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In this insightful episode of the Let’s Talk, Teacher to Teacher podcast, Dr. Gina Pepin—a passionate reading specialist, professor, and Region 1 Michigan Teacher of the Year—dives into a commonly overlooked factor in early literacy: how vision issues can impact learning to read, especially for students already identified with speech or language impairments. Dr. Pepin shares a powerful real-life story of a young learner whose reading difficulties were connected not just to language needs, but to hidden vision challenges unseen by even the most dedicated intervention team.

You’ll learn why vision screening matters, how to spot subtle signs of visual tracking problems, and what practical steps educators and families can take to support all readers—especially those facing multiple hurdles. Get ready for actionable “make and takes,” heartfelt reminders to look beyond the labels, and an invitation to advocate for the whole child.

Whether you’re a teacher, para, administrator, or anyone who works with young children, this episode offers easy-to-implement ideas and inspiration to help every student experience the joy and power of successful reading.

Subscribe for weekly practical strategies and stories, and let’s keep making joyful reading possible for every child!

Check out more at www.ginapepin.com

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