Advertise on podcast: Compass PD Podcast with Dr. Carrie Hepburn

Dr. Carrie Hepburn sits down with Kyler Barnes, Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Keokuk Community School District, to explore what happens when a district moves beyond programs and begins building a true system for literacy. Kyler shares how Keokuk’s Comprehensive Literacy Plan is bringing teachers, leaders, coaches, interventionists, and the community together around a shared vision. They discuss job-embedded coaching, building internal capacity, using data to identify needs, and creating professional learning teachers can apply immediately with their students. It’s a practical look at how literacy can become more than an initiative—it can become part of a district’s culture and identity.

When most educators hear the phrase Science of Reading, they picture elementary classrooms, phonics lessons, and beginning readers. But what if we've been thinking about it too narrowly? In this episode of the Compass PD Podcast, Dr. Carrie Hepburn sits down with Dr. Natalie Fallert, former secondary English teacher and instructional leader, to explore what the Science of Reading really means for middle and high school classrooms. After spending the past year immersed in the research, Dr. Fallert shares the mindset shift that transformed her thinking—from believing literacy wasn't a secondary teacher's responsibility to recognizing that every content area plays a role in helping students access complex text. Together, they unpack practical, research-based strategies that any secondary educator can implement without becoming a reading specialist. You'll hear why oral language, word recognition, morphology, background knowledge, fluency, and comprehension matter across disciplines, along with actionable ideas like rapid research, partner talk, and intentional reading routines that help students engage more deeply with rigorous content. Whether you teach English, science, social studies, math, or career and technical education, this conversation will challenge assumptions, spark new thinking, and leave you with practical strategies you can use immediately to help every student become a more confident reader and learner. Secondary Science of Reading blogs by Dr. Natalie Fallert Not My Problem... Until It Was: A Secondary Teacher's Wake-Up Call on the Science of Reading Pt. 1 Making Sense of Word Recognition in Secondary Classrooms Eyes on Print, Voices in Sync: Strengthening Oral Language and Fluency Comprehension isn't a Strategy: It's Words and Knowledge Print Awareness Didn't End in Elementary School: How Explicit Instruction in Text Structures Supports Comprehension

In this episode of the Compass PD Podcast, Dr. Carrie Hepburn is joined by Bob Whittenberg, Board of Education President for Spencer Community Schools, to explore a critical—and often overlooked—driver of lasting literacy success: the role of the school board. Building on the momentum of Spencer Reads, this conversation moves beyond the classroom to examine how literacy becomes a community-wide commitment, not just a school initiative. Together, they discuss:  Why literacy must be treated as mission-critical work How boards can move from oversight to active learning and leadership What it means to protect time, professional learning, and instructional focus How long-term commitment—not short-term programs—changes outcomes for students and communities This episode offers a powerful reminder:  When boards, schools, and communities align around literacy, the impact extends far beyond test scores—it shapes opportunity, independence, and the future of an entire community.

Too often, we place our hope in a new curriculum or resource to fix instructional challenges—only to find gaps, misalignment, and frustration months later. In this episode of the Compass PD Podcast, Dr. Carrie Hepburn explores why no single resource is ever enough—and how a simple resource audit can shift your system from reactive to intentional. You’ll learn: The predictable problems that arise when resources aren’t auditedWhy gaps, misalignment, and lost instructional time occurPractical steps for auditing your current materialsWhat to look for to ensure alignment, coherence, and realistic implementationThis episode will help you move from “hoping it works” to having a clear plan—so your curriculum, instruction, and assessments actually work together to support student learning.

This episode builds on Episode 85, where we introduced the story behind a community-driven literacy movement. In Episode 86, we go deeper into the how. In Part 2 of our conversation, we continue with Brook Schueller and Amy Simpson from Spencer Community Schools to unpack the strategy behind building a true community literacy movement. If Part 1 shared the story, Part 2 shares the strategy. We explore: • How districts can get started—without waiting for the “perfect” plan • What it really takes to shift mindsets from “school initiative” to “community responsibility.” • How to engage students and families in ways that feel authentic, not forced • The reflective process that keeps the work evolving year after year This episode is practical, honest, and hopeful. If your district has strong literacy goals but you’re wondering how to move beyond school walls and into your community, this conversation offers a starting point. Lighting a literacy fire doesn’t happen by accident—it happens by design.

In Episode 85, we’re joined by Brook Schueller and Amy Simpson, members of a community committee working toward an ambitious goal: 85% of third graders reading at proficient levels. This conversation explores how Spencer Community Schools recognized that literacy growth couldn’t live only inside classrooms. By building relationships, meeting families where they were, and continuously reflecting and evolving over five years, the community helped create a shared culture of reading. This episode offers practical insight and inspiration for districts wondering how to move literacy from a school initiative to a true community effort—and how lighting a literacy fire beyond school walls can change what’s possible for students.

