Navigating Mental Health and Learning Loss: Literacy Leadership After COVID-19

In this episode of the Literacy Mindset Podcast, Jeff Pendleton sits down with Larry Brunson Jr., Director of Special Education at Victor Valley Union High School District, to explore the evolving challenges and bold opportunities in literacy education from grades 7 through 12. With over 26 years in education, spanning K–12 and higher ed, Larry shares powerful insights into the post-COVID literacy crisis, the reality of seventh graders reading at a first-grade level, and how collaborative leadership can reverse the trend. You'll learn how his district has turned professional development into a cornerstone for change, bridged silos between special ed and curriculum teams, and begun reshaping instruction through intentional, inclusive planning.

Larry also weighs in on what the future may hold for public education, emphasizing the need for unity across school systems, including charter and district schools. Whether you're a teacher, administrator, or policymaker, this episode offers a nuanced, hopeful, and action-driven perspective on literacy as a civil right and a shared responsibility.

Key Moments

00:00 Education Career Journey

03:33 Early Literacy Challenges Persist in Middle School
07:09 Curriculum Partnership for Essential Standards

11:53 Fortunate Career in Literacy Education
15:35 Alternative Diploma Pathway Collaboration

19:13 Challenges in Teaching Phonics Techniques
23:01 Rushed School Return Neglects Students

26:02 Post-COVID Education Challenges

29:21 Public-Charter School Collaboration Needed

30:26 Collaborative Education Choices

Why You’ll Love This Episode:

If you're passionate about literacy, equity, and education that truly works for all students, this conversation will resonate deeply. Larry Brunson Jr. doesn’t just talk about challenges, he lays out what leadership looks like in real time, with actionable strategies, heartfelt reflections, and a vision of collaboration that schools everywhere can learn from.

Connect with Larry W. Brunson, Jr

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larry-brunson-jr-63a9312b

Website: https://www.vvuhsd.org/

Follow & Subscribe

Host LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-williams-624a1485

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mindplayeducation

Company Website: http://MindPlay.com

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