# Amplifying language for our English learners: Featuring Antonio Fierro and Laura Stewart - Link: https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/dlt-ep95-95-percent-group-antonio-fierro/ - Published: 2026-09-15T05:00:00-04:00 - Author: Jeffrey D. Bradbury Welcome to Digital Learning Today. In this episode, Jeff Bradbury explores the strategic systems that shape the future of education, focusing on Instructional Coaching, Artificial Intelligence, Professional Learning, and the latest Educational Technology Trends. In this episode, Laura Stewart and Antonio Fierro explore the science of reading, language development, and strategies for supporting English learners through amplification and intentionality. They discuss the importance of oral language, translanguaging, and equity in literacy education. ## **Become a High-Impact Leader:** This episode is just the beginning. To get the complete blueprint for designing and implementing high-impact systems in your district, get your copy of my book,“ [Impact Standards](https://www.teachercast.net/standards).” * **Strategic Vision for Digital Learning:** Learn how to create a district-wide vision that aligns digital learning with your educational goals, transforming how standards-based instruction is designed and supported. * **Curriculum Design and Implementation:** Discover practical strategies for integrating digital learning into existing curricula, creating vertical alignment of skills, and mapping digital learning across grade levels. * **Effective Instructional Coaching:** Master the art of coaching people rather than technology, building relationships that drive success, and measuring impact through student engagement rather than just technology usage. Purchase your copy of “[Impact Standards](https://www.teachercast.net/standards)” on Amazon today! ## **Chapters:** * [00:01](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/dlt-ep95-95-percent-group-antonio-fierro/ void(0);) Episode Introduction * [01:35](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/dlt-ep95-95-percent-group-antonio-fierro/ void(0);) Science of Reading 3.0 * [03:24](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/dlt-ep95-95-percent-group-antonio-fierro/ void(0);) Meet Antonio Fierro * [05:08](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/dlt-ep95-95-percent-group-antonio-fierro/ void(0);) From Deficit to Amplification * [13:11](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/dlt-ep95-95-percent-group-antonio-fierro/ void(0);) The Power of Oral Language * [16:22](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/dlt-ep95-95-percent-group-antonio-fierro/ void(0);) Language Form and Function * [21:05](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/dlt-ep95-95-percent-group-antonio-fierro/ void(0);) Understanding Translanguaging * [22:48](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/dlt-ep95-95-percent-group-antonio-fierro/ void(0);) Practical Language Amplification * [31:06](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/dlt-ep95-95-percent-group-antonio-fierro/ void(0);) Wait Time and Classroom Talk * [33:41](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/dlt-ep95-95-percent-group-antonio-fierro/ void(0);) Equity Through Language * [37:58](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/dlt-ep95-95-percent-group-antonio-fierro/ void(0);) Key Takeaways **Resources Mentioned in This Episode:** * Science of Reading 3.0 Book – [https://www.95percentgroup.com](https://www.95percentgroup.com) * 95% Group Website – [https://www.95percentgroup.com](https://www.95percentgroup.com) * TeacherCast Podcast Series – [https://teachercast.net/95percentgroup](https://teachercast.net/95percentgroup) ## **About our Guest: Laura Stewart** Laura Stewart is the Chief Academic Officer at 95 Percent Group. She is a nationally recognized Science of Reading and Structured Literacy advocate who has dedicated her career to improving literacy achievement at leading education companies. Stewart has more than 25 years of academic leadership experience. Most recently, she served as the Chief Innovation Officer for The Reading League and Chief Academic Officer for professional development with the Highlights Education Group. Other key education roles include vice president of professional development for the Rowland Reading Foundation and Zaner-Bloser, school district administrator and adjunct professor. She is the author of several training guides and training workshops, as well as 12 children’s books, and the co-author of _The Everything Guide to Informational Text, K-2: Best Texts, Best Practices_ (Corwin Press, 2014). She serves on several advisory boards, including The Path Forward for Teacher Preparation and Licensure in Early Literacy. ## About the 95 Percent Group 95 Percent Group is an education company whose mission is to build on science to empower teachers—supplying the knowledge, resources, and support they need—to develop strong readers. Using an approach that is based in structured literacy, the company’s One95 Literacy Ecosystem™ integrates professional learning and evidence-based literacy products into one cohesive system that supports consistent instructional routines across tiers and is proven and trusted to help students close skill gaps and read fluently. 