Advertise on podcast: Coaching Conversations with Jim Knight

What happens when three decades of instructional coaching research meets technology designed to help educators thrive? In this conversation, Jim Knight and Shannon Buerk explore a new partnership focused on expanding the reach of instructional coaching while staying true to the principles that make coaching effective.  They discuss why partnership, professionalism, and meaningful conversations remain at the heart of lasting school improvement, how districts can better demonstrate the impact of coaching on student learning, and how technology like GroweLab and AI can reduce administrative tasks so coaches can spend more time where they're needed most: alongside teachers. Throughout the discussion, one message remains clear. Technology can strengthen coaching, but it will never replace the trust, humanity, and relationships that inspire real growth.

In this episode of Coaching Conversations, Jim Knight is joined by guest, TLC 2026 keynote speaker Dr. Rachel Edoho-Eket, principal and author of The Principles Journey, to talk about the experiences that shaped her leadership journey from teaching kindergarten to leading a school community. Dr. Edoho-Eket shares what she's learned along the way about the power of mentorship, creating a positive culture, making intentional decisions, and navigating the difficult conversations that come with leadership. In this conversation, Jim and Rachel also explore something every leader wrestles with: how to care for others without losing yourself in the process. Throughout the episode, Dr. Edoho-Eket offers practical insights on setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and choosing joy—even when the work is challenging. Her story is a reminder that sustainable leadership isn't about doing more. It's about being intentional, staying connected to your values, and creating the conditions where both students and educators can thrive. Thank you for being a part of our community. Feedback: We love hearing from you! Leave us a rating or comment to let us know what you think.Stay Connected: Follow our podcast for more episodes packed with insights and inspiration.Learn more about the Introduction to Leadership Coaching workshop: https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/introduction-to-leadership-coaching/ Learn more about the Instructional Coaching Institute: https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/in-person-intensive-instructional-coaching-institute/

In this episode of Learning From Experience, host Jessica Wise talks with Megan Russell, an assistant principal from Virginia whose journey has taken her from Head Start teacher to elementary educator, instructional coach, and school leader. Megan reflects on the challenges she faced stepping into coaching with limited training, unclear coaching cycles, and few meaningful ways to measure success. Together, Jessica and Megan explore how Jim Knight's Partnership Principles, including equality, choice, voice, dialogue, praxis, reflection, and reciprocity, continue to shape Megan's approach to coaching and leadership. She also shares how the Impact Cycle has strengthened her work with early childhood educators and offers an encouraging reminder that lasting change doesn't happen all at once. It begins with small, intentional steps taken consistently over time. Thank you for being a part of our community. Feedback: We love hearing from you! Leave us a rating or comment to let us know what you think.Stay Connected: Follow our podcast for more episodes packed with insights and inspiration.Learn more about the Introduction to Leadership Coaching workshop: https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/introduction-to-leadership-coaching/ Learn more about the Teaching Leading Coaching (TLC) 2026 Conference: https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/2026-tlc-conference/

In this episode of Coaching Conversations, Jessica Wise talks with ICG consultant Sonja Pullen about what she's learned from coaching educators around the world. Together, they explore the nuances of different coaching approaches, the power of listening, and why growth often begins with curiosity. Along the way, Sonja shares surprising lessons from the pickleball court that offer powerful insights for coaches, teachers, and leaders alike. Thank you for being a part of our community. Feedback: We love hearing from you! Leave us a rating or comment to let us know what you think.Stay Connected: Follow our podcast for more episodes packed with insights and inspiration. Learn more about Better Conversations workshop: https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/better-conversations/ Learn more about the 2026 Teaching Leading Coaching (TLC) Conference: www.tlc-conference.com

In this episode of Coaching Conversations, Jim Knight and ICG Consultant Jessica Wise explore the ideas behind Jim’s book High-Impact Instruction — a book designed to give teachers and coaches practical, easy-to-use strategies that can make an immediate difference in classrooms. Jim walks through the book’s four key areas: identifying clear learning destinations, using formative assessment to stay on track, strengthening instruction, and building classroom community. Along the way, he reflects on what he might revise if writing the book today, especially around formative assessment and feedback. The conversation also explores a deeper question: What does great teaching actually feel like for students? Jim shares why classrooms should be places where students feel respected, safe, and genuinely engaged in learning. Jessica adds perspective from her work with educators today, sharing how the ideas in High-Impact Instruction continue to resonate in workshops and coaching conversations with teachers across schools and districts. Learn more about Introduction to Leadership Coaching: https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/introduction-to-leadership-coaching/ Learn more about Managing Challenging Conversations: https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/managing-challenging-conversations/

