Instructional Coaching with Ms. B

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....

Today, we’re exploring what instructional coaching is and is not, with educational consultant and coach Jasmine Abbey Bell. We look at what it takes to define your role, build strong relationships, and set yourself up for success. You’ll learn what instructional coaching is and the biggest misconceptions that can sabotage coaches. Jasmine also shares practical ways to clarify your role for adminis...

What is the purpose of instructional coaching, and how can you prove its value to your school community? In this episode, I sit down with Education Consultant Erinn Cottman to explore what instructional coaching is, why it is necessary, and how it supports both teacher development and student academic success. Erinn emphasizes the importance of establishing a culture of coaching in schools, develo...

Hey coach, been feeling all the feelings lately? You’re definitely not alone! In this episode, literacy coach and adjunct professor Leah Ruesink joins me for an honest conversation about instructional coaching: more feelings than you'd expect! We discuss the big feelings instructional coaches often grapple with, including feelings of imposter syndrome, isolation, and self-doubt. Leah shares her jo...

Ready for an inside look at a day in the life of an administrator who coaches? Discover how my guest, Jodi Wilson, balances teacher support, student learning, and administrative work! In this episode, Jodi shares what a day in the life of an administrator who coaches is really like. She emphasizes the importance of being an instructional leader, not just an administrator. Jodi reflects on her tran...

We’re taking you inside a day in the life of a high school instructional coach! In this episode, Allie Freeburg shares what a typical day looks like for her at an urban charter school. Allie offers an honest look at her coaching role, including how she supports teachers, overcomes common challenges, and drives positive change. She breaks down how she structures PLC meetings and discusses how she b...

Curious about what it’s like to coach at more than one school? In this episode, Mallory Martin gives us a glimpse into a day in the life of an instructional coach with multiple campuses. She walks us through her weekly coaching schedule and shares how she manages her time. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at her organizational system, including her top six tips for traveling coaches. Mallory al...

This week, we’re wrapping up our series on schoolwide behavior and management practices that work. In this episode, Sam Parmerlee, The ED Queen, joins me to talk about behavior de-escalation for instructional coaches. During the episode, Sam discusses the kinds of behaviors we are seeing in the classroom. We explore why equity is an important consideration when thinking about student behavior. Sam...

What does social-emotional learning (SEL) as a schoolwide approach look like in action? In this episode, I’m joined by Lana Penley, author and founder of Unlocking SEL, to explore this important topic. Lana shares her experience with SEL during a school crisis and how it supported both students and staff. We talk about what social-emotional learning is and what it’s not! She explains how SEL helps...

In this episode, we’re exploring MTSS school systems that support student behavior with Crystal Ceresani from the Behavior Alliance of South Carolina. We discuss how the Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) can be used to manage behavior more effectively, starting with proactive Tier 1 strategies. Crystal outlines why behavior needs to be explicitly taught, just like academics, and what that look...