Episode 94

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Published on:

1st Sep 2026

Parents as Literacy Advocates | Featuring Laura Stewart and Brett Tingley

Welcome to Digital Learning Today. In this episode, Jeff Bradbury explores the strategic systems that shape the future of education, focusing on Instructional Coaching, Artificial Intelligence, Professional Learning, and the latest Educational Technology Trends. In this podcast episode, Laura Stewart invites guest Brett Tingley to the podcast to discuss the importance of bringing parents in as partners and advocates for their child’s education. Brett will share her very personal story of how she became a leader of a national parent movement, Parents for Reading Justice, and how parents can be strong change agents at all levels to ensure educational excellence for all students.

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This episode is just the beginning. To get the complete blueprint for designing and implementing high-impact systems in your district, get your copy of my book, "Impact Standards."
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  • Curriculum Design and Implementation:Discover practical strategies for integrating digital learning into existing curricula, creating vertical alignment of skills, and mapping digital learning across grade levels.
  • Effective Instructional Coaching:Master the art of coaching people rather than technology, building relationships that drive success, and measuring impact through student engagement rather than just technology usage.
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Chapters:

  • 00:58 Introduction to Brett Tingley and Her Mission
  • 03:35 Brett's Personal Journey into Advocacy
  • 04:13 Navigating Educational Challenges
  • 06:32 Building Community Support
  • 09:44 Expanding the Mission Nationwide
  • 09:48 Parents and Teachers Working Together
  • 12:49 Empowering Parents and Advocates
  • 15:39 Creating a Professional Learning Community
  • 16:06 Literacy as a Workforce Issue
  • 18:43 The Importance of Early Intervention
  • 21:46 Continuous Improvement in Education
  • 24:26 The Role of Parents in Education
  • 27:46 Advice for Parents and Community Engagement

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

About our Guest: Laura Stewart

Laura Stewart is the Chief Academic Officer at 95 Percent Group. She is a nationally recognized Science of Reading and Structured Literacy advocate who has dedicated her career to improving literacy achievement at leading education companies. Stewart has more than 25 years of academic leadership experience. Most recently, she served as the Chief Innovation Officer for The Reading League and Chief Academic Officer for professional development with the Highlights Education Group. Other key education roles include vice president of professional development for the Rowland Reading Foundation and Zaner-Bloser, school district administrator and adjunct professor. She is the author of several training guides and training workshops, as well as 12 children’s books, and the co-author of The Everything Guide to Informational Text, K-2: Best Texts, Best Practices (Corwin Press, 2014). She serves on several advisory boards, including The Path Forward for Teacher Preparation and Licensure in Early Literacy.

About the 95 Percent Group

95 Percent Group is an education company whose mission is to build on science to empower teachers—supplying the knowledge, resources, and support they need—to develop strong readers. Using an approach that is based in structured literacy, the company’s One95 Literacy Ecosystem™ integrates professional learning and evidence-based literacy products into one cohesive system that supports consistent instructional routines across tiers and is proven and trusted to help students close skill gaps and read fluently. 95 Percent Group is also committed to advancing research, best practices, and thought leadership on the science of reading more broadly. For additional information on 95 Percent Group, visit: https://www.95percentgroup.com.

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About our Guest: Brett Tingley

Brett Tingley mobilizes parents to demand evidence-based literacy instruction across the entire education system—from school districts to higher education—driving systemic reforms at the district, state, and national levels, including improved identification, intervention, and support for dyslexic students and all striving readers. Through her work as President of UA-KID, OH-KID, and Parents for Reading Justice, she has built a national parent network active in more than 20 states. She produces educational content including the documentary “Our Dyslexic Children” (over 200,000 views), a free online class, and the podcast “Literacy Now.” She serves on the Evidence Advocacy Center Parent Team, Drexel ALLIED Hub Advisory Board, 95 Percent Group Educational Leadership Council, the Stand for Children Illinois Early Literacy Team, the IDA Central Ohio advisory board and is a NCTQ Reading Fellow.

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About the Podcast

Digital Learning Today
From Strategic Vision to System-Wide Impact
How do we lead sustainable change in our schools? Digital Learning Today, hosted by Jeff Bradbury, explores the big-picture ideas and strategic systems that shape the future of education. This podcast is for the forward-thinking leader—the principal, district administrator, or instructional coach focused on systemic growth. Each episode dives into topics like digital learning leadership, school improvement plans, and building a culture of innovation. Subscribe to join the conversation on designing the high-impact schools of tomorrow.
Whether you're looking to enhance student engagement, master new educational tools, or build stronger classroom relationships, our show provides the actionable advice you need to succeed in today's digital learning environment. Join us weekly for professional development that's both inspiring and immediately applicable.

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Jeffrey Bradbury

Jeff Bradbury is a globally-recognized educator, educational broadcaster, public speaker, and entrepreneur whose powerful message has inspired thousands of educators through the TeacherCast Educational Network.