Literacy and Justice for All
Literacy and Justice for All
Podcast Description
Hosted by Dr. Ryan Lee-James
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
Centers on literacy education and the science of reading, with episodes delving into the importance of evidence-based teaching methods, practical strategies for educators, and the role of parents in children's literacy development, including discussions on dyslexia and innovative teaching tools.

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.
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.

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