Instructional Coaching for PK-5

Coaching to Build Language & Literacy in PK-5 is a course intentionally designed to focus on coaching foundations and practice. Whether you’re a new coach or a veteran coach, this course offers a thorough understanding of the foundations of coaching, guidance on coaching implementation, and insights to refine coaching practices. This course aims to support coaches in helping teachers to grow and develop their language and literacy instruction to improve literacy outcomes for all students.

Additionally, if a coach, teacher, or education leader wants more information on evidence-based practices on literacy and language, our Structured Literacy courses are the primary vehicle on the Cox Campus for developing deep literacy content knowledge. Together, the Coaching to Build Language & Literacy course and Structured Literacy courses function as complementary components, one focused on how to coach, and the other on what to coach.

The Coaching to Build Language & Literacy in PK-5 course is dedicated in memory of Shenikia Robinson, Ed.S. Shenikia was part of the Rollins Center early in its inception and served as the Founding Director of Coaching. Shenikia modeled her gentle expertise to ensure every teacher had the agency, strategies, and practices to reach and teach every child the language and literacy skills needed to lead a choice-filled life and make the most difference in the lives of others.

Meet the Course Team

Daryl Michel:

Subject Matter Expert

Nik Philmon:

Course Collaborator

Makini Coleman:

Instructional Content Developer, PK-5th Grade

Korrye Gaskins:

Structured Literacy Professional Learning Facilitator
Daryl Michel, Ph.D., is the founder of Be A Change, LLC, an educational consulting firm dedicated to fostering professional learning and student success. With nearly three decades of experience in the field, Dr. Michel has made significant contributions, nationally and internationally, as an instructional coach, teacher educator, and curriculum designer. Dr. Michel's expertise encompasses a wide range of educational areas, including disciplinary literacy, lesson study, and instructional coaching. He has worked with numerous school districts, state agencies, and educational organizations to design and implement strategies that enhance both teacher effectiveness and student outcomes.

Dr. Nik Philmon serves as State Literacy Coaching Coordinator for GaDOE collaborating with coaches, administrators, and organizations to support professional learning related to the Georgia Early Literacy Act of 2026. He is passionate about furthering the cause of every teacher in Georgia benefitting from the support of a knowledgeable, well-supported literacy coach. Prior to joining GaDOE, Dr. Philmon gained valuable experience as a paraprofessional, classroom teacher, gifted specialist, literacy coach, and district literacy coordinator. His current role builds on doctoral research into transformative coaching conversations as a key lever for authentic change in teacher pedagogy.
Makini Coleman, Ed.S., is an experienced educator and literacy specialist with over 20 years in early childhood and elementary education. She has served as a classroom teacher, reading instructional coach, and currently works as an Instructional Content Developer at the Rollins Center for Language & Literacy, where she designs high-quality training and resources for Cox Campus to support educators and improve student literacy outcomes. Makini’s professional passions include early childhood education, elementary literacy, and instructional coaching. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, traveling, and spending quality time with her family and friends.
 Korrye Gaskins is a Structured Literacy Professional Learning Facilitator and Content Developer for the Rollins Center for Language and Literacy. She bridges the knowledge-to-practice gap by supporting the implementation of effective literacy practices for K–3 teachers, coaches, and administrators. Her prior experience includes work as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, district literacy coach, and curriculum reviewer. Korrye is a passionate educator dedicated to improving literacy outcomes by sharing research-aligned “next best step” practices with educators and decision-makers, ensuring all students have equitable opportunities for literacy success.