Instructional Coaching with Ms. B

This week we’re starting a new series that will help you set up your second semester instructional coaching action plan. But before we can create our new plan, we need to reflect on what we’ve accomplished so far this year. In this episode, Dr. Kim Ramadan joins me to discuss reflecting on your fall semester of instructional coaching. We chat about how coaches should think differently about the up...

Coaching teachers can be overwhelming, especially if we try to coach them all the same way! When we differentiate our work based on a teacher’s current needs, we make it much more meaningful! This past semester, I worked with several coaches to apply strategies from my Instructional Coaching Strategy Toolbox to their work. Today, I invited one of these coaches, Gina Armstrong, to talk about her ex...

How can we turn our interactions with teachers into more meaningful coaching work? Today, we’re continuing our series about Your Coaching Strategy Toolbox. In this episode, we’re looking at differentiating coaching strategies to meet teacher needs on campus. I share different coaching situations and offer suggestions for what to do in each. You’ll get ideas for leveraging low-level strategies into...

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:...

Is your time spent in PLCs and team meetings actually translating into changes in classroom instruction? If not, this episode is a must listen! Today, we’re looking at why you’re not seeing classrooms change with PLC meetings. This is the second episode in our series about Your Coaching Strategy Toolbox! During the podcast, we explore moderate-level strategies, reasons they may not be as effective...

Today we’re starting a new series about instructional coaching strategies! In this episode, we’re looking at how to leverage low-level coaching strategies into coaching work. I introduce the concept of The Coaching Strategy Toolbox and explain why we need to differentiate support for teachers. You’ll hear about four low-impact strategies, some benefits of using them with teachers, and how to lever...

Turnover rates are really high in schools right now! We have a lot of new people in the field, and many don’t have experience in the classroom. As instructional coaches, we need to provide special support for these new teachers. In this episode, author and associate professor Dr. Bryan Harris joins me to discuss coaching new and unlicensed teachers. We talk about the reasons for high turnover rate...

Today Dr. Jason Andrews of Solution Tree joins me to discuss how to use PLCs to support culture and change. During the episode, we talk about some challenges facing schools right now and how they affect our PLCs. Dr. Andrews shares how professional learning communities can foster a collaborative environment and support teachers, especially new ones. He explains how to use PLCs to build a thriving...

How can instructional coaches support teachers who are burned out and not excited about teaching anymore? I’ve been getting this question a lot, especially in the last few years! To provide some answers, I invited an expert on teacher burnout to help guide us! In this episode, Amber Harper from Burned-In Teacher joins me to discuss strategies for supporting burned out teachers. We explore the thre...

How instructional coaches talk to teachers and provide feedback matters A LOT!!! In this episode, Hillary McCaskey from Enneagram and Coaching joins me to discuss providing feedback to Enneagram personality types. This episode is part of our new series, Relationships, Resistance, and Rookies! During the conversation, we discuss how to customize feedback for each of the 9 Enneagram personality type...

Sometimes urgent things like covering classes or lunch duty take over the important stuff. When this happens, you might not have time to work on the instructional coaching goals you set, but there are some things you can do to make sure you reach your goals. In this episode, we’re talking about checking your progress on your 30/60/90 day action plan for instructional coaching. It’s the final episo...

Struggling to set and achieve your coaching goals? Help is here! Today we’re continuing our series about creating your 90-day action plan. In this episode, we’re discussing goal setting for your 30/60/90 day action plan for instructional coaching. You’ll hear about looking at data to identify patterns and possible focus areas. We explore how to use that information to set actionable goals for the...

If you feel like you’re spinning your wheels and not spending your time on campus in the right places, you need an action plan! In this episode, we’re discussing how to collect data for a 30/60/90 day coaching plan! I share my four-step process for conducting a needs assessment that will inform your coaching action plan. We talk about the three tiers of teacher support, types of data to consider,...

Today we’re talking about how your coaching job description will set you up for success...or not! Without a clear coaching job description, a lot of non-coaching work can get dumped on us! Having a strong coaching role helps you figure out where to focus your time and if you’ve been successful or not! In this episode, I share the reasons you need a coaching job description. We go over what should...

Today we’re celebrating 200 episodes!!! For this special occasion, I decided to do something super fun! I’m going to tell you my top 10 episodes from the last 5 years. These are not necessarily the most popular ones but they’re my favorite. You’ll also learn how to play BINGO with me and earn some great prizes. But act fast because the game ends August 11, 2024! Listen now to learn about my top 10...

Why do instructional coaches need to create a proactive PD calendar? Listen to find out! In this episode, we discuss how coaches can anticipate potential challenges and ensure they have the resources to support teachers' success. You'll learn how to proactively plan a PD calendar for the school year. Plus, get suggestions for different types of professional development you can try with teachers. C...

This week we’re discussing why instructional coaches should invest in content and curricular knowledge. I share 3 things you can do to make sure you have a handle on what students are expected to learn in your grades, your subject areas, and at your school. During the podcast, you’ll learn the steps instructional coaches can take to gain a deeper understanding of content and curriculum. Some other...

How can instructional coaches build strong relationships with teachers during the first 20 days of school? In this episode, we’re discussing why instructional coaches need to intentionally build relationships with the 3Cs. You’ll hear about what to focus on at the beginning of the year to set up a solid coaching foundation. Learn about the important role of consistency, clarity, and connection in...

In this episode, I'm talking about why it's important for instructional coaches to situate themselves in the school system with intentionality. We explore things you can do during the first week of coaching to set up a strong coaching foundation, including having a clarity conversation, creating a coaching menu, and meeting teachers with a positive interaction. Doing these things helps ensure you,...

The first 20 days of coaching are so important! They set the foundation for the rest of the year! In this episode, David White joins me to discuss the steps he took at the beginning of the year to establish himself as an instructional coach. We talk about what went well, how his role evolved over the school year, and some of the adjustments he plans on making next year. David also tells us about h...

Today, Elena Aguilar, founder of Bright Morning Consulting, joins me to discuss her new book, Arise: The Art of Transformational Coaching. During the episode, we look at the differences between transformational and instructional coaching. Elena tells us about the 3 Bs of transformational coaching and explains why we need to coach emotions and beliefs too. We talk about listening expansively, coach...

What is the principal's role in instructional coaching? In this episode, I’m chatting with Nicole S. Turner of Simply Instructional Coaching about how administration impacts coaching on campus. We discuss creating a culture of coaching by working closely with your principal and developing a shared vision for supporting teachers!  Nicole emphasizes the importance of developing a relationship with y...

School leaders set the tone in the building! In this episode, Jon Saphier, founder of Research for Better Teaching, joins me to discuss how leaders can create a culture of growth and learning. He shares his experiences working with schools to create a culture where everyone is open to improving. During the episode, we explore the characteristics of leaders who build positive school cultures and th...

What are the qualities strong school leaders possess? You know the type of leader who inspires teachers to try new things and grow. In this episode, we look at what makes that kind of leader with author and award-winning education leader, Dwight Carter. During the episode, we talk about his book, Be Great: Five Principles to Improve School Culture from the Inside Out. He shares the five qualities...

Math is everywhere in our world, and we want to make sure students are prepared! So how can instructional coaches support teachers with highly effective math strategies? In this episode, math educator and author, Kristen Acosta joins me to give her insights on improving math instruction in our schools. She shares what a great math classroom looks like and explains how coaches can help make it happ...