I would have stayed in the math department where most problems have a single answer...just kidding. I would have realized how complex quality writing can be, to utilize some of the outstanding teachers of writing in the buildings as sources, and that I needed much more training than I had at the time.

I would have been much more prepared for the job! When I began in this position I knew very little about literacy. I am thrilled to have been trained in so many areas and have worked with so many amazing professionals. I also did not know how difficult it is to be a leader. I know someone who just had a baby. This young mom has NO IDEA what challenges awaits and although she feels completely prepared, she is truly naive. Making the comparison - when I began this job, I was like the young mom I know. I think now I might be knee deep in the teenage years. Lots of knowledge - but way over my head....

I would have taken a few more classes, attended more conferences, visited more schools and classrooms, and taken a few more naps!

Jennifer, I love your analogy, and the innocence and hope of beginning both positions. Still, there is so much joy and excitement in discovering what lies ahead as you raise a child as well as develop your literacy leadership skills. I think I would have been more confident and joyful through the discovery, if I had know then what I know now. I would have been a better classroom teacher and teammate, and I so would have looked forward to the collaboration and creative synergy that happens in a really great building.

If I knew "then" what I know "now" about literacy leadership, . . .I would continue to learn more about and support the mantra that a body of evidence is more effective than any one test scores to understand literacy challenges at the secondary (and especially high school) level.I would/will also continue to emphasize that training to work with adults (in theory . . .) is a key element of this job and a necessary component to succedd in this position.

I also love Jennifer's analogy to parenthood. I don't know that there is anything though to fully prepare you for the demands of being the literacy leader. The role and responsibilities continue to shift based on what is needed by your staff. Going back and getting my masters in reading has helped fill some of the holes.

If I knew "then" what I know "now" about literacy leadership I would have worked to increase my "toolbox" of shareable lesson formats that apply to all subject areas

I would have recognized that leading in literacy requires one part confidence in knowing you are doing the right thing, one part relationship with all of those you meet on the job, and one part knowledge that literacy is an important social contract that can change the world you live in.

I have learned that the wealth of knowledge and understanding of literacy instructional practices and literacy leadership is a well that continues to fill. Each day I dip into the well for another serving of fresh new learning, and I doubt the well will ever run dry.

I think Jennifer hit it right on! Go Jennifer! I have learned so much this year (and still learning daily). Even if I knew then what I know now-right now I feel, "What if I knew yesterday what I know today?" :-)

Hehe...good point, Jannetta. "Then" and "now" are sort of relative terms!

If I knew then what I know now, I wouldn't have been so quite so quick to jump at the job...but I would've still jumped. :-) I've learned that I thrive on juggling the many roles/tasks. I love the relational part of the job. I enjoy being a leader without being an evaluator. And I've really learned a ton about literacy, things I wish I had known in the classroom. I'm still working on the confidence piece that Suzette mentioned -- "knowing you are doing the right thing." Sometimes I still wonder.

If I knew then what I know now, I would have prioritized the more impactful parts of our position, and done less of the "busy work" parts of our position.

I often wonder if I really know more now... I've found the more I learn the more I realize what I just don't know. It's hard to be viewed as the "expert" when I fell like I could never learn enough to fall into that category! I need a zip drive to the brain! :)

That should be feel not fell... I really need that zip drive...

I keep going back to that question in Cognitive Coaching: "How is being an expert both an asset and a liability?"

If I knew "then" what I know "now" about Literacy Leadership... I would have been a better teacher in both reading and especially writing. My master's in reading has totally helped in my new job, but all the knowledge I have is overwhelming. It is hard to decide which "best practices" to use in various situations, and it is also hard to remember everything I have learned to really apply it effectively, especially at Middle School when all my experience has been in elementary. Sometimes I do feel like that teenager (Jennifer's comment), lots of knowledge, but over my head!!!

I totally agree with Paula that talking with and mentoring teachers without the evaluative part is so powerful. the relationship you can build is wonderful for both parties. teachers can try and fail anf know someone will help them figure out what went wrong and what to try next. I am also learning daily and know that will never end with every new day! I'm glad I jumped in and have had this experience.

I have loved this job. It is so much more than a job--and in the long run, that's what it's all about:PASSION. I think we all have a passion for learning and challenge. I love to meet that challenge all the while worried that I might not have all the answers or know "enough" to do the job. I have often found that people will go with you and allow you to make mistakes as long as you acknowledge that they deserve your respect as much as you deserve theirs. I started in an impossible scenario in a small school on theEastern plains where I did music k-12, Title 1, k-5, 6th grade grammar and 7th grade lit. (same room-same time), all the drama performances, High school speech and Drama and middle school electives where I created the classes. I nearly died. LRT was a gift after that. I NEEDED AN LRT!!!! Still, I learned a GREAT DEAL about literature, writing, grammar and lots else out there. We may never be good enough but teachers are willing to learn if you do things pertinent to what they need at the time. Anytime we can make them better with us or lighten their load, they are with us.

