Coaching Conversations with Jim Knight

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 in...

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 sta...

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...

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. T...

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 th...

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...

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 c...

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 co...

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 part...

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-awarene...

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 authent...

This week we have a special episode with Jim Knight and Christian van Nieuwerburgh about their 20-day trek along Nepal's Annapurna Circuit. They share stories from the trail—the stunning landscapes, the physical and mental challenges, and the moments when they weren't sure they could keep going. Along the way, they reflect on what the experience taught them about growth, gratitude, and w...

Traditional SMART goals in educational coaching often fall short because they focus on what teachers do rather than what students learn.  Jim Knight and Jessica Wise explore a different approach: the PEERS framework—goals that are Powerful, Easy, Emotionally Compelling, Reachable, and Student-Focused.  This conversation examines why coaching must be adaptive, why genuine commitment matters more th...

In this episode of Coaching Conversations, Ignacio Lopez and Jim Knight explore how emotional intelligence shapes the way educators lead and coach in schools, particularly as they continue to navigate the ongoing challenges they've faced since the pandemic.  Ignacio, who wrote The EQ Way, walks listeners through the five dimensions of emotional intelligence and offers concrete, practical appr...

What is the purpose of coaching? In this episode, Jim Knight reunites with Dr. Haesun Moon, Michael Bungay Stanier, and Dr. Christian van Nieuwerburgh to explore this fundamental question. Together, they examine coaching's role in fostering awareness, enabling real change, and building authentic human connection. The conversation addresses the power of curiosity over advice, the delicate bala...

This week, I'm welcoming Kim Scott, author of Radical Respect, back to Coaching Conversations. We discuss leadership, communication, and fostering respect at work. Kim explains her concept of "radical respect," emphasizing dignity for all, and offers practical strategies to address bias, prejudice, and bullying. Our conversation covers tools for safe feedback, handling power dynamic...

Sometimes the most profound lessons come from unexpected places. I recently trekked Nepal's Annapurna Circuit, and the experience left me with fresh perspective on gratitude, silence, and what really matters. In this episode, Jessica Wise and I share what we're grateful for, from working with incredible educators around the world to precious family moments. We explore why noticing the go...

In this episode of "Coaching Conversations," Amy Musante, ICG's Director of Consulting, reflects on her favorite podcast highlights from 2025. Amy and looks back at three episodes that really stayed with her. She talks about what she learned from Zaretta Hammond's insights on culturally responsive teaching, Maggie Jackson's ideas about uncertainty and adaptive expertise, a...

What's the difference between directive and non-directive coaching? Should coaches set the agenda or let teachers lead? In this episode, Dr. Robert Biswas-Diener joins Jim Knight to explore the philosophy and practice of instructional coaching. They tackle the big questions: balancing directive and non-directive approaches, the role of curiosity and empathy in coaching relationships, and how...

In this episode of Coaching Conversations , ICG Consultant Jessica Wise looks back at three standout episodes from 2025. Each one pushed her thinking about how we can better support educators and help schools flourish. Listeners will hear why connection sits at the heart of real change and why strong support systems matter so much for educator well-being. Jessica also highlights practical ideas fo...

In this week's Coaching Q&A episode, Jessica Wise and I dig into one of the most important topics in education today: the role of school leaders, especially principals, as instructional coaches. We talk honestly about what great coaching really requires, the common challenges leaders face, and why authentic partnership matters so much more than compliance-driven conversations. We also exp...

In this episode, Jim Knight sits down with the brilliant Zaretta Hammond, author of Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain. They discuss how teachers can bridge the gap between knowing and doing; bringing the science of learning and culturally responsive practices together to truly empower students. Zaretta shares powerful insights on building students’ “learning power,” developing metacogni...

Chris Munro, John Campbell, and Jim Knight talk about what leadership coaching really looks like in schools. So much of it comes down to the conversations we have every day—the small moments that help people think, reflect, and grow. In this episode they discuss ideas from their latest book Growth Talk , including tools like the Learning Conversations Map and the GROWTH model—both designed to help...