Coffee with the Coach: How to Introduce Yourself as a New Instructional Coach

New to instructional coaching, or starting fresh at a new school? Before teachers will work with you, they need to know who you are and how you can help. In this episode, I walk you through planning a Coffee with the Coach event so your first impression builds trust instead of worry. Here's how to introduce yourself as an instructional coach, with a coffee with the coach idea for every new instructional coach. I share why being introduced as the "expert" can backfire, and how a relaxed, welcoming event helps teachers see you as a partner, not an evaluator. You'll learn: ✅ Why a Coffee with the Coach event matters and what it can do for your coaching relationships ✅ What to ask your principal before you start planning ✅ Logistics options: one-on-one sign-ups, drop-in windows, a coffee cart, or a common space ✅ Simple materials to share, like a What Coaching Is and Isn't handout, a coaching newsletter, and a get-to-know-you survey ✅ How to get teachers to actually show up ✅ Fun ideas for the menu, atmosphere, and freebies Chapters: 0:00 Coffee with the coach: introduce yourself as a new coach 1:04 Why I needed a better plan as a new coach 2:37 What a coffee with the coach event is 3:13 Plan your event: who, when, and where 5:29 Invite teachers to stop by 6:01 Go mobile with a coffee cart 7:41 What a coach is (and isn't) handout 8:16 The four square teacher survey 9:21 Let teachers schedule time with you 10:35 Coffee and treat ideas 12:44 Tie it to your school theme 📖 Get my new book, Expand Your Coaching Toolbox! 20 Practical Strategies That Improve Teaching and Learning: https://buzzingwithmsb.com/book 🐝 More coaching resources at https://buzzingwithmsb.com 📝 Show notes and links: https://buzzingwithmsb.com/2026/08/co... 🎧 Listen to the podcast anywhere: https://pod.link/1496989397/episode/N... Resources mentioned: Meet the Coach Coffee with the Coach Flyer Templates: https://buzzingwithmsb.com/product/in... Meet the Coach Slides and Coaching Menu: https://buzzingwithmsb.com/product/me... What Coaching Is and Isn't / Introduction Brochure: https://buzzingwithmsb.com/product/in... Editable Coaching Newsletter Templates: https://buzzingwithmsb.com/product/ed... First 20 Days of Instructional Coaching Start Up Kit: https://buzzingwithmsb.com/product/fi... FREE First 20 Days of School Checklist for coaches: https://buzzingwithmsb.com/first20 Join the Instructional Coaching Club: https://buzzingwithmsb.thrivecart.com... Instructional Coaching with Ms. B is the podcast for instructional coaches, literacy coaches, and school leaders who want practical coaching strategies that work in real schools. New episodes every Monday. Instagram:   / buzzingwithmsb   Facebook group:   / 657458192827131   #instructionalcoaching #instructionalcoach #newinstructionalcoach