Best Michelle Rayburn Podcasts (2025)

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How to teach phonics to English learners - with Alison Ryan 16:00

Play Pause

2d ago16:00

16:00

233: If you've ever wondered how to give extra support to English learners during phonics lessons, this episode is for you. You'll learn strategies for supporting students in decoding, vocabulary, and comprehension - all within the phonics lesson. Click here for this episode's show notes. Sign up for my free masterclass, 5 Essential Steps to Reach …

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Quick tips for teaching morphology in the primary grades - with Sarah Paul 22:08

9d ago22:08

22:08

232: If you've ever wondered what morphology has to do with K-2, this is the episode for you! Sarah Paul shares fun and simple ways to incorporate morphology into your instruction in the primary grades. A must-listen! Click here for this episode's show notes. Sign up for my free masterclass, 5 Essential Steps to Reach All Readers. Get my book, Reac…

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A powerful and practical routine for teaching with decodable text – with Brianna Guild 24:04

16d ago24:04

24:04

231: Discover how SLP Brianna Guild makes decodable books the heart of her literacy intervention sessions—while naturally weaving in vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension! Click here for the show notes from this episode. Sign up for my free masterclass, 5 Essential Steps to Reach All Readers. Get my book, Reach All Readers! Looking for printable r…

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How to teach students to use set for variability - with Jen Yagid and Wendy Darasz 22:05

23d ago22:05

22:05

230: Jen and Wendy, reading specialists and dyslexia practitioners, explain what set for variability is and why it's a skill even beginning readers need. Click here for this episode's show notes. Sign up for my free masterclass, 5 Essential Steps to Reach All Readers. Get my book, Reach All Readers! Looking for printable resources that align with t…

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Simple writing activities that boost reading comprehension - with Sara Marye 13:40

30d ago13:40

13:40

229: Sara Marye walks us through writing activities that are easy to implement, yet make a big difference when it comes to improving reading comprehension. Click here for this episode's show notes. Sign up for my free masterclass, 5 Essential Steps to Reach All Readers. Get my book, Reach All Readers! Looking for printable resources that align with…

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When Faith and Diet Culture Collide 9:57

1M ago9:57

9:57

Every January, the church flyers reappear. “Faith-based wellness.” “Biblical fitness.” And every time, I feel the echo of an old wound I’m still healing from. My faith and my attempts to change my body size have a long history. I’ve been untangling diet culture from that faith space in midlife. This episode is a voiceover of the Substack blog post …

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Update: Midlife Repurposed Is Eight Years Old 8:33

1M ago8:33

8:33

A little update for you on the direction I’m going with the Midlife Repurposed podcast in the future. Plus, I’m celebrating that the podcast is eight years old! I launched in October of 2018 as the Life, Repurposed podcast and then morphed into Midlife Repurposed. My big wish for the future would be to have a podcast co-hosted by others who can tal…

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Tips for teaching high frequency words - with Christina Winter 13:47

1M ago13:47

13:47

228: Christina Winter and I discuss misconceptions we used to have about teaching "sight words" and what teachers should keep in mind when teaching high frequency words. Click here for this episode's show notes. Sign up for my free masterclass, 5 Essential Steps to Reach All Readers. Get my book, Reach All Readers! Looking for printable resources t…

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How to do a repeated reading intervention to build fluency - with Melanie Brethour 15:45

1M ago15:45

15:45

227: When students read accurately but slowly, research supports using a repeated reading intervention. But how does it work? How long should students read? What kind of feedback should you give? Get answers to these questions and more from reading interventionist Melanie Brethour. Click here for this episode's show notes. Sign up for my free maste…

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Practical ways to build background knowledge - with Meghan Hein 14:56

2M ago14:56

14:56

226: Free up your students' mental space! Teacher Meghan Hein explains why building background knowledge first makes complex texts more accessible. You'll love her practical tips! Click here for this episode's show notes. Sign up for my free masterclass, 5 Essential Steps to Reach All Readers. Get my book, Reach All Readers! Looking for printable r…

