Wellsville Garfield Elementary Principal Shelbie Householder, left, and ReadOhio Literacy Coach Allison Scott recently presented a session on building sustainable literacy coaching practices at the eighth annual ReadOhio Literacy Academy at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. (Submitted photo)

COLUMBUS, Ohio — At the eighth annual ReadOhio Literacy Academy at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, Garfield Elementary School Principal Shelbie Householder and ReadOhio Literacy Coach Allison Scott recently took the stage to present a breakout session on building sustainable literacy coaching practices.

The 60-minute session, approved earlier this year, highlighted two years of collaborative learning between Garfield Elementary and ReadOhio. It showcased how deeply a principal and literacy coach can partner to integrate evidence-based reading strategies into school culture.

Their presentation drew on data showing how consistent coaching leads to measurable improvements in early literacy outcomes. “Over two years, we refined our coaching model to align with Ohio’s science-of-reading standards,” explained Scott. “Now, teachers are not just implementing strategies — they are owning them.”

Householder echoed this sentiment: “Leadership and coaching aren’t add-ons — they’re part of the instructional bloodstream. When a principal and coach move together, the change becomes sustainable.”

The ReadOhio Literacy Academy, hosted by the Ohio Department of Education, draws educators statewide to discuss science-aligned literacy instruction, coaching, and systemic improvement. Held on June 12, 2025, its agenda featured sessions ranging from preschool intervention frameworks to enhancing comprehension for multilingual learners.

The Academy also spotlighted Ohio’s statewide literacy coaching model, noting that more than 33,000 coaching sessions were delivered in the 2023-24 school year and that coaching activities now span both universal support and intensive one-on-one engagement.

Householder and Scott’s session emphasized “sustainability” — creating a self-reinforcing cycle where teacher practice, data analysis, and leadership support continually fuel one another.

Educators attending praised the practical focus. One participant noted, “Their model doesn’t just talk theory — it shows how sustained coaching changes teacher mindsets and student outcomes over time.”

What’s Next for Garfield Elementary

— Continue embedding literacy coaching within weekly routines

— Deepen data-driven collaboration across grade levels

— Serve as a mentorship hub for schools aiming to replicate sustainable coaching models