So, you made it through the door. Now what? In this episode, we’re talking about coaching observations and what to look for while you’re in classrooms! You’ll hear why it’s helpful to focus on one specific student-centered goal during classroom visits. I break down the three main categories to look for during teacher observations: classroom management, student engagement, and instruction. I also explain what data I record during classroom observations and how I track what I see to ensure a produ...
Mar 04, 2024•27 min•Season 5Ep. 178
Providing clear and concise feedback to teachers during coaching cycles is so important! But a big challenge for many instructional coaches is actually getting to the conversation. On this episode, Alissa Crabtree from Crabtree Coaching Collaborative joins me to discuss providing teacher feedback. We talk about how to schedule these reflective conversations, what they can look like on campus, and some common mistakes coaches make when giving feedback to teachers. Plus learn how coaches can help ...
Feb 27, 2024•35 min•Season 5Ep. 177
In this episode, we’re talking about kickstarting your coaching cycles with Allison Petersen from #NewToCoaching. During the conversation, we discuss using instructional coaching cycles to support teachers' individual needs. Using real-life examples, Allison shares ideas for initiating coaching cycles organically, building relationships with teachers, and prioritizing coaching cycles in your schedule. She also gives tips for finding teachers who want your support, ways to get teachers excited ab...
Feb 19, 2024•52 min•Season 5Ep. 176
Are you looking for ideas to help improve your instructional coaching cycles? In this episode, Jim Knight, Founder of Instructional Coaching Group, joins me to discuss fine-tuning your instructional coaching cycles! During the show, we talk about setting goals, collaborative conversations, and prioritizing student learning. Jim also discusses honoring teachers as professionals and ways to partner with them for more effective coaching cycles. Some other topics we explore are the seven success fac...
Feb 12, 2024•37 min•Season 5Ep. 175
Welcome to Season 5!!! Our theme this month is “Coaching Cycles - Make Them Happen!”. I’m excited to kick off this series with an introduction to mini instructional coaching cycles. During the show, I explain the steps in a mini coaching cycle and give you some real-life examples too! I also share tips for how to build relationships with teachers and initiate these mini coaching cycles. If you’re nervous about starting longer coaching cycles or it’s been a struggle to fit them into your schedule...
Feb 05, 2024•28 min•Season 5Ep. 174
We’re wrapping up season 4 with a special episode all about creating, planning, and implementing common assessments. I share my experiences working with teacher teams on common assessments. Plus, I give you my process for creating common assessments aligned to state standards and ideas for how you can use the data to inform teaching. You’ll learn about analyzing data with teams, authentically preparing students for state tests, identifying power standards, creating small groups to differentiate ...
Nov 27, 2023•31 min•Season 4Ep. 173
I really love coaching call episodes! You get to hear about some of the real challenges coaches in the field are facing on campus and get some helpful tips. This episode I’m joined by Stacy Amsden, a second-year instructional coach. During the call, we problem solve some issues she’s having at her school around data and assessments. Stacy and I talk about how she can support her teachers with these challenges through PLCs. On the call, we work through ideas for getting started with data PLCs, in...
Nov 20, 2023•48 min•Season 4Ep. 172
Formative assessments are an important part of the teaching and learning cycle. In this episode, Steve Ventura, President of Advanced Collaborative Solutions, joins me as we dig into formative assessments and data. Steve explains the difference between formative, summative, and interim assessments. He talks about the power of short-cycle formative assessments, provides tips for designing assessments, and shares practical ideas for implementation. From aligning assessment items with learning targ...
Nov 13, 2023•1 hr•Season 4Ep. 171
Are your data meetings all talk and no action? Join me as I chat with Jessica Zimmerman about how we can use the data we’re collecting to guide instruction and meet the individual needs of our students. During this episode, we explore different types of data, the benefits of analyzing multiple forms of data including student work, and the characteristics of an effective data meeting. You’ll learn about the benefits of using pre-assessment data and the importance of building in planning time afte...
Nov 06, 2023•56 min•Season 4Ep. 170
How can instructional coaches get teachers to engage in coaching cycles? In this coaching call episode, I sit down with academic coach Erica Denkenberger to problem-solve some challenges she's facing implementing coaching cycles at her school. We talk about getting buy-in from teachers, tips for reducing resistance to new programs, and ways to get started with coaching cycles. You’ll get ideas for having difficult conversations with teachers and how to turn different strategies into coaching cyc...
Oct 30, 2023•52 min•Season 4Ep. 169
Do you have questions about coaching cycles? Well, I've got answers! In this episode, I answer 7 questions from instructional coaches about how to make coaching cycles work! Some of the key challenges I address include introducing coaching cycles, working with resistant teachers, and following up with busy teachers. I share tips for using colleague visits to shift perspectives and give you ideas for how to end coaching cycles. You'll learn about supporting teachers who have meltdowns and what to...
Oct 23, 2023•32 min•Season 4Ep. 168
Coaching cycles don’t need to be complicated! Sometimes instructional coaches get caught up in this idea that coaching cycles have to be done in a certain way or follow a specific formula, but that’s not the case. What we really need to do is differentiate learning and find ways to make the coaching cycle work for all our teachers. In this episode, I talk about 3 different parts of a coaching cycle. I give you 5 options for classroom work and what they can look like in the classroom. Don’t miss ...
Oct 17, 2023•24 min•Season 4Ep. 167
Wondering how to help teachers achieve their goals during coaching cycles? In this episode, Sherry St. Clair, President of Reflect to Learn, joins me to dive into this important topic. During our conversation, we talk about setting small, focused S.M.A.R.T. goals and how to keep those goals at the center of coaching cycles to maximize impact. Listen in as we discuss differentiating goals and how to align school-wide goals with teacher's goals. You’ll get tips for having honest conversations that...
Oct 09, 2023•41 min•Season 4Ep. 166
Teachers are really busy, but that can’t stop us from coaching them! What if we could offer coaching cycles without the need for so many face-to-face meetings? In this episode, I’m sharing ideas for coaching with fewer meetings. I talk about ways instructional coaches can use technology to build relationships and collaborate with teachers. I also give you some of my favorite tips for maximizing your time in the classroom with teachers when you model or co-teach. You’ll learn about using a coachi...
Oct 02, 2023•22 min•Season 4Ep. 165
Want better PLCs? Well, you’re in for a treat! In this special coaching call episode, I’m talking with Alyssa Tyra about how to implement professional learning communities (PLCs). Alyssa is a first-year middle school instructional coach trying to move her PLCs from just learning information and dissecting standards into something more meaningful. During the episode, we troubleshoot some of the challenges she’s facing and discuss what coaches can do to create purposeful PLCs even when it hasn’t g...
Sep 25, 2023•39 min•Season 4Ep. 164
Have you ever found yourself struggling to get teachers on board with collaborative planning? Do you want to improve your curriculum writing process with your PLCs? If you said yes, this episode is for you! Today educational justice coach, Lindsay Lyons joins me to talk about writing curriculum together. In this episode we discuss leveraging PLCs for curriculum development, the challenges coaches face when planning curriculum with a team, and the different roles instructional coaches take on dur...
Sep 18, 2023•47 min•Season 4Ep. 163
If you want to create change across a school, you've got to get teachers together to see teaching in action. In this episode, we’re talking about building PLCs through open classrooms. You'll learn the benefits of instructional rounds and how they help build a community of learners. I share a step-by-step process instructional coaches can follow for implementing instructional rounds. I take you through the process, from ghost walkthroughs to classroom visits. You learn about picking an area of f...
Sep 12, 2023•36 min•Season 4Ep. 162
Welcome to this podcast about setting up PLCs for success when you're just getting started. Our guest today is Casey from Casey Watts Coaching & Consulting, LLC. During the epsiode Casey shares ideas for initiating PLCs when they're not in place, and she gives us tips for improving learning communities already established on campus. We discuss the components of effective PLCs, strategies for involving teachers in the process, developing a shared vision and language, and common challenges coa...
Sep 05, 2023•54 min•Season 4Ep. 161
How do you get teachers to embrace new learning? On this coaching call episode, I talk to social studies specialist Ryan Monceaux, about implementing new learning in schools. During the call, he shares some of his challenges around this topic, and we brainstorm ideas he can try on campus. We discuss designing protocols for data meetings, handling excuses about data, and addressing the sense of punishment around data that some teachers feel. I share ideas to encourage teachers to use the new stra...
Aug 29, 2023•48 min•Season 4Ep. 160
Listen to this episode for everything you need to know about making school-wide shifts in instruction. During the show, I talk about the reasons teachers resist change and don’t try new things in their classrooms. I share four ideas instructional coaches can try to help teachers get on board with new learning. Plus, I explain how to leverage PLCs too. This is a must-listen episode. Tune in now! -Chrissy Beltran Buzzing with Ms. B Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/buzzingwithmsb/ Buzzing with...
