In a recent interview I conducted, Lori Sappington and Melissa Loftus, founders and CEOs of the " Melissa and Lori Love Literacy” podcast shared their inspiring journey into literacy education and their latest achievement, a book titled "The Literacy 50." Their passion for improving literacy education has driven them to create platforms that are reshaping how educators approach teaching.

From Classroom to Leadership

Lori and Melissa’s journey began in the classroom. Both ladies spent many years as teachers before moving into entrepreneurialism. While behind the desk in their classrooms, they had a significant realization: They had been teaching reading incorrectly! This revelation set them on a path of discovery and learning. Together, they experienced many "aha" moments, which they felt compelled to share. This led to the creation of their podcast, "Melissa and Lori Love Literacy," and eventually their book, "The Literacy 50."

The Birth of the Podcast

The podcast idea originated from Lori. She envisioned that a podcast would be the best way to share with the world literacy-focused content. Despite Melissa’s initial skepticism, they decided to give it a try with a “just do it” mindset. The podcast became a platform for them to share their learning experiences and connect with other educators, experts, and researchers. Over the years, it has evolved into a significant resource for teachers, homeschool parents, and administrators offering mini professional development sessions on the go.

A Journey of Continuous Improvement

From the beginning, Lori and Melissa adopted a mindset of continuous improvement. They analyzed every aspect of their podcast, from the titles of episodes to the guests they invited. This meticulous approach helped them identify what resonated with their audience and allowed them to refine their content continuously. Today, their podcast not only provides valuable insights but also features printables and other resources that teachers can use directly in their classrooms.

The Impact of "The Literacy 50"

Their book, "The Literacy 50," builds on the foundation laid by their podcast. It is designed to be an accessible and practical resource for educators, linking podcast episodes to specific topics and providing printable materials. The book answers real questions from teachers and aims to be a comprehensive guide to effective literacy instruction. “The Literacy 50” was published by Scholastic Education as part of their Science of Reading in Practice book series. The book is available for purchase here: https://shorturl.at/u4vz9 or it can also be found at the Scholastic website, Target and almost anywhere books are sold.

Embracing Roles and Achieving Success

Lori and Melissa’s partnership thrives on their complementary strengths. Lori is the visionary, always brimming with ideas, while Melissa brings a detail-oriented approach, ensuring every idea is thoroughly researched and practical. This dynamic has enabled them to build a successful podcast and write a book that is already making waves in the educational community.

The Read to Lead Initiative

When I interview business leaders I love to get their take on the phrase “Read to Lead.” Lori expressed her deep-seated enthusiasm for this initiative, emphasizing the gap in understanding why children need to read. She believes that reading is fundamental not only for academic success but for practical life skills. Lori highlighted that reading enables children to grow into capable leaders who can navigate society effectively, from reading doctor's notes and job applications to understanding road signs and safety instructions.

Melissa reflected on her personal journey, initially aspiring to be a science major before realizing her passion for English and reading. This shift became clear when she encountered her first student struggling to read, which propelled her to pursue a master’s degree in reading. She underscores the idea that reading is essential for acquiring knowledge, stating, "If you cannot read, you are just putting up some boundaries for where you can go and what you can do."

Looking Ahead

Five years since the inception of their podcast, Lori and Melissa continue to explore new ways to support teachers. They are constantly learning and adapting, ensuring their content remains relevant and impactful. Their story is a testament to the power of collaboration, continuous learning, and the willingness to evolve.

In conclusion, Lori Sappington and Melissa Loftus have significantly contributed to the field of literacy education through their podcast and book. Their journey from classroom teachers to influential literacy advocates is an inspiring example of how passion, dedication, and continuous improvement can lead to meaningful change and the development of their successful empire.

For educators looking to enhance their teaching methods, you can get your hands on a copy of "The Literacy 50" here: https://shorturl.at/u4vz9

You can tune into their podcast "Melissa and Lori Love Literacy” here: https://literacypodcast.com/podcast

Melissa and Lori provide invaluable resources that offer both practical advice and a community of support. You can reach Melissa and Lori by email at [email protected] or on their website at https://literacypodcast.com/

To be interviewed on “My Empire” by Ali Everett send an inquiry to [email protected]