Instructional Coaching with Ms. B

Latest Episodes:

255. How to Make Coaching Observations Better Oct 27, 2025

Show notes

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 for building trust with teachers, so they see you as a helpful partner, not a snitch. You’ll hear stories from chaotic classrooms (including kids bopping others on the head with pencils—yes, really!). Discover simple ways to record and reflect on data so your feedback feels helpful instead of overwhelming. Plus, get easy-to-implement follow-up options, like co-teaching, modeling lessons, and video coaching, to keep the momentum going after your observation.

If you’ve ever felt stuck figuring out what to focus on during a classroom observation, or want to make sure your next feedback conversation leads to results, listen now! You’ll walk away with strategies that turn observations into actionable feedback that teachers can actually use!

Ready to make classroom observations better? Hit play now!

-Chrissy Beltran

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The Confident Literacy Coach - http://www.confidentliteracycoach.com/

Instructional Coaching with Ms. B Show Notes - https://buzzingwithmsb.com/Episode255

This episode is sponsored by EduTrack! They offer effortless CEU management for busy teachers. Use the link to get a free 14-day trial and simplify your CEU tracking. https://edutrack.io/?aff=cbeltran

To learn more about EduTrack, check out this video! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzrL3qTIZhg

Thank you for listening to Buzzing with Ms. B: The Coaching Podcast. If you love the show, share it with a coach who would love it too, subscribe to this podcast, or leave me a review on iTunes! It’s free and it helps others find this show, too. Happy coaching!

Podcast produced by Fernie Ceniceros

254. Visit a Colleague, Peer Observations, or Learning Walks Oct 20, 2025

Show notes

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 making the follow-up conversation meaningful. Plus, you’ll learn about creative variations to try when teachers are new to peer observations or scheduling is a challenge.

Educators benefit tremendously from stepping outside their own classrooms to learn from other teachers, especially those who are navigating new grade levels or content areas. Listen now to this episode, “Visiting a colleague, Peer Observations, or Learning Walks “.

-Chrissy Beltran

Buzzing with Ms. B Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/buzzingwithmsb/

Buzzing with Ms. B Shop - https://buzzingwithmsb.com/shop/

Instructional Coaching Forms: Editable PDFs and Google Slides - https://buzzingwithmsb.com/product/instructional-coaching-forms-editable-pdfs-and-google-slides

Free Coaching Cycle Crash Course - https://buzzingwithmsb.com/cycles

The Confident Literacy Coach - http://www.confidentliteracycoach.com/

Instructional Coaching with Ms. B Show Notes - https://buzzingwithmsb.com/Episode254

To learn more about EduTrack, check out this video! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzrL3qTIZhg

Podcast produced by Fernie Ceniceros

253. Always Be Coaching: How to Leverage Every Interaction Oct 13, 2025

Show notes

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 traditional coaching cycles aren’t the only way to support teachers and explain how low, medium, and high-impact coaching strategies can help you reach more team members. You’ll learn about stealth coaching opportunities, how to win over resistant teachers, and get ideas for building a flexible coaching toolbox. Plus, hear how to use a coaching menu, turn quick wins into future coaching work, and effectively follow up with teachers.

If you’re an instructional coach looking to grow your impact and get into more classrooms, this episode is for you. You’ll get ideas for meeting teachers where they are and move them gently towards high impact coaching. Listen now and start leveraging every moment!

-Chrissy Beltran

Buzzing with Ms. B Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/buzzingwithmsb/

Buzzing with Ms. B Shop - https://buzzingwithmsb.com/shop/

Instructional Coaching Cycle Forms & Coaching Introduction Slide Show - https://buzzingwithmsb.com/product/coaching-cycle-forms-and-slide-show-for-instructional-coaching

Free Coaching Cycle Crash Course - https://buzzingwithmsb.com/cycles

The Confident Literacy Coach - http://www.confidentliteracycoach.com/

Instructional Coaching with Ms. B Show Notes - https://buzzingwithmsb.com/Episode253

This episode is sponsored by EduTrack! They offer effortless CEU management for busy teachers. Use the link to get a free 14-day trial and simplify your CEU tracking. https://edutrack.io/?aff=cbeltran

To learn more about EduTrack, check out this video! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzrL3qTIZhg

Podcast produced by Fernie Ceniceros

252. Developing Critical Thinking, Reasoning, and Problem-Solving with Mona Iehl Oct 06, 2025

Show notes

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 problem-solving. You’ll hear about common challenges in math education and coaching strategies that help teachers strengthen instruction. Mona breaks down the five steps and provides examples of what they look like in practice.

Listen now to learn how to help students develop critical thinking, reasoning, and problem-solving!

-Chrissy Beltran

Buzzing with Ms. B Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/buzzingwithmsb/

Buzzing with Ms. B Shop - https://buzzingwithmsb.com/shop/

Instructional Coach Binder Megapack – Editable Forms, Calendars, Planning Tools - https://buzzingwithmsb.com/product/instructional-coach-binder-megapack-editable-forms-calendars-planning-tools

Free Coaching Cycle Crash Course - https://buzzingwithmsb.com/cycles

The Confident Literacy Coach - http://www.confidentliteracycoach.com/

Instructional Coaching with Ms. B Show Notes - https://buzzingwithmsb.com/Episode252

To learn more about EduTrack, check out this video! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzrL3qTIZhg

Podcast produced by Fernie Ceniceros

251. The Three Processes that Support Student Learning with Eva Mireles Sep 29, 2025

Show notes

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 students grow. You’ll also learn about common mistakes, how SEL fits in, and why it’s important to explicitly teach and model these skills.

Listen now to discover the three processes that support student learning!

-Chrissy Beltran

Buzzing with Ms. B Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/buzzingwithmsb

Buzzing with Ms. B Shop - https://buzzingwithmsb.com/shop/

Instructional Coach Binder Megapack – Editable Forms, Calendars, Planning Tools - https://buzzingwithmsb.com/product/instructional-coach-binder-megapack-editable-forms-calendars-planning-tools

Confident Literacy Coach Course - http://www.confidentliteracycoach.com

Free Five Literacy Coaching Priorities Video Course - https://www.buzzingwithmsb.com/literacycoach

Instructional Coaching with Ms. B Show Notes - https://buzzingwithmsb.com/Episode251

Podcast produced by Fernie Ceniceros

250. 3 Things Literacy Coaches Can Do to Set Teachers Up for Success Sep 22, 2025

Show notes

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 writing reviews that help teachers grow their expertise and calibrate assessments. Lastly, I reveal how to build a video bank that tears down classroom walls and provides amazing professional development support.

These 3 incredible strategies all come from The Confident Literacy Course. The course is full of information to help support teachers all year long! Be sure to listen to the episode and sign up for the course while it’s open!

-Chrissy Beltran

Buzzing with Ms. B Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/buzzingwithmsb/

Buzzing with Ms. B Shop - https://buzzingwithmsb.com/shop/

Instructional Coach Binder Megapack – Editable Forms, Calendars, Planning Tools - https://buzzingwithmsb.com/product/instructional-coach-binder-megapack-editable-forms-calendars-planning-tools

Defining your Literacy Coaching Role -https://buzzingwithmsb.com/webinar

Confident Literacy Coach Course - http://www.confidentliteracycoach.com/

Instructional Coaching with Ms. B Show Notes - https://buzzingwithmsb.com/Episode250

Thank you for listening to Buzzing with Ms. B: The Coaching Podcast. If you love the show, share it with a coach who would love it too, subscribe to this podcast, or leave me a review on iTunes! It’s free and it helps others find this show, too. Happy coaching!

Podcast produced by Fernie Ceniceros

249. Inquiry Questioning Routines with Trevor MacKenzie Sep 15, 2025

Show notes

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 questioning routines you can try right now and gives real-life examples from kindergarten to high school. You’ll also hear how instructional coaches and school leaders can support teachers when adopting an inquiry approach.

Listen now to discover how inquiry question routines can encourage students to become curious thinkers who see learning as a process of discovery.

-Chrissy Beltran

Buzzing with Ms. B Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/buzzingwithmsb/

Buzzing with Ms. B Shop - https://buzzingwithmsb.com/shop/

Instructional Coach Binder Megapack – Editable Forms, Calendars, Planning Tools - https://buzzingwithmsb.com/product/instructional-coach-binder-megapack-editable-forms-calendars-planning-tools

Defining your Literacy Coaching Role -https://buzzingwithmsb.com/webinar

Confident Literacy Coach Course - http://www.confidentliteracycoach.com/

Instructional Coaching with Ms. B Show Notes - https://buzzingwithmsb.com/Episode249

Podcast produced by Fernie Ceniceros

248. Differentiating to Meet Different Student Needs with Rick Wormeli Sep 08, 2025

Show notes

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 examples of differentiated lessons in action.

This discussion covers practical strategies for instructional coaches and teachers seeking to expand their toolbox. Rick also shares his insights on overcoming the emotional barriers teachers face when adopting new approaches, and how differentiation benefits not only struggling students but advanced learners as well.

Listen now to discover easy and actionable ways to tailor instruction for every learner!

-Chrissy Beltran

Buzzing with Ms. B Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/buzzingwithmsb/

Buzzing with Ms. B Shop - https://buzzingwithmsb.com/shop/

Instructional Coach Binder Megapack – Editable Forms, Calendars, Planning Tools - https://buzzingwithmsb.com/product/instructional-coach-binder-megapack-editable-forms-calendars-planning-tools

Defining your Literacy Coaching Role -https://buzzingwithmsb.com/webinar

Confident Literacy Coach Course - http://www.confidentliteracycoach.com/

Instructional Coaching with Ms. B Show Notes - https://buzzingwithmsb.com/Episode248

Podcast produced by Fernie Ceniceros

247. Qualities of Solid Tier I Instruction with Olivia Wahl Sep 01, 2025

Show notes

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 instruction. Olivia explains how good instruction changes from primary to secondary grades. We explore how instructional coaches can support teachers in developing lessons that give kids what they need from Tier I instruction. Plus, she shares how she uses Learning Labs with her teachers.

This episode is full of tips and strategies to help improve Tier I instruction and reduce the need for Tier II intervention! Listen now!

-Chrissy Beltran

Buzzing with Ms. B Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/buzzingwithmsb/

Buzzing with Ms. B Shop - https://buzzingwithmsb.com/shop/

Instructional Coach Binder Megapack – Editable Forms, Calendars, Planning Tools - https://buzzingwithmsb.com/product/instructional-coach-binder-megapack-editable-forms-calendars-planning-tools

Free Course: Five Literacy Coaching Priorities - http://www.buzzingwithmsb.com/literacycoach

Confident Literacy Coach Waitlist - https://buzzingwithmsb.mykajabi.com/waitlist

Instructional Coaching with Ms. B Show Notes - https://buzzingwithmsb.com/Episode247

Podcast produced by Fernie Ceniceros

246. How Do I Support All Classrooms with Instructional Coaching? with Lindsay Deacon Aug 25, 2025

Show notes

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 classrooms and offers creative solutions to overcome them. We discuss managing administrators’ expectations, differentiating coaching, and building relationships with teachers.

She shares her experiences supporting new teachers, helping those who are struggling, and reaching teachers who may be resistant or may have had negative coaching experiences in the past. We chat about tracking your coaching work, managing your time, and building a culture of coaching. Plus, Lindsay provides practical coaching strategies, including role-playing, modeling, sharing resources, and connecting teachers to each other.

This episode is packed with ideas for supporting all teachers in your school! Listen now!

-Chrissy Beltran

Buzzing with Ms. B Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/buzzingwithmsb/

Buzzing with Ms. B Shop - https://buzzingwithmsb.com/shop/

Instructional Coach Binder Megapack – Editable Forms, Calendars, Planning Tools - https://buzzingwithmsb.com/product/instructional-coach-binder-megapack-editable-forms-calendars-planning-tools

Free Four-Day Challenge: Build Your Coaching Action Plan - https://buzzingwithmsb.com/actionplan

Instructional Coaching with Ms. B Show Notes - https://buzzingwithmsb.com/Episode246

Podcast produced by Fernie Ceniceros

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