Literacy instruction doesn't have to feel like a puzzle.
There's an easier way to teach reading and writing.
STREAMLINE. SIMPLIFY. STRENGTHEN.Hi, I'm Michelle
You want to teach reading and writing well, but the daily pressure to do more in less time makes it feel overwhelming.
When we stop adding more programs, tools, and “one more thing,” instruction gets clearer—for teachers and students.
As a literacy coach, I help you streamline what matters most, simplify planning, and strengthen instruction—so you can spend less time juggling all the things...and more time actually teaching kids.
I'll help you with:
*Practical strategies
*Clear, doable ways to integrate reading and writing
*Time-saving, research-aligned practices that focus on what works
Whether you're a new or well-seasoned teacher or school leader, I am here to be your literacy partner.
Through 1:1 coaching, my blog, or digital courses, I'm here to support you with simple, sound, high-impact instructional strategies so you can do LESS--but better.
If that sounds like it's what you're looking for, you've come to the right place!
I GET IT. I'VE BEEN THERE. TEACHING IS HARD!!
Like you, I understand how it feels to go home exhausted at the end of every day. I know what it feels like to juggle too many student needs, too many standards, and never have nearly enough time. Then there's the constant new research around best practices, and SO MANY opinions swirling around. It's impossible to keep up, and even harder to know which direction to go! Too often, educators are left feeling frustrated and defeated.
That's why my #1 goal is to help educators at all levels regain their confidence AND their time.
After more than two decades as an educator both in the classroom and as a literacy coach, I've learned (and continue to learn!) a whole lot of lessons. I've learned how to streamline, cut the clutter, and hone in on research-based best practices that truly move the needle for kids. There really are ways to fit it all in AND still have a life!
That's why I partner together with hard-working educators like you. Together, we can solve your literacy puzzles. You are not alone!
Book a coaching call, and together we'll determine next steps that will matter most for student learning--without the stress and overwhelm!
How I can help you
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Determine a goal and plan next steps
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Get full, weekly support with your goal, including student data analysis, reflection, and refinement to ensure lasting impact
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I work with instructional leaders to develop customized goals specific to your school context. Let's work together to move literacy forward in your building!
Grab my freebies to help you simplify!
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Fitting it all in can seem impossible. But it's not! Here are 5 completely different ways to schedule ALL the components of literacy instruction into a 90 or 120 minute block PLUS even more helpful tips!
Show me how to structure my literacy block -
With this cheat sheet, you'll learn the 5 simple steps I use for planning efficient lessons that combine reading and writing instruction in just ONE powerful lesson!
I want to save time planning lessons -
There's NEVER enough time. That's why gaining some of it back with things we can absolutely control is key. Here's a guide filled with 12 ways to do just that!
I want to figure out where I can gain time -
There are so many simple things we can do to increase student reading engagement. Learn more than a dozen often-missed tips you can do now that will immediately improve student focus!
Show me how to improve reading engagement! -
Simple tools to help you streamline and simplify your instruction.
Show me more free resources!
What Others Say About Coaching with Me
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Michelle's coaching cycles allow for teacher autonomy and meeting the needs of ALL students. She took the time to understand my goals, strengths, and areas of improvement. We then used real-time data to decide on my instructional practices. She offered best teaching practices and provided feedback. She checked in to ensure that I continued to meet my goal(s). She helped build my teaching confidence and was my biggest cheerleader! Her motto of "How can I help" is evident in her practice.
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Michelle is very knowledgeable about a multitude of reading strategies. With Michelle's coaching, I have experienced within my resource classroom reading growth that is between 1.5 years to 2 years of growth for students. She truly understands different methodologies for reading and was able to help me implement the methods that worked!
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If you are wanting some "do this day one" to kick off researched writing techniques, I highly recommend you reach out to Michelle. We talked through my first week of school. She told me what materials to start with, broke it down into a daily plan, and what that should look like for my particular population. This isn't generic, 1-size fits all.
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I am so grateful for the time Michelle spent working with me. When I first started teaching the writing units, with my 5th graders, I felt overwhelmed by the structure and pacing. Michelle generously stepped in as a mentor, showing me how to make minilessons sharp, targeted, and engaging for 10 and 11 year-olds. She gave me practical strategies that not only were effective for ELA but was useful in other subjects as well. Thanks Michelle for not just meeting with me on our scheduled meetings but also replying when I panicked or had questions on the material. 100% recommend.
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I seriously do not think that I would be the teacher I am today without the wisdom and the knowledge that Michelle has shared with me and the ways she’s stretched me and supported me. I’m truly grateful for the impact she’s made on me as an educator!
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Michelle Ruhe has hands down been one of the most influential teachers I have ever worked with! She has this incredible ability to break things down into manageable pieces AND facilitate the work and asking you questions in a way that helps build your confidence and a sense of pride knowing you got this a lot more than you thought you did!!!
From The Blog
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Curriculum Planning Starts with Students, Not Scripts
Whether starting with a new unit, returning from an extended break, or starting the year fresh, knowing exactly what to focus on can be tough. There’s a lot to consider. …
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How to Get More from Your Read Aloud
In comparison to any other school subject, teaching literacy is kind of a behemoth. Not only are there many pieces and parts, it also undergirds every other subject. It’s a…
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Rethinking How to Organize Your Literacy Block
Figuring out how to organize your ELA block seems like it should be fairly straightforward. But in reality, it never feels that way. All the different literary components to fit…
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Who Says Knowledge-Building Has to Come in a Boxed Program?
By now, the education world is well aware of how important it is for students to know things about the world. What they bring to their reading and writing in…