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In this episode of Literacy at the Center, host Dr. Melissa Hickey talks with Dr. Darci Burns, founding leader of the Connecticut Literacy Model and executive director of Hill for Literacy, about why leadership systems are essential for lasting literacy change.

Together, they explore how distributed leadership teams, clear district literacy plans, and strong collaboration across educators, administrators, and families help create sustainable systems that support reading success for all students. Dr. Burns shares practical lessons from districts across Connecticut—including large-scale implementation work that demonstrates what is possible when leadership structures are intentionally designed and aligned.

This conversation offers valuable insights for district leaders, school administrators, literacy coaches, and educators working to strengthen systems that support high-quality literacy instruction.