Coaching Conversations with Jim Knight

In this Coaching Q&A episode, Jim Knight and Jessica Wise explore the evolution of the term "instructional coaching" through Jim's extensive research and work. Jim Knight shares his early career experiences that led to the development of the partnership approach, which forms the foundation of instructional coaching today.  They discuss the importance of coaching, goal setting, a...

In this episode, I sit down with my long-time friend, educator, and co-author of Understanding By Design (UBD) , Jay McTighe. In our conversation Jay shares the origins of UBD and its evolution over time, emphasizing its focus on fostering deep understanding in students through backward design. Have a listen as we discuss the collaborative work of Jay and Grant Wiggins, co-author of UBD, and the i...

In today's episode I have the opportunity to visit with Suzanne Dailey once again. She was a guest on our podcast last year as well as a presenter at TLC 2023 in Orlando. Not only am I happy to have her on the show again, but she will return to present at TLC 2024 in New Orleans with a session titled "Strategies to Support Joyful Leadership".  Suzanne Dailey is an instructional coac...

In this episode of Coaching Conversations I am joined by one of ICG's consultants, Christina Ortega. Christina is an experienced instructional coach and coordinator of math and science.  I had the opportunity to work with her and several coaches last year as part of a study where we looked at a year in the life of a coach. She taught me a lot about what people were dealing with, successes and...

In this episode of Coaching Conversations I'm excited to learn from my guest James Marshall, professor at San Diego State University—ranked as the top education school in California—and author of Right from the Start: The Essential Guide to Implementing School Initiatives.   James draws a clear distinction between programs and initiatives, emphasizing that initiatives are what truly drive sys...

In today's podcast episode Jessica Wise and I discuss the topic of nominal change from my recent article in Educational Leadership "The Problem of Nominal Change" . Join us as we unpack the challenges, implications, and strategies for breaking free from cycles. I define nominal change as the act of stating or expressing intentions without actual implementation or execution. Nominal...

Welcome back to Coaching Conversations. Today my guest is Allison Rodman, Founder and Chief Learning Officer of The Learning Loop.  Allison's background spans various roles in education, from teacher to instructional coach, from school leader to director of teaching and learning. She's an ASCD Faculty Member and the author of Still Learning: Strengthening Professional and Organizational...

"I think the whole idea, and what I get excited about is that the more we can design learning to reflect how kids' brains work, and the more we can use teaching strategies that really accelerate their learning, the easier it is for them, the more joyful it is for them, and also for us. In the end, I feel all this is adding up to joyful learning experiences for kids and for teachers. We a...

Our featured guests this week are Dennis Shirley and Andy Hargreaves, authors of "The Age of Identity." In this episode they share their views on education in our modern era, focusing on how identity influences practices and policies. Together, Jim, Andy, and Dennis discuss the connections between culture, technology, and societal changes, considering what it means for educators globally...

"If teachers have areas in which they can be developed, instructional coaches have the coaching program in our district, and leaders and aspiring leaders have ways to learn - what if we created a way for facilitators to learn? Because whoever is facilitating all of that learning, they need to be poured into as well. They need to be developed, too." - Dr. Jessica Wise Hello and welcome ba...

Hello, and Welcome to Coaching Conversations, where we explore the transformative power of coaching in education. I'm Jim Knight, your host, and today I'm thrilled to have Mariah Rankine-Landers, EdM, join me for an inspiring discussion. Mariah is a visionary educator who challenges the status quo and advocates for the integration of contemporary arts into the educational system. Her pas...

Welcome to Coaching Conversations, where we explore innovative approaches to teaching and learning. Today I have the pleasure of speaking with my dear friend and extraordinary voice in education, Carol Tomlinson. I'm your host, Jim Knight, and I'm excited to bring you insights from the forefront of education. With a focus on curriculum, differentiated instruction, and formative assessmen...

Welcome back to Coaching Conversations, where we delve into the world of education, leadership, and personal growth. I'm your host, Jim Knight, and today, I'm thrilled to bring you a dynamic duo from the Crowther Centre: Dr. Ray Swann and Dr. Mark Dowley. Dr. Ray Swann, the Head of the Crowther Centre, brings a wealth of experience in education and well-being programs. With a background...

