In this Coaching Conversation, I sit down with Christina DeCarbo, a Pre-K–5 literacy coach, teacher, national presenter, and curriculum author from Northeast Ohio. Christina is also known as Miss DeCarbo, and her work is fueled by a passion for making professional learning engaging, joyful, and practical.

Christina shares her journey from first-grade teacher to literacy coach, including her school’s shift from balanced literacy to the Science of Reading. She offers creative and out-of-the-box ways to support teachers: building trust, celebrating growth, and embedding PD into the day in ways that are non-threatening and highly effective.

Key Takeaways:

• How Christina helped lead her district’s transition from balanced literacy to structured literacy.
• Her biggest takeaways from spending a week learning with Dr. Anita Archer.
• Why opportunities to respond and corrective feedback are game-changers.
• Coaching strategies that meet teachers where they are, whether it’s through cycles, small groups, or “grab-and-go PD.”
• Fun ways to celebrate teacher and student growth (spoiler: there’s a disco ball involved!).
• How to balance choice for teachers while keeping coaching connected to schoolwide goals.

Connect with Christina DeCarbo:

• Instagram: @missdecarbo
• Website: missdecarbo.com
• Facebook Group: Teaching with Miss DeCarbo
• Grab Christina’s FREE Download on Unique Coaching Opportunities here!

Connect with Me:

• Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
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• Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
• Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
• Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

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• Take our Course: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator