Chapter 4: Leadership of the Reading Specialist

Serving As A Resource To Teachers

As a Reading Specialist my main purpose would be to get information to teachers as simple as possible. Keeping each point in mind, I will focus on the putting the teachers at ease not bombarding them with more materials which can be overwhelming.

• Inform teacher of new ideas and materials- Administrators tend to communicate with others through email. As a teacher, getting over ten emails a day can be quite overwhelming. To better rely messages about new ideas and materials are better expressed in person. Monthly PLC meetings, with the grade level teachers choice of date, would help pass important information around. Administrators will always be kept in the loop with meetings, new materials and new ideas. 

• Spread the word about effective teaching and teachers- Being that I am a visual learner, in order for me to decide if a strategy will work I would need to see it be done. With that be said, I find that observing other teachers to be very effective. 

• Focus on the student- Helping teachers identify effective strategies that can help students. Going through data to identify weakness within students and working with the teacher to discuss strategies that can help. 

• Be available and follow through on your commitments- Having a Reading Specialist in a school can be very helpful to teachers. A leader needs to be seen in order for teachers to feel a connection and ask for help. If I was working in one building I would make frequent classroom visits in order for teachers to feel comfortable with me and with teaching. Giving positive feedback can give teachers the confidence they need. Some teachers, especially novice teachers are worried they might not be teaching a strategy of skill correctly. Having the specialist on "stand-by" will show a sense of togetherness.   

• Be a willing helper- Being friendly with teachers will help develop a good relationship. A good relationship can open the doors to a better collaboration between the Reading Specialist and teachers. Teachers will more than likely feel comfortable with me if they don't see me as an Administrator, rather than a resource for them.