[TeachChicago]

I just accepted a new position in a new district - I will be a bilingual literacy coach! I am super excited, but also a little nervous. For those teachers that have a literacy coach in your school, what advice/tips do you have for me? Is there anything that you really don't like about your literacy coach? I should also add that the position is a K-8 district wide position (each school in the district already has one literacy coach - I will be working specifically with the bilingual teachers).

[beka1211]

We have a position similar to a literacy coach. I don't have any advice as far as the actual job, I would just recommend trying to become someone teachers can trust to go to for help. The person currently in the position at our school is well-known as a "spy" of sorts for administration. Therefore, no one wants her help...unfortunately...because she probably has great ideas to offer!

[TeachChicago]

How unfortunate!! What a waste of money - I can't stand those "spies" and don't understand why administration allows this to happen. It's time for someone to start "spying" on her!

[gardener5]

Don't be a know it all. I know you're not because you are asking this question. Seriously, though, it's hard for people to come with questions if a person seems like they know everything. Be careful not to be judgmental. Approach working with them as "let's figure this out together" and keep the focus on helping the children.

One idea that I loved was when someone in a role like yours started the year with scheduling a lesson in everyone's classroom during the first two weeks of school. This is such a crazy, busy time and was very much appreciated. It gave her a chance to get to know each classroom of kids, too.

[Roadrunner22]

Do you know what lesson was taught in each room? I'd love to do something similar in my new role.

[mom23kids]

Being a literacy coach, you are really a peer with a different type of job, not anyone's supervisor, right?
So my advice to you is that when you go in to classrooms offer constructive advice, not criticism. I'm saying this becasue our literacy coach this past year did nothing but find fault with everyone's teaching. It was awful and she wasn't our boss. We just found out that one of our teachers will be the literacy coach next year and she's great!
Also, when teachers ask you for books or something, don't make them wait forever for it. Just my experience
Good luck!

[TeachChicago]

Great advice everyone!! My role is to support teachers and that's what I plan on doing. I am just really nervous because I am not from the district and don't know anyone. I think it will definitely be crucial for me to model lessons ASAP so both the teachers and students can get to know me a little better. Although it may be quite hard because I will be working with all bilingual teachers (K-8). I am sooo excited to see what this new position brings.

[gardener5]

I don't remember the specific lesson that she did. She was the literacy support teacher and taught a comprehension strategy. I think she planned a lesson for K & 1, another lesson for 2 & 3, and a third lesson for 4 & 5. She shared a picture book that supported the strategy.