Time for Teachership

Lindsay Lyons
  • 5.0 (13)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

How can I build capacity for culturally responsive teaching and project-based instruction? How can I reduce teacher burnout and promote a culture of wellness for staff and students? What are the secrets to getting teacher buy-in? What does practicing shared leadership actually look like? Welcome to the Time for Teachership podcast where we tackle adaptive challenges in educational leadership! Each week, host Lindsay Lyons brings together guest experts, research findings, and practical steps to help brave school leaders transform schools into antiracist spaces that cultivate student, family, and teacher leadership to enable all students to thrive.

  1. 2D AGO

    246. Coaching Teacher Teams? Try this template.

    One-off workshops rarely create lasting change in classrooms. In this episode of the Time For Teachership podcast, Lindsay shares a practical Google Doc template designed to support teacher teams in ongoing, meaningful professional learning. She walks through a structured approach called Group Implementation Coaching Sessions, showing how coaching, feedback, and inquiry can help teachers refine their practice and better support student learning.   What You'll Learn in This Episode/Key Takeaways  Why continuous coaching is more effective than standalone workshops (Joyce & Showers, 2022). How to set the stage for teacher team coaching by identifying team strengths, individual values, and key priorities. Strategies for maintaining an asset-based, equity-focused, and student-centered approach in coaching sessions. Key coaching moves to help teachers shift mindsets, including: Asking for examples to get to evidence. Reframing challenges (e.g., valuing curiosity over background knowledge). Moving from scarcity to prioritization. Aligning pedagogy to core teaching values. A step-by-step walkthrough of a coaching session: Human Connection: Check-ins, celebrations, and group reflection. Implementation Check: Review previous action steps, data, and student feedback. Action Planning: Identify instructional strategies, micro-groups, or feedback systems to try before the next session. Next Steps: Decide who will try what and how data will be gathered. How to leverage peer coaching and group reflection to generate richer insights and practical solutions.   Timestamps [00:00:00] – Welcome & Episode Overview Introduction to Episode 246 The importance of continuous learning over one-off workshops [00:00:22] – Google Doc Template Overview How to support teacher teams after workshops Group Implementation Coaching Sessions [00:00:47] – Influences & Inspirations PLC at Work: Dr. Anthony Mohammed, Dr. Chad Dumas, Bob Sanju, Marin Powers, Shalene Miller Grow Model & Raman Behan Positive psychology, asset-based education, values alignment Books: Street Data, Pedagogies of Voice, Rebuilding Students' Learning Power [00:04:00] – Meeting 1: Setting the Stage Identify team strengths and values Center equity and "critical hope" Name the students/groups on the margins Define success: what it looks, sounds, and feels like Co-design inquiry questions and evidence-gathering [00:07:16] – Coaching Bank & Key Moves Asking for evidence: "Can you say more? Share an example?" Reframing challenges: curiosity > background knowledge Shifting from scarcity mindset to prioritization Aligning teaching to core values [00:14:42] – Structuring Subsequent Meetings Start with human connection: check-ins, listening dyads, celebrations Implementation check: review prior actions and data Three containers: initial reactions, data reflection, gut checks [00:19:35] – GLEE Model for Action Planning Goal: What do we want to foster before next session? Learn: Analyze student strengths, gaps, and feedback Explore: Identify instructional moves to grow skills & student agency Expectations: Decide who does what and gather data for next session [00:24:34] – Final Thoughts & Evidence for Coaching Joyce & Showers (2022): coaching increases skill transfer from 5% → 75–90% Peer coaching and structured feedback as essential professional learning [00:26:04] – Closing Think big, act brave, and be your best self   Get Your Episode Freebie & More Resources On My Website: https://www.lindsaybethlyons.com/blog/246

