Instructional Coaching with Ms. B

When teachers ask for coaching support, they are more likely to be invested in the results. So how can you get teachers to initiate coaching cycles? On this episode, I explain how to create a coaching culture that encourages teachers to ask for the support they need. I share ideas for getting teachers to initiate coaching cycles. This episode is for you if you want practical strategies that engage...

The first 20 days of coaching are crucial for setting the stage for a successful school year. In this episode, I give you a step-by-step plan for your first 4 weeks on campus. You’ll learn what to do each week to get to know your staff, build relationships, and provide instructional coaching support. I also share some resources to help you get started. If you're looking for beginning of the year c...

One of my sources of stress as an instructional coach was modeling or co-teaching in classrooms that didn't have good management in place. Over time, I created a simple behavior management plan that helps in these situations. In this episode, I share this proactive approach to classroom management and how to use it as a coach. Listen to get all the details on my simple behavior management plan for...

Hey coaches! The coaching cycle is one of the most effective methods for supporting and growing teachers. This episode breaks down the process for you, one step at a time, so you can implement it right away! Join me in learning about why it's so important to plan together and assign roles, how you can set a goal that the teacher believes in, and what your debriefing conversation should look like!...

Wondering what you should do each month as an instructional coach? This episode is for you! I share a year-long guide to coaching with actionable steps and PD topics for each month. You’ll learn what to do at the beginning of the year and how to create an action plan to support teacher growth. Plus, I explain how my coaching planner can make it easier to stay focused all year long. Whether you're...

We’re wrapping up season 6 with an episode all about troubleshooting your instructional coaching. I break down five common coaching challenges and offer strategies to overcome each one. You’ll get ideas for building relationships, clarifying your role, kickstarting your coaching work, and ensuring your efforts actually stick. Plus, I highlight episodes from the past six seasons to support you as y...

How do you really know if your coaching is making a difference? In this episode, Dr. Jana Lee joins me to discuss evaluating work to provide evidence of instructional coaching effectiveness. We break down the indicators of instructional coaching impact and explore what real coaching success looks like in practice. Dr. Lee offers ideas for gathering both qualitative and quantitative evidence of you...

Looking for a fresh start this January? In this episode, principal and leadership coach Chanavia Patterson joins me to explore a mid-year reset: reintroducing yourself as a coach. She breaks down her powerful RESET framework for school leaders and instructional coaches. You’ll hear how to reframe your leadership mindset, equip your team, structure your time, engage in meaningful feedback, and tack...

In this episode, I share how coaches can use co-teaching to support teachers. You’ll hear about my struggles and breakthroughs as a new coach, plus discover why co-teaching is such a powerful tool for helping teachers make real changes in their classrooms. I walk you through how to plan and execute a co-teaching lesson, from pre-conference planning to post-lesson reflection. You’ll learn how using...

Ever walked out of an observation thinking, “Okay… now what?” Then this episode is for you! In “How to Make Coaching Observations Better,” I share what makes classroom visits truly impactful, plus everything I wish I’d known when I started coaching. You’ll learn why classroom observations matter and how focusing on a clear teacher goal makes your feedback more meaningful. I share best practices fo...

Looking to create real growth and collaboration among teachers? When educators learn from one another, schools experience greater alignment, deeper collaboration, and more confident teachers! In this episode, we explore one of the most impactful coaching strategies: visiting a colleague. I share practical tips for setting up a visit, choosing the right classroom, navigating the logistics, and maki...

What if every hallway chat or teacher complaint could become a coaching opportunity? Today, we’re kicking off our new series, Your Coaching Strategy Toolbox! In this episode, we’re talking about the mindset shift of Always be coaching: How to leverage every interaction. Discover strategies for turning even the shortest conversation or check-in into a coaching opportunity. I break down why traditio...

