After 16 years as a teacher, Karen Ginyard took a big step into a new role as a literacy coach at Federal Hill Preparatory School. As a literacy coach, she looks at student progress data, gives advice to teachers, and finds ways to make learning fun. Thanks to her work, students are improving their reading skills and thinking in new ways.
Ginyard analyzes data to track student progress, using DIBELS to assess phonics and reading fluency and state standards to evaluate writing. DIBELS is a test that checks reading skills and helps teachers determine student needs from kindergarten to eighth grade. Using DIBELS and state standards helps her identify students who may need extra support, such as tutoring.
“I see the coaches taking on anything that has to do with literacy,” Ginyard said, laughing. “Everyone wants a piece!”
Besides literacy, Ginyard is also helping Federal Hill Pre become City Schools’ only pre- K through fifth grade International Baccalaureate Program (IB) school. IB helps students ask questions and learn in creative ways.
“I’m a big fan of the IB” she said. “I think it would set our school apart. It would be great for our school, great for our community, and great for Baltimore City Public Schools as well.”
The school started working toward IB certification five years ago, and they hope to complete the process by 2025-2026. Families are excited about the changes.
“A lot of parents are very excited about it and very interested in it,” Ginyard said. “The IB is typically a question we have when we have open houses.”
Ginyard also has many other jobs at the school. She helps with testing, is the chair of the school family council, and organizes tutoring programs. She encourages teachers to try new things and not be afraid of change.
Through her leadership, Ginyard is making a big difference at Federal Hill Prep—one student, one book, and one step at a time.
Fun Facts
What’s your all-time favorite book? Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume
What’s the one book every student should read before graduation? If the World Were a Village by David J. Smith and David Julian Smith
Where do you like to shop for books? The Enoch Pratt. I still like to go to the library!
Which is better - the book or the movie version? The book is always better than the movie, because you have to use your imagination, and envision what it was like.
To learn more about the work of literacy coaches in City Schools, watch this video.