What is a Literacy Coach?

A Literacy Coach is different from a Reading Specialist, which works with groups of struggling readers in small groups or one on one. A Literacy Coach is charged with working with all content area educators to aid them in creating better comprehension for all levels of readers.

Coaches, who work closely with their peers, demonstrate and create ways for teachers in content areas to embed literacy strategies for better student understanding of the text and content material. Coaches can do this through modeling instruction, observing and providing feedback, leading teacher inquiry groups or professional development sessions.

Coaches must also serve as a liaison between instructional leaders, teachers, and administrators. They serve the school's literacy needs by disseminating the data and creating a literacy plan for individual teachers or the entire school.