MAT Portfolio PresentationSpring 2013

Cynthia GibbsApril 2, 2013

http://cynthiamgibbs.wordpress.com/

Cynthia M. Gibbs Profile• Started MAT Program in August of 2009 Part-time• Certification

EC- 6 Generalist Studying to take ESL Test in the Summer 2013

• Field Experiences All within LISD Grades K-5 Student Teaching 3rd grade at Liberty Elementary

• Plans after graduation To obtain a full-time elementary teaching position

• For a complete profile, please go to http://cynthiamgibbs.wordpress.com/my-profile/

Learner-Centered ProficienciesMy portfolio represents my achievement of the learner-centered

proficiencies by:

1. Providing examples and grades of assignments completed from knowledge I received from each of the MAT courses

2. Sharing my experiences from student teaching

3. Discussing areas of strength and development in my final reflection

Portfolio Item

“Best Practices of an Effective Literacy Coach” Completed in READ 5423 Learner-Centered Proficiency 5 First real research paper Chose topic because of my

Passion for coaching and mentoringDesire to be a lifelong learner

Received an A on the paperhttp://cynthiamgibbs.wordpress.com/learner-centered-proficiency-five/

Research Questions

1. What is the definition and role of a literacy coach?

2. What are the goals of a literacy coach?

3. What are the best practices of an effective literacy coach?

Definition and Roles• Description, job duties and roles all varied

• Based on decisions made by principal, administrators and sometimes the literacy coach themselves

• Go by many names:– Instructional Coach– Content-focused Coach– Reading Specialist– Academic Coach

Goal of an Effective Literacy Coach

To improve teaching in order to improve student achievement…

However, there is very little research to prove this goal is being achieved

Best Practices of an Effective Literacy Coach

• Attend professional training– America’s Choice/Literacy Collaborative– Journals, Peer mentoring, etc.

• Build a relationship of trust• Participate in choosing and implementing literacy curriculum

and assessments• Be a mentor– Agendas– Conferences– Model the way– Self-reflection

Implications/Results• Define more clearly the role and job duties

• Different titles, but same goal overall

• More research needed to prove effectiveness of role

• Best practices need to be applied in order to determine if goal is achieved

In Closing…In retrospect, I am grateful for my experience in TWU MAT Program because it has

Provided me with the knowledge and skill sets to be able to successfully teach and develop children

Given me professors and educators who love to teach others

Enhanced my existing adult training skill sets to teach children

Allowed me to go after a career that I am passionate about

Shown me that I have made the right choice

THANK YOU!

Questions?