Literacy and Justice for All

About Literacy and Justice for All

Welcome to the Literacy and Justice for All podcast produced by the Rollins Center for Language Literacy and its free online Cox Campus. Join Dr. Ryan Lee-James, our host and conversational partner, as we dig deep into literacy through conversation with research scientists, expert practitioners, caregivers, educators, policymakers, business leaders, statisticians, and everyone in between. Together, we will uncover illiteracy as a critical threat to the promise that every citizen has the opportunity to live a life of self-determination, a basic and civil human right.

Publisher

The Rollins Center for Language and Literacy

Category

education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

8 Apr 2025

Latest episode

8 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

17 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   8 Sept 2026

   Curiosity, Compassion, and Multilingual Learners

   In this episode of The Literacy and Justice for All Podcast, Dr. Ryan Lee-James speaks with Maggie Deaton, former Lead Instructional Coach at the Rollins Center, about supporting multilingual learners through an asset-based, relationship-centered approach. Reflecting on her 12 years of work at the Rollins Center, Maggie shares insights from her experience supporting children, families, and educators across diverse communities, emphasizing the importance of honoring students’ home languages and cultures as assets rather than deficits. Together, they explore practical strategies for creating inclusive learning environments, discuss statewide initiatives that have expanded support for multilingual learners, and examine how strong relationships can help all children thrive. The episode also serves as a celebration of Maggie’s lasting impact as she prepares for her next chapter in advancing literacy and justice for multilingual learners nationwide.

2. 

   5 Aug 2026

   Live from LitLink 2026 (Part 2 of 2)

   In part 2 of our "Live from Litlink 2026" podcast Dr. Ryan Lee-James speaks with literacy expert Dr. Daryl Michel, school leaders from Gwinnett County, and reading researcher Dr. Liz Stevens. The episode highlights how sustainable coaching, strong professional relationships, implementation science, and shared leadership can drive meaningful change in schools. Guests discuss the importance of building capacity beyond designated literacy coaches, supporting teachers through effective professional learning, and expanding the science of reading conversation to include adolescent literacy and reading comprehension. About our Guests Dr. Daryl Michel began his career in education in the mid-1990s as a classroom teacher in the Northside Independent School District in San Antonio, Texas. Through a combination of experience and opportunity, he advanced into instructional coaching and leadership roles with a research-based program founded at Johns Hopkins University, collaborating with educators across the nation. In 2005, he returned to Texas, where he earned a Ph.D. in Education with a specialization in School Improvement from Texas State University. He continued his work in instructional coaching while serving at The University of Texas at Austin. Today, Dr. Michel remains committed to his passion for engaging with others, continuous learning, and advocating for diverse voices and perspectives. Inspired by Henry David Thoreau's words, "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you've imagined," he views his work as a realization of that vision. https://www.ba-change.com/ (https://www.ba-change.com/) https://www.linkedin.com/in/darylamichel/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/darylamichel/) https://www.facebook.com/DarylAMichel/ (https://www.facebook.com/DarylAMichel/) https://x.com/DarylAMichel (https://x.com/DarylAMichel) Elizabeth Stevens, Ph.D., is an education researcher who studies reading interventions for students with reading disabilities and difficulties. She develops and tests interventions to find out what works for improving students’ reading performance. Prior to becoming a university professor, she taught special education for nine years. https://lizstevensphd.com/ (https://lizstevensphd.com/) Resources Middle School Matters Instructional Toolkits (https://greatmiddleschools.org/toolkits/) Research in Special Education (RiSE) (https://riseopenjournal.org/) IES Practice Guides for Reading Intervention (https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/practiceguides)

3. 

