By mid-September, the bulletin boards are up, read-alouds are well underway, and the rhythm of the school year has started to take hold. The early energy of August has shifted into steady routines. For literacy coaches, this is a powerful moment – the chance to move from introductions and early connections into purposeful collaboration that will carry the year forward.
Deepening Trust
The opening weeks often center on visibility and introductions. But trust, the foundation of effective coaching, requires more than presence. Teachers are most likely to invite a coach into their practice when they feel respected and supported. September is the time to deepen that trust by showing you are a consistent, reliable partner. You can do this by:
- Following up: Return to August conversations to show you listened and are ready to act.
- Aligning with current needs: Now that teachers better understand where students are excelling or struggling, offer targeted instructional practices and resources.
- Modeling responsiveness: Adapt to shifting priorities as classroom routines reveal new challenges.
Trust grows when teachers see that your support is timely, practical, and rooted in their real classroom experiences.
Moving From Planning to Action
With routines in place, September is the right time to begin the first cycles of coaching and professional learning. Consider how to:
- Launch coaching cycles around a shared priority such as comprehension or vocabulary.
- Make professional learning actionable by connecting sessions directly to classroom practice, followed by modeling or planning support.
- Document small wins to highlight progress and build momentum during coaching conversations.
Linking learning to practice early ensures that instructional shifts take root before the calendar fills with assessments and events.
Sustaining Momentum
The goal by mid-September is to maintain focus and energy. You can sustain momentum by:
- Scheduling regular check-ins so teachers know when and how support will come.
- Highlighting teacher expertise in grade-level meetings to foster a culture of shared learning.
- Looking ahead strategically to October and November, ensuring coaching and professional learning remain aligned with teacher and school goals.
Together, Forward
The first month of school establishes the foundation for trust, growth and shared learning. The second month strengthens the habits and partnerships that will shape the year. By deepening trust, moving into action, and celebrating growth, literacy coaches ensure that teachers and students feel supported for the journey ahead. Sustaining momentum in September lays the groundwork for a year of shared learning and lasting success.
Resource
Fountas, I.C. & Pinnell, G.S., (2025). Your literacy coaching playbook: What to know, say, and do. Heinemann
Looking to further develop your coaching expertise?
Join my colleague, Cindy Downend, and me for The Effective Instructional Coach: Leading Growth, Navigating Challenges on October 8–9 & December 10–11. This four-day institute is designed to help you deepen your skills and continue growing in your coaching practice.
You may also be interested in our Acquiring Coaching and Teaching Leadership Expertise online graduate course from October 27 – December 17. In this 8-week online course, learn how to define your role as a literacy coach, build your language skills, and establish a solid foundation for leading professional learning in your school.
We hope to see you there!
