Instructional Coaching with Ms. B

What if instructional coaching wasn’t about “fixing” teachers, but about helping them think more deeply and discover their own solutions? Today, I sat down with Mary Bouley to discuss Cognitive Coaching, a framework that develops teacher self-directedness through reflective conversations. She gives us a brief introduction to Cognitive Coaching and explains how it’s different from other coaching ap...

What if instructional coaching focused less on what teachers do and more on what students learn? In this episode, renowned author Diane Sweeney shares how Student-Centered Coaching helps educators shift focus from teacher actions to student learning. This episode breaks down what sets Student-Centered Coaching apart from other models, why real partnerships matter, and how focusing on students impa...

Tired of dusty data binders and wasted meeting time? Want strategies and tips for using data effectively? You're in the right place! In this episode, Jessica Lane and Jenelle McClenahen of Symplifyed join me to discuss how we can move beyond collecting data and use it to support learning without overwhelming teachers. We explore what types of data teachers need to collect and what to ignore. They...

Today, bestselling author Glen Pearsall joins me to talk about formative assessments: quick and easy check-ins that offer valuable insights into student learning. We discuss what distinguishes formative assessment from other types of assessment, as well as common misconceptions. Glen shares fast, effective formative assessment tools, including Traffic Lights and Fist-to-Five. You’ll hear how teach...

Looking for an introduction to different types of assessments? On this episode, the amazing Steve Ventura joins me to talk all about assessments and data. We discuss the differences between formative, benchmark, and summative assessments. You’ll learn how instructional coaches can support teachers in the creation of rigorous, standards-aligned assessments. Steve shares the five learning strategy b...

This week, we’re kicking off a new series about supporting better assessments . In our first episode, we examine how required lesson plans can support checks for understanding, and there’s no one I’d rather discuss this topic with than Dr. Jana Lee. During the episode, Dr. Lee and I explore the connection between lesson planning and assessment. We examine why lesson plans should be submitted to ad...

There are ways schools can use technology to deepen the learning process, but sometimes it’s used more like a babysitter than a learning tool! Today, I’m joined by education leader Stephanie Howell for an exciting episode about technology in schools. Stephanie explains what the research tells us about extensive technology in the classroom. She gives us strategies for supporting teachers as they in...

Uncertified teachers don’t have the same foundational knowledge as traditionally trained teachers, and that can be a huge challenge. But don’t worry, I brought one of my favorite guests, coach and author Lindsay Deacon, to help us dive into what the research says about this important topic. We discuss the typical background of uncertified teachers and why we’re seeing more of them in classrooms. Y...

What does social justice actually look like in real classrooms? Today, Rachael Lucille, School Program Specialist at Little Justice Leaders, joins me to discuss what social justice work can look like at different grade levels. She defines social justice and helps us explore its core principles. We share stories about our own children and how we approach age-appropriate conversations about equity a...

Ever walked into a classroom and felt an invisible wall go up? You’re not alone. Teacher resistance is one of the biggest hurdles coaches face, and overcoming it starts with you! In this episode, I share the first step to take when coaching resistant teachers. You’ll learn how to spot signs of resistance and identify common reasons teachers put up walls. I walk you through a practical reflection e...

We all want to help our teachers find more happiness in teaching, but it’s difficult knowing exactly how to make that happen when everything feels so hard. That’s why I’m so excited to sit down with Kim Strobel, motivational speaker, educator, and author, to discuss helping teachers find the joy in teaching. Kim tells us how she got interested in researching joy and well-being. She breaks down the...

Looking for simple and meaningful ways to lift teachers’ spirits all year long? In this episode, we’re talking all about monthly morale boosters for teachers that really work! I’m sharing practical strategies to help you infuse joy, even during the toughest school year. You’ll get a month-by-month guide packed with easy ways to show teachers they’re valued, from handwritten welcome notes to trail...

Do you ever wonder why some teachers avoid coaching, while others jump in with both feet? In this episode, I’m joined by Nicole S. Turner, founder of Simply Coaching, for an inspiring discussion about coaching culture and the four types of teachers: believers, tweeners, survivors, and fundamentalists. You’ll hear how to build a coaching culture and why it matters. Nicole shares strategies for addr...

