IRA Phoenix February 2009 The Realities of Coaching

“Education is not only a process of student learning and progress, it is also one of continual growth of teacher expertise and classroom and system improvement. ” Fullan (1999)‏

Coaching Experiences… SCRI-MG Teaching Team RAISSE Co-Director High School Interdisciplinary Team Teaching Mother, Sister, Daughter, Friend, Colleague and about another 38 hats

Letters to My Teacher Tributes to the People Who Have Made a Difference Edited by Barb Karg and Rick Sutherland, Avon MA: Adams Media

Mentoring is a mutuality that requires reciprocity … What was it about you that allowed great mentoring to happen?

The Role of the Coach Elementary, Middle and High Schools in Rural, Urban and Suburban Settings

A Definition? The role of coach is evolving and as such it is difficult to define, in part, because the roles vary in urban, suburban and rural settings across elementary, middle level and high school

And… Because of the situational context and the complex nature of literacy coaching, it means different things to different people at different times

What’s in a Name? Literacy Coach Reading Coach Instructional Coach

The Coaching Role Evolution Community Building Living Literacy Impact & Sustainability

Role and Qualifications of the Literacy Coach (IRA 2004)‏ Be an excellent classroom teacher Have an in-depth knowledge of reading process, acquisition, assessment and instruction Have experiences working with teachers to improve their practices; be a reflective practitioner

Role and Qualifications of the Literacy Coach (IRA 2004)‏ Have excellent presentation skills; have knowledge and experience presenting at local, state, and national conferences

Role and Qualifications of the Literacy Coach (IRA 2004)‏ Have experience or preparation that enables him to observe and model in classrooms and to provide feedback to teachers. This final criterion includes the skills necessary to be sensitive to the needs of the teacher and to engender trust in the relationship with the teacher.

Some Coaching Activities available to teachers – , phone etc. listening & observing planning & organizing providing & suggesting resources blogging & informal conversations demonstrating & facilitating directing whole school PD

Coaching is a key professional development endeavor to ensure best practices and raise student achievement. ~ Jay & Strong, 2008

Literacy coaching is important because it has the potential to effect positive change in the learning culture of an entire school. ~ Jay & Strong, 2008

Time to stretch… A Day in the Life of a Coach