In this episode of The Literacy in Color Podcast, Michelle chats with Merri Polhemus, a district-wide literacy coach focused on supporting teachers in building strong foundational skills. Now in her second year as a literacy coach, Merri discusses her unique role, her journey from classroom teacher to coach, and the many ways she helps teachers master phonics and phonological awareness instruction. She also shares tips on using data to drive instruction and offers advice for new literacy coaches and interventionists working in foundational skills.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The unique aspects of Merri's district-wide coaching role and how she supports K-2 teachers.
• How Merri helps teachers analyze data and implement targeted small-group instruction.
• The importance of using decodable assessments and how they shift instruction from leveled readers to phonics-focused teaching.
• Professional development resources Merri recommends for deepening expertise in foundational literacy skills.

Key Takeaways:

1. Modeling Lessons is Key: Merri frequently models whole-group and small-group phonics lessons to help teachers implement effective instruction.
2. Data-Driven Instruction: Shifting from leveled readers to decodable assessments helps teachers identify specific phonics skills that students need to work on.
3. Build Relationships: Establishing trust and strong relationships with teachers is crucial for successful coaching and supporting foundational skills work.

Resources Mentioned:

• Professional Books:
• Know Better, Do Better by David and Meredith Liben
• Speech to Print by Louisa Cook Moats
• Reading Above the Fray by Julia Lindsey
• 7 Mighty Moves by Lindsay Kemeny
• Shifting the Balance by Jan Burkins and Kari Yates
• Differentiating Phonics Instruction by Wiley Blevins
• Choosing and Using Decodable Texts by Wiley Blevins
• The Reading Comprehension Blueprint by Nancy Lewis Hennessy
• Overcoming Dyslexia by Sally Shaywitz, M.D. and Jonathan Shaywitz, M.D.
• Ready to Read by Mary Lupiani Farrell & Francie M. Matthews
• Essentials of Assessing, Preventing, and Overcoming Reading Difficulties by David A. Kilpatrick
• Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Dyslexia Program: Merri completed her certification as a dyslexia specialist, which deepened her expertise in foundational skills.

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Tools for Literacy Coaches:

1. A Planner and Pencil: Merri emphasizes the importance of staying organized in her coaching role, with a good planner being an essential tool for managing meetings and schedules.
2. A Teacher-Centric Approach: Always approach coaching with a teacher’s perspective in mind to build trust and rapport.
3. Prepared Resources: Being one step ahead and providing ready-to-use materials for teachers helps ensure instructional fidelity and saves them valuable time.

Where to Find Merri:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @angelteachables
• Teachers Pay Teachers Store: Angel Teachables
• YouTube: Literacy with Mrs. P 

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• Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
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