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...
Jan 28, 2025•44 min•Ep 109•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Jan 21, 2025•39 min•Ep 108•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Jan 14, 2025•37 min•Ep 107•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Jan 07, 2025•39 min•Ep 106•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Dec 31, 2024•41 min•Ep 105•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Dec 24, 2024•24 min•Ep 104•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Dec 17, 2024•42 min•Ep 103•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Dec 10, 2024•50 min•Ep 102•Transcript available on Metacast 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 ...
Dec 03, 2024•38 min•Ep 101•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Nov 26, 2024•35 min•Ep 100•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Nov 19, 2024•58 min•Ep 99•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Nov 12, 2024•39 min•Ep 98•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Nov 05, 2024•44 min•Ep 97•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Oct 29, 2024•48 min•Ep 96•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Oct 22, 2024•57 min•Ep 95•Transcript available on Metacast 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,...
Oct 15, 2024•42 min•Ep 94•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Oct 08, 2024•41 min•Ep 93•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Oct 01, 2024•29 min•Ep 92•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Sep 24, 2024•43 min•Ep 91•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Sep 17, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Ep 90•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Sep 10, 2024•36 min•Ep 89•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Sep 03, 2024•35 min•Ep 88•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Aug 27, 2024•26 min•Ep 87•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Aug 20, 2024•32 min•Ep 86•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Ep 84•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Ep 83•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Ep 82•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Ep 81•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Ep 80•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Ep 80•Transcript available on Metacast 
