In this episode, Dr. Erin Bailey is joined by three literacy educators and co-authors — Dr. Chase Young (Sam Houston State University), Dr. Seth Parsons, and Dr. Allison Ward Parsons (both from George Mason University) — to discuss their book Artfully Teaching Reading with Project-Based Learning and the Future of Engaging Literacy Instruction. Together, they make a passionate case for bringing creativity, joy, and synergy back into literacy classrooms. The group explores how evidence-based reading instruction doesn't have to mean boring instruction — and how project-based learning, student choice, collaboration, and authentic tasks can coexist with (and even strengthen) the science of reading. From tongue twister phonics lessons to word surgery morphology activities, they share practical, research-backed ideas that give teachers permission to be creative again. The episode also tackles the missing "pillar" of motivation and engagement in the science of reading conversation, the toll scripted curricula are taking on teachers, and why building lifelong readers matters just as much as teaching decoding skills.About Dr. Chase Young:Dr. Chase Young is a literacy researcher, professor, author, and educator known for making reading instruction practical, engaging, and research-driven. He is the author of several influential professional books, including Artfully Teaching the Science of Reading, Artfully Teaching Reading with Project-Based Learning, and Build Reading Fluency. His work focuses on reading fluency, literacy interventions, active learning, and effective classroom practices that bridge the science and art of teaching. In addition to his writing and research, Dr. Young serves as an editor for Reading Research Quarterly, one of the leading journals in literacy research. A sought-after speaker, he is known for energetic presentations that blend scholarly expertise with humor and practical classroom application. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chase-young-68586625/X: https://x.com/ChaseJYoung1About Dr. Seth Parsons:Seth A. Parsons, PhD, is a professor in the Sturtevant Center for Literacy at George Mason University. He is the co-author and co-editor of several books, including Artfully Teaching Reading with Project-Based Learning (Routledge, 2026), Accelerating Learning Recovery for All Students (Guilford, 2023), and Principles of Effective Literacy Instruction, K–5 (Guilford, 2021). Dr. Parsons serves as co-editor of the Journal of Literacy Research, associate editor of Reading & Writing Quarterly, and executive editor of cognition and motivation for The Journal of Educational Research. www.linkedin.com/in/prof-seth-parsonshttps://www.facebook.com/seth.parsons.796/Instagram: @sethaparsons https://kappanonline.org/motivation-science-of-reading-parsons-erickson/About Dr. Allison Ward Parsons:Allison Ward Parsons is a Professor and Director of the Elizabeth G. Sturtevant Center for Literacy at George Mason University. She is former Title I kindergarten teacher who strives to support teachers’ literacy instruction as they build lifelong readers who love learning. Most recently she has been focused on building a statewide initiative to support literacy in Virginia with a grant from the US Department of Education (see leap.cehd.gmu.edu). Dr. Ward Parsons currently serves as Vice President of the Association of Literacy Educators and Researchers. She is a co-author of Artfully Teaching Reading with Project-Based Learning, and her award-winning research has been published in numerous outlets, including Literacy Research and Instruction, Reading Research Quarterly, The Elementary School Journal, The Reading Teacher, and Review of Educational Research. LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/allison-ward-parsons-ph-d-83664b7 Instagram: allisonwparsons
