Oklahoma Edition: How a Small-Town Principal is Reinventing Literacy and School Culture

In this episode of The Literacy Mindset Podcast, Jeff Pendleton talks with Michelle Brumley, principal of Choteau Middle School in Oklahoma, about leading literacy efforts in a small-town school with big challenges. Brumley shares how her 5th–8th grade building supports struggling readers without dedicated interventionists, blending technology-driven assessments with targeted reteaching. She also dives into creative initiatives like “Well Said Wednesdays” to combat the decline of complete sentences in the era of texting, and the school’s bold no-cellphone policy that’s improved both student interaction and behavior. From building a library from scratch to incentivizing reading with a book vending machine, Brumley’s approach is all about fostering a genuine love for literacy.

Throughout the conversation, she discusses the realities of addressing vocabulary gaps, the balance between academic language and student engagement, and how community alignment can make even unpopular policies work. Brumley also reflects on the broader challenges facing public education—like teacher shortages—while sharing why she’s still energized for the year ahead. This episode is full of practical strategies, creative problem-solving, and a deep commitment to helping students succeed in reading and beyond.

Key Moments

05:22 Using Tech for Reading Assessment

06:42 Oklahoma's Teacher Training Initiative

10:04 Banning Personal Tech Boosts Interaction

14:32 Book Vending Rewards Program

16:14 Encouraging Diverse Reading Habits

19:28 "Excitement for New School Year"

Why You’ll Love This Episode

If you’re an educator, administrator, or literacy advocate looking for inspiration and actionable ideas, this episode delivers. Michelle Brumley’s blend of resourcefulness, community connection, and relentless focus on student growth offers a model for making meaningful literacy gains—even without big budgets or large staffs. You’ll walk away with fresh ideas for building a reading culture, addressing foundational skill gaps in older students, and rallying your school community behind bold, student-first changes.

Connect with Michelle Brumley

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-brumley-7612635a

Follow & Subscribe

Host LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-pendleton-2a614b26/

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

Company Website: http://MindPlay.com

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