    29 min

  2. FEB 17

    245. A Humanizing Approach to Coaching with Dr. Jacobē Bell

    What does it look like to coach teachers with humanity, curiosity, and care—especially in today's demanding educational landscape? In this episode of the Time for Teachership podcast, Lindsay welcomes back Dr. Jacobē Bell to explore what it truly means to take a humanizing approach to instructional coaching. Drawing on her experience coaching instructional coaches across multiple contexts, Dr. Bell shares practical strategies, mindset shifts, and real coaching moments that help educators grow while protecting their wellbeing. This conversation is part of a mini-series focused on supporting instructional coaches, particularly those who step into the role without formal preparation and are learning "by fire." What You'll Learn in This Episode/Key Takeaways  Humanizing Coaching Coaching is not just about instruction—it's also about emotional awareness, wellness, and meeting educators where they are. Coaches can balance accountability with care by centering teachers as co-producers of knowledge. Afrofuturism, Freedom Dreaming & Coaching Dr. Bell connects Afrofuturism to instructional coaching by imagining a future where educators experience wellness, contentment, and sustainability. A powerful vision: coaching that empowers educators without burning them out. Mindset Shifts from Teacher to Coach Moving from classroom teaching to coaching requires seeing the whole system, not just individual practice. Coaches must navigate adult belief systems, values about students, and differing perspectives—often without making everyone happy. Micro-Modeling as a Coaching Strategy Instead of modeling an entire lesson, Dr. Bell advocates for micro-modeling: Coaches model a short instructional move Teachers immediately practice it with students Coaches give real-time feedback This approach helps shift beliefs about student ability and leads to immediate, tangible growth. Surfacing Beliefs with Curiosity Strategies for navigating hard conversations: Reflecting teachers' words back to them Asking open, curiosity-driven questions Lowering defensiveness by naming uncertainty or even "blaming" your coaching Assuming best intentions opens the door to vulnerability and growth. Live Coaching with Care Live coaching can include gently interrupting or questioning moments of instruction—but only after trust and norms are established. Asking teachers how they prefer to be coached is a critical first step. Authenticity Over One-Size-Fits-All There is no single "right" way to coach. Effective coaching grows from authenticity, relationships, and listening—not rigid formulas. Sustainability & Change Management Dr. Bell shares her current learning focus on sustaining change in schools over time. Sustainable improvement requires planning for longevity from day one—not just short-term wins. Timestamps [00:00] Welcome & reintroduction of Dr. Jacobē Bell [01:00] Coaching as "baptism by fire" & the need for coach-specific professional learning [02:04] Dr. Bell's background coaching instructional coaches across contexts [02:35] Afrofuturism, freedom dreaming, and instructional coaching [03:55] Initiative fatigue, educator wellness, and a humanizing coaching vision [05:17] Teachers as co-producers of knowledge in coaching conversations [05:58] Shifting from a teacher mindset to a coach mindset [06:33] Coaching former peers & navigating leadership tensions [07:21] Seeing instruction systemically across teams and schools [08:29] Beliefs, values, and meeting students' needs through coaching [09:15] Practical coaching tools & action steps [10:29] Micro-modeling as a powerful coaching strategy [11:52] Shifting beliefs about "harder" or "lower" students through practice [13:21] Real-time feedback and immediate teacher implementation [15:11] Logistical realities: making micro-modeling work in real schools [16:48] Flexibility in coaching cycles and time constraints [18:00] Surfacing values and beliefs in coaching conversations [19:04] Reflecting teacher language back to them as a coaching move [20:00] Lowering defensiveness by "blaming the coaching" [21:02] Vulnerability, honesty, and seeing the whole teacher [22:29] Assuming best intentions and leading with curiosity [23:17] Live coaching moments & addressing problematic language in the classroom [24:42] Establishing norms for live coaching [25:23] Entry points for new instructional coaches [26:19] Authenticity over one-size-fits-all coaching approaches [27:47] Rapport, relationships, and trust as the foundation of coaching [28:12] What Dr. Bell is learning now: sustainability & change management [29:32] Where to connect with Dr. Jacobē Bell [29:42] Closing reflections & gratitude   Get Your Episode Freebie & More Resources On My Website: https://www.lindsaybethlyons.com/blog/245   Connect With Guest Dr. Jacobē Bell:  LinkedIn: Dr. Jacobē Bell