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A 5-step method for helping students read CVC words - with Pryor Rayburn 11:11

2M ago11:11

11:11

225: Do you have students who are struggling to read CVC words? You'll love the quick and practical tips that Pryor Rayburn shares in this episode! Click here for this episode's show notes. Sign up for my free masterclass, 5 Essential Steps to Reach All Readers. Get my book, Reach All Readers! Looking for printable resources that align with the sci…

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How to promote orthographic mapping - with Michelle Sullivan 22:12

2M ago22:12

22:12

224: Michelle Sullivan joins me to discuss what orthographic mapping is and how we can promote it so our students become fluent readers and spellers. Click here for this episode's show notes. Sign up for my free masterclass, 5 Essential Steps to Reach All Readers. Get my book, Reach All Readers! Looking for printable resources that align with the s…

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How to support oral language development - with Kim Lockhart 27:33

2M ago27:33

27:33

223: Kim Lockhart, an experienced teacher who currently teaches in a French immersion school, helps us understand why oral language development is so important. She shares practical ways for building oral language whether or not you're teaching children learning a second language. Click here for this episode's show notes. Sign up for my free master…

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How to incorporate review into your phonics lessons - with Jessica Farmer 14:07

3M ago14:07

14:07

222: We know that reviewing the material we've taught is one of the most important things we can do in any subject area. Listen for practical ways to incorporate review into your phonics instruction! Click here for this episode's show notes. Sign up for my free masterclass, 5 Essential Steps to Reach All Readers. Get my book, Reach All Readers! Loo…

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[Listen again] Structured Word Inquiry - with Dr. Pete Bowers 1:25:07

3M ago1:25:07

1:25:07

Dr. Pete Bowers explains "structured word inquiry," an exciting type of instruction that engages learners of all ages in making sense of our (surprise!) logical spelling system. In this episode, Dr. Bowers shares the research behind morphology, explains why words typically called "irregular" are usually not, and advocates for morphology instruction…

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[Listen again] An introduction to morphology - with Michelle Sullivan 45:14

3M ago45:14

45:14

This episode begins an exciting series about morphology! Michelle Sullivan, of The Colorful Classroom, defines basic morphology terms and gives practical ways to begin morphology instruction across the grades. Click here for the show notes from this episode. Sign up for my free masterclass, 5 Essential Steps to Reach All Readers. Get my book, Reach…

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When All Voices Sing 20:37

3M ago20:37

20:37

What happens when only some voices are heard—and the rest stay silent? In this episode of Midlife Repurposed, Michelle Rayburn uses the metaphor of a choir to explore what a “more perfect Union” really looks like. She reflects on how every voice matters—in our homes, workplaces, communities, and in our democracy—and why silencing others diminishes …

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[Listen again] Answers to all your questions about teaching handwriting - with Dr. Shawn Datchuk 49:48

3M ago49:48

49:48

Should we teach students to write upper or lowercase letters first? What's the best routine for practicing handwriting? How much time should students practice handwriting each day? Dr. Shawn Datchuk shares what the research says (and doesn't say) about these questions and more! Click here for the show notes from this episode. Sign up for my free ma…

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[Listen again] Which literacy assessments are worth your and your students' time? - with Sean Morrisey 43:49

4M ago43:49

43:49

Sean Morrisey, former school psychologist turned fifth grade teacher, walks us through the many different literacy assessments teachers administer. Which are useful, and which are a waste of time? You'll love this practical episode! Click here for the show notes from this episode. Sign up for my free masterclass, 5 Essential Steps to Reach All Read…

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How to implement the science of reading with young learners - with Amie Burkholder 26:01

4M ago26:01

26:01

221: What should K-2 teachers know about teaching phonemic awareness, phonics, handwriting, and more? Teacher and author Amie Burkholder gives us practical tips in this quick and powerful episode! Click here for this episode's show notes. Sign up for my free masterclass, 5 Essential Steps to Reach All Readers. Get my book, Reach All Readers! Lookin…