I would have incorporated so much more into my teaching. I have learned how much I was missing and how it is not just delivering the lessons, but evaluating what you have done to make it better next time and to make sure that all learners got the concept. I also wich that I was not so afraid of data back then. Data is very revealing and can help lead a teacher to make sound instructional decisions.

I am seeing the value of the coaching system where the coach spends one out of five years back in the classroom. After teaching half time several years ago I began to see the ways best practices work in a classroom. I was able to have a realistic picture of what teachers need...mainly specific measurable targets as opposed to vauge skills like "writes a summary" should have monthy goals that increase in rigor. I spent every waking hour adjusting and assessing where each student needed support this would have been easier if the targets were clear from the get-go.

...I would not have felt slower than molasses in January.

If I knew then what I know now about literacy leadeship, I would have realized that I had a greater impact within my grade level team than I do now in a Montessori world.

I don't think I have enough experience as a Literacy Leader to have a "then". My learning curve is still incredibly steep. What I "know now" that I think is important is that coaching can only occur after a positive relationship is formed.

Experience is knowledge and I lacked it then. I am gaining more each day! I love this job, the sharing, and the caring, yes the passion! The wonderful staff that I learn from each day, share with regularly, and help in any way possible are what makes this job a joy. If I knew then what I know now I would do it all over again with more gusto!

If I knew then what I know now, I probably would have been a PE teacher. Just kiddidng (sort of). I think I would agree with Kristen on the prioritizing part of the job. It can be so overwhelming at times, it helps to know what is really important and what can be left for the next day.

What I learned from then to now...In the beginning, I had the education and degree that let me be the "expert" in literacy (or so they told me). As this job expanded, I realized that I had to learn to coach, work with adult learners, work in more detail with data than I was used to doing, learn programs and then the new programs that replaced them! I needed to use the math background that I was glad I had to extend into areas other than literacy as we became "Standards Coaches" (then reverting back to LRT label). I am learning more than I knew I could and realize I know far less than I thought I knew.

PLCs have made a big difference for my role. It gives me a chance to drive my responsibilities based on the needs of the teachers. I listen and then set my schedule. Sometimes it moves me to learn about "test anxiety" sometimes it means a plan needs to worked on. The great part is this is rarely just my job but every person in the PLC takes on their part of the task.

It would have been daunting,to say the least, to know the scope of this position, or that it would continually be evolving in terms of skill. I am thankful that I had the years of classroom experience and reading degree as a foundation. However, the LRT role, though always challenging, has been broadening for me. I see my work as primarily relational, communicating with adults who come from wide-ranging perspectives while employing those Cognitive Coaching/ Difficult Conversation kinds of tools with staff in order to lead in a non-evaluative way and be a catalyst for change.This is NOT for the faint-hearted! No day has been the same, my skill set has been forced to grow and this job is never dull!

I would have made sure I had experience teaching 1st grade. I beleive having experience in instruction at all levels of literacy are vital to understanding the whole procees children travel through. The only time most of us experience this entire process is when we are learning to read ourselves. For me, that was too long ago to remember.

I would have spent more time listening and inquiring and less time consulting and advising.

I wonder what would happen if we spent one day just paraphrasing and pausing?

If I knew then what I know now, I would have been better prepared to prioritize and intentionally organize what I wanted to bring to the table. How wonderful would it have been to have had that crystal ball at the beginning of the year to tell me how each teacher and team operated and what their specific needs were? Of course, without that knowledge, I've had many opportunities to grow as an educator. I've been able to practice the many things that I've learned: building (and, on occasion, rebuilding) relationships, and using my cognitive coaching. And yes, Ginny, that included being patient and pausing and paraphrasing rather than jumping in with any Amyisms :). I've learned to more effectively apply 21st Century Learning to teachers: Relationship, Relevance, and Rigor. For me, that's the cornerstone of success whether I'm working with kids or adults.

I would have gone out to observe LRTs from elementary, middle and high school to see how they do their jobs.

If I knew then what I know now, I would have kept a journal concerning successes and failures, and recorded how I problem solved for next steps. As a classroom teacher, I would have connected with students better to ensure 100% engagement and learning. I would not have been so tentative about stepping into the most rewarding and creative role that I have ever experienced in my professional life. I feel blessed to be able to work with such talented individuals better known as LRTS!