In today’s episode, I sit down with literacy legend Dr. Jan Hasbrouck — researcher, author, consultant, and co-creator of the widely used Oral Reading Fluency (ORF) norms. Known for her unmatched expertise in reading fluency, assessments, instructional coaching, and dyslexia, Dr. Hasbrouck brings decades of wisdom to this powerful conversation.

Together, Jan and I unpack myths about learning to read, the truth behind the “95% of kids can learn to read” statistic, what dyslexic learners really need, how fluency develops, and why teachers are essentially performing “brain surgery by instruction.” This episode is packed with clarity, encouragement, and inspiration for educators at every level.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to write your own decodable books—or how to make them both phonics-aligned and fun to read? In this episode of the Route2Reading Podcast, Amie sits down with Brooke Vitale, former children’s book editor turned author and co-creator of Charge Mommy Books, to talk about how she began writing decodable texts during the pandemic and what she’s learned along the way.

Have you ever handed your students a decodable book and thought, “Why is this so hard for them?” You’re not alone. Decodable texts are one of our most powerful tools for early reading—but only when used intentionally. In this episode (and post), we’re breaking down six common mistakes teachers make with decodable books—and how to fix them—so you can build stronger readers without losing meaning, confidence, or joy.

What if I told you morphology isn’t too advanced for young readers—it’s actually the missing piece that makes decoding, spelling, and vocabulary stick?

In this episode, I’m joined by two of my favorite literacy leaders, Michelle Sullivan and Sarah Paul, to talk all things morphology. We unpack what it is, why it matters from the very start of reading instruction, and how to make it engaging and approachable for even our youngest students.

Whether you’re brand-new to morphology or already a self-proclaimed word nerd, this conversation will give you practical tools you can use tomorrow.

Syllables can feel “big” or confusing—but they don’t have to be. In this episode, I chat with reading specialist Savannah Campbell (Campbell Creates Readers) about how to make syllable instruction clear, doable, and effective from k–5. We cover the six syllable types, how (and whether) to teach division patterns, set-for-variability, and simple multisensory tools that help kids read and spell multisyllabic words with confidence.

In this episode, I’m excited to share a conversation I originally had on the Triple R Teaching Podcast with Anna Geiger (The Measured Mom). Together, we dive into my book Literacy Unlocked: How to Implement the Science of Reading with Young Learners and explore how to bridge research with practical classroom application.

We cover the real-life challenges teachers face when it comes to foundational literacy skills and the shifts required to move from balanced literacy to the science of reading. This episode is packed with actionable ideas that you can take straight into your classroom.

In this episode of Literacy Unlocked, I’m joined by Susan Lambert, host of the Science of Reading: The Podcast by Amplify, to dig into one of the most essential—and often overlooked—components of reading success: language. Susan shares personal stories and professional insights that make a powerful case for elevating language development right alongside decoding.

In today’s episode, Amie breaks down eight essential, research-backed strategies for teaching letter sounds in ways that are practical, effective, and rooted in the science of reading. These aren’t trendy tricks or rigid programs—they’re flexible, powerful routines that actually work in real classrooms with real kids.

In this episode, I’m joined by the brilliant Dr. Shayne Piasta — a developmental psychologist, early literacy researcher, and professor at The Ohio State University. Her work has deeply influenced how I think about alphabet instruction, and I couldn’t wait to sit down with her to talk about what the research actually says about teaching letter names, sounds, and formation — and how to make it practical for real classrooms.

In this heartfelt episode, Amie Burkholder takes you behind the scenes of her new book, Literacy Unlocked. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the nonstop buzz around the Science of Reading or unsure how to turn research into real-life instruction, this episode is for you.

Whether you’re supporting readers in your classroom, after school, or during summer tutoring, intervention doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. In this episode, I sit down with literacy coach and intervention specialist Shannon Moore, Ed.S., to talk about what actually makes intervention effective—both in school and out.

