In this episode, I had the privilege of speaking with Chris Emdin, a transformative figure in education known for his innovative approaches that integrate hip-hop culture into learning. Here are the key points from our conversation: Personal Journey : Chris shared his experiences growing up in New York City and attending Brooklyn Tech, where he often felt pressured to adopt an identity that didn’t reflect his true self. This sense of dehumanization fueled his passion for reshaping educational ex...
Aug 13, 2024•39 min•Season 1Ep. 84
In this episode, Jim Knight engages in a heartfelt conversation with Jennifer Hlavka, who shares her journey in education and her passion for teaching. Jennifer reflects on her early experiences in school, highlighting the profound impact her high school in Richmond, Virginia, had on her love for education. She recalls how her teachers were deeply invested in their students, fostering an environment where she looked forward to learning every day. A pivotal moment for Jennifer was reading Jonatha...
Aug 06, 2024•43 min•Season 1Ep. 83
In this episode, Jim Knight and Dr. Jessica Wise – fellow hosts of the Coaching Questions podcast, had the opportunity to chat about gearing up for a new school year. As we dive into our discussion, we share our own experiences and thoughts on how coaches can effectively invest in their professional development over the summer while also taking time to recharge. Key topics include: Setting Expectations: We highlight the importance of establishing clear expectations for behavior in the classroom ...
Jul 30, 2024•34 min•Season 1Ep. 82
In this episode, I had the opportunity to have an insightful conversation with TLC 2024 breakout presenters John Campbell and Christ Munro who are leading experts in the field of educational coaching and leadership development. They have collaborated on various projects and publications, including their upcoming book "Growth Talk: Brief Conversations – Big Impact," which dives into their innovative approach to leadership, emphasizing how coaching skills can enhance everyday conversatio...
Jul 23, 2024•38 min•Season 1Ep. 81
This podcast features a conversation with TLC 2024 presenter Trent Hall, a facilitator, sociologist, and communication expert who focuses on helping people "human better" and lean into our collective humanity. The discussion covers several key topics related to effective communication, coaching, and building connections: Reflective listening techniques and the importance of listening to understand rather than respond Using inclusive language that resonates with both "feelers"...
Jul 16, 2024•42 min•Season 1Ep. 80
In this episode of Coaching Conversations, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Andrea Honigsfeld, an expert in language development, collaboration, and co-teaching for dual language learners. Dr. Honigsfeld shared valuable insights and strategies for effective collaboration and partnership in education. Our conversation began with Dr. Honigsfeld emphasizing the importance of co-planning with shared goals and objectives to support multilingual learners effectively. She highlighted the need fo...
Jul 09, 2024•46 min•Season 1Ep. 80
In this episode of the Coaching Conversations podcast, I have the opportunity to sit down with TLC 2024 keynote speaker, Kate Murphy. Kate is the acclaimed author of You're Not Listening: What You're Missing and Why It Matters , easily the best book on listening I have ever read. During our conversation we speak about the nuances of effective communication, exploring why listening is more than just hearing words—it's about understanding another person's story. We discuss the ...
Jul 02, 2024•56 min•Season 1Ep. 79
In this month's Coaching Q&A episode, a follow-up to Part 1, Jessica Wise and I dive deeper into the journey of instructional coaching. Previously, we explored my early career and curiosity that led to the partnership approach. Now, in Part 2, we unpack the intricate evolution of instructional coaching and the significant milestones that shaped it. Episode Highlights: Jim Knight’s Definition of Instructional Coaching : Discover how Jim's extensive research laid the groundwork for w...
Jun 25, 2024•47 min
During this episode, I had a fascinating conversation with TLC 2024 Keynote Speaker, Dr. Haesun Moon from the University of Toronto. We delved into the concept of scaling in coaching conversations and the importance of focusing on progress rather than deficits. Dr. Moon shared insights on how to work with clients' progress and the significance of asking the right questions to facilitate their growth. We discussed the idea of radically accepting another's truth and the importance of und...
