In this episode of Literacy Mindset, host Jeff Pendleton talks with Dr. Bobbi Gillham, principal of Pansy Kidd Middle School in Poteau Public Schools, Oklahoma. Dr. Gillham brings 27 years of experience and a multifaceted career across elementary, curriculum leadership, and now middle school leadership. Her passion for literacy, data-driven instruction, and trauma-informed strategies shines through in this insightful conversation.Dr. Gillham shares how her district has evolved from a whole-language focus to reintroducing phonics and phonological instruction as part of Oklahoma’s larger embrace of the Science of Reading. She highlights how building-wide literacy interventions, data analysis, and targeted reading supports are helping to close gaps, especially for English learners, students with IEPs, and those from low-income backgrounds.Whether you're a principal, teacher, or education advocate, this episode delivers practical insights into foundational literacy, social-emotional learning, and site-level leadership in action.Key Moments:01:01 Dr. Bobbi Gillham’s 27-year journey in education02:11 Launching intervention programs and a love of data03:49 Curriculum leadership and teacher training impact05:42 Transitioning back to the site level to start a new 5–6 middle school06:07 Moving away from whole language to explicit phonics instruction07:12 The power of consistent, foundational skill instruction across classrooms10:04 How 5th and 6th-grade students receive reading intervention12:14 Supporting English learners and students with IEPs14:22 Curriculum collaboration with district support17:09 Creating a distinct school culture and strong SEL programs19:56 Concerns about leadership, funding, and teacher retention20:58 The bright side: statewide collaboration and momentum in educationWhy You’ll Love This Episode:Literacy Leadership in Action – Hear how foundational literacy is supported even beyond the early grades.Data-Informed Decisions – Learn how one school leader uses data to improve interventions and instruction.Trauma-Informed SEL – See how social-emotional support is embedded in school culture.Serving Diverse Learners – Discover how Poteau supports EL, IEP, and high-poverty student populations.Educational Optimism – Dr. Gillham’s reflections on the future of Oklahoma schools offer hope and direction.Connect with Poteau Public Schools:Website: https://www.poteau.k12.ok.us/Follow Us On:Host LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-pendleton-2a614b26/Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mindplayeducationCompany Website: https://mindplay.com/Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Literacy Mindset and leave us a review!Share this episode with principals, teachers, and literacy champions across rural and urban communities.

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