In this episode of Coaching Conversations, Jim Knight talks with education expert Yong Zhao, keynote speaker for TLC 2026, about what it means to rethink teaching and learning in an AI-driven world. Yong challenges many of the assumptions behind traditional school reform and shares a compelling vision for education that is more personalized, problem-centered, and grounded in student strengths. He also introduces his Courageous Minority movement, encouraging educators to lead meaningful change wherever they are. Together, Jim and Yong explore the promise and potential risks of AI, including its impact on equity, creativity, and human connection. Throughout the conversation, one idea remains clear: technology matters, but authentic relationships are still at the heart of powerful teaching and coaching. Thank you for being a part of our community. Feedback: We love hearing from you! Leave us a rating or comment to let us know what you think.Stay Connected: Follow our podcast for more episodes packed with insights and inspiration. Learn more about Better Conversations: https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/better-conversations/ Learn more about partnering with an ICG Consultant: https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/instructional-coaching-program/

This week’s Learning from Experience segment features host Dr. Jessica Wise in conversation with Daren Croy, a teaching and learning facilitator at Oakdale Middle School in Oregon. Drawing on nearly 30 years in education, Daren reflects on his journey from veteran classroom teacher to instructional coach, including his transition from a private Christian school to a public middle school setting. The discussion explores the challenges of shifting teacher perceptions about coaching and highlights the essential role of trust and strong relationships in that process. Daren also points to ICG’s Impact Cycle Workshop as a pivotal influence in shaping a more intentional, partnership-driven approach to his work. Throughout the conversation, a clear message emerges: sustaining meaningful impact in education requires not only effective practices, but also a consistently positive attitude. Thank you for being a part of our community. Feedback: We love hearing from you! Leave us a rating or comment to let us know what you think.Stay Connected: Follow our podcast for more episodes packed with insights and inspiration. Learn more about the Intensive Instructional Coaching Institute: https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/in-person-intensive-instructional-coaching-institute/ Shortened URL: https://shorturl.at/KQWtr Learn more about our Data Rules workshop: https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/data-rules/

Jim Knight and Jessica Wise settle into a conversation about what it’s really like to write books on instructional coaching and professional learning. Jim talks through how an idea slowly takes shape on the page, noting that early drafts are often messy and unfinished, and that the real clarity comes through revision. He describes writing as something that improves with others involved, whether through feedback, shared thinking, or simply talking ideas through. He also speaks to the discipline of returning to the work regularly, even when the words don’t come easily. Jessica connects this to her own experience writing The IC Toolkit, reflecting on the starts and stops that come with the process and what helped her keep going. Along the way, Jim points to a few writers who have influenced his thinking, including Anne Lamott and Stephen King, and encourages educators to keep their language straightforward so their ideas are easy to understand and useful in practice. Thank you for being a part of our community. Feedback: We love hearing from you! Leave us a rating or comment to let us know what you think.Stay Connected: Follow our podcast for more episodes packed with insights and inspiration. Learn more about the Intensive Instructional Coaching Institute https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/in-person-intensive-instructional-coaching-institute/ Learn more about Radical Learners https://www.radicallearners.com/

In this episode of Coaching Conversations, Christian van Nieuwerburgh explores what it means to be a thoughtful, intentional coach. He describes four skills - listening, questioning, noticing, and playing back - and explains that they work best when they come from a place of genuine curiosity, not routine. Christian also talks about “positive presence,” a way of being with others that is grounded in attention and respect. Rather than trying to follow a script, he encourages coaches to stay focused on the person in front of them and respond to what they hear. He shares his idea of the “Four Curiosities” as a guide for staying open and engaged in conversations. Throughout the discussion, he returns to a simple idea: coaching is rooted in authentic connection and a sincere interest in helping others think and grow. Thank you for being a part of our community. Feedback: We love hearing from you! Leave us a rating or comment to let us know what you think.Stay Connected: Follow our podcast for more episodes packed with insights and inspiration. Learn more about the Introduction to Leadership Coaching workshop: https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/introduction-to-leadership-coaching/ Learn more about the Teaching Leading Coaching (TLC) 2026 Conference: https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/2026-tlc-conference/

