Harvey Hubbell Show n Tell Podcast

This short episode features a sneak peek screening of Hopeville: How to Win the Reading Wars in Los Angeles, followed by highlights from the panel discussion that took place afterward. Educators and advocates share their reflections on the film, the current state of literacy in schools, and what meaningful change requires. It’s a snapshot of a growing movement — one grounded in community, collaboration, and hope for better reading outcomes for every child.

In this episode, Harvey talks with Leslie Zoroya of the Los Angeles County Office of Education, where she leads efforts to strengthen literacy instruction at scale. Leslie brings deep experience supporting districts through curriculum shifts, professional learning, and implementation of evidence-based reading practices. Together, we explore what it takes to move entire systems — not just individual classrooms — toward better outcomes for students. Leslie also shares her personal journey in this work and what keeps her motivated as schools strive to ensure every child becomes a confident reader.
 

In this brief but powerful episode, we share a clip from a live panel discussion in Los Angeles, where educators gathered to watch Hopeville: How to Win the Reading Wars. The conversation highlights frontline perspectives on literacy, the challenges students face, and the urgent need for research-based instruction in schools. These educators speak directly to what’s working, what isn’t, and what gives them hope as they work to help every child learn to read.

Harvey is joined by Donna Hejtmanek, former educator and founder of the influential Facebook community “Science of Reading—What I Should Have Learned in College.” With tens of thousands of teachers actively seeking clarity and support, Donna has become a leading voice in helping educators unlearn outdated methods and adopt practices that actually work. In this conversation, Donna shares her journey, the challenges educators face when shifting instruction, and why community-based collaboration is essential for literacy reform. We also get to know the passion behind her advocacy — and why she continues to fight for evidence-based reading for every child.

In this episode, Harvey sits down with Sharon Dunn, M.Ed., a former principal who led dramatic reading gains in a high-poverty elementary school through evidence-based instruction and committed leadership. Sharon’s school improvement journey gained national attention — featured by DIBELS (Acadience), the 95 Percent Group, and highlighted at major state and national conferences. Now serving as an MTSS leadership consultant and co-creator of the Science of Reading for Administrators learning community, Sharon shares what truly makes literacy improvement sustainable. This conversation blends practical strategies with Sharon’s personal passion for ensuring every child is given the opportunity to read.

In our very first episode, Harvey Hubbell and Aimee break down the Advocacy Toolkit developed alongside the film Hopeville: How to Win the Reading Wars. We explore how parents, educators, and community leaders can use this toolkit to spark meaningful change in their own districts. This podcast is designed to be evergreen — a space where we talk with educators, researchers, and influencers about the state of education today, while also taking time to learn who they are as people. It’s about real stories, real insight, and real hope for better literacy outcomes in America.

Episode 58 of Harvey Hubbell's Show 'n Tell features part one of our conversation with Scott Roderick.

This episode of Harvey Hubbell's Show 'n Tell features part two of our conversation with Tracy White Weeden.

This episode of Harvey Hubbell's Show 'n Tell features part one of our conversation with Tracy White Weeden.

Episode 55 of Harvey Hubbell's Show 'n Tell features part one of our conversation with Robin Zikmund.