Hello everyone! The reading wars carry on, believe it or not. In nearly every corner of the internet—even outside of education—people are concerned about literacy in America. This has resulted in some dynamic, and at times volatile, discussion about how to teach reading to children.  Jennifer McCarty Plucker, author of Inspiring Lifelong Readers, has her own thoughts on the matter. Jennifer McCarty Plucker is the director of learning and development and a literacy consultant at Mackin Educational Resources in Burnsville, Minnesota.Dr. Plucker has spent more than twenty years in public education as an English teacher, reading specialist, speech coach, teaching and learning specialist, and district administrator. Her doctoral research focused on student engagement and motivation in literacy. Her current work with educators is grounded in an inquiry approach that puts students in the driver’s seat of their learning. In this discussion, we cover curriculum expectations, the expertise of teachers, and the misuse of computer programs to teach struggling readers.          This episode is sponsored by Solution Tree:   As a new teacher, your first year is sure to come with unexpected challenges. Solution Tree’s resources give you the tools and knowledge to lay the groundwork for a lifelong career as an educator. Go to SolutionTree.com/NewTeacherToolkitfor must-read books and free resources. Since 1998, Solution Tree has worked to transform education worldwide by empowering educators to raise student achievement.