Hello and welcome back to our monthly Coaching Questions episode between ICG consultant, Jessica Wise and me, Jim Knight.  In this episode, we explore insights from my book, "Unmistakable Impact," which simplifies the process for achieving dramatic student outcomes through targeted, consistent professional learning done with teachers, not to teachers. Discover the characteristics of Impa...

Greetings, in this episode of Coaching Conversations, I am joined by two leading experts in the realm of motivational interviewing in education—Keith C. Herman, PhD, and Wendy M. Reinke, PhD. Join us as we delve into the transformative insights from their book, "Motivational Interviewing in Schools." Keith C. Herman, a professor in school and counseling psychology at the University of Mi...

Welcome back to another episode of Coaching Conversations. In this episode, I’m joined by the exceptional Tina Curry—an award-winning coach, professor, and teacher with a 23-year distinguished track record in education. Tina, currently the lead instructional coach at Fernwood Elementary in Chicago, is known for her innovative success as a teacher and her role as a valued member of the adjunct facu...

Thank you for joining me for another exciting episode of the Coaching Conversations Podcast. In this episode, I'm joined by Daryl Michel and Jan Hasbrouck, coauthors of a groundbreaking book on instructional coaching—Student-Focused Coaching (SFC). Explore the step-by-step guide to instructional coaching in K–12 schools using the SFC model. Learn about the three key coaching roles and discove...

Please join me and ICG consultant, Jessica Wise as we explore the transformative insights from my ASCD article, titled Escape from the Zero Learning Zone. In this episode, we navigate the challenges of stagnant learning environments, examining firsthand experiences and practical strategies for breaking free. In this episode we will discuss how innovative teaching methods and personalized approache...

Join me as Dr. Robyn Jackson and I explore the four fundamental needs that drive our motivation: autonomy, mastery, purpose, and connection. Dr. Jackson is passionate about building better schools. As the CEO of Mindsteps Inc. she has helped thousands of K-12 administrators and teachers develop the clarity and confidence to turn their classrooms and schools into success stories. In this episode, y...

I'm absolutely thrilled to have a conversation with my dear friend, Joellen Killion, a true trailblazer and the inaugural recipient of the prestigious Don Deshler Leadership Award. Joellen is not only an esteemed colleague but also someone I deeply admire. Today, I have the pleasure of delving into a discussion with Joellen, but not in the traditional sense. Today, Joellen coaches me as we ex...

In this episode of Coaching Conversations, I explore the impactful coaching program developed by Nicola O'Keeffe, Debbie Briggs, Becky Prescott-Mail, and Ceri Boyle from New College Doncaster. Their focus is on equipping students with essential knowledge and metacognitive skills for outstanding performance in national qualifications. The coaches discuss their commitment to building a common l...

Welcome back to this month's episode of Coaching Q&A. In this episode I continue my exploration of key topics from my book, Better Conversations, with ICG's consultant Jessica Wise. Join us as we empower coaches, administrators, and teachers to not just survive, but thrive. Discover the secrets to coaching ourselves and each other for better communication, delving into strategies tha...

Welcome to another episode of Coaching Conversations, where I have the pleasure of having a thought-provoking dialogue with the incredible Dr. Ayanna Cooper. As an educational consultant and fervent advocate for culturally and linguistically diverse learners, Ayanna brings a wealth of experience to the table. Throughout her illustrious career, Ayanna has worn many hats, from serving as an English...

Welcome, we have the distinct honor of sitting down with the visionaries behind Cognitive Coaching, Art Costa and Bob Garmston. Art and Bob have significantly shaped the landscape of coaching in education, and we owe them a tremendous debt for laying the groundwork that has influenced countless educators worldwide. In the early 1980s, Art and Bob embarked on a journey that would revolutionize coac...

Welcome to the Coaching Conversations podcast. In this episode I speak with the world's leading expert on educational change; mentor and Don Deshler award winner Michael Fullan. Join us in this episode as we delve into the profound commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect within the educational landscape. We explore the essence of fostering a fair and inclusive environment wher...