Developing critical thinking, reasoning, and problem-solving doesn’t have to be difficult! Today, author and coach Mona Iehl joins me to talk about her new book, Word Problem Workshop, and her five-step process for transforming math instruction. We explore how teachers can create student-centered math learning by moving beyond rote memorization into mathematical thinking, strategy sharing, and pro...

Want students who can learn, solve problems, and adapt? Find out how to make it happen with my guest Eva Mireles! In this episode, Eva breaks down the three processes that support student learning: metacognition, executive functioning, and self-regulation. Eva shares practical strategies for supporting metacognition, developing executive functioning skills, and fostering self-regulation as student...

In this episode, we’re exploring 3 things literacy coaches can do to set teachers up for success! First, I explain how to create mentor text baskets to use with teacher teams and provide a brief overview of the Book Pass strategy. We also discuss how book collections can build critical background knowledge across grade levels. Then, I break down how to develop aligned rubrics and conduct regular w...

Today, author and inquiry consultant Trevor MacKenzie joins me to discuss inquiry questioning routines. He explains what question routines are and how they support student learning. During the conversation, we explore how to provoke curiosity in students, ways to sort student-generated questions, and strategies for integrating inquiry questioning routines into unit planning. Trevor shares three qu...

Think differentiating instruction is too complicated? This episode will show you it doesn’t have to be! Today, educator and author Rick Wormeli joins me to discuss differentiating to meet different student needs. We talk about why differentiation is an equity issue and who we should be differentiating for. Rick explains where and how teachers can differentiate instruction. He shares classroom exam...

What are the components of strong Tier I instruction? In this episode, collaborative coach Olivia Wahl joins me to discuss the qualities of solid Tier I instruction. Together, we explore the problem with Tier I instruction that causes many students to need Tier II interventions. You’ll hear about what teachers can do to create better engagement and the practices to include in powerful Tier I instr...

How do I support all classrooms with instructional coaching? If you’re an instructional coach, you’ve probably asked yourself this question! In this episode, instructional coach and author Lindsay Deacon joins me to discuss what it takes to support every teacher and create a coaching experience that really makes a difference. She explains challenges coaches face when trying to support all classroo...

Let’s be real: demands on instructional coaches keep growing! But what if you could take back your time and actually have more hours each week? In this episode, Principal Mo joins me to show how AI can save you time as a school leader! She provides a beginner-friendly introduction to artificial intelligence and explains how better prompt engineering leads to improved results. You’ll get her top AI...

Instructional coaches juggle a lot! They support teachers, build relationships, attend meetings, and are often given tasks that go beyond their coaching role. So, how can you balance coaching with everything else you’re asked to do? In this episode, Instructional Coach Jaime Vandergrift joins me to discuss managing the many hats of an instructional coach. We explore the different hats instructiona...

Here’s what no one tells you: time management for instructional coaches starts with goals! In this episode, I walk you through how to set yearly, monthly, and weekly goals with real examples. You’ll also learn how defining your role and conducting a needs assessment can help you focus your coaching work. I share how I break down my big three goals into checkpoints to stay on track. Plus, you’ll he...

How you introduce yourself to teachers matters! In this episode, you’ll learn how to introduce yourself as an instructional coach. I talk about being introduced as the "expert" by my principal and the tension it caused with my teachers. You’ll hear about one of my favorite ways to get to know teachers and introduce your coaching role! Plus, guests Mona Iehl, Vanessa Ellis, and Amy Rudd share how t...

Want to start the school year strong? In this episode, I share my back to school instructional coaching checklist to help you hit the ground running! I walk you through my favorite books and resources to prepare for the upcoming school year. You’ll get a sneak peek inside my coaching binders, so you can see how I organize my resources and teacher documentation. Plus, I break down what to prioritiz...

What kind of coach do you want to be this school year? Join me and K-8 instructional coach Jessica Zimmerman as we discuss building your coaching personality. Drawing from 15 years in education, Jessica offers insights into what it means to develop your unique coaching identity. In this episode, you’ll discover how to clarify your core coaching values and reflect them through intentional actions....