Coaching

Why Coaching is Key to Teacher Retention and Literacy Success

The success of any literacy initiative depends on the educators who bring it to life in classrooms every day. Yet, teachers face immense pressures—balancing curriculum demands, meeting the needs of diverse learners, and navigating an ever-changing educational landscape.

One of the most effective ways to support teachers, prevent burnout, and improve child literacy outcomes is through job-embedded coaching.

Why Coaching Matters for Teacher Retention

Teacher turnover is a major challenge in education, with research showing that nearly 50% of new teachers leave the profession within their first five years. The reasons? Lack of support, insufficient professional development, and overwhelming workloads. Coaching provides:

Personalized Support

Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, coaching meets teachers where they are, providing strategies tailored to their specific classroom needs.

In-the-Moment Feedback

Unlike traditional PD, coaching is embedded in real-time instruction, allowing teachers to refine their practice on the spot.

Confidence & Competency

When teachers feel supported and successful, they are more likely to stay in the profession and continue growing.

A Collaborative Culture

Coaching fosters a culture of learning and shared responsibility, reducing isolation and increasing engagement.

CLI’s Approach to Coaching and Its Impact on Literacy

At Children’s Literacy Initiative (CLI), we know that effective coaching doesn’t just benefit teachers—it transforms literacy outcomes for children. Our research-based coaching model is designed to:

Improve educator practice – Coaches work alongside teachers, modeling best practices and providing actionable feedback.
In-the-Moment Feedback – Unlike traditional PD, coaching is embedded in real-time instruction, allowing teachers to refine their practice on the spot.
Foster reflective teaching – When teachers feel supported and successful, they are more likely to stay in the profession and continue growing.
A Collaborative Culture – Coaching fosters a culture of learning and shared responsibility, reducing isolation and increasing engagement.

Case Study: Coaching in Action

One district working to increase their early literacy scores partnered with CLI to implement a coaching-based professional development model. Within two years:

Student literacy benchmarks rose by 15%, reflecting stronger early reading skills.

Teachers reported feeling more confident in their ability to implement structured literacy practices effectively.

How to Implement Effective Coaching in Your School

Prioritize Coaching as a Core PD Strategy

Shift from traditional workshops to sustained, embedded coaching.

Align Coaching with Literacy Goals

Ensure that coaching focuses on research-based literacy practices that drive student success.

Create a Feedback-Rich Culture 

Encourage reflection, goal setting, and collaboration among teachers.

Train and Empower Instructional Coaches

Invest in professional development for coaches to ensure high-impact support.

Use Data to Drive Coaching Decisions

Monitor progress through classroom observations, child assessments, and teacher feedback.

A strong coaching model is not just about improving instructional practice—it’s about investing in educators and ensuring that every child receives the high-quality literacy experiences they deserve.

Are you ready to implement a coaching model that improves retention and literacy success? Let’s talk about how CLI can help support your district’s educators and children!