95 Percent Group is also committed to advancing research, best practices, and thought leadership on the science of reading more broadly. For additional information on 95 Percent Group, visit: [https://www.95percentgroup.com](https://www.95percentgroup.com). ### Links of Interest * Website: [https://www.95percentgroup.com](https://www.95percentgroup.com) * LinkedIn – [https://www.linkedin.com/company/95-percent-group-inc-/](https://www.linkedin.com/company/95-percent-group-inc-/) * Facebook – [https://www.facebook.com/95percentgroup](https://www.facebook.com/95percentgroup) * Twitter – [https://twitter.com/95percentgroup](https://twitter.com/95percentgroup) * Instagram – [https://www.instagram.com/95percentgroupllc/](https://www.instagram.com/95percentgroupllc/) ## **About our Guest:** Antonio A. Fierro, EdD Antonio A. Fierro, EdD, is the author of El muro de sonidos y deletreo, a Spanish sound–spelling phonetics curriculum for young children, and co-author of Kid Lips, both published by 95 Percent Group, where he currently serves as Literacy Expert in Residence. Dr. Fierro spent nearly two decades as part of the national LETRS cohort of literacy consultants led by Dr. Louisa Moats. Dr. Fierro has spearheaded initiatives to strengthen instruction for English learners, influencing educational policy and practice at both state and national levels. Drawing on this experience, he is dedicated to partnering with institutions of higher education to strengthen educator preparation programs, emphasizing the psychology of reading and preparing future teachers to meet the needs of all learners. In support of this work, he currently serves as a Visiting Senior Fellow at the Science of Reading Center at SUNY New Paltz. ### Links of Interest * Website: * Twitter: * Facebook: * LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/antonio-fierro-b3568732b/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/antonio-fierro-b3568732b/) ## **Let’s Work Together** * Contact Me Today: [https://www.teachercast.net/contact](https://www.teachercast.net/contact) ## Follow on Social Media * LinkedIn: [https://www.teachercast.net/linkedin](https://www.teachercast.net/linkedin) * Twitter/X: [https://www.teachercast.net/twitter](https://www.teachercast.net/twitter) * BlueSky: [https://bsky.app/profile/jeffreybradbury.bsky.social](https://bsky.app/profile/jeffreybradbury.bsky.social) * YouTube: [http://teachercast.net/youtube](http://teachercast.net/youtube) ## Subscribe to This Podcast * Apple Podcasts: [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/digital-learning-today/id546631310](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/digital-learning-today/id546631310) * Spotify: [https://open.spotify.com/show/0n6S0WcyzQ1rpKWJ8iZPLJ?si=a1227a7c5e0b48e4](https://open.spotify.com/show/0n6S0WcyzQ1rpKWJ8iZPLJ?si=a1227a7c5e0b48e4) ## Check Out Additional TeacherCast Programming * Digital Learning Today: [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/digital-learning-today/id546631310](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/digital-learning-today/id546631310) * Ask the Tech Coach: [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-the-tech-coach/id1067586243](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-the-tech-coach/id1067586243) * The Jeff Bradbury Show [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-jeff-bradbury-show/id519685828](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-jeff-bradbury-show/id519685828) ## Book Jeff for your Next Event Jeff Bradbury (ISTE “20 to Watch” Award Winner and ISTE Certified Educator) is available for keynote speaking, workshop facilitation, and live event broadcasting. With expertise in educational technology and professional development, Jeff brings engaging content and practical strategies to conferences and professional learning events. * Visit Jeff’s Website: [https://jeffreybradbury.com](https://jeffreybradbury.com) * Contact Jeff Directly: [https://jeffreybradbury.com/contact/](https://jeffreybradbury.com/contact/) ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ## Simplify Your Systems. Amplify Your Impact. Join me every Sunday for my best productivity tips, tricks, and strategic systems delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up today and instantly receive a free chapter of Impact Standards. Δ URL This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. First Name(Required) First Non-School Email(Required) What best describes your role in education?(Required) What best describes your role in education(Required) K-12 Educator Instructional Coach Library Media Specialist Building or District Administrator Higher Ed Public Relations / Marketing Educational Podcaster Educational Technology Company Representative Other How often would you like to receive our newsletter(Required) Keep me updated as soon as something new is published! Send me new podcasts as they are released Send me new blog posts as they are released Send me a weekly email with a summary of everything that is new.