Coaching Conversations with Jim Knight

In this episode of Coaching Conversations , I had the pleasure of connecting with Mark Verde, a deeply thoughtful and incredibly experienced primary school teacher from Patana, a British international school in Bangkok. With more than 30 years in education under his belt, Mark opened up about his journey into instructional coaching and how it’s transformed not only his teaching but the learning ex...

In this episode, I’m joined by Tim Dohrer and Tom Golebiewski for a powerful conversation about something that matters deeply in education today: mental health. Tim and Tom—who co-authored The Schools We Need Now —share their insights on how schools can create environments where everyone, students and educators alike, feel safe, supported, and connected. We talk about the importance of trust in re...

Join me and Jessica Wise as we discuss the pivotal concept of "contracting" within instructional coaching. Contracting is that crucial initial dialogue where we lay the groundwork for our coaching relationship, setting clear expectations and defining our roles.  In this episode, Jessica and I walk through a comprehensive checklist for effective contracting. We underscore its vital role i...

This week I have the opportunity to sit down with TLC 2025 keynote speaker Juliana Urtubey, the 2021 National Teacher of the Year, to explore what it really means to create schools where joy and justice aren’t just ideas — they’re lived experiences. Juliana’s story is compelling. As a bilingual, first-generation immigrant, her journey into education has been deeply personal, and that lived experie...

In this episode of Coaching Conversations , I sit down with instructional coach Meg Groseclose as she shares her journey into coaching and her work with Rachel, a third-year teacher. Together, they embarked on a coaching cycle focused on improving student engagement and achievement. Starting with a baseline of 64% comprehension, they set an ambitious goal of 90%. Through strategies like cooperativ...

This week I had the pleasure of speaking with Ammie Franklin and Jade West from Salesian College in Sunbury, Melbourne. We had a wonderful conversation about the impact of instructional coaching and its pivotal role in enhancing educational practices.  Ammie, the Deputy Principal for People and Culture, and Jade, the Director of Staff Learning, shared their insights on their school's coaching...

In this episode of Coaching Conversations , I sit down with TLC 2025 Keynote presenters Dr. Christian van Nieuwerburgh and Dr. Robert Biswas-Diener to explore the power of radical listening. We discuss how an intentional, empathetic approach to listening can strengthen both personal and coaching relationships. Christian and Robert share key strategies—such as acknowledgment, intentionality, and th...

In this episode of Coaching Conversations , Jessica Wise and I explore how instructional coaches and teachers can collaboratively engage with data to drive meaningful improvements in teaching and learning. I use the metaphor of viewing art to highlight an essential truth: data, like a painting, can be seen from multiple perspectives, and the richest insights come from exploring it together. Throug...

In this episode of Coaching Conversations , I have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Pasi Sahlberg, one of the most respected voices in educational policy and reform. Our conversation explores the evolution of Finland’s education system and the powerful lessons it holds for educators everywhere. Dr. Sahlberg shares how Finland built an equitable education system by prioritizing trust, teacher pro...

In this episode of Coaching Conversations , I sit down with two incredible educational leaders, Art Costa and Bob Garmston. Our discussion delves into the deep connections between cognition, emotion, and action in learning—something I’ve always believed is essential for meaningful growth. Art shares his insights on fostering resilience in students, while Bob emphasizes the importance of agency and...

In this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Frederick Brown, CEO and President of Learning Forward. We delved into the evolution of professional learning standards and the pivotal role of coaching in implementing new educational practices. Frederick shared insights into Learning Forward’s history, its advocacy for effective professional learning systems, and the crucial importance of stand...

In this episode of the “Coaching Conversations” podcast, Jessica Weiss and I delve into the complexities of coaching dialogues. We emphasize the importance of choosing the right type of conversation to promote learning and growth. Together, we unpack the differences between directive, facilitative, and dialogical approaches, highlighting the necessity for clarity and intentionality in our communic...