We break down the core components of strong intervention systems, what to focus on when analyzing data, how to progress monitor in a meaningful way, and how to communicate all of this clearly with parents. Shannon also shares her journey from classroom teacher to private tutor to literacy coach—and offers encouragement (and practical advice!) for educators thinking about tutoring this summer.

Small group time is where the most powerful reading growth can happen — but if you’re feeling overwhelmed by what to use, how to organize it, or whether you have the “right stuff,” this episode will give you clarity (and a deep breath).

I’ve spent years trying all the things — leveled tubs, centers, flashcards, flip charts… you name it. But over time, I realized the most effective small group reading block didn’t require more. It just needed the right few tools and the routines to go with them.

In this episode of the Literacy Unlocked podcast, Amie Burkholder interviews Yvette Manns — certified dyslexia practitioner and creator of the Phonics Readalouds series. They discuss how storytelling can transform phonics instruction, why engagement matters, and how to keep lessons joyful and aligned with the science of reading. Hear behind-the-scenes inspiration for books like The Not-So-Lazy Schwa and The Very Talented Silent E, and get a sneak peek at Yvette’s upcoming releases and events. Perfect for educators looking to boost phonics instruction with creativity, clarity, and heart.

Helping students move past sound-by-sound reading is one of the biggest milestones in early literacy! In this episode of the Literacy Edventures Podcast, Amie Burkholder shares why students often get stuck sounding out every letter, how to strengthen their decoding foundation, and simple, daily fluency routines that actually work. You’ll learn how to explicitly teach blending, practice with blending lines, and build the bridge from decoding to fluent, confident reading. Perfect for K–2 teachers, reading specialists, and interventionists who want real-world strategies they can use tomorrow.

In this episode of Route2Reading Amie Burkholder sits down with Stephanie Stollar and Sarah Brown, authors of MTSS for Reading Improvement, to explore how schools can effectively implement the Science of Reading within an MTSS framework. They discuss common misconceptions, practical Tier 1 strategies, how to use data to drive instruction, and actionable steps school leaders can take to improve reading outcomes systemwide. A must-listen for educators, coaches, and administrators looking to strengthen structured literacy.

Episode Summary:

In today’s episode, we’re tackling one of the biggest transitions in early literacy—helping students move from writing individual letters to constructing full sentences. If you’ve ever wondered how to bridge the gap between handwriting and confident writing, this episode is for you!

Episode Summary:

Handwriting often gets pushed aside, but it’s a game-changer for literacy success. In this episode, we’re diving into:
✔️ Why handwriting matters for reading and spelling
✔️ Research-backed strategies to build fluency
✔️ The 5 essential components of writing success
✔️ Simple, effective ways to fit handwriting into your day

By the end of this episode, you’ll have practical strategies to help students move from letters to words to full sentences with confidence!

All About Lisa Russo:

• Administrator in New York Public Schools at P.S. 152.

• Became a teacher in 2022 at P.S. 152 and taught for 13 years in a variety of grades.

• Pursued a masters and became assistant principal at P.S. 152 for seven years - the same school she grew up in!

• Now serves as the principal at P.S. 152.

You mention that you have former students who return as staff members or with their own children.  Can you talk about that?

• It’s so incredible and unique - a true family.

• It makes my job more important because I have a great connection with the families, staff, and kids.  I grew up alongside them!

• Having my own students come back or have their children is just so special.

Small group instruction: where the magic happens.   It's here where we get to see those long-awaited lightbulb moments.  But with so many  needs and so little time, it can feel overwhelming.  Today, we will help you simplify your planning, chat about why small groups are so important, and give you all the tools you need to make your small group instruction successful.

LE Podcast #52 

The Importance of Decodable Text with Elise Lovejoy

All About Elise Lovejoy:

• Former teacher and currently serves as an probono interventionist at a nearby school.

• Runs Express Readers, a foundational skills reading program as well as a decodable book series.

• Passionate about the science of reading.