Show Notes
In this episode of The Reading Symphony Podcast... Katie talks with Jaenine Cortazar Rodriguez, literacy educator and co-founder of Boston Literacy Ladies, about why supporting teachers is essential to improving literacy instruction and helping students become stronger readers. Together, they explore the Science of Reading, teacher burnout, instructional coaching, professional development, and the challenges educators face when implementing evidence-based reading instruction. They also discuss dyslexia screening, family-school partnerships, and how schools can provide teachers with the practical support they need to succeed.
📩 Subscribe to The Reading Symphony on Substack Get practical literacy tips, science-of-reading insights, and evidence-based strategies to help children become stronger readers. Subscribe here: 👉 https://katiemegrian.substack.com/
👤 About Jaenine Cortazar Rodriguez Jaenine Cortazar Rodriguez is a literacy consultant, educator, and co-founder of Boston Literacy Ladies, an organization dedicated to helping teachers strengthen literacy instruction through personalized coaching and practical classroom support.
🔗 Jaenine's Links: Website: https://www.bostonliteracyladies.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bostonliteracyladies/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bostonliteracyladies TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@boston.literacy.ladies
Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to Jaenine Cortazar Rodriguez 00:45 – Stop the Summer Slide Workshop Announcement 02:00 – Why Boston Literacy Ladies Was Created 04:20 – The Isolation Many Teachers Experience 05:15 – The Biggest Challenges Teachers Face Today 06:50 – Coaching Teachers Across Grade Levels 08:10 – Family Partnerships & Building Trust 10:00 – Why Parent Workshops Often Struggle 11:45 – Reaching Families Who Need Support Most 13:00 – Helping Families Understand Reading Data 15:40 – Dyslexia Screening & Early Intervention 19:00 – What Effective Teacher Support Looks Like 20:15 – Teacher Burnout & Low Teacher Efficacy 21:45 – Curriculum Overload & Initiative Fatigue 23:30 – Why Teachers Shouldn't Have to Write Curriculum 24:45 – Supporting Teachers Through Change 27:00 – Improving Family Communication 28:00 – What Gives Jaenine Hope About Literacy Education
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