118. Parents for Reading Justice: How Parents are Changing the Literacy System with Brett Tingley (Dyslexia Awareness Month)

What happens when parents start fighting for every child's right to learn to read?

I'm joined by Brett Tingley, President of Parents for Reading Justice, for a powerful conversation about parent advocacy, dyslexia, and the role families can play in transforming literacy instruction across the country.

Brett's journey began as a mom searching for answers when her own child struggled to read. What started as an individual fight for appropriate instruction grew into a movement for systemic change — first within her local school district, then across Ohio, and now through a national network of parent advocates.

We explore why Brett calls parents an "untapped lever" in literacy reform, how organized parent groups can influence school districts, legislation, and even teacher preparation programs, and why parent advocacy doesn't have to mean working against educators. In fact, parents and teachers can become some of each other's strongest allies.

We also discuss the far-reaching consequences of reading difficulties, the importance of early dyslexia identification and intervention, and how families can move from awareness to meaningful action.

Key Takeaways:

How parents have unique power to influence literacy instruction and systemic reformThe importance of holding teacher preparation programs accountable for evidence-aligned reading instructionHow parents and educators can work together while keeping children's needs at the centerWhy dyslexia advocacy can help improve reading instruction for all studentsPractical ways parents can get involved, organize, and advocate for change in their own communitiesFree resources from Parents for Reading Justice, including Our Dyslexic Children, parent advocacy training, and opportunities to connect with other families

Resources Mentioned:

Documentary: Our Dyslexic ChildrenPodcast: Literacy NowMasterclassResources on LinkTreeParent Group Registry

Connect with Brett Tingley and Parents for Reading Justice:

Website: https://parentsforreadingjustice.org/Instagram: @parentsforreadingjusticeYouTube: @parentsforreadingjusticeTikTok: @parentsforreadingjusticeLinkedIn: Brett Tingley

Connect with Michelle: