243. Differentiating Instructional Coaching with Chrissy Beltran

What is instructional coaching—really? And how can coaches meet teachers where they are without forcing everyone into the same coaching mold?

In this episode of the Time For Teachership podcast, Lindsay is joined by Chrissy Beltran, instructional coaching expert, host of Instructional Coaching with Miss B, and author of an upcoming ASCD book on differentiated coaching. Together, they unpack what it means to differentiate instructional coaching, define the coaching role clearly, and build authentic relationships with teachers—especially those who may be resistant to coaching.

Chrissy shares practical strategies, mindset shifts, and real-life coaching stories that help instructional coaches move from uncertainty to clarity and impact.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why instructional coaching often feels “nebulous” and how to bring clarity to the role

• How to define your coaching vision 

• What it means to differentiate coaching instead of using a one-size-fits-all approach

• Low, medium, and high-impact coaching strategies—and when to use each

• How to work with resistant teachers without damaging relationships

• Why peer observation can be a powerful gateway into coaching

• How coaching can reconnect teachers to joy, play, and purpose 

Timestamps

• [00:00] Welcome & introduction to Chrissy Beltran

• [01:00] Why instructional coaching feels undefined and isolating

• [02:30] Freedom dreaming: Chrissy’s vision for education and equity

• [05:30] Coaching as play, exploration, and joy

• [08:00] Key mindset shifts when moving from teacher to coach

• [13:00] Defining your coaching role and vision

• [16:40] Differentiated coaching & the coaching toolbox

• [18:45] Low, medium, and high-impact coaching strategies

• [21:30] Working with resistant teachers: a real coaching story

• [25:00] Why visiting colleagues is a high-impact coaching move

• [30:00] Lightning round: next steps, learning, and resources 

Key Takeaways

• Coaching is not about “fixing” teachers—it’s about partnering to grow

• Every interaction with a teacher is a potential coaching moment

• Differentiation matters just as much for adults as it does for students

• Relationship-building strategies are not “low value”—they’re foundational

• Peer observation helps shift beliefs without putting the coach at the center 

Get Your Episode Freebie & More Resources On My Website: https://www.lindsaybethlyons.com/blog/243 

Connect With Guest Chrissy Beltran: 

• Podcast: https://pod.link/1496989397

• Website: https://www.buzzingwithmsb.com 

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buzzingwithmsb/