37. The Impact of Language and Leadership in Literacy with Dr. Danielle 'Nell' Thompson, The Transformative Reading Teacher Group

In this deeply moving episode, Dr. Danielle “Nell” Thompson shares her powerful journey from a small town in North Dakota to Bush Alaska, all the way to becoming a transformational coach and the founder of the Big Sky Literacy Summit. Together, we explore how language is the foundation of literacy—not just for academic success, but for human connection, dignity, and transformation.We also dig into the intersection of language and leadership, discussing how deep systems change, intentional leadership, and relationship-driven instruction can move the literacy needle—not just for individual students, but entire school communities.Key Takeaways:Why oral language is both a risk factor and a protective factor in literacy developmentHow early language experiences shape long-term life outcomes What true transformational leadership looks like in school settingsPowerful tools for screening early oral language & providing interventionA heartfelt case study from Bush Alaska that will leave you inspiredResources Mentioned:Big Sky Literacy Summit 2025: Language is EverythingBook: Speech to Print - Dr. Louisa MoatsBook: Multisensory Teaching of Basic Language Skills - Birsch & CarrekerBook: Unlocking Literacy - Marcia HenryHugh Catts: Viewing A Phonological Deficit within a Multifactorial Model of DyslexiaBook: Meaningful Differences in the Everyday Experiences of Young American Children – Hart & Risley Book: 30 Million Words: Building a Child’s Brain – Dr. Dana SuskindThe Abecedarian Project – Early childhood longitudinal studyPodcast Episode 19: Oral Language & Reading with Elizabeth Doherty, The Reading SLPLanguageScreen – Oral language screener by Maggie Snowling & Charles HulmeLet’s Know! – FREE language curriculum developed by the Language and Reading Research Consortium (available via Ohio State)NELI (Nuffield Early Language Intervention) – Oral language program (includes the LanguageScreen Assessment)