How can the school leadership team (SLT) support a positive coaching culture on campus? Today, Dr. Christy Lamb joins me to discuss how coaching culture starts with the leadership team. She explains the purpose of the school leadership team and who might be on it. We explore what a school with a positive coaching culture looks like in real life and how the leadership team can support it. Dr. Lamb...

Setting norms with your PLC teams makes them more effective! When people know what’s expected of them, they perform better. In this episode, I share a module from The Confident Literacy Coach course on creating norms and agreements with teacher teams. You'll learn a step-by-step process for developing norms and actionable ways your team can hold each other accountable during meetings. Plus, I incl...

When we talk about starting PLC meetings, special education teachers are often treated as an afterthought. That needs to stop! In this episode, author Julie A. Schmidt joins me to discuss how to include special education teachers in PLC and team meetings. We address the reasons special educators are often left out of meetings, and she shares ways to break down these barriers! You’ll learn about th...

How can coaches support mindset shifts in their teacher teams? Today, Connie Hamilton joins me to discuss this important topic. We talk about cultivating a growth mindset in PLCs, managing diverse teams, and making data more meaningful. You’ll hear about the power of classroom visits and why it’s important to celebrate small wins. Connie also explains how coaches can shift from deficit thinking to...

What is collective efficacy for PLC teams? In this episode, Dr. Shannon LaFargue of Bullseye Education joins me to discuss collective teacher efficacy (CTE). He explains what collective efficacy is and why it matters for student achievement. During the episode, Dr. LaFargue breaks down the DNA double helix metaphor for teacher growth. You’ll also hear how to foster a culture of collective teacher...

Teacher teams not in sync? Don’t miss this episode! It can be really difficult if your teacher teams aren’t on the same page! In this episode, we’re breaking down 5 things to do if your teacher teams aren't aligned. You’ll hear how to recognize when a team is out of alignment and how to fix it. I share 5 simple strategies to improve your teacher teams, even if you’re just getting started. Discover...

Wondering how to plan a Family Literacy Night for your elementary school? In this episode, I share my best tips for a fun and engaging event. I offer examples of things I’ve done at my school and what a Family Literacy Night could look like on your campus. You’ll get ideas for choosing a purpose and theme. I give you strategies for getting sponsors, staffing the event, preparing the stations, orga...

What does it take to be a really great coach? If you’ve ever wondered which traits matter most, this episode is for you! I break down the 7 qualities of a great instructional coach. I also share my experiences transitioning from the classroom to coaching, including how my strengths as a teacher had to evolve to fit my new role. Whether you're a new coach or an experienced pro, this episode will he...

What are the books every instructional coach should read? In this episode, I’m sharing my favorite books about instructional coaching! I reveal my top seven coaching book recommendations, why I love each one, and how they helped me become a better coach. Listen to learn how these books can support your coaching work on campus! -Chrissy Beltran Buzzing with Ms. B Instagram - https://www.instagram.c...

Season 7 is here! To kick things off, we’re talking all about coaching through the seasons! I think we can all agree that coaching looks much different in the fall than it does in the spring! In this episode, we’re exploring how our roles as coaches shift throughout the school year and what it really means to coach through the seasons. I share how to respond to shifting teachers’ needs on campus a...

Today, we’re discussing five high-impact coaching strategies that make change happen in the classroom! During the episode, I outline the key characteristics of high-level coaching work. I provide an overview of the five high-impact instructional coaching strategies: visiting a colleague, classroom visit, modeling, co-teaching, and video coaching. I also review the three parts of a coaching cycle:...

Teachers are struggling to keep up with all the changes and challenges in education. Instructional coaches don't want to be one more thing for teachers to worry about. This makes some coaches reluctant to visit classrooms and coach, but the truth is teachers need us now more than ever. In this episode, I share my top four tips for coaching overwhelmed teachers. Listen to my suggestions for shiftin...