My Child Can’t Read: A Heartland Crisis
My Child Can’t Read: A Heartland Crisis
Podcast Description
In classrooms across America — and especially here in Kansas — too many children are being left behind in reading. And too often, their parents and teachers are left wondering: What did I miss? Why didn’t anyone tell me?
Hosted by Jesica Glover — a National Board Certified teacher, reading specialist, and parent who couldn’t help her own daughter learn to read — this podcast explores the literacy crisis in Kansas and across the country. Through real stories and expert insight, we uncover how reading is actually learned, where schools are falling short, and what families and educators can do to change it. Each episode combines real stories, expert insight, and a look at the science of how reading works —
From early warning signs and misdiagnoses to bold reforms and grassroots change, My Child Can’t Read traces a powerful journey from heartbreak to hope.
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or policymaker, this podcast helps you understand what went wrong — and what we can do to make it right, right here in the Heartland.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on the critical issues surrounding reading education, with specific episodes discussing topics like the inadequacy of balanced literacy programs, the realization of dyslexia among students, and the importance of structured literacy. For example, Episode 2 features Jeanine Phillips sharing her journey discovering her dyslexia and advocating for her son, illustrating the emotional impact of educational shortcomings.
In classrooms across America — and especially here in Kansas — too many children are being left behind in reading. And too often, their parents and teachers are left wondering: What did I miss? Why didn’t anyone tell me?
Hosted by Jesica Glover — a National Board Certified teacher, reading specialist, and parent who couldn’t help her own daughter learn to read — this podcast explores the literacy crisis in Kansas and across the country. Through real stories and expert insight, we uncover how reading is actually learned, where schools are falling short, and what families and educators can do to change it. Each episode combines real stories, expert insight, and a look at the science of how reading works —
From early warning signs and misdiagnoses to bold reforms and grassroots change, My Child Can’t Read traces a powerful journey from heartbreak to hope.
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or policymaker, this podcast helps you understand what went wrong — and what we can do to make it right, right here in the Heartland.
Watching a child struggle to read can feel heartbreaking—and for parents and teachers, it’s easy to feel powerless. In this bonus episode of My Child Can’t Read: A Heartland Crisis, host Jesica Glover sits down with Tammi Hope, Director of Program Development at Phillips Fundamental Learning Center (PFLC), to hear how belief, the right tools, and a child-centered approach are transforming literacy education in Kansas. This episode is packed with hope, insight, and inspiration for parents, teachers, and advocates alike.
What You’ll Learn:
- How child-centered, research-based literacy programs can change lives
- The importance of understanding the whole child in learning and advocacy
- Steps parents and educators can take to ensure children get the support they need
- Tammi Hope’s journey from teacher to leader in literacy programs
- How PFLC teaches the whole child, not just reading skills
- Powerful stories from educators experiencing “lightbulb moments” in training
- Lessons from her grandchildren that reaffirm why effective intervention matters
“If you know that you’re using tools that don’t work, you are doing a disservice to the child and to yourself. You’re setting both of you up for failure.” — Tammi Hope
Resources & Links:
- Parents and Community Members, attend a PFLC free lecture or simulation to understand more about dyslexia and experience firsthand how it feels to be neurodiverse. Email [email protected] or call (316) 684-7323 to learn more.
- Educators, learn more about attending a Structured Literacy Intervention Specialist course by contacting Anne: [email protected] or call (316) 684-7323
Call to Action
- Subscribe so you never miss an episode, including Season 2: The Anatomy of Change
- Rate & Review on your favorite podcast platform to help others find the show
- Share this episode with a parent, teacher, or professor preparing future educators
- Tell us your story at:funlearn.org/subscribe
- Explore screening tools and resourcesat: funlearn.org
PODCAST MUSIC –SOUNDSTRIPE.COM Shimmer – What We Call Home, Cody Martin – Innovation, Reville – Curiosity, LNDO – Daydreaming , Shimmer – Craft
This podcast is produced by KB PODCASTS
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