Coaching as a Grass Roots Effort for Building Leadership Capacity

Abstract

Literacy coaches fulfill many roles that enrich the lives of teachers and students. In order for coaches to successfully build leadership capacity, teachers must know the purpose and role of the coach. In this chapter a model of coaching is presented as well as how the coach can facilitate activities that transform the culture of the school. In the model presented, the coach's agency influenced teachers to systematically inquire into their own teaching practices, regularly use data to drive instructional decisions, and reflect upon their decision making practices in ways that promoted literacy growth and success for all stakeholders. The agency included coaching roles of resource provider, data coach, demonstrator of classroom practices, observer of classroom practices, and job-embedded professional development. Additionally, the literacy coach served as a change agent and built teacher capacity taking on these roles.