Reflections of Elementary School Literacy Coaches on Practice: Roles and Perspectives‪.‬

In this study, we examined the perceptions of Ontario elementary (primary K-3 and junior 4-6) literacy coaches to determine their roles, beliefs, and practices. We interviewed thirteen literacy coaches working in one Ontario school board about their literacy coaching. All coaches interviewed were teachers with specialized experience working in a literacy intervention program in their school board. We identified three major topics in participants' statements: coaches' role, barriers to effective literacy coaching, and overcoming barriers. This research offers suggestions for change in practice and provides insight into the role of literacy coaching as a mode of professional development in a Canadian urban centre. Key Words: professional development, primary/junior teachers, literacy, elementary schools, Ontario education