Literacy education professor begins ‘Getting Smarter’ podcast second season

Closeup of Margaret Vaughn
Margaret Vaughn

After a successful first podcast season of interviewing the top minds in the world of literacy education, a Washington State University faculty member is back for a second season. 

Margaret Vaughn, a language, literacy, and technology professor in the College of Education, is the creator and host of the “Getting Smarter” podcast.

Vaughn said her goal is to interview critical thinkers and award-winning leaders in literacy education, as well as spark listeners’ curiosity, and help them learn something new every episode.  

“I started this podcast to advocate for the teaching profession and have conversations with established literacy scholars who have paved the way in the field,” Vaughn said. “These scholars have transformed our collective thinking in education.” 

The first season consisted of 11 episodes, beginning this past spring, and going through the summer. Vaugh said she believes those episodes were successful at giving transformational insights into why education and collaboration is essential to the betterment of our society. 

“My aim is for policy makers, literacy scholars, and educators to listen to the podcast and find their own entry point into thinking about how they too can make an impact in their community,” she said. “The scholars I have the privilege of interviewing, have spent their careers making conditions better for children and communities. We can listen to their stories and use their knowledge to make a difference around us.” 

Vaughn joined the College of Education in 2021. She has received a number of awards for her research and scholarship, including a Fulbright Specialist Program award from the U.S. Department of State. 

As it did last season, new episodes this season will be released on most major podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts. 

Next Story

Fall Research Conversation series begins

The WSU College of Education’s annual Research Conversation series returns for the fall semester, beginning Sept. 19 at 12:10 p.m. via Zoom.

Recent News

WSU Board of Regents hosting special meeting Sept. 13

The meeting will take place at the WSU System President’s Office, 255 E. Main St. Suite 102 in Pullman. A copy of the meeting’s agenda is available on the WSU Board of Regents website.
Message from the President & Athletic Director:

Pac‑12 welcomes new members

Four universities are joining the Pac-12 conference, marking a start to stabilizing the future of the conference and WSU.
Message from the President & Athletic Director:

Pac‑12 welcomes new members

Four universities are joining the Pac-12 conference, marking a start to stabilizing the future of the conference and WSU.