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S1E2 /// Balanced Isn’t Enough — She Had the Title But Not the Training

S1E2 /// Balanced Isn’t Enough — She Had the Title But Not the Training

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 Episode 2: Balanced Isn’t Enough — She Had the Title But Not the Training What If I Told You It Was Never Your Fault? Many teachers care deeply — so why do so many children still struggle to read? In this eye-opening episode, we explore the myth of balanced literacy, the widespread training gaps in teacher preparation, and the emotional toll on students and families. We follow the powerful journey of Jeanine Phillips — a Kansas teacher and mom who discovered her own dyslexia in college and then fought to understand why her son, Cooper, couldn’t read. Their story reveals how broken systems leave educators unprepared, students misdiagnosed, and families desperate for answers — until someone finally teaches the code. Featured Voices:
  • Jeanine Phillips, Founder of Phillips Fundamental Learning Center, former teacher, and mom — shares her journey from undiagnosed dyslexic student to mother advocating for her son
  • Cooper Phillips, adult reflecting on early shame, a diagnosis of profound dyslexia, and the moment everything changed
  • Dr. Brian Stone, psychologist who helped identify Cooper’s dyslexia and guided the family toward healing
💬 Share Your Story: If this episode resonated with you, we want to hear from you. Submit your story at: funlearn.org/subscribe 📢 Call to Action: If you’re a teacher who feels unprepared, a parent who feels unheard, or a student who feels invisible — you’re not alone. And it’s not your fault. ✅ Subscribe so you never miss an episode ✅ Rate & Review to help others find the show ✅ Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it: – A fellow parent – A teacher or school leader – A professor preparing future educators 🌐 Explore resources and screening tools at: funlearn.org Resources & Credits: This episode was created with gratitude for the tools, research, and organizations working to change literacy outcomes in Kansas and beyond:
  • Phillips Fundamental Learning Center (Wichita, KS)
  • LETRS Structured Literacy Training
  • Sold a Story podcast by Emily Hanford
  • Children of the Code video series
  • Teaching Reading Is Rocket Science by Dr. Louisa Moats (AFT, 2020) – Read PDF
  • Reading in the Brain by Stanislas Dehaene (Viking, 2009)
  • 📎 Myths About Dyslexia – PDF Resource
🔑 Key Takeaways:
  • Balanced literacy didn’t prepare teachers to teach reading — and many never learned how the brain actually learns to read
  • Dyslexia is real, common, and often misunderstood — in both students and adults
  • Early intervention, structured literacy, and the right support can change the trajectory of a child’s life
  • Families and teachers are doing their best within broken systems — and change starts with knowledge and action
  • You’re not alone, and you’re not to blame — but together, we can do better
🎵 Music & Production: PODCAST MUSIC - SOUNDSTRIPE.COM Shimmer - What We Call Home, Cody Martin - Innovation, Reville - Curiosity, LNDO - Daydreaming , Shimmer - Craft This podcast is produced by KB PODCASTS
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