Then let me know what you loved most about the episode!

While you're there, be sure to follow the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and I don't want you to miss out!

You know the science of reading works—you’ve seen the difference in your classroom. But what happens when your administrator isn’t on board, or doesn’t fully understand why this shift matters?

In this episode, we’ll walk through how to have these conversations with confidence and care.

You’ll learn how to share your classroom data, connect it to the bigger picture, and offer solutions that make it easier for your admin to say yes. Most importantly, you’ll be reminded that administrators are humans too—and when you lead with clarity and collaboration, you can open doors for real change.

In this episode, we'll talk about:

• Why many administrators hesitate about the science of reading.
• How to use your own student data to make a powerful case.
• What state and national reading scores reveal about the need for change.
• Low-cost, high-impact solutions you can suggest right away.
• The language that builds trust and keeps the conversation positive.

By the end, you’ll feel ready to walk into that meeting prepared, brave, and focused on what matters most: helping every student become a confident reader.

Show Links

Science of Reading Formula Admin Flyer
Report Card Data by State / National
International Dyslexia Association Fact Sheet
The Reading League
Join Malia on Instagram.
Become a Science of Reading Formula member!

Rate, Review, and Follow

If you loved this episode, please take a minute to rate and review my show! That helps the podcast world know that this show is worth sharing with other educators just like you.

Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review". Then let me know what you loved most about the episode!

While you're there, be sure to follow the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and I don't want you to miss out!