Schools should have a professional development team that at a minimum includes a literacy coach and a math coach. These coaches are colleagues, deemed to have classroom expertise, who are eager to share their knowledge. They show teachers how to construct standards-based lessons and assessments that will prepare students for standardized tests, help problem-solve instructional issues and do demonstration lessons.
Math and literacy coach positions are renewed annually. Coaches can reapply for the following year if they wish to continue. For more information, call your UFT borough office or the UFT Teacher Center or read Article 11IVC of the contract.