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Coaching