In this episode of the Compass PD Podcast, Dr. Carrie Hepburn is joined by Dr. Ted Huff, founder of Leading with Parents, to explore what it truly takes to unite schools, families, and communities in support of students. With parent engagement declining nationwide, Ted shares why authentic partnership—not just participation—is the key to improving attendance, strengthening achievement, and building trust. Through practical strategies, powerful insights, and decades of experience, Ted reminds us that when schools honor parent voice, tap into community strengths, and meet families where they are, everyone wins. This conversation offers hope, clarity, and actionable steps for districts ready to rebuild meaningful connections. Weston Kieschnick’s 10 Second Truth vlog: https://x.com/Wes_Kieschnick/status/1973094385941393639Leading with Parents website:  www.leadingwithparents.org

In this inspiring episode of the Compass PD Podcast, Dr. Stephanie Brenner sits down with Anne Evers and Rachel Wheatley from Churchill Center and School, a St. Louis institution renowned for its evidence-based approach to supporting students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences. Together, they explore how Churchill empowers both students and educators—through personalized instruction, 1:1 tutorials, small-group classes, and a culture grounded in research, relationships, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Anne and Rachel share the heart behind Churchill’s mission, how they train and retain expert teachers, and the systems that help students thrive academically and emotionally. Listeners will hear powerful insights into Churchill’s Demystification Project, parent outreach programs, and educator partnerships that extend their impact far beyond their own campus. Whether you’re an administrator, classroom teacher, or literacy leader, this episode offers practical steps for creating dyslexia-aware classrooms that foster confidence, competence, and joy in learning. Churchill Community Outreach

In this uplifting episode, Dr. Carrie Hepburn sits down with educator, consultant, and author Kim Schuelke to explore how somatic work can transform classroom culture and emotional well-being. From trauma-informed strategies to breathwork and sensory tools, Kimmy shares accessible practices any educator can use to support student regulation, reduce anxiety, and build a foundation for authentic learning. With vulnerable storytelling and actionable tips, this episode highlights how attending to students’ nervous systems isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. Whether you’re new to somatic strategies or ready to delve deeper, this conversation will leave you feeling equipped, inspired, and ready to make a big impact with small steps. The Tangle Book- https://www.amazon.com/Tangle-Turning-Feelings-Powerful-Lessons/dp/B0F5Y13XQP?scrlybrkr=2f4194ec  sageandstorycollective.com https://www.instagram.com/teachingkimmy/ https://www.youtube.com/@teachingkimmy http://linkedin.com/in/kim-schuelke-bbb076178

In this special episode of the Compass PD Podcast, Dr. Natalie Fallert brings you a heartwarming celebration of educators everywhere. With all the appreciation days that fill the month of May, we decided to join in the celebration by reflecting on the moments and mentors that inspired us, the most meaningful gestures we’ve received, and the powerful ways we can show appreciation to others. This episode isn’t your typical two-guest format—instead, Natalie invites friends and fellow educators to share their stories, shout-outs, and small but mighty moments of gratitude. Whether it’s the reason they entered the profession or the best “thank you” they ever received, each story is a reminder of the magic in education. So take a deep breath, enjoy the journey down memory lane, and let this episode refill your cup as the school year winds down. Because even on the toughest days, your presence matters—and that alone is a gift.

In Episode 80 of the Compass PD Podcast, Dr. Stephanie Brenner and Dr. Sherri Lorton take you inside the often overwhelming world of end-of-year data. But this isn’t just about spreadsheets and scores — it’s about telling the real story behind the numbers. Together, they explore common pitfalls, share expert strategies for making sense of math and literacy data, and explain how to craft a meaningful data story that drives instructional growth. You’ll walk away with practical tips on how to reflect, celebrate progress, and plan smarter for next year. Whether you’re a teacher, coach, or leader, this episode will help you move from data chaos to clarity.

In this powerful episode of the Compass PD Podcast, Michelle Kearns—educator and mother to her son Gehrig, who is on the autism spectrum—joins Dr. Natalie Fallert to build upon her touching blog More Than Words: An Autism Journey. Michelle shares what she wishes every educator, parent, and student knew about autism, and how we can all do better to cultivate true belonging in our schools. From leading through compassion to making space for students’ interests, Michelle offers heartfelt stories and practical advice from both her professional and personal experiences. She encourages teachers to view autism as a difference, not a deficit, and reminds us all that every student’s needs and gifts are unique. Whether you're a classroom teacher, leader, or parent, this episode will inspire you to create a more inclusive, understanding, and joyful learning environment. (And yes, we know the audio gets a little wonky—but we promise, this conversation is worth it!)

In this uplifting episode of the Compass PD Podcast, Dr. Carrie Hepburn is joined by Dr. Declan Fitzpatrick and Dr. Elizabeth Malloy—two leaders passionate about keeping instruction at the forefront of their work. With honesty and heart, they share what it looks like to lead learning while navigating the realities of school leadership. From 30-second feedback loops to shared calendars and grace-filled mindsets, this episode is full of encouragement and real-world strategies. Whether you’re just stepping into leadership or are a seasoned admin, this conversation will reignite your commitment to instructional leadership and remind you—you’re making a difference every single day.

In this solo episode of the Compass PD Podcast, Dr. Natalie Fallert invites educators to try something both brave and rewarding—student-led book clubs. As testing season wraps up and attention spans wane, spring is the perfect time to launch a flexible, choice-driven reading experience that fosters deep conversations, authentic learning, and student ownership. Natalie breaks down what book clubs really are (hint: not lit circles with packets), why they’re worth trying—even if it’s messy—and how you can get started right now, using the books you already have. Whether you're a classroom teacher testing the waters or an instructional leader looking to spark student engagement, this episode is your friendly nudge to let go, lean in, and trust your readers.

In this episode of the Compass PD Podcast, Dr. Natalie Fallert and Dr. Stephanie Brenner explore the world of test prep—and not the kind that makes kids (and teachers) cringe. From everyday instruction that builds confidence to last-minute strategies that matter most, this episode unpacks practical, mindset-shifting approaches for elementary and secondary classrooms. You’ll hear realistic strategies and powerful reminders that testing should never define your students—or your teaching. Whether you're a teacher, instructional coach, or administrator, this conversation will help refine your approach to high-stakes testing with clarity, purpose, and heart.