    32 min

  3. FEB 10

    244. Gather & Analyze Data that Shows Student Thinking with Dr. Jana Lee

    How can educators gather meaningful data that actually reflects student thinking—without over-relying on benchmarks or labels? In this episode of the Time for Teachership podcast, Lindsay is joined by Dr. Jana Lee to explore how teachers, coaches, and instructional leaders can collect and analyze data that shows what students truly understand, how they're thinking, and where learning breaks down. Together, they unpack mindset shifts around assessment, flexible grouping, and skill-based instruction—and why these approaches are essential for inclusive, equitable classrooms. Dr. Jana Lee shares practical strategies for using student work artifacts, observation, and in-the-moment checks for understanding to guide instruction, support coaching cycles, and measure real impact on student learning. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why measuring student thinking matters more than measuring "levels" The shift from leveled grouping to skill-based, flexible grouping How to collect data during instruction—not just at benchmark time What kinds of student artifacts best reveal thinking and misconceptions How instructional leaders can create systems (PLCs, coaching, look-fors) that support meaningful data use Why giving students 60–90 seconds of independent struggle is critical How consistency across classrooms increases student achievement Practical ways to assess thinking in both secondary and elementary settings The role of transparency, shared goals, and co-created success criteria in school improvement Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome & introduction to Dr. Jana Lee 01:00 – Why measuring student learning and coaching impact matters 01:45 – Big dreams for education & inclusive outcomes for all students 03:10 – Mindset shifts around assessment and grouping students 04:50 – Moving from leveled groups to skill-based, flexible grouping 06:00 – How in-the-moment data reduces stigma and supports equity 08:28 – Collecting classroom data that reflects real student learning 09:37 – Connecting benchmark data with daily instructional evidence 10:51 – Why consistency across classrooms increases achievement 12:58 – Structures instructional leaders can use (PLCs, coaching, goals) 14:38 – Co-creating look-fors and success criteria 16:55 – Using patterns and themes in data to guide support 19:03 – Student artifacts as powerful evidence of thinking 20:12 – Diagnosing errors in thinking vs. right/wrong answers 21:38 – Gathering meaningful data in elementary classrooms 23:34 – Creative ways to assess thinking beyond writing 25:33 – Why skill-based strategies must be content-agnostic 26:24 – Biggest challenge teachers face with data collection 26:50 – Letting students struggle independently (60–90 seconds) 27:46 – One action listeners can take tomorrow 28:05 – What Dr. Lee is learning now: adolescent reading comprehension 28:59 – Where to connect with Dr. Jana Lee 29:30 – Closing reflections Key Takeaways Student achievement data should be paired with classroom evidence of how students think Written, oral, behavioral, and tactile artifacts can all reveal learning Effective remediation starts with diagnosing where thinking breaks down Inclusive instruction happens when decisions are responsive, not based on preconceived beliefs Skill-based instruction across content areas creates coherence for students   Get Your Episode Freebie & More Resources On My Website: https://www.lindsaybethlyons.com/blog/244    Connect With Guest Dr. Jana Lee:  Instagram: @jana.c.lee Website: www.janaleeconsulting.com

    32 min

  4. FEB 3

    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/

    35 min

  5. JAN 27

    242. Student Agency in Trade Schools with Mary Kelly

    In today's episode with special guest Mary Kelly, Lindsay discusses student agency, and how it's relevant to trade schools today.     Liked this episode? Rate, review, and share!   Get In Touch With Mary Kelly: Website: http://www.stratatech.com    Get Your Episode Freebie & More Resources On My Website: https://www.lindsaybethlyons.com/blog/242   Lindsay's Links: LinkedIn: @lindsaybethlyons  Instagram: @lindsaybethlyons Facebook Group: Time for Teachership

    32 min

  6. JAN 20

    241. Leading Change in Turnaround/Low-Performing Schools: My Takeaways from POV

    In today's solo episode, Lindsay is sharing her thoughts and takeaways from the book POV about how educators can lead change in turnaround/low-performing schools. Hope you enjoy!     Liked this episode? Rate, review, and share!   Get Your Episode Freebie & More Resources On My Website: https://www.lindsaybethlyons.com/blog/241

    23 min

  7. JAN 13

    240. Leading Change in Turnaround/Low-Performing Schools: My Takeaways from RSLP (Hammond)

    In today's solo episode, Lindsay is sharing her thoughts and takeaways from Hammond's book about how educators can lead change in turnaround/low-performing schools. Hope you enjoy!     Liked this episode? Rate, review, and share!   Get Your Episode Freebie & More Resources On My Website: https://www.lindsaybethlyons.com/blog/240

    23 min

  8. JAN 6

    239. Leading Change in Turnaround/"Low-Performing" Schools: My Thoughts

    In today's solo episode, Lindsay is sharing her thoughts about how educators can work to lead positive and effective change in both turnaround and "low-performing" schools. Hope you enjoy!     Liked this episode? Rate, review, and share!   Get Your Episode Freebie & More Resources On My Website: https://www.lindsaybethlyons.com/blog/239

    29 min
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About

How can I build capacity for culturally responsive teaching and project-based instruction? How can I reduce teacher burnout and promote a culture of wellness for staff and students? What are the secrets to getting teacher buy-in? What does practicing shared leadership actually look like? Welcome to the Time for Teachership podcast where we tackle adaptive challenges in educational leadership! Each week, host Lindsay Lyons brings together guest experts, research findings, and practical steps to help brave school leaders transform schools into antiracist spaces that cultivate student, family, and teacher leadership to enable all students to thrive.

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