How can instructional coaches help drive meaningful disciplinary literacy (DL)instruction? 

In this recorded webinar, our featured speakers explore how instructional coaches can play a central role in advancing DL instruction across subject areas. Gain a clear understanding of what DL is and why it matters, along with strategies for helping staff build DL knowledge and invest in the work.  

Menya Cole and Laurie Erby offer practical guidance on supporting teachers as they implement DL in the classroom, including ways to build momentum, address challenges, and sustain progress over time.  

The webinar recording is ideal for instructional leaders and coaches looking to strengthen literacy practices through a content-area lens.  

Who Should Attend

  • Instructional and/or literacy coaches
  • Principals
  • District leaders
  • Literacy instructional leadership

Session Topics

  • Explaining what DL is and why it is relevant
  • Building knowledge of DL and gaining buy-in across subject areas
  • Supporting staff in implementing DL instruction

Resources From the Session

Featured Speakers

Menya Cole

Menya Cole

Cole is a program associate in Literacy at WestEd working with the Reading Apprenticeship and Writing Apprenticeship teams. She brings over 15 years of experience as a teacher and literacy coach with a focus on curriculum design, disciplinary literacy, and structured literacy. Cole supports teachers and leaders in implementing evidence-based literacy practices across content areas and has coached educators at both the elementary and secondary school levels to strengthen instructional outcomes. 

Laurie Erby

Laurie Erby

Erby is a national expert in literacy with a specialization in the Reading Apprenticeship approach to disciplinary literacy. With over 2 decades of experience in education, Erby has led transformative professional learning and coaching initiatives across the United States, supporting teachers and teams of educational leaders in implementing research-based literacy practices. Her work centers on improving student outcomes in reading and critical thinking while fostering greater autonomy and confidence in learners.