   23 Jun 2026

   Live from LitLink 2026 (Part 1 of 2)

   This episode of the Literacy and Justice for All podcast was recorded live at LitLink 2026: Georgia’s premier K–5 literacy conference focused on structured literacy and the science of reading. Throughout the conference, Dr. Ryan Lee-James spoke with education leaders and literacy advocates about innovative approaches to student learning and teacher support. Guests include Rebecca Pogue Fields of the Alliance Theatre, who discusses how arts integration and storytelling strengthen literacy and engagement; Dr. Brennan Chandler of Georgia State University, who shares research-based insights on dyslexia, adolescent literacy, and effective instructional practices; and Rollins Center facilitators Stephanie Payne and Korrye Gaskins, who explore the critical role of diagnostic assessment in driving literacy success. Together, these conversations highlight the power of collaboration, evidence-based instruction, and equitable access to learning opportunities for all students. Learn more about our guests: Rebecca Pogue Fields is the Head of Elementary School Programs for the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia. Her work includes a valuable collaboration with the Rollins Center that has resulted in Alliance Theatre Arts Integration on Cox Campus (https://www.alliancetheatre.org/alliance-theatre-arts-integration-on-cox-campus/). This initiative provides classrooms with free access to Theatre for Youth and Families productions, introduces and trains teachers in arts integrated theater strategies, and elevates student voice in response to artistic material. Dr. Brennan Chandler serves as an Assistant Professor of Dyslexia in the Department of Learning Sciences at Georgia State University, where he trains graduate students, coordinates the university’s dyslexia endorsement program, and leads research on spelling, word reading, and adolescent literacy. He also serves as a faculty affiliate with Georgia State’s Center for Research on the Challenges of Acquiring Language and Literacy. BrennanChandler.com (https://www.brennanchandler.com/) Stephanie Payne & Korrye Gaskins are structured literacy professional learning facilitators for the Rollins Center for Language and Literacy. Resources and courses mentioned by Stephanie and Korrye can be found at http://coxcampus.org (http://coxcampus.org)

4. 

   28 May 2026

   The Relentless Commitment to Equity: Striving to Maintain DEIB

   In this episode Ryan Lee-James sits down with Ashley Ellis, Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) at the Atlanta Speech School to unpack what DEIB really means beyond the headlines and political noise. Ashley reframes DEIB as a fundamentally human-centered practice rooted in dignity, empathy, and honoring diverse perspectives while emphasizing its deep connection to education, literacy, and student outcomes. Together, they tackle misconceptions about DEIB, discuss how schools can stay mission-driven amid shifting political pressures, and offer practical guidance for organizations seeking to align their values, practices, and culture to ensure every child has what they need to thrive. About our Guest Ashley Ellis Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Atlanta Speech School Ashley Ellis is an adaptive leader with over 15 years of experience across P–12 and nonprofit settings. She specializes in people development- always grounded in empathy, creativity, and a genuine concern for humanity. She believes deeply in people's inherent goodness and potential and uses emotional intelligence to serve and uplift the communities where she lives and works. Whether creating content, facilitating professional learning, or supporting individuals and teams, Ashley leads with heart, curiosity, and a commitment to creating/sustaining healthy ecosystems.

5. 

   28 Apr 2026

   Nadia Jones, EdD | Partnerships, Access, and Literacy Equity

   This episode of the Literacy and Justice for All podcast features Dr. Nadia Jones in a wide-ranging conversation about expanding access to high-quality literacy resources through local, national, and international partnerships. Dr. Jones shares her professional journey and passion for equitable education, highlighting her work building collaborations across school systems, higher education institutions, state agencies, and community organizations. The discussion explores how Cox Campus delivers free, research-based coursework to educators while removing financial barriers and supporting professional growth through credentialing and accreditation. The episode also spotlights innovative initiatives such as partnerships with universities, statewide literacy credentials, and the “Talk With Me Baby” program in healthcare settings, all aimed at advancing early language development and ensuring that literacy truly becomes accessible for all. About Our Guest: Nadia Jones, EdDDirector of Partnerships, Rollins Center for Language and Literacy Dr. Jones has a background in developing and implementing educational programs, with a focus on literacy and community engagement. In their role at Atlanta Speech School, they contribute to initiatives aimed at breaking the cycle of illiteracy, particularly for children facing generational educational disadvantages. This involves facilitating coaching and supporting the Rollins Center for Language & Literacy's mission to build literacy-conducive ecosystems. Prior to this, Jones served as Engagement Executive Director, Community at Atlanta First United Methodist Church, where they focused on fostering faith and love within the congregation and the broader Atlanta community through various engagement initiatives. Their work also involved making disciples for the transformation of the world. http://www.coxcampus.org (http://www.coxcampus.org)

6. 

