Side By Side: Short Takes On Best Practice For Teachers & Literacy Leaders

by Heather Rader

Side By Side is organized as a series of paired essays on specific themes. Teachers and literacy specialists or coaches might use the pieces in study groups and team meetings to discuss everything from integrating writing into science programs, to dealing with sarcastic colleagues. The brief essays are also an ideal length for reading aloud in professional development sessions.

179 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Gretchen Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first "coach read" for my new position, but boy do I wish I had read it before now! I have so many new teaching ideas in my "toolkit," as well as really thoughtful approaches and language Heather has modeled for us in her role as a masterful coach.

[Precious · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book, most valuable for instructional coaches but a good read for teachers as well. I took a lot from it as a middle school math teacher, however, I think language teachers would benefit most from this book.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read! The Choice Literacy website (www.choiceliteracy.com) sent me this book as a member gift. I had read a lot of Heather Rader's articles on Choice Literacy and I really liked her perspective. However, having a book full of her thoughts and ideas was so much better! I respect Ms. Rader's perspective and her role as a literacy leader very much. She is exactly the kind of educator we need more of in the United States. What I would give to have a literacy coach like her at my school! My absolute favorite section was Part 3: Explicitly Teaching Writing. My book is sticky noted and highlighted up the wazoo. It would be so great to work with another teacher who has read this book so we could discuss it and share ideas.

[Heather Sisson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciate the separate articles written for teachers and coaches on the same topics, which are useful to share with teachers as well as reflect on my coaching practice. Heather's vignettes help me to peek into her practice and hear how her ideas translate into classrooms. I love the questions to consider at the end of each essay. They guide my reflection through invitation, I always have ideas sparked when rereading this book.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heather Rader is a mentor for literacy coaches, as well as a gifted coach in her own right. This book provides insightful, honest, reflection and best practice instruction on common coaching issues and topics. This book is an must-have resource for literacy coaches.

[Jami]

Just starting reading this...only a few chapters in. Easy to read, very applicable to my job and the author is an amazing lady!

[Deborah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of the examples are with elementary students, but the principles (in general) could apply to any level of instruction. Some good ideas.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read for any instructional coach!