Building Literacy & Equity in a Diverse Rural-Urban District with Jamie Bente

In this episode of Literacy Mindset, host Jeff Pendleton sits down with Jamie Bente, Superintendent of Faribault Public Schools in Minnesota. With a background spanning nearly every role in education—from teacher to principal to superintendent—Bente brings a wealth of insight into leadership, literacy, and equity in a uniquely diverse school district.

Faribault Public Schools serves a student population unlike many others: a rural setting with urban-level diversity. Bente shares how the district is tackling literacy challenges, including the implementation of science-based reading instruction, the importance of early intervention, and supporting multilingual learners. He also discusses innovative approaches to professional development, equity-focused community initiatives, and the evolving role of technology in education.

Whether you're an educator, administrator, or advocate for literacy and student success, this episode offers valuable perspectives on how to drive meaningful change in K-12 education.

Keypoint:

• 01:38 Jamie Bente’s journey from teacher to superintendent
• 03:20 Unique diversity in Faribault Public Schools
• 05:47 Literacy as a core district goal and challenges in early reading proficiency
• 07:28 Minnesota’s Science of Reading initiative and phonics-based instruction
• 10:25 Personalized literacy interventions and WIN (What I Need) time
• 13:34 Supporting older students with foundational reading gaps
• 15:41 Professional development tailored to teacher needs
• 19:20 Community schools: Addressing non-academic barriers to literacy
• 22:54 Equity-driven student support systems and grant-funded programs
• 27:24 One-to-one iPad access and digital learning strategies
• 29:53 Managing personal device distractions and digital responsibility
• 33:33 The future of education: Engaging students in a technology-driven world

Why You’ll Love This Episode

If you’re an educator, you’ll gain insights into data-driven instruction and personalized learning strategies.
If you’re a parent, you’ll understand the assessment process and how schools support students with learning challenges.
If you’re an advocate, you’ll be inspired by the push for inclusive education and technology’s role in bridging learning gaps.

Connect with Jamie Bente:

• Website: https://www.faribault.k12.mn.us/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-bente-59891493/

Follow Us On:

• Host LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-pendleton-2a614b26/
• Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mindplayeducation
• Company Website: https://mindplay.com/

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Literacy Mindset and leave us a review!

Share this episode with educators, administrators, and advocates who are passionate about improving literacy and student success.