Introducing Our Early Literacy Coach: Paula Harms
We are excited to welcome Paula Harms back to Osseo-Fairchild Elementary as our Early Literacy Coach through the Wisconsin Early Literacy Coaching Program. Paula has already spent time in our building, working with staff through professional learning and beginning her coaching work with our teachers. We are excited to continue building on that work and are grateful to have Paula supporting our school in this important role.
The Wisconsin Early Literacy Coaching Program, supported by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, is designed to help schools strengthen early literacy instruction and improve reading outcomes for students in 5K through 3rd grade. Our early literacy coach works alongside teachers and administrators by providing professional learning, coaching, classroom support, and helping staff use literacy data to inform instruction. The program focuses on systematic and explicit, science-based early literacy practices, including phonological awareness, phonics, vocabulary, comprehension, writing, and reading fluency.
As part of her work at Osseo-Fairchild, Paula will collaborate with teachers, look at literacy data and instructional practices, provide professional learning and coaching, and help us continue to strengthen our systems of support for early reading. Her role is centered on supporting teachers, building capacity, and helping us provide the strongest possible literacy instruction for every student.
Get to Know Mrs. Harms
Mrs. Harms is an Iowa native who attended college for both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in South Dakota. She earned her doctorate through Capella University in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Mrs. Harms and her husband have lived in the Osseo-Fairchild School District for the past 11 years. Outside of work, they enjoy traveling and maintaining a large garden filled with both flowers and vegetables. Paula is also an avid reader—which seems like a pretty great fit for her new role!
When asked what she is most looking forward to about working with Osseo-Fairchild, she shared:
“I am excited about this position and working with all the teachers, as well as meeting all the students and getting to know them!”
We are excited to have Mrs. Harms back in our schools and look forward to the positive impact her experience, knowledge, and collaboration will have on our teachers and students. Please join us in welcoming Paula to her role as our Early Literacy Coach!