Jun 18, 2024•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 77
In Episode #76 of the "Coaching Conversations" podcast, I have the opportunity to engage, once again, with Dr. Floyd Cobb and John Krownapple, to discuss the crucial role of dignity in creating equitable and inclusive school environments. Dr. Floyd Cobb and John Krownapple, co-authors of Belonging Through a Culture of Dignity: The Keys to Successful Equity Implementation , bring their extensive expertise to the table. They explore the current state of equitable instruction in schools a...
Jun 11, 2024•50 min•Season 1Ep. 76
This week I welcome Dr. Kim Richardson, a long-time friend, Radical Learners course instructor, 5x TLC presenter, coaching leader in Hampton City Schools in Virginia, and leader of Virginia ASCD. In this episode, Dr. Richardson dives into critical professional topics such as funding adjustments for coaches and the push for wellness and leadership. She shares practical advice for instructional leaders facing the challenge of supporting teachers with varying levels of experience and offers strateg...
Jun 04, 2024•47 min•Season 1Ep. 75
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, and improving teaching practices. Jim Knight talks about his work with principals and teachers in Tope...
May 28, 2024•31 min•Season 1Ep. 74
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 importance of open-minded discourse in educational development. Jay clarifies common misconceptions a...
May 21, 2024•48 min•Season 1Ep. 73
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 coach in the Central Bucks School District where she works with over 600 elementary teachers and 9,000 st...
May 14, 2024•41 min•Season 1Ep. 72
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 challenges, in the moment as she was coaching. It was an incredibly unique learning experience that ...
May 07, 2024•49 min•Season 1Ep. 71
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 systemic change. They are embedded in the culture of an organization, fostering meaningful change. Initia...
Apr 30, 2024•45 min•Season 1Ep. 70
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 change is prevalent in education, where initiatives are adopted but not effectively put into practic...
Apr 23, 2024•26 min•Season 1Ep. 69
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 Capacity and Personalized Professional Learning: A Job-Embedded Pathway for Elevating Teacher Voice ....
Apr 16, 2024•41 min•Season 1Ep. 68
"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 all want to be great teachers, right? We all want to see the light bulbs go on for kids, And, I think...
Apr 09, 2024•40 min•Season 1Ep. 67
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. Tune in to this conversation about the role of identity in education. Curious how to gain insight ...
Apr 02, 2024•54 min•Season 1Ep. 66
"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 back to our monthly Coaching Questions episode, where we dive deep into the world of coaching and educ...
Mar 26, 2024•31 min•Season 1Ep. 65
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 passion lies in redefining the purpose of education, placing the role of artists at the forefront of nu...
Mar 19, 2024•44 min•Season 1Ep. 64
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 assessment, Carol’s work at the University of Virginia has always aimed to empower classroom teachers to enha...
Mar 12, 2024•50 min•Season 1Ep. 63
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 in medical education and a passion for evidence-informed practice, Ray has made significant strides ...
Mar 05, 2024•32 min•Season 1Ep. 62
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 Impact Schools, including a focused improvement plan, a culture encouraging ongoing professional developm...
Feb 27, 2024•32 min•Ep. 61
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 Missouri, and Wendy M. Reinke, a professor in school psychology at the same institution, are not only ...
Feb 20, 2024•1 hr 1 min
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 faculty at National Louis University. Tune in as we discuss mentoring, leadership, and Tina's focus...
Feb 13, 2024•28 min•Ep. 59
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 discover practical activities and materials to implement the SFC model effectively. Join Daryl, Jan, and me...
Feb 06, 2024•57 min•Ep. 58
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 approaches can propel students out of the zero learning zone, fostering curiosity, creativity, and genuine un...
Jan 30, 2024•35 min•Ep. 57
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, you'll discover how tapping into these dominant drivers becomes the key to motivating not just t...
Jan 23, 2024•38 min•Ep. 56