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A lively discussion about syntax, grammar, and punctuation - with Lyn Stone 47:05

4M ago47:05

47:05

220: I take every opportunity I can to learn from Lyn Stone, so I was thrilled to sit down and "rapid fire" questions I had after reading the wonderful second edition of her book, Language for Life. I promise you'll be entertained and come away with new understandings after listening to this episode! Click here for this episode's show notes. Sign u…

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Thoughtfully meeting the needs of advanced readers - with Dr. Amanda Nickerson 38:45

4M ago38:45

38:45

219: Advanced readers often get overlooked. Dr. Amanda Nickerson helps us understand how we can nurture these students and help them reach their fullest potential within the MTSS framework. Click here for this episode's show notes. Sign up for my free masterclass, 5 Essential Steps to Reach All Readers. Get my book, Reach All Readers! Looking for p…

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[Listen again] "I didn't believe him" - How one mom learned that her son's school wasn't teaching him to read - with Dr. Irene Daria 40:34

4M ago40:34

40:34

183: Irene's kindergarten son was attending a prestigious Manhattan public school. When he told her that the school wasn't teaching him to read, she didn't believe him. When she finally realized he was right, she set out on a challenging journey to save his academic life. You won't want to miss this one! Click here for the show notes from this epis…

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[Listen again] All about teaching English Spelling - with Dr. Louisa Moats 35:16

5M ago35:16

35:16

151: What an honor to speak with Dr. Louisa Moats about the English language! She explains why it's so important to teach spelling, why English isn't as irregular as some think, the usefulness and limitation of syllable types, and how to help students who struggle with spelling. Dr. Moats is a treasure! Click here for the show notes from this episo…

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What to say to your child's teacher when your child is struggling with learning to read - with Michelle Henderson 43:50

5M ago43:50

43:50

218: Are you concerned about your child's lack of progress in learning to read? Michelle Henderson, reading specialist and parent coach, explains what rights you have and offers advice for gently (and firmly) addressing the issue with your child's teacher. This episode is for any parent who has concerns about their child's reading progress. Click h…

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"There's research for that!" - with Dr. Heidi Anne Mesmer & Dr. Katie Hilden 55:15

5M ago55:15

55:15

217: What does it mean when we say that research supports a specific practice? And what DOES research say about decodable text, comprehension strategies, phonemic awareness, and more? Dr. Heidi Anne Mesmer and Dr. Katie Tilden join us to discuss their new book, There's Research for That, and how research can answer common questions teachers ask as …

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What do students need to learn, and what do only teachers need to know? - with Dr. Devin Kearns 36:38

5M ago36:38

36:38

216: Have we overcorrected in our enthusiasm for structured literacy? Dr. Kearns challenges teachers to find the right balance between what students need to know versus what technical knowledge belongs solely in a teacher's toolkit. A thought-provoking listen! Click here for this episode's show notes. Sign up for my free masterclass, 5 Essential St…

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Anything but boring: The power of direct instruction - with Dr. Zach Groshell 52:26

6M ago52:26

52:26

215: Dr. Zach Groshell explains what direct instruction is and why it's so effective for student learning. He also shares specific classroom strategies teachers can start using right away. Click here for this episode's show notes. Sign up for my free masterclass, 5 Essential Steps to Reach All Readers. Get my book, Reach All Readers! Looking for pr…

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How to use the MTSS framework to transform school reading achievement - with Dr. Sarah Brown & Dr. Stephanie Stollar 43:19

6M ago43:19

43:19

214: Dr. Sarah Brown and Dr. Stephanie Stollar join me to talk about implementing the science of reading through the MTSS framework. We define MTSS, discuss practical tips for implementation, and address things to avoid. Be sure to get their new book, MTSS for Reading Improvement. Click here for this episode's show notes. Sign up for my free master…

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The principal's role in using MTSS to improve reading outcomes - with Sharon Dunn 43:38

