Coaching Conversations with Jim Knight

Art Costa & Bob Garmston

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 collective efficacy in shaping strong learning communities. This episode is especially meaningful a...

Frederick Brown

Coaching Q&A

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 communication. Thank you for being a part of our community. Feedback: We love hearing from you! Leave us a r...

Shannon Panfilio-Padden

Jeff Wetzler

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 approach, which emphasizes fostering curiosity, creating safe environments, and posing insightful questio...

Dr. Nancy Dome

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, Acknowledge, and Repair—as a powerful framework to foster understanding and connection. Throughout our di...

Coaching Q&A

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 professional growth. I shared personal anecdotes and insights, highlighting the need for reflection and...

Rob Walker

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 emphasizes how intentional noticing can deepen our connections and foster empathy. He offers valuabl...

Margarita Calderon

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 stories from her work, demonstrating how targeted coaching can have a tremendous impact on both educators...

Mary Webb + Susie Vaughan

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 for building leadership capacity at all levels. In this conversation, we talk about what effective co...

2025 Kickoff with Jim Knight + Jessica Wise

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 Instructional Coaching Group, including new resources, workshops, and partnerships aimed at enhancin...

Coaching Q&A

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 be seen and understood. Jessica, one of our talented ICG consultants, shares her appreciation for ou...

Suzy Green

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-based practices have shaped her approach. Together, we discuss practical strategies for boosting well...

Kate Bieschke

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 "current reality capture"—a powerful tool that uses video analysis to help teachers reflect...

Bryan Goodwin

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 analogy, comparing educational improvement to personal health goals. Just as it's essential to ...

Coaching Q&A 100th Episode

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 episodes of the podcast. Jim's Highs: The privilege of interviewing thought leaders like Dan Pink, Mi...

Tricia Skyles

In this podcast episode, I sit down with my long-time friend Tricia, who has journeyed from a middle school teacher to a recognized authority in instructional coaching and classroom management. Over our 23 years of friendship, I’ve witnessed her transformation firsthand. We dive into Tricia’s initial doubts about behavior management and how her perspective shifted through her work with the CHAMPS framework. This framework has been pivotal in helping her understand the intricate dynamics of educa...

Julie Stern

In this episode, Jim welcomes Julie Stern to discuss curriculum design, the transfer of learning, and conceptual understanding in education. Julie Stern is passionate about civic education and curriculum design, emphasizing helping students apply classroom learning to real-world situations. In the conversation, Julie introduces the A.C.T. model—Acquire, Connect, Transfer—as a framework for teaching concepts rather than just facts. The episode underscores the importance of conceptual understandin...

Mileva Tubbs

In this podcast episode, Mileva Tubbs, Program Coordinator of Operations at Como Secondary College in Perth, shares the journey of her instructional coaching program. She candidly discusses the hurdles she faced, like data collection issues and coach turnover, and underscores the critical role of the partnership principles. Mileva also delves into a research study that evaluated the program, highlighting notable gains in coaches’ communication skills and pedagogical knowledge. The conversation b...

Coaching Q&A

Welcome to this episode of "Coaching Conversations"! I’m excited to dive into a critical topic: resistance and reluctance among teachers in the realm of instructional coaching. Together with Jessica Weiss, we unpack where this resistance often originates—often rooted in past negative experiences or a sense that new initiatives lack real value. Jessica highlights a vital truth: effective communication and emotional connections are key to breaking down these barriers. We’ll share persona...

Christian van Nieuwerburgh

In this episode of "Coaching Conversations," I welcome back Christian van Nieuwerburgh, a longtime friend and colleague. Together, we discuss the impact of reflective practice on personal growth. Christian’s journey along Route 66 serves as a powerful metaphor for the coaching process, highlighting the importance of reflection, anticipation, and embracing life’s ups and downs. In this conversation, we emphasize the significance of prioritizing well-being, actively engaging with challen...

Dr. Nathan Lang-Raad

In this episode of "Coaching Conversations," I’m thrilled to sit down with Dr. Nathan Lang-Raad, TLC 2024 presenter, to dive into the exciting intersection of artificial intelligence and education. As a leading voice in instructional coaching and AI, Dr. Lang-Raad brings invaluable insights into how we can harness AI to elevate our coaching practices and support teachers effectively. Our discussion covers essential AI concepts, addresses the ethical considerations we must keep in mind,...

Lisa Lande

In this episode of "Coaching Conversations," Jim Knight and TLC 2024 presenter, Lisa Lande from the Quaglia Institute for School Voice and Aspirations, explore the significance of student and teacher voices in education. Lisa emphasizes that students inherently have a voice, and the focus should be on creating supportive conditions for them to express it. Jim and Lisa also discuss the importance of involving students in their education. Together, they highlight the need for educators t...

Courtney Teague

In this episode of "Coaching Conversations," TLC 2024 presenter Dr. Courtney Teague, a seasoned educator and coach, shares her philosophy centered on authenticity, empathy, and innovation in coaching. Dr. Teague highlights the significance of listening and creating "brave spaces" for clients, emphasizing that conflict can serve as a powerful catalyst for personal and professional growth. Engaging with diverse perspectives allows individuals to expand their understanding and e...

Coaching Q&A

As the new school year begins, the dynamic between instructional coaches and school administrators is key to a successful academic experience. In this episode of “Coaching Conversations,” Jessica Wise and I explore how to cultivate this essential partnership. We cover the critical aspects of effective communication, collaboration, and the conditions needed for a thriving coaching program. Key Takeaways: The Power of Partnership: Understand why a strong relationship between coaches and administra...

Margaret Wheatley

In episode 90 of Coaching Conversations, Jim chats with Margaret Wheatley, renowned author of books like *Leadership and the New Science* and *Who Do We Choose To Be*. They explore deep topics such as leadership, community, and personal responsibility. Margaret emphasizes the importance of generosity for building strong teams and communities and discusses how understanding the six stages of civilization can help us navigate today’s complex social issues. She points out that we are currently in a...

Melanie Matthews-Calhoun

In this episode of the "Coaching Conversations" podcast, I enjoy a conversation with instructional coach Melanie Matthews Calhoun as she shares her journey and strategies for overcoming challenges in coaching, particularly with resistant teachers. Melanie emphasizes the importance of building relationships, understanding the sources of resistance, and employing effective communication. She discusses different types of resistance—aggressive, passive-aggressive, and passive—and offers pr...

Jenni Donohoo

In this episode of "Coaching Conversations," Jenni Donohoo and I discuss the power of collective efficacy in education. In our conversation we explored how collective efficacy, defined as the shared belief among educators in their collective ability to positively impact student learning, significantly enhances student achievement and teacher motivation. We talk about strategies for fostering this belief, such as creating mastery experiences, providing constructive feedback, and the rol...

Coaching Q&A

In the latest episode of the Coaching Conversations podcast, Jessica Weiss and I announce our new book, “The IC Toolkit.” This episode is filled with insights for instructional coaches, administrators, and educators dedicated to professional growth. We introduce the toolkit and discuss the profound impact of coaching on educators and students. I emphasize that coaching is about people and relationships, not just transactions. Especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic, empath...

John Campbell

In this episode of “Coaching Conversations,” I had the pleasure of discussing the exciting merger between the Instructional Coaching Group (ICG) and Growth Coaching International (GCI) with John from GCI. We delved into the evolution of instructional coaching and explored the numerous benefits that our partnership can bring. We emphasized the importance of maintaining a student-centric approach, which is at the heart of everything we do. Together, we are developing a comprehensive coaching frame...