Aug 21, 2023•25 min•Season 4Ep. 159
If you want to create a collaborative culture where teachers learn from each other, invest in your teacher leaders. In this episode, we dive deep into the topic of developing teacher leaders to support school change. Our guest, Melnequa Holloway, joins me to discuss what it means to be a true teacher leader. We talk about the characteristics of exceptional teacher leaders, what they do on campus, and how to prepare teacher leaders for success. In this episode, you'll learn about how teacher lead...
Aug 14, 2023•42 min•Season 4Ep. 158
As instructional coaches, one of our goals is to develop a strong coaching culture. Unfortunately, in many schools, administrators undermine or completely sabotage this mission. So how do you create a coaching culture when your administration doesn’t support you? In this episode, Dr. Delia Racines, owner of From Insight to Equity, joins me to help answer this important question. We explore what a positive coaching culture looks like and how you can create one at your school. Dr. Racines and I di...
Aug 07, 2023•58 min•Season 4Ep. 157
Building a coaching program at a school that’s never had one before is difficult, especially if you’re a brand-new coach. It's hard to envision what the role could look like and what you need to do to get everything set up. In this coaching call episode, I’m talking to special education inclusion coach, Amy Mather about establishing her coaching program. We talk about some of the challenges she’s facing in her first year of coaching and come up with a few solutions she can try this upcoming year...
Jul 31, 2023•43 min•Season 4Ep. 156
Coach, are you looking for ways to get more organized? Join me as I sit down with Jessica Whittaker from My Teacher Style to talk about organization for instructional coaching. In this episode, Jessica shares how she organizes herself for different aspects of her coaching work. We talk about how she arranged her office, the scheduling tools she uses, and tips for tracking coaching cycle data. Tune in to learn how she schedules planning time and what she does during that time. Find out what she’s...
Jul 31, 2023•52 min•Season 4Ep. 155
Instructional coaching schedules are one of those things that look different for every coach. In this episode, we're talking to a panel of three coaches about how they schedule their time. I also share what my coaching schedule looked like when I was on a campus and explain what I did each week. My guests for this episode are David White, Michelle Ruhe, and Lindsay Kasperbaur. I chose these coaches with different specializations so we could get a picture of what coaches do and what their schedul...
Jul 17, 2023•1 hr 10 min•Season 4Ep. 154
What are the different roles coaches serve within student-focused coaching? Join me as I talk to Dr. Jan Hasbrouck about this important topic. In this episode, we explore the transformative power of student-centered coaching and discuss this unique approach to supporting educators and students. Discover how this collaborative problem-solving model sets itself apart and the three roles that coaches serve in student-focused coaching. You’ll learn the biggest mistakes that coaches make and why coac...
Jul 11, 2023•54 min•Season 4Ep. 153
How can you set up a strong foundation for your coaching work? In this episode, I share my favorite tips for building a coaching program. We talk about reviewing data and combining it with input from teachers to set goals. I explain how to create a coaching menu of support. You’ll get tips for defining your coaching role, building relationships, coaching resistant teachers, and more. This episode has lots of information for new and seasoned teachers alike. Listen now to learn all about building ...
Jul 04, 2023•32 min•Season 4Ep. 152
Transitioning from a teacher to an instructional coach is a huge change. In this episode, I share the story of my first day as a new coach and what it was like to change positions. I explain the benefits of becoming an instructional coach and some common challenges. Get tips for defining your coaching role and find out how to use the big 3 to plan your time on campus. You’ll get my best tips for coaching and adjusting to being out of the classroom. Listen now to learn more! -Chrissy Beltran Buzz...
Jun 27, 2023•26 min•Season 4Ep. 151
This week Risa Woods is joining me on the podcast to talk about coaching ESL, ELL, or ESOL. During the episode, we discuss all things coaching and teaching English language learners. Risa tells us about her coaching work and why what she does is special. She explains some of the unique challenges she faces and the importance of an asset-based mindset. We discuss the language development processes, supporting general education teachers working with ELLs, and building relationships with families. ...
Jun 19, 2023•47 min•Season 4Ep. 150
Teaching early childhood education requires a special skill set and so does coaching it. That’s why I invited Michelle Gonzalez on the show to talk about coaching early childhood. Michelle’s an early childhood special education instructional coach with a specialty in dual language. In this episode, she tells us what it’s like coaching early childhood and shares some common challenges. We discuss supporting early childhood students and providing professional development for teachers. Michelle sha...
Jun 13, 2023•35 min•Season 4Ep. 149