6M ago43:38

43:38

213: Sharon Dunn, a former principal of a high-poverty school, shares the process that she and her staff used to drastically improve reading outcomes. This episode offers a blueprint for principals looking to lead meaningful reading improvement in their own schools. Click here for this episode's show notes. Sign up for my free masterclass, 5 Essent…

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[Listen again] How to use assessment data within MTSS - with Dr. Stephanie Stollar 33:50

6M ago33:50

33:50

Dr. Stephanie Stollar has been supporting schools to use MTSS to improve reading outcomes for more than 25 years. She explains the importance of using screening data to reflect the effectiveness of Tier 1 instruction, how to use assessment data to form differentiated small groups, and how to avoid common mistakes that schools make when implementing…

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What is the science of implementation? - with Laura Stewart 52:14

7M ago52:14

52:14

212: How do we bridge research to classroom practice? The answer lies in the science of implementation. Laura Stewart walks us through the five stages of implementation - this episode is a must-listen for anyone whose school is ready for change! Click here for this episode's show notes. Sign up for my free masterclass, 5 Essential Steps to Reach Al…

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Why implementation is the missing piece - with Justin Browning 53:50

7M ago53:50

53:50

211: Implementation specialist Justin Browning joins me to discuss the challenges of implementation, the importance of strong leadership, and what really matters for lasting change. Click here for the show notes from this episode. Sign up for my free masterclass, 5 Essential Steps to Reach All Readers. Get my book, Reach All Readers! Looking for pr…

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[Listen again] How to use assessment data to inform instruction - with Rachel Beiswanger 28:43

7M ago28:43

28:43

In today's episode, special education coach Rachel Beiswanger explains how she uses assessment data when deciding what to teach her students. We list screening measures and list specific things you can do if students are scoring below benchmark. I list all the details in the show notes, so be sure to check them out! Click here for this episode's sh…

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The power of Quick Writes - in any grade! - with Shauna Cotte 46:37

7M ago46:37

46:37

210: You'll love this practical episode, in which Shauna Cotte emphasizes that Quick Writes are brief, informal writing tasks designed to help students process and reflect on content. Best of all - you can use them in any grade! Click here for the show notes from this episode. Sign up for my free masterclass, 5 Essential Steps to Reach All Readers.…

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How to use Paragraphology to teach the writing process - with Bridget Barley 41:03

8M ago41:03

41:03

209: When I heard Bridget Barley speak about her brilliant method for teaching students to write clearly structured paragraphs, I knew I wanted to have her on the podcast so you can learn all about this method too. This is a must-listen for middle school teachers, but the method can be used starting in first grade. Click here for this episode's sho…

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All about The Writing Revolution - with Judith Hochman 37:26

8M ago37:26

37:26

208: Judith Hochman, creator of The Writing Revolution method, explains the principles of this approach and shares practical, sentence-level activities that teachers can use in any grade level. These activities both enhance writing skills and improve understanding of the subject students are writing about. Click here for this episode's show notes. …

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How to teach students to be strong writers using SRSD - with Dr. Karen Harris 56:24

8M ago56:24

56:24

207: Dr. Karen Harris, the creator of SRSD (self-regulated strategy development), walks us through this evidence-based approach to teaching writing. You'll learn how this approach teaches students how to plan their writing, follow that plan, and assess how they did. Research shows that SRSD is an effective way to teach students to be independent wr…

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[Listen Again] How to teach writing in K-8: A thinkSRSD deep dive with Dr. Leslie Laud 1:03:15

8M ago1:03:15

1:03:15

If you're looking for an evidence-based approach to teaching writing in all grades, look no further than thinkSRSD! Dr. Leslie Laud explains this approach and breaks down how it looks across the grade levels. Be sure to check the show notes for links to free resources that will get you started! Click here for the show notes from this episode. Sign …

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Strategies for teaching writing in the early grades - with Amy Siracusano 53:30

