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The Road to Reading Podcast
Educator podcast sharing how teachers are using the Science of Reading to implement evidence based teaching strategies and high quality curriculum into their classrooms.
The Road to Reading Podcast
S5: Summer Episode 1: All About the National Institute for Direct Instruction (NIFDI) with Kurt Engelmann and Alisa Kerr
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In this episode, Kurt Engelmann and Alisa Kerr from the National Institute for Direct Instruction (NIFDI) join me to talk about what NIFDI is and how the organization supports teachers and schools who are implementing Direct Instruction (DI) programs.
Show Notes:
Background Videos on DI
Origins of DI: Origins and Elements of Authentic Direct Instruction
Language Webinar: Science of Reading: Explicit Fundamental Language Instruction to Improve Reading Comprehension
Preschool “Show-Off” Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKYvMBJJIGc&t=15s
Get Started with NIFDI
Interested in bringing Direct Instruction to your school or district? Fill out our contact form:
Implementation Models:
2026 National Direct Instruction Conference & Institutes
In-Person Training | July 20–24, 2026
Conference and institute sessions for educators, coaches, administrators, and trainers.
2026 National Direct Instruction Conference and Institutes (July 20-24)-In-Person Training
Featured Resource from Dr. Kurt Engelmann
Direct Instruction: A Practitioner’s Handbook (2024)
Published by John Catt / Hodder Education
The most comprehensive guide available for implementing authentic Direct Instruction.
Book link: https://tinyurl.com/direct-instruction-handbook
Questions?
Email NIFDI: info@nifdi.org
Show Notes:
Road to Reading Webpage
SoR Resource Page
Season 2-episodes
Season 3-episodes