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Coaching Support Structures

Some literacy leaders receive extensive training for working with adult learners, but most of us do not. As you move between the stances of coach, collaborator and consultant, you’ll need support structures in place for defining your role, communicating with administrators, advocating for your position with a school board and more. Here you’ll find reflections and how-tos that respond to the question, “Who coaches the coach?”

Latest Content
Concise, Conversational, and Consistent: Explaining the Work of Literacy Coaches

Heather Rader shares the language she uses to describe literacy coaching to others.

My New Favorite: Paraphrasing

Paraphrasing has received a bum rap in some professions, but Heather Rader finds it is an essential tool in her literacy coaching.

Can I Quote You on That?: Capturing Classroom Conversation

Here's a fun notetaking strategy to try. Ellie Gilbert records snippets of conversation from Katie Doherty's students, and then uses them in a debrief session to discuss student strengths, needs, and next steps.

What is the Evidence?

Heather Rader shares her experiences working with a teacher team led by an outspoken leader. With listening and support, the team examines evidence in a new way.

Tips from Literacy Leaders for Closing Out the School Year (ROUNDUP)

Here are suggestions from Lead Literacy contributors for closing the year strong.

Making the Case for Literacy Coaches

If your district is considering cuts to its literacy coaching program, you’ll appreciate Shari Frost’s advice.

Supporting Successful First-Year Coaches

Heather Rader gets the inside word from novice literacy coaches about the support they need to thrive.

What Coaches Carry (Part 2)

When coaches consider what to carry, they think about what they value and how to stay student-centered in their approaches. Read on for more tips.

Troubleshooting Coaching Cycles

Shari Frost finds "coaching cycles" are a valuable way for literacy coaches to work with teachers over time, but the first year of implementation was bumpy for her coaches. She shares some of the struggles her colleagues encountered in implementing cycles, as well as advice for overcoming these hurdles.

Sales Clerks and Literacy Leaders

Franki Sibberson reflects on what makes a perfect salesperson . . . and literacy coach.

How Study Groups Are Like Self-Cleaning Ovens

With a few key elements in place, Brenda Power and Jennifer Allen explain how study groups can almost run themselves and get everyone involved.

Quick Take: Protocols for Teacher Study Groups

In this three-minute Quick Take video, Clare Landrigan describes the teacher study group protocol she uses to foster shared understanding and allow for differentiated learning among teachers.

Engaging Teachers with Coaching

Heather Rader has some thoughtful advice on broaching the subjects of clarity, purpose, and confidentiality when engaging with teachers early in the coaching relationship.

Coaching Minute: Get Out of Your Office

David Pittman encourages instructional coaches to get out of the office in the early days of the school year. H offers several practical suggestions for how to set the tone for healthy relationships.

Coaching Minute: Supporting New Teachers

Principal Lee Snider talks about the challenges new teachers face and how principals can support them.

Coaching Minute: Assisting Struggling Teachers by Being Focused

Principal Lee Snider talks about how principals can support struggling teachers by keeping the focus on instruction.

Coaching Minute: Wearing (Too) Many Hats

Inga Omondi encourages instructional coaches to consider the many hats they wear and to remove the ones that are not serving the greater good.

Coaching Through a New Program

Josie Stewart and Hannah Tills compare embarking on a new curriculum program to a journey to a new country. Their “travel tips” and encouragement will position instructional coaches to navigate the new program.

Coaching Minute: Establishing Expertise

Principal Lee Snider talks about how principals can support struggling teachers by establishing their expertise and visiting classrooms often.

Coaching in Community: Co-Creating Learning Spaces (Part II)

Stella Villalba suggests that we consider how to continue creating spaces where learning is co-created with a community. In this second installment, she offers questions for reflective practice and practical ways to amplify teachers’ brilliance.

Coaching Minute: Getting into Classrooms

Principal Lee Snider talks with literacy coach Lora Bieghler about being intentional about getting into classrooms.

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