How to Become a Literacy Coach
A literacy coach is responsible for the implementation of a school's reading program, usually in elementary grades. Literacy coaches work with teachers to determine the best ways to improve classroom instruction and reading intervention for struggling students. They also work closely with school administrators to address the needs of the children and hold teachers accountable for students' performance in standardized tests. Most importantly, a reading coach helps teachers -- by observing, suggesting improvements, and ensuring that students become successful readers.
Instructions
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How To Become a Literacy Coach
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Earn a degree in education. Most literacy coaches are teachers who already have a degree in some area of education. Some graduate programs lead to a master's degree in literacy coaching, but most school districts will hire teachers who have a reading specialist degree. Some districts may require that job applicants earn a minimum number of hours of additional coursework in literacy education.
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Teach in the classroom for at least three years. Most reading coaches have substantial classroom experience. To be an effective coach, it is essential to understand the daily routine of reading instruction. It is also helpful if the literacy coach has taught the reading program that is currently being implemented in the school. Familiarity with the core program will help the coach transition into this position with more understanding of teachers' expectations and responsibilities. Having classroom experience also helps literacy coaches be sympathetic to teachers because they understand the daily challenges teachers encounter and the hard work it takes to be effective.
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Apply for positions in your school or district. Start with open positions. If there are none, write a letter to the principal and district supervisor stating your interest in becoming a literacy coach when a position becomes available. Continue to teach, but devote much of your spare time to learning about the responsibilities of a literacy coach, using sources such as Reading.org.
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