Jim Knight and Jessica Wise dig into the art of giving and receiving effective feedback in instructional coaching and leadership. They explore how empathy, self-awareness, and a partnership approach can transform feedback conversations from uncomfortable moments into opportunities for real growth. Through personal stories and practical strategies, Jim and Jessica discuss ways coaches and leaders can make feedback more collaborative and meaningful using tools like video, data, and reflective dialogue to support professional learning. They also talk about how context matters, why feedback should never feel like top-down advice, and how strong coaching relationships create space for honest reflection. The conversation highlights a core idea at the heart of instructional coaching: feedback works best when it’s grounded in partnership, focused on improvement, and centered on doing what’s best for students. Thank you for being a part of our community. Feedback: We love hearing from you! Leave us a rating or comment to let us know what you think.Stay Connected: Follow our podcast for more episodes packed with insights and inspiration. Learn more about the Data Rules workshop: https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/data-rules/ Learn more about the Teaching Leading Coaching (TLC) 2026 Conference: https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/2026-tlc-conference/

In this special “Learning from Experience” episode of Coaching Conversations, host Jessica Wise speaks with Mina Ibrahim, an educational leader from Egypt. Mina describes his path from engineering to founding an all-girls school and later serving as an instructional coach. His story illustrates the complex balance between leadership authority and the partnership principles that guide effective coaching. Throughout the conversation, Mina reflects on the importance of thoughtful pacing, the disciplined use of data, and the creation of psychologically safe environments where teachers feel respected and supported in their learning. He highlights the role of deep listening, the willingness to unlearn long-held assumptions, and the need to keep students at the center of every coaching conversation. Thank you for being a part of our community. Feedback: We love hearing from you! Leave us a rating or comment to let us know what you think.Stay Connected: Follow our podcast for more episodes packed with insights and inspiration. Learn more about the Intensive Instructional Coaching Institute: https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/in-person-intensive-instructional-coaching-institute/

Jim Knight and Jessica Wise explore the critical process of enrolling teachers in instructional coaching cycles, discussing the importance of building trust, respecting teachers' autonomy, and using one-on-one conversations to foster engagement. They share practical enrollment strategies, highlight the significance of supportive leadership, and emphasize that coaching should be seen as a partnership for professional growth; not a punitive measure. In this episode, you'll gain actionable advice on relationship-building, gradual engagement, and creating a positive coaching culture within schools. Thank you for being a part of our community. Feedback: We love hearing from you! Leave us a rating or comment to let us know what you think.Stay Connected: Follow our podcast for more episodes packed with insights and inspiration. Learn more about the Intensive Instructional Coaching Institute: https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/in-person-intensive-instructional-coaching-institute/ Learn more about the Teaching Leading Coaching (TLC) 2026 Conference: https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/2026-tlc-conference/

Jim Knight welcomes back author of You're Not Listening, Kate Murphy, for a thoughtful exploration of interpersonal synchrony and its influence on coaching and human connection. Drawing on research and lived experience, they examine how people align with one another at neural, physiological, and behavioral levels, and why that alignment matters. Together, they unpack the role of self-awareness, emotional regulation, and intentional presence in building trust and fostering meaningful dialogue. Their conversation connects science to practice, offering practical strategies coaches can use to cultivate empathy and deepen conversations. Thank you for being a part of our community. Feedback: We love hearing from you! Leave us a rating or comment to let us know what you think.Stay Connected: Follow our podcast for more episodes packed with insights and inspiration. Learn more about our Evaluating Instructional Coaching workshop: https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/evaluating-instructional-coaching/

We’re excited to introduce a new segment of the Coaching Conversations podcast: Learning from Experience with Dr. Jessica Wise. In this first conversation, Jessica sits down with Beth, an instructional coach from rural Colorado with 21 years in education. Beth reflects on her journey from the classroom into coaching, the realities of supporting two small schools, and what it means to build authentic, trusting relationships with teachers. She shares how the Impact Cycle workshop shaped her coaching practice, the role of reflection and partnership in teacher growth, and why effective coaching leaves a lasting imprint on both educators and students.  At the heart of the conversation is a reminder of the deeply human work of education and the quiet, powerful influence of coaching done well.  Thank you for being a part of our community. Feedback: We love hearing from you! Leave us a rating or comment to let us know what you think.Stay Connected: Follow our podcast for more episodes packed with insights and inspiration. Learn more about our High Impact Instruction workshop: https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/high-impact-instruction/ Learn more about the Teaching Leading Coaching (TLC) 2026 Conference: https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/2026-tlc-conference/