Philosophy about Teaching Literacy

I had the opportunity to interview my Literacy Coach Josie Adler at my school. Josie came to Douglas County School District from Virginia. She used to be the reading coach for the entire district and found her home at Renaissance Magnet School where I teach. Josie has been a Reading Recovery teacher and continues to touch many of our struggling readers lives each and every day. I have known Josie for almost 4 years and she has taught me a lot about literacy and about what it takes to teach struggling readers. Josie believes in lots of modeling.Students need to both see and hear what they are expected to do. She also believes that students learn best with mentor texts. Using a mentor text in a mini-lesson engages students, and shows them the craft of a variety of authors.Conferring with readers and writers is very high on Josie’s list. Talking with students about what they are reading, instructing them, and taking advantage of teachable moments is essential. Student’s needs to be engaged in guided reading groups, literacy centers, literature discussion groups, and independent reading and writing. Finally, Josie believes in ongoing assessment. She says, that we need to make sure we are not only administering assessments, but that we involve the child, and evaluate their growth continuously throughout the year. Her famous words are “As teachers you need to be insistent, persistent, and consistent!” Josie Adler is a leader with a wealth of knowledge, that I hope to one day obtain. She is a true example of what a literacy teacher and coach needs to provide her students with in order for them to grow as readers and writers and reach their highest potential.