Instructional Coaching with Ms. B

What does a school-wide approach to SEL look like on campus? Haley O'Connor of Teaching with Haley joins me on this episode to talk about how a school-wide approach to social-emotional learning can support students, teachers, and coaches. We discuss the components of CASEL’s social-emotional learning framework and the benefits of SEL for all. Listen to the episode to find out Haley’s tips for how...

Teacher burnout is a big problem in education! Instructional coaches can play a role in supporting teacher mental health by providing resources and tools to help them manage the stress of teaching. Danna Thomas of Happy Teacher Revolution joins me on this episode to discuss coach and teacher mental health. We talk about tips and tools to assist you in advancing mental health awareness and self-car...

Do you have trouble setting coaching boundaries? On this episode, Caitlin Peay Smith of How to Get Away with Teaching joins me to talk about why establishing limits makes you a better instructional coach. We discuss ways to set boundaries and how modeling them helps teachers. Tune in to learn how to set boundaries and say no without feeling guilty. -Chrissy Beltran Buzzing with Ms. B Instagram Buz...

As an instructional coach, I've been through all the feels. Coaching emotions range from happiness and excitement to frustration and stress. On this episode, I describe some common feelings experienced during instructional coaching work. I give you strategies for managing them and discuss one of my favorite methods for adding joy to my day. -Chrissy Beltran Buzzing with Ms. B Instagram Buzzing wit...

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...

Coaching teacher teams can be tricky. There are group dynamics at play that instructional coaches may not have control over. On this episode, Greg Deutmeyer from the Instructional Coaching Corner Podcast joins me to talk about working with teams of teachers. We discuss how to establish positive relationships and some of the common challenges when facilitating teams. Tune in to get tips for support...

Instructional coaches must be thoughtful and ensure the coaching provided is inclusive for all teachers. On this episode of the podcast, Jillian Starr discusses neurodiversity and how instructional coaches can support neurodivergent teachers. She shares her insights as a neurodiverse teacher and gives practical tips for making PLCs more inclusive. Jillian explains why allowing teachers to co-creat...

Effective communication is essential for building relationships with teachers and creating real change in schools. Author and consultant, Lisa Westman, joins me on this episode to share strategies for improving communication with teachers. We chat about empathy and why it’s a crucial component for instructional coaches. She also shares ideas for speaking with clarity and how to talk to resistant t...

It's not always easy to talk about sensitive subjects with teachers and administrators, but it's an essential part of the job. Dr. Heather Michel joins me on this episode to discuss how to find your voice and talk about what’s important. She shares tips for approaching difficult topics and strategies for communicating with teachers to make them feel at ease. We discuss ways instructional coaches c...

It can be hard to have meaningful coaching conversations with teachers when there aren’t any systems in place. Gretchen Bridgers from Always a Lesson joins me to discuss using rubrics to provide structure and a common language for instructional coaching work. We talk about how to get started using rubrics for feedback and their benefits. This episode is for you if you’re an instructional coach who...

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...

There are many highs and lows as an instructional coach. On this episode, I chat with Liz DeVargas Almeida about coaching teachers of English Language Learners (ELL). We talk about defining your role and how to get support from the administration. Liz and I discuss what to do when you’re being pulled in different directions. This coaching call episode is packed with tips and ideas to take your wor...

Have you ever thought about using video coaching with your teachers? Virtual coach Cory Camp joins me to talk about video-enhanced coaching. We discuss some common objections and how instructional coaches can help teachers overcome them. She shares the tools she uses and what a video coaching cycle looks like in action. Learn all about using this form of virtual professional development. -Chrissy...

Why should an instructional coach have a model classroom on their campus? On this episode, you’ll learn what a model classroom is and why you should have one. I give you tips for picking the right teacher and questions to ask to set goals for your coaching work. Get ideas for how to use the model classroom to leverage your impact across classes. -Chrissy Beltran Buzzing with Ms. B Instagram Buzzin...

Do you want to learn more about coaching teachers in bilingual and dual-language classrooms? On this episode, I’m joined by Dyana Vera of Biliteracy Now. We talk about the goals of bilingual programs and common misconceptions. Join us as we discuss best practices for coaching bilingual and dual-language classrooms even if can't speak both languages. -Chrissy Beltran Buzzing with Ms. B Instagram Bu...

Changing roles as an instructional coach can feel scary. It’s intimidating to try something new. My guest Megan Williams Martin tells us how she transitioned from a primary to secondary school coach and why she’s happy she did it! Megan explains how she prepared for her new assignment and what she did at the beginning of the year to develop trust with the teachers. Listen for actionable tips to he...

Are you coaching new teachers? On this episode, I'm joined by literacy instructional coach Nikki Drury. We talk about how coaches can help teachers get acclimated to a new school and the administration's expectations. Listen to this coaching call to learn tips for coaching new teachers. -Chrissy Beltran Buzzing with Ms. B Instagram Buzzing with Ms. B TpT The Coaching Podcast Show Notes Coffee & Co...

Building relationships with teachers can be challenging. In this episode of The Coaching Podcast, I discuss five ways instructional coaches can improve their relationships with teachers. I give real-world examples of what it looked like in my coaching. Listen for suggestions to boost your mindset, so it is easier to bond with the teaching team at your school. -Chrissy Beltran Buzzing with Ms. B In...

Instructional coaches have different responsibilities depending on the school and district. If you’re not clear about your role, teachers will try to give you additional jobs. In this episode, I share my reflections on an article by Joellen Killion about the 10 roles of coaches. I explain what each looked like in my day-to-day coaching. You’ll hear what it looks like from a real coach who tried an...

The principal-coach relationship is crucial to achieving school-wide goals. Angela Kelly Robeck joins me on the podcast to share her insights into how coaches can develop and leverage their partnership with principals. We discuss how to communicate more effectively and the question coaches should ask principals to understand their vision for the school. Listen as she shares how coaches can develop...

It's not always easy for coaches to create interest in professional development sessions. But there are things you can do to help teachers improve their practice and access the support they need to grow. My guest, Missy Sinclair, is an instructional coach working with fifth through eighth-grade teachers. We discuss the great work she's already doing and talk through some of the struggles she has i...

Coaching communities provide a place to connect with others and share resources. Nicole S. Turner of Simply Coaching and Teaching joins me to discuss building a coaching community. We chat about the benefits of being a part of an instructional coaching support system like our Coffee and Coaching Membership. She shares how to find a community that’s right for you and why learning with others makes...

How can instructional coaches stay organized and focused when traveling to multiple campuses? Laura Williams of Down River Resources joins me on the podcast to discuss the systems she uses as a traveling coach. She shares tips and tricks that you can use to stay organized when on the road. During the interview, we talk about how she uses "pause points" throughout the day to help her follow-up with...

As instructional coaches, our ultimate goal is to guide teachers through the coaching cycle. On this episode, we look at the levels of support that coaches can provide and how to use those options to build a coaching menu. Providing different levels of support can help you get your foot in the door with teachers by ensuring there are multiple access points. The more coaching choices you provide, t...

Setting up your instructional coaching office space doesn't have to be a daunting task! On this episode of the Coaching Podcast, I share my top tips for arranging your room, including eight different areas that you may want in your workspace. You'll get ideas for making your office functional and comfortable so teachers will feel at home when they come to see you! -Chrissy Beltran Buzzing with Ms....