What is a literacy coach?

In her book, The Literacy Coach's Survival Guide (p. 46), Cathy Toll says that when she meets with teachers for the first time, she asks them:

"When you think about the kind of reading and writing you want your students to do, the kind of literate lives you want your students to have, the kind of classroom you want to have, the kind of teacher you want to be, what gets in your way?"

It is a literacy coach's job to help a teacher eliminate these roadblocks and create the kind of learning culture he or she envisions.

Literacy Coaching Menu

Use the above link to choose from a variety of options. Mix and match to design a meal that appeals to you...

For those of us adults who like dessert first...

banana split

Jennifer Barnabee

Email: jbarnabee@barrington220.org

2009-2010 Literacy Coaching Schedule

Dates	J. Barnabee	J. Burton	L. Riley (.5FTE)
9/24 - 10/2	Lines	Roslyn	North Barrington
10/5 - 11/6*	Countryside	Rose	NB (until 10/23) Lines (start 10/26)
11/9 - 12/18 *	Grove	Hough	Lines
1/4 - 2/19 *	Lines	Roslyn	North Barrington
2/22 - 4/16 *	Countryside	Rose	NB (until 4/2) Lines (start 4/5)
4/16 - 6/4*	Grove	Hough	Lines

*Coaches and principals will schedule one day a week to return to prior schools for a progress check.

Also, Cindy Drumheller is a full-time literacy coach at Sunny Hill Elementary School, and Ruth J. Rodriguez is a literacy coach for the dual language programs.

During the assigned months, I can be reached at:

Arnett C. Lines School: 847-381-7850

Countryside Elementary School: 847-381-1162

Grove Avenue School: 847-304-3922

However, because of varying room assignments, the best way to reach me is by email.

Looking forward to hearing from you soon!

Roles (as defined in Taking the Lead):

As Classroom Supporters we seek to increase the quality and effectiveness of classroom instruction by creating reciprocal, learning-focused relationships supporting self-directed learning by collaborating with teachers and groups of teachers, modeling or demonstrating best practices, and observig instruction with reflective feedback on classroom instruction.

As Instructional Specialists we seek to align the curriculum to meet the needs of all students and assist teachers with the implementation of effective and research-based strategies to improve instruction.

Resource Suggestions for Teachers

Reading Essentials by Regie Routman

One Wednesday a month each elementary building is committed to reading this book, reflecting on our own instructional practices, and collaborating together about what it means to teach reading well.

Linked below is the schedule for readings and meetings:

Readings and Meetings Schedule