Emily Barrett, literacy coach at Benjamin Franklin High School, is passionate about helping students improve their reading fluency, the ability to read smoothly and with understanding. Barrett’s work focuses on giving teachers the tools to help students reach this goal.
“Most people want to do well, whether it’s students or teachers,” Barrett said. “They just need support.”
Before coming to Baltimore to teach in 2014, Barrett taught creative writing as a fourth grade student-teacher in Chicago. She left teaching in 2021 to become a literacy coach, where she works with teachers to address the unique literacy challenges faced by their students. Half of the student body at Benjamin Franklin High School are multilingual learners, making the need for effective literacy instruction even more crucial.
“I truly believe you can teach anyone anything,” Barrett said. “It’s just about how you give it to them—step by step, brick by brick.”
One technique Barrett has found effective is the Microsoft Teams Reading Progress app, which allows students to record themselves reading aloud and receive instant feedback on their fluency. Barrett said students enjoy seeing their improvement in real time. Practicing reading aloud gives students the confidence they need to become more fluent readers, and fluent readers understand what they are reading!
"Once readers aren't having to rely on decoding to read, they can dig deeper into their texts. That's why programs like Reading Progress are so crucial. It’s incredibly effective” Barrett said. “I highly recommend it!”
While Barrett acknowledges that improving literacy is a long-term process, she believes success comes with each step forward.
“There’s no bandage for literacy,” she said. “It’s about constantly diagnosing, reassessing, and finding what works for the kids.”
Fun Facts
What was your favorite book to read as a child- Harry Potter books
What book are you currently reading- The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter
Can you describe reading in one word - Escape
Most impactful book you've ever read- The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
How do you find new books to read? BookTok, Goodreads, My Book Club
Here's more about the work of literacy coaches in City Schools.