Coaching Conversations with Jim Knight

Jim Knight talks with William DeJean, founder of Unleashed Learning, about what it means to teach and lead in what he calls the “era of overwhelm.” Their conversation explores how systems thinking, a clear teaching and learning mission, and the use of both “what” and “how” data can create real coherence in schools. Together, they unpack how shared language and sustainable coaching practices can he...

In this episode, Jim Knight and Jessica Wise look back on the 2025 Teaching Leading Coaching (TLC) Conference, sharing moments that stood out and lessons that stayed with them. They talk about what makes instructional coaching meaningful, how caring communication shapes real partnerships, and why collaboration among educators matters so much.  The conversation touches on memorable keynote sessions...

What does it really take to build a coaching program that works - not just on paper, but in real schools with real people? In this conversation, Jim Knight talks with TLC 2025 presenter Dr. Jataune Jones, about what makes instructional coaching thrive, the power of core values, strong partnerships between coaches and principals, and the importance of shaping coaching around each school's uniq...

On the Coaching Conversations podcast, Jim Knight and Jessica Wise come together for their monthly episode of Coaching Q&A, where they talk about Jim's upcoming keynote, “Learning from Experience,” for the 2025 TLC Conference. Their conversation looks at how lessons from life—love, forgiveness, courage, and even the way we use our time—shape who we are and how we coach. Jim shares stories...

I had a great conversation with TLC 2025 breakout presenter, Sarah Ogborn, an instructional coach and AP teacher at Antioch Community High School. She talked about how she helped build and lead her school’s coaching program, sharing practical ways to connect with teachers, build trust, and handle challenges like imposter feelings and the isolation coaches sometimes experience. We discussed why str...

In this episode of Coaching Conversations , Jessica Wise and I take some time to highlight the remarkable keynote speakers who will be joining us at TLC 2025. We share a few powerful clips from recent podcast conversations and reflect together on what they mean for our work as coaches and educators. We talk about the power of radical listening and how that simple act can transform relationships. W...

In this episode, I talk with ICG Consultant, Christina Ortega, and Global Director of Learning & Development, Claudia Owad, about handling challenging conversations in schools. We focus on approaching these situations with empathy, preparation, and a coaching mindset so that the goal is growth, not blame. I share personal experiences and practical examples for using data, self-awareness, and e...

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Rachel Lofthouse from the UK, Dr. Trista Hollweck from Canada, and Jasen Booton from England to talk about their new collaborative book, Coaching with Purpose. We learn about their personal journeys, the story behind the book, and why coaching, when it’s purposeful and relational, can be such a powerful force for growth and systemic change. Together, we explore...

In this episode, I talk with Ephraim Lerner and Shane Leaning, the co-authors of Change Starts Here. Our conversation focuses on human-centered ways to think about organizational change in education. Ephraim and Shane share how they’ve adapted the double diamond model into an eight-stage framework: Connect, Discover, Define, Align, Develop, Learn, Deliver, and Sustain. We spend time looking at how...

This Coaching Q&A episode with Jessica Wise is all about the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on instructional coaching. We emphasize that while AI can accelerate access to resources and support coaches with feedback and analysis, it cannot replace the adaptive, empathetic, and human-centered work of coaching. Our conversation also addresses ethical concerns such as privacy, bias, and en...

This week I'm joined by Yong Zhao, an unconventional thinker who’s never been afraid to challenge the status quo in education. We talk about his journey from a small village in China to becoming one of the most important voices in global education reform. Yong shares powerful ideas about what’s not working, like our obsession with standardized testing and rigid definitions of merit, and what...

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Richard Boyatzis, whose work on emotional intelligence and intentional change theory has shaped how many of us think about growth. We explore why real, lasting change starts not with someone else's goals, but with a person's own vision—their ideal self .  Richard shares powerful ideas about how positive emotions drive learning and how strong, authentic re...

Join Jim Knight and Jessica Wise for their monthly Coaching Q&A as they discuss how instructional coaches can prepare for a new school year. They explore the essential knowledge, skills, and beliefs coaches need, the importance of aligning with school leadership, and building trust with teachers. The conversation highlights practical strategies, the value of reflection, especially through vide...

TLC 2025 Keynote Speaker, Dr. Natasha Robinson, a leadership coach and advocate for black girls and young women, shares her journey from South Carolina to the Naval Academy and her work empowering young leaders. The discussion explores the importance of communal leadership, mentorship, and storytelling. Dr. Robinson highlights her nonprofit’s success in developing girls’ leadership skills and expa...

In this episode I welcome Kim Scott, author of Radical Respect and Radical Candor and co-host of the Radical Candor podcast, for a powerful conversation about leadership, feedback, and the kind of communication that builds trust.  Drawing from her experience in both business and education, Kim shares practical strategies for giving and receiving feedback with clarity and compassion. Our conversati...

This episode welcomes Dr. Haesun Moon, Dr. Christian van Nieuwerburgh, and Michael Bungay Stanier to talk about something that feels more important than ever: friendship—especially in tough times. We explore the difference between being friendly and being a true friend, and what it takes to build real, lasting connections. We talk about intention, vulnerability, radical listening, and how we can s...

In this episode of Coaching Conversations , I am joined by TLC 2025 Keynote Speaker, Dr. Haesun Moon, to talk about the powerful impact of solution-focused coaching. Haesun brings both wisdom and humility as she shares stories and ideas from her book Coaching A to Z . What stands out is her deep belief in people—the idea that when we focus on strengths, listen with intention, and ask the right que...

In this episode of Coaching Conversations , Jessica Wise and I talk about something every coach deals with: time. We know coaching can have a huge impact—but only if coaches actually have time to coach. We dig into the real challenges coaches face when their calendars get filled with everything but coaching. We also share some strategies that have worked for us. This isn’t about squeezing more int...

In this episode, I’m joined by Sherry St. Clair—an incredible instructional coach, author, and thought partner. Together, we dive into the heart of what great teaching looks like. Sherry brings deep wisdom from her new book, Intentional Instructional Moves , and we talk about what really makes an impact in the classroom: strong classroom management, authentic student engagement, and meaningful ass...

This week, Jim Knight is joined by special guest, Dr. Marsha Tate to discuss her new book, "Healthy Teachers, Happy Classrooms." Dr. Tate shares insights on how joy, movement, music, and meaningful relationships are essential for both teachers and students. She highlights strategies for creating soothing environments, promoting healthy habits, and fostering positive emotions in schools. ...

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Maggie Jackson, the brilliant author of Uncertain. Our conversation dove deep into a theme that resonates powerfully with me—especially in the context of instructional coaching: the importance of embracing uncertainty. Maggie makes a compelling case that, although many of us instinctively reach for certainty like a security blanket, that same ce...

In this episode of the Coaching Conversations podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Jessica Wise to explore what I call the Seven Success Factors for effective instructional coaching. These factors come from years of research and practice, and they represent what I've seen work in real schools with real teachers. Jessica and I talked about the importance of approaching coaching as...

In this episode, I'm joined by someone whose thinking continues to shape my work today -  Michael Fullan. Michael, as many of us know, has been a giant in the field of educational change for decades, and in this conversation, he opens up about his journey: how his ideas have evolved, what he’s learned along the way, and why teacher voice is absolutely essential if we’re serious about real, la...