In this episode of Coaching Conversations, I had the pleasure of engaging with Jeff Wetzler, author of "Ask: Tap into the Hidden Wisdom of People Around You for Unexpected Breakthroughs in Leadership and Life,” and co-founder of Transcend. We delved into the critical roles of curiosity, psychological safety, and high-quality questions in leadership and education. Jeff introduced his ASK appro...

In this episode of "Coaching Conversations," I had the pleasure of hosting Dr. Nancy Dome, who brought to light the critical role of compassionate dialogue when tackling sensitive issues like race. Dr. Dome underscored the necessity of self-awareness and emotional regulation to navigate these challenging conversations effectively. She introduced the REAR protocol—Recognize, Engage, Ackno...

In this episode of the “Coaching Conversations” podcast, I had the pleasure of discussing my doctoral research and the development of the seven partnership principles with Jessica Weiss. We emphasized the importance of creating supportive environments for educators through effective coaching practices. Key themes we explored included the significance of choice, voice, and dialogue in fostering pro...

In this episode of “Coaching Conversations,” I have the pleasure of interviewing Rob Walker, the author of “The Art of Noticing.” We delve into the significance of being aware of our surroundings and how it can enrich our lives. Rob shares some practical exercises to help us reclaim our attention from distractions, highlighting the benefits of noticing for creativity and emotional well-being. Rob...

In this episode of Coaching Conversations , I’m joined by Dr. Margarita Calderón, a researcher at Johns Hopkins University to dive into the crucial role of coaching for multilingual learners. We discuss effective instructional strategies, the unique challenges educators face, and the importance of using evidence-based practices to support these students. Dr. Calderón shares inspiring success stori...

In this episode of Coaching Conversations , we dive deep into the transformative power of coaching in educational leadership. I’m joined by two incredible colleagues, Mary Webb and Susie Vaughn, to explore how coaching can drive meaningful change in schools. As co-founder of the Instructional Coaching Group, I’m passionate about the idea that coaching isn’t just for teachers—it’s a critical tool f...

In this episode, Jessica Wise and Jim Knight take a reflective look at the upcoming year of 2025, discussing personal resolutions, professional aspirations, and the transformative potential of intentional habits. They dive into the power of rebooting routines and the importance of aligning actions with personal and professional goals. The conversation also highlights exciting developments for the...

In this episode of the “Coaching Conversations” podcast, Jessica Wise and I take a moment to reflect on the past year and share our hopes for 2025. As the co-founder of the Instructional Coaching Group, I talk about how crucial gratitude, empathy, and genuine connection are in coaching. I share some of the valuable lessons I’ve learned from experts and emphasize that everyone has a deep desire to...

In this episode, I sit down with Susie, a clinical psychologist and coaching expert, to dive into the evolution of coaching and the fascinating world of positive psychology. We explore the critical role of well-being, not just as a personal pursuit but as something deeply influenced by systemic factors. Susie walks us through her journey from clinical psychology to coaching, sharing how evidence-b...

In this episode of Coaching Conversations , I have the pleasure of speaking with Kate Bieschke, an educator with 34 years of experience. Kate shares her journey of moving from classroom teaching to coaching, and in doing so, she emphasizes the crucial roles that identity, value, and purpose play in the work we do as educators. One of the key takeaways from our conversation is her introduction of &...

In this episode of Coaching Conversations , Bryan Goodwin and I dive into the critical role instructional coaching plays in transforming education. We begin by talking about the importance of understanding where we are right now in order to drive meaningful change. Without a clear picture of our current reality, it's tough to know where to start or how to move forward. Brian makes a powerful...

Join Jim and Jessica as they celebrate a significant milestone—the 100th episode of Coaching Conversations ! Recorded live at TLC 2024 in vibrant New Orleans, this special Q&A episode is filled with reflections, insights, and listener engagement. Episode Structure: Part One: High Low Buffalo In this segment, Jim and Jessica share their highs, lows, and random thoughts about the first 99 episod...