Early Literacy

Welcome to Early Literacy Coaching

The purpose of the Early Literacy Coaching program at the Montcalm Area Intermediate School District (MAISD) is to strengthen literacy instruction across the county, from preschool through fifth grade, by building the capacity of coaches to support research-based, classroom-embedded practices. This work supports educators, families, and community partners by ensuring teachers are equipped to provide high-quality, responsive instruction so every child can grow as a confident reader and writer.

Early Literacy Coaching at the Montcalm Area Intermediate School District 

The Early Literacy Coaching program at MAISD is funded through the ISD Early Literacy Coaching Grant, a State of Michigan initiative. In partnership with the Early Literacy Task Force, this work is grounded in the Essential Instructional Practices in Early Literacy, a research-supported set of instructional practices designed to strengthen literacy teaching across Michigan. These Essentials guide how teachers provide effective, developmentally appropriate instruction and serve as the foundation for all coaching support provided through MAISD.

High-quality coaching is a key lever in helping educators translate research into daily practice, ensuring every child receives the instruction they need to thrive as readers and writers. 

At MAISD, we maintain a consistent focus on the Essential Instructional Practices in Early Literacy and work to strengthen the systems that allow educators to respond effectively to data and continually improve student outcomes.

By applying the Literacy Essentials with every child, in every classroom, every day—and by providing coaches with the tools and support to help teachers do so—MAISD is committed to creating the conditions where all learners experience strong and steady literacy growth.

• Learn more about the Essential Instructional Practices in Early Literacy 
• Learn more about the Essential Coaching Practices for Elementary Literacy 

Want to share your voice?  

Heather Phillips, MAISD Early Childhood Literacy Coordinator, welcomes you to connect, learn, and share.

Email her at  hphillips@maisd.com or call 616-225-6174.

• Heather Phillips is a passionate educator serving as the Early Literacy Coordinator for MAISD. She holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Michigan State University and a B.A. in Psychology with Special Education endorsements from Grand Valley State University. Dedicated to supporting educators, caregivers, and students, Heather leads with compassion and a commitment to research-based practices. She believes strongly in the transformative power of coaching for both individuals and teams. Her recent professional learning includes collaboration with university researchers and literacy experts on the Essential Instructional Practices in Elementary and Early Literacy, child-centered engagement, and the Historically Responsive Literacy Framework. In addition, Heather is an Acadience Mentor and Explicit Instruction Trainer.

MAISD Literacy Coaches by District

• Central Montcalm Public Schools - Erin Blumberg
• Greenville Public Schools - Jodi Shoemake
• Lakeview Community Schools - Sarah Johnson
• Montabella Community Schools - Mary Blumer
• Vestaburg Community School - Amy Johnston
• Tri County Area Schools- Holly Lanega and Jami Karhoff