Instructional Coaching with Ms. B

Why is it so hard to change our mindset and behaviors? In this episode, I talk to AJ Crabill about changing adult mindsets in order to improve student outcomes. We discuss why student outcomes don’t change until we shift adult mindsets, the reasons it’s difficult to change our mindset, and how being vulnerable in the school boardroom echoes in the classroom. He explains the 3 key drivers of adult...

Are you an instructional coach looking to learn more about growth mindset in coaching? In this episode, Becca Silver, CEO and Founder of The Whole Educator, joins us to discuss all things mindset. During the show, we discuss why having a growth mindset is important for instructional coaches and the teachers we work with. You'll learn about the differences between fixed and growth mindsets. Becca a...

Welcome to Season 4 of the podcast. I’m so excited about this season because every episode is inspired by you, the listener. In this episode, we’re talking all about imposter syndrome in instructional coaching. I’ll explain what imposter syndrome is and where it comes from. You’ll learn why instructional coaches have imposter syndrome and ways to work through it. During the show, I share how self-...

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...

Supporting teachers with behavior management can be tough, especially if it's not an area you usually coach. In this episode, I have a coaching call with Brandy Brown, a K-2 academic coach, about behavior support and classroom management. During the episode, she shares some of her coaching challenges, and we brainstorm solutions she can try on campus. We talk about how to coach teachers on behavio...

How can instructional coaches help teachers create positive and engaging classroom environments? In this episode, Caitie of Caitie Cupples Teaching joins me to discuss engagement and classroom community as behavior supports. We talk about developing relationships with students, creating a supportive classroom culture, and integrating social-emotional learning into the curriculum. She shares strate...

Have you heard of anti-racist behavior management? In episode 127 of The Coaching Podcast, I chat with Dr. Deonna Smith about anti-racist behavior management and making classrooms inclusive for all students. We discuss the systemic issues with schools, why cultural awareness matters, and ways to make culture visible in the classroom. If you want to learn more about anti-racist behavior management...

Coaching cycles are the bread and butter of our work. They're how we create change in schools and support teachers daily. But it can be difficult to find teachers willing to take part in them. In this coaching call episode, I talk with Malia Oshiro about getting teachers to participate in coaching cycles. We discuss ways to build relationships with teachers, explain your role, and prioritize your...

Are you having trouble getting teachers to integrate new learning in the classrooms? Do they do the work during the coaching cycle, but when you visit their room, nothing has changed? In this episode, we're talking about how instructional coaches can support teachers by using gradual release with coaching cycles. We discuss the basics of the gradual release model, the steps involved in using it wi...

How can we tailor the coaching cycle to meet the needs of the teachers on our team? In this episode, Dr. Kise of Differentiated Coaching Associates joins me to talk about differentiating coaching cycles. She shares the four coaching styles she identified and how our personality traits influence the way we learn, think, and respond. We discuss how coaches can use what we know about personality type...

Many teachers and schools are reporting more intense behaviors from students since the start of the pandemic. In this episode, Amanda Wilson from Navigating Behavior Change joins me to talk about best practices for behavior management and how coaches can use data to help teachers with classroom management. We discuss the importance of being proactive when addressing behavior, as well as strategies...

Coaching cycles are vital for supporting all teachers and helping them grow professionally. In this episode, we're talking about using data to inform coaching cycles from beginning to end. Learn how to collect data, what types of data to use, and how to use it during different parts of your coaching cycle. Plus, find out how to use data to focus your coaching and understand the impact of your work...

What does advocating for equity in schools look like, and how can instructional coaches play a role? On this episode, Dr. Lindsey Wilson joins me to discuss this important topic. She shares how we can advocate for our students from our coaching positions and provides examples of what equity work looks like at different grade levels. Dr. Wilson explains some challenges schools face when making chan...

Many teachers (and instructional coaches) dread data meetings. They can be long, unproductive, and make teachers feel defensive about their students' performance. But data meetings don't have to be this way! If we approach them with a different mindset, they can be a powerful tool for driving instruction and student learning. On this episode, I talk about facilitating a data PLC and how coaches ca...

Do you feel overwhelmed facilitating planning PLCs? You're not alone. It was the hardest thing I learned to do as a new coach. But after a while, planning collaboratively with teachers became one of my favorite things. In this episode, I share my 6-step process for planning PLCs, plus tips for setting up group norms. You'll also hear stories and examples from my coaching journey. Join me as we tak...

What if you could shift your coaching mindset and see lasting change in your teachers? This episode is all about building the coaching mindset and how it changes the way you work with teachers. You'll learn about having a defined role, how to better communicate with teachers, and ways to embrace a growth mindset. If you're ready to change the way you think about coaching, this episode is for you!...

What is a coaching menu, and how can you use it with teachers? On this episode, I'm chatting with instructional coach Raymi Royo about how she uses coaching menus to frame her work with teachers. She shares how it has helped her teachers better understand their students and approach professional learning in a more open way. We also chat about how to create a coaching menu, what to include, and how...

A lot of instructional coaches have strained relationships with their administration. They don't feel supported, or they feel like the principal doesn't understand their coaching role. On this episode, I'm joined by the authors of The EduCoach Survival Guide, Lindsay Deacon and Angela Scotto Harkness. We talk about problem solving the principal-coach relationship and how coaches can build positive...

Instructional coaches often address content and skills with teachers but rarely focus on mindset. On this episode, I talk to Becca Silver of The Whole Educator about transformational coaching. We discuss what it is, the benefits, and how it's different from traditional coaching. You'll learn about reflective listening and building relationships with educators. If you want to learn more about trans...

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...

Planning purposeful PD isn’t always easy! On this episode, I have a coaching call with Kristi Rice. She’s a first-year instructional coach building her school’s coaching program from the ground up. We discuss how to get started planning PDs and ways to overcome common challenges. You'll learn how to tier support for PDs and PLCs, ideas for guided reading professional development, strategies for fi...

Have you tried using an inquiry-based approach with the teachers you coach? In this episode, author Jessica Vance joins me to discuss her book, Leading with a Lens of Inquiry. We discuss the inquiry process, how to use it during professional development, and tips for overcoming common challenges. Discover how to use inquiry as a framework for leadership and learning. Listen now to get practical id...

Planning for professional development doesn’t have to be difficult. On this episode, I share my PD planning process from start to finish. You’ll learn all the steps I take to plan professional learning for the teachers on my team. I walk you through my process, from conducting a needs assessment to following up with teachers and everything in between. Learn how to build a PD calendar, tips for cho...

Looking for a new way to provide professional development? Try Pineapple PD and let teachers learn from each other through classroom observations! On this episode, middle school instructional coach Heather Ehlschide joins me to talk all about this unique form of professional learning. You’ll learn what it is, how to get started, ideas for scheduling it, and how to overcome common challenges. Heath...

Tired of offering the same old professional development to your teachers? Want to mix things up and try something new? On this episode of The Coaching Podcast, we’re discussing the PD opportunities you might be missing. You'll learn ways to deliver engaging professional learning. Join me as I share my experiences with school-wide in-service, after-school PD, and book studies. Click now to listen t...