   26 Mar 2026

   Hugh Catts, Ph.D. | The Revised Definition of Dyslexia

   In this episode of the Literacy and Justice for All podcast, Dr. Ryan Lee-James speaks with Dr. Hugh Catts about the revised definition of dyslexia and what it means for schools and learners. They discuss how the updated definition reflects current research, emphasizing persistent reading and spelling difficulties influenced by multiple factors rather than a single cause. The conversation highlights the need for strong early instruction, better progress monitoring, and earlier intervention to replace the “wait to fail” model, while also addressing challenges in equitable identification across different school contexts. About our Guest Hugh Catts, Ph.D. Dr. Catts is Professor of the School of Communication Science and Disorders at Florida State University. His research interests include the early identification and prevention of reading disabilities. He is a past board member of the International Dyslexia Association and past board member and President of the Society for the Scientific Study of Reading. He has received the Samuel T. Orton Award from the International Dyslexia Association and the Honors of the Association from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association for his career contributions in each of these disciplines. His current research concerns the early identification of reading and language disabilities and the nature and assessment of reading comprehension problems. Resources https://dyslexiaida.org/ (https://dyslexiaida.org/) LitLink 2026 is Coming Up! Georgia LitLink is our state’s literacy conference dedicated to Georgia public school teachers. This teacher-facing conference is cohosted by the Georgia Department of Education and the Rollins Center for Language & Literacy, a program of the Atlanta Speech School. This conference connects teachers and educators from across Georgia who will learn as key change-agents in our statewide literacy effort. Click here to register! (https://web.cvent.com/event/b4b668b8-c12c-4eec-a8cd-136d373ef776/summary)

7. 

   17 Feb 2026

   Comer Yates | Atlanta Speech School

   In this episode of the Literacy and Justice for All podcast, listeners hear from longtime executive director Comer Yates about his journey from teacher to attorney and ultimately to leading the Atlanta Speech School for nearly three decades. He shares the school’s origins as a free program founded to give every child access to their voice, and traces its evolution into a nationally recognized center for language and literacy, serving children from infancy through elementary school. The conversation explores how advances in the science of reading, the discovery that dyslexia is a language-based disorder, and the school’s commitment to equity led to the creation of the Rollins Center and Cox Campus, initiatives designed to share proven literacy practices with educators everywhere. About our Guest Comer is the Executive Director of The Atlanta Speech School, where he has held the role for more than 20 years. Established in 1938 as a free clinic for children who were deaf or hard of hearing, today the Speech School is the nation’s most comprehensive center for language and literacy. It is composed of three preschools (Katherine Hamm Center, Kenan Preschool and Stepping Stones Preschool), a K-6 school for children with dyslexia (Wardlaw School), a Clinic offering therapeutic and academic services to advance learning, and the Rollins Center for Language and Literacy, our professional development center focused on promoting literacy outcomes with the online support of our Cox Campus — a free learning platform and global community of practice advancing literacy to every ZIP code with members in all fifty states and more than 44 countries.

8. 

   20 Jan 2026

   Designing for Impact: Building Knowledge, Access, and Equity

   This episode of the Literacy and Justice for All podcast takes listeners inside the work of the Rollins Center and Cox Campus through a conversation with instructional designers Salley Edwards and Makini Coleman. The discussion explores how research-driven, peer-reviewed professional learning content is created to support educators, coaches, caregivers, and education leaders nationwide, with a shared mission of eradicating illiteracy and advancing equity. About our Guests Makini Coleman, Ed.S., is a seasoned educator and literacy specialist with over two decades of experience in early childhood and elementary education. She began her career teaching Kindergarten and first grade for seven years, followed by six years as a reading instructional coach, where she supported teachers in implementing effective literacy practices. For the past ten years, Makini has worked at the Rollins Center for Language & Literacy, where she has helped educators and coaches deepen their knowledge of language and literacy to improve student outcomes. In her current role as Content Developer/Instructional Designer, she designs impactful instructional resources and engaging online courses for Cox Campus, a free, online learning platform dedicated to advancing equity through literacy. Makini’s professional passions include early childhood education, elementary literacy, and instructional coaching. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, traveling, and spending quality time with her family and friends. Salley King Edwards is a literacy specialist with 25 years of experience working with children and adult learners, from preschool through high school. Throughout her career, she has served in a variety of roles, including classroom teacher, interventionist, instructional coach, MTSS coordinator, and district literacy coach. Salley began her work with the Rollins Center for Language and Literacy 12 years ago as a member of the field team and later partnered with Rollins through the Crisp County School District, supporting educators in implementing evidence-based, language and literacy-rich instructional practices. She currently serves as a Content Developer and Instructional Designer with Rollins, collaborating with subject matter experts to translate research into practice by writing courses and creating content for Cox Campus—a free, IDA-accredited online learning platform dedicated to advancing equity through literacy. Salley is the mother of three and enjoys baking, gardening, and reading. She is also the author of the Brilliance of Babies board book series http://www.coxcampus.org (http://www.coxcampus.org)

