After Banned Books Week 2025, Texas educators share what’s really happening behind the shelves — the impact of book restrictions, the loss of freedom to recommend stories, and the courage it takes to keep students reading. Hosted by Liza LaRue, this episode of Literacy Elevated reveals the real voices behind the statistics and celebrates the teachers still fighting for literacy, access, and truth.

American Library Association - Banned & Challenged BooksAmerican Library Association - Banned Books Week

In this special finale of our Literacy Month series, host Liza LaRue sits down with Dr. Christina Oats to explore how literacy extends far beyond the classroom. Together, they discuss how everyday experiences—from cereal boxes to social media posts—shape students’ literacy journeys, and why communities, families, and schools must work together to ensure every child has access to the joy of reading and writing. Drawing on global perspectives like UNESCO’s recognition of literacy as a human right and the International Literacy Association’s Child’s Right to Read, this episode highlights the importance of literacy at home, in schools, and across communities. Tune in for authentic insights, practical ideas, and an inspiring close to Literacy Month—plus a preview of what’s to come on Literacy Elevated: A TALE of Texas.Resources:

Global Frameworks

• UNESCO: Literacy as a Human Right – Learn about literacy as a foundation for lifelong learning and global equity.

• International Literacy Association – Child’s Right to Read – Explore the ten fundamental rights that ensure every child has access to literacy.

Family & Community Engagement

• Reading Rockets – Family Literacy Activities – Practical ways families can bring literacy into everyday routines.

• National Center for Families Learning – Resources for building family-school-community partnerships.

Libraries & Book Access

• Little Free Library – Ideas for starting or supporting a neighborhood book exchange.

• [Your Local Library’s Digital Resources] – Many libraries offer free eBooks, audiobooks, and learning programs—check your local branch for details.

Practical Tools for Educators

• International Literacy Association – Professional development, articles, and research-based practices.

• Scholastic Open a World of Possible – Ideas for fostering a love of reading in classrooms and communities.

In this inspiring episode of Literacy Elevated: A TALE of Texas, we welcome Erin O’Leary and Mary—better known as The Crazy Reading Ladies. These enthusiastic presenters and teacher-trainers from Massachusetts are the creators of the “All In!” school-wide reading adventure, a joyful movement that helps entire communities fall in love with reading.

Known for their fun, authentic approach, Erin and Mary have shared their expertise on student engagement and book clubs at national and regional conferences, including the Massachusetts Reading Association, and they’ll be presenting this November at NCTE.

Together, we explore the theme of “My Book Voice”—what it means for educators, why it matters for children, and how families and communities can nurture it every day. If you’ve ever wanted simple, powerful ways to make reading a joyful, community-driven experience, this conversation will leave you feeling energized and ready to go all in!

Resources: Instagram - @allinreadingBlog - Crazy Reading Ladies : Chronicling the Literary Shenanigans of The Creators of All In!

Literacy Month 2025

Facebook: Texas Association for Literacy Education

LinkedIn: TALE

In this special episode of Literacy Elevated: A TALE of Texas, we celebrate International Literacy Day with guest Lara Deloza, Director of Communications at the International Literacy Association (ILA).

International Literacy Day, first proclaimed by UNESCO in 1966, reminds us of each year that literacy is more than a skill, it’s a fundamental human right and the foundation for lifelong learning. Lara shares how ILA has celebrated this day in the past, the exciting 2025 campaign “Every Page Has a Purpose,” and why centering both the joy of reading and the Children’s Rights to Read is essential for building a global movement.

Together, we explore how educators, families, and communities all play a role in fostering a child’s love of reading and how each of us can take part in this month-long celebration.

Resources:

⁠ILA Literacy Month Toolkit ⁠

⁠ILA Every Page Has a Purpose⁠

In this episode of Literacy Elevated: A TALE of Texas, we sit down with Dr. Aileen Hower to explore the power of reading routines and the vital role families play in early literacy development.

Dr. Hower—associate professor of literacy education at Millersville University and past president of the Keystone State Literacy Association—shares her expertise on how simple, consistent reading habits can shape a child’s path toward lifelong literacy. From creating joyful moments at home to building strong connections between schools and families, she highlights practical ways to make reading a meaningful part of everyday life.

As we launch our special series for International Literacy Month, this conversation is a reminder that fostering a love of reading doesn’t require perfection—it starts with intention, joy, and community.

Resources:

ILA Literacy Month Toolkit

ILA Every Page Has a Purpose

In this special Literacy Month conversation, Dr. Sue Corbin—educator, author, and passionate literacy advocate—shares her insights on the power of literacy as a human right and a foundation for lifelong learning. Drawing from her work with the International Literacy Association, Dr. Corbin highlights the importance of equitable access to books, the role of families and schools in fostering joyful reading habits, and how conversations around texts can spark deeper comprehension and connection. Whether you’re an educator, caregiver, or literacy leader, this episode offers both inspiration and practical strategies to advance literacy for all.

Learn more at ILA's Children's Rights to Read and UNESCO International Literacy Day

Check out TALE Advocacy at www.texasreaders.org

Literacy Elevated: A TALE of Texas is a podcast dedicated to amplifying the voices of educators, advocates, and literacy champions across the Lone Star State. Through honest conversations and powerful storytelling, we explored the successes, challenges, and the future of literacy education in Texas—one interview at a time.

In this special series, we’ve heard from classroom teachers, principals, instructional coaches, and policymakers who are shaping the landscape of literacy instruction. From early literacy programs and dyslexia support to the impact of legislative policies like HB 3, HB 3928, and HB 1605, we dive deep into what it takes to build a strong, equitable literacy system that serves every child.

Whether you’re an educator, a parent, a community member, or a policymaker, this podcast is for you. Together, we can elevate literacy, spark new ideas, and inspire collective action that makes a real difference for Texas students.

Join us for a powerful conversation with Principal Avila, an inspiring leader at a bilingual elementary school in Texas. In this episode, Princiapl Avila shares firsthand insights into the unique challenges and incredible successes of fostering literacy in a diverse, multilingual community. She also looks ahead, offering a hopeful vision for the future of literacy education in Texas, grounded in equity, innovation, and community engagement.