In this second chapter of our literacy mini-series, we’re back in Utah, where a bold statewide goal is in motion: get 70% of third-grade students reading at grade level by 2027. But how do you take that goal and turn it into real change? We find out in this episode of Impact in Action.

Today, we catch up with the Utah State Board of Education’s Savannah Hunt and Susie Estrada, and we lift the curtain on MGT’s contribution to SB127. We are joined by Sarah Iannucci, an education consultant from MGT, to discuss tangible solutions to engage better with students, at school or at home. Together, we draw a simple but powerful roadmap for educators and families.

Part 2 of our Literacy Crisis series is a lesson in how communities can come together to improve outcomes for children. From the science of reading to change management and family engagement, find out how statewide education reform happens, one step at a time.

Chapters:

1- Introduction and series recap (0:29)

2- MGT & the USBE: an innovative approach to education reform (5:45)

3- The cohort model, a tried and tested method to improve schools (9:01)

4- Why collaboration between teachers and families matters (17:43)

5- The power of school events to foster community support (25:24)

6- First results and preparing the future of SB127 (30:18)

Links:

• MGT Website
• MGT LinkedIn
• MGT Education solutions
• USBE Website
• Savannah Hunt LinkedIn
• Susie Estrada LinkedIn
• Sarah Iannucci LinkedIn
• Utah State Legislature - SB127
• [Article] NWEA - “The science of reading explained"
• [Article] MGT - “From Policy to Progress: How Senate Bill 127 is Transforming Early Literacy in Utah”
• [Book] Karen Mapp - Beyond the Bake Sale: The Essential Guide to Family/School Partnerships
• [Resource] The National Literacy Institute - 2024-2025 Literacy Statistics
• [Resource] World Population Review - U.S. Literacy Rates by State 2025

Feedback:

If you have questions about the topics covered in this episode, or about MGT's work with the USBE, you can email Sarah Iannucci: siannucci@mgt.us

Disclaimer:
This podcast is provided as a free service to you and is for general informational purposes only. In this podcast, the views and opinions expressed by the host and the guests are solely their own current opinions and are based on their own perspectives. Such views, perspectives, and opinions do not reflect those of MGT or the USBE or the companies in which any guest is or may be affiliated. The production and presentation of this podcast by MGT is for non-commercial use and does not imply the expression of any opinion on part of MGT or any of its affiliates.

Reading is one of the most fundamental skills we have. It affects everything: our ability to get a job, navigate daily life, stay informed, or think critically. And yet, today in the U.S., reading is something we take for granted.

Recent studies show that our literacy rates are on the decline: more than half of Americans can’t read above a sixth-grade level. And in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many young students have fallen behind on reading, hindering their education long-term. So, how did we get here? And more importantly, how do we turn things around?

In this new mini-series, we show you how one state is responding to the literacy crisis. We dive into the life of the Utah State Board of Education, a government body that has made big commitments to literacy. With an ambitious bill signed into law, Utah intends to get 70% of third graders reading at grade level by 2027.

In Part 1 of this series, we meet with Savannah Hunt and Susie Estrada, two education specialists who work at the USBE, to dive into what Utah is doing to help its youngest students succeed. Together, we break down what good literacy looks like and explore the role of government in education reform. Beyond the science of reading, we discuss the social factors that impact literacy: life at school, family engagement, and inequality of access.

Whether you’re a teacher, policymaker, parent, or just passionate about equitable education, this episode is for you.

Chapters:

1- Welcome to Utah, with Savannah and Susie (3:07)

2- What good literacy looks like (10:22)

3- Social factors impacting education (16:26)

4- SB127: a bill to improve early literacy across the state (23:28)

5- Partnering with MGT to reach ambitious goals (27:57)

Links:

• MGT Website
• MGT LinkedIn
• MGT Education solutions
• USBE Website
• Savannah Hunt LinkedIn
• Susie Estrada LinkedIn
• Utah State Legislature - SB127
• [Article] KSL News Radio - “Third graders in Utah are falling behind on their reading skills”
• [Article] MGT - “MGT Partners with the Utah State Board of Education to Improve Literacy Statewide”
• [Article] The Conversation - “Mississippi’s education miracle: A model for global literacy reform”
• [Resource] The National Literacy Institute - 2024-2025 Literacy Statistics
• [Resource] World Population Review - U.S. Literacy Rates by State 2025

Feedback:

If you have questions about the topics covered in this episode or MGT's work with the USBE, you can email Sarah Iannucci: siannucci@mgt.us

Disclaimer:
This podcast is provided as a free service to you and is for general informational purposes only. In this podcast, the views and opinions expressed by the host and the guests are solely their own current opinions and are based on their own perspectives. Such views, perspectives, and opinions do not reflect those of MGT or the USBE or the companies in which any guest is or may be affiliated. The production and presentation of this podcast by MGT is for non-commercial use and does not imply the expression of any opinion on part of MGT or any of its affiliates.

When Tom Joyce left military leadership to step into civilian life, the transition wasn’t easy. But he felt called to serve again, and with a little help, he found his way to city government. Now, in the final chapter of our Veteran Story mini-series, we hear how Tom made the leap; how he connected with the right people, discovered a hidden gem of a city in North Dakota, and finally found a role that fit.

In this episode, we also welcome Charlene Stevens to the show; Vice President of Human Capital at MGT, she played a key part in helping Tom navigate this transition. Charlene is a recruitment expert, a former city executive, and someone who understands exactly what makes a strong public servant. And when she met Tom, she saw his potential right away.

Together, we also take a closer look at Minot, North Dakota — the Magic City — to understand its history, its community, and why its government needed someone like Tom. We discuss how Tom’s leadership, problem-solving, and dedication to public service helped him land a role that really suited him, as Assistant City Manager of Minot.

This episode is not just about recruitment. It’s about what happens when the right person meets the right opportunity. It’s a story of community-building, perseverance, and making the most of your skills. And for veterans looking to transition into civilian careers? It’s proof that your next path is out there—you just need the right support to find it.

Chapters:

1- Series recap: Tom Joyce’s story so far (00:21)

2- Introducing Charlene Stevens and MGT’s recruitment services (2:52)

3- A picture of Minot’s history and community needs (7:02)

4- How Charlene helped Tom apply and showcase his skills (13:43)

5- Discovering the Magic City: Tom’s interview and first trip to Minot (18:17)
6- The start of a new chapter and reflections on a journey of reinvention (23:04)

Links:

• MGT Website
• MGT LinkedIn
• MGT Recruitment Solutions
• Tom Joyce LinkedIn
• Charlene Stevens LinkedIn
• City of Minot’s Government Website
• Resource – The International City/County Management Association’s Veteran Page
• Resource – North Dakota Tourism Office Website

Disclaimer:
This podcast is provided as a free service to you and is for general informational purposes only. In this podcast, the views and opinions expressed by the host and the guests are solely their own current opinions and are based on their own perspectives. Such views, perspectives, and opinions do not reflect those of MGT, the City of Minot, or the companies in which any guest is or may be affiliated. The production and presentation of this podcast by MGT is for non-commercial use and does not imply the expression of any opinion on the part of MGT or any of its affiliates.