9. 

   17 Dec 2025

   A Conversation with Dr. Julie Washington: Dialect, Literacy, and Equity

   Dr. Julie Washington, a speech-language pathologist, examines language evolution, oral language's crucial role, and how schools can better support diverse learners in this interview with Ryan, offering insights into reading acquisition.

10. 

    18 Nov 2025

    Supporting Literacy Growth with Young-Suk Kim, Ed.D.

    Professor Young-Suk Kim Ed.D. shares her journey from bilingual teacher to literacy researcher and explains her DIER model, highlighting the interconnectedness of skills for multilingual learners' literacy growth in this interview.

11. 

    14 Oct 2025

    Unpacking the Science of Reading with Dr. Laura Rhinehart

    Dr. Laura Rhinehart discusses literacy, equity, and the science of reading, highlighting her journey and work at the UCLA Center for Dyslexia, emphasizing evidence-based approaches in this interview.

12. 

    9 Sept 2025

    Partnering with AI - A Conversation with Josh Clark, Landmark School

    Josh Clark, Head of Landmark School, discusses partnering with AI to advance neuro-diversity and the science of reading in education during this interview.

13. 

    5 Aug 2025

    Ray James | The Boyce L. Ansley School

    Ray James discusses his work as Head of School at The Boyce L. Ansley School and shares his belief in the limitless potential of all children in this interview.

14. 

    8 Jul 2025

    Live from LitLink 2025

    Dr. Lisa Domke, Dr. Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan, Dr. Shurita Thomas-Tate, and Dr. Ginger Collins share resources and book recommendations related to literacy and language, offering insights for educators and professionals in the field in this interview episode.

15. 

    20 May 2025

    Margie B. Gillis, Ed.D

    Margie B. Gillis, Ed.D is a nationally recognized literacy expert and a Certified Academic Language Therapist who has been teaching children of all ages to read for over 40 years. She received her Doctorate of Education from the University of Louisville in Special Education. In 2009, Margie founded Literacy How, Inc. (https://literacyhow.org/) to provide professional development opportunities and coaching for teachers on how best to implement evidence-based reading practices in the classroom.

16. 

    19 May 2025

    Welcome to the Literacy and Justice for All Podcast

    Welcome to the Literacy and Justice for All podcast produced by the Rollins Center for Language Literacy and its free online Cox Campus. Join Dr. Ryan Lee-James, our host and conversational partner, as we dig deep into literacy through conversation with research scientists, expert practitioners, caregivers, educators, policymakers, business leaders, statisticians, and everyone in between. Together, we will uncover illiteracy as a critical threat to the promise that every citizen has the opportunity to live a life of self-determination, a basic and civil human right.

17. 

    8 Apr 2025

    Dr. Margie Gillis Part 1

    We are delighted to feature Dr. Margie Gillis as our first podcast guest. Dr. Gillis is a nationally recognized literacy expert and a Certified Academic Language Therapist who has been teaching children of all ages to read for over 40 years. She is also the founder and president of Literacy How (https://literacyhow.org/), a professional development organization that empowers teachers, administrators, and parents with the best evidence-based methods to teach reading.

Who has been a guest on Literacy and Justice for All

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Dr Julie Washington
• Young-Suk Kim
• Dr Laura Rhinehart
• Josh Clark
• Ray James

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

18 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 13 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

6

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

51

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