8M ago53:30

53:30

206: Amy Siracusano describes the Not So Simple View of Writing and explains how this model helps us make instructional decisions when teaching young writers. She also shares a variety of strategies that will help you teach students at all different stages. Lots of goodness in this episode! Click here for the show notes from this episode. Sign up f…

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How to incorporate guided practice into your writing lessons - with Leah Mermelstein 46:38

9M ago46:38

46:38

205: When I look back at my own writing instruction, I often gave a quick mini-lesson and expected students to take a "nose dive" into independent writing with little, if any, guided practice. Leah Mermelstein walks us through the importance of gradual release and explains three types of guided practice that you can bring into your writing instruct…

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Can we redeem the writing workshop approach? - with April Smith 38:45

9M ago38:45

38:45

204: "Writing workshop" is almost a bad word in today's science of reading circles. It's true that many elements of the model need improvement, but it's also true that some elements of the workshop model are based on research. Is it possible to redeem the writing workshop approach? I break this down with author, educator, and curriculum writer, Apr…

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Human Rights Progress and the Cost of Silence 16:46

9M ago16:46

16:46

In this episode, we dive into the tapestry of transformational history over the last fifty years and explore how these pivotal moments intertwine with human rights, the gospel, and our roles as advocates in midlife. Michelle Rayburn shares her heart in a vulnerable plea for seeing and listening and then speaking up. If you're searching for inspirat…

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Evidence-based practices in teaching writing - with Dr. Steve Graham 1:13:29

9M ago1:13:29

1:13:29

203: With his 47 years of experience, Dr. Steve Graham has much to share about what research says about teaching writing and how to apply it to classroom instruction. We discuss six evidence-based practices for teaching writing and how to implement them in day-to-day instruction. Click here for the show notes from this episode. Sign up for my free …

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Relation-Tips for Your Midlife Classic Marriage 26:03

9M ago26:03

26:03

In this episode, we dive into the nuances of long-lasting relationships and finding purpose in midlife. In this special episode, Michelle Rayburn takes us on a reflective journey back in time to when she and her husband had been married for 28 years. Now, after 35 years of marriage, she revisits her past thoughts, sharing insights on what has chang…

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How to cure the balanced literacy hangover - with Dr. Brent Conway & Jen Hogan 50:43

9M ago50:43

50:43

202: Dr. Brent Conway, school superintendent, and Jen Hogan, curriculum coordinator, have written a fascinating white paper, Early Literacy and the Balanced Literacy Hangover. Even though more schools and teachers are embracing the science of reading, "lingering beliefs and practices have become like a bad hangover that is tough to shake." In this …

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How to choose a new reading program - with Dr. Maria Murray 37:02

10M ago37:02

37:02

201: If your school is looking for a new reading program, this is the episode for you! Dr. Maria Murray, president of The Reading League, explains how schools can use their free tools to evaluate potential programs. Click here for the show notes from this episode. Sign up for my free masterclass, 5 Essential Steps to Reach All Readers. Get my book,…

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EPISODE 200! 11:45

10M ago11:45

11:45

200: In today's celebratory episode, I share my science of reading journey so far and identify my very favorite guest from the last five years. Just kidding! But I do give podcast "awards" as I identify my favorite podcast series, the most genuine guests, the most passionate, the most knowledgeable ... and more. Listen in to find out which guests w…

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How to address the needs of advanced readers - with Dr. Nancy Young 43:53

10M ago43:53

43:53

199: Dr. Nancy Young, creator of The Ladder of Reading & Writing infographic, explains why we need to challenge students who are advanced in reading and why research does not support the notion that they will be "just fine" regardless of their instruction. This is an important issue that deserves more attention. Click here for the show notes from t…

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Equipping students to make strong inferences - with Dr. Amy Elleman 47:35

10M ago47:35

47:35

198: Comprehension is complex - and helping students improve comprehension is no straightforward task! Thankfully, Dr. Amy Elleman shows us how to teach the subskills that will enable our students to make strong inferences and become better comprehenders in the process. Click here for the show notes from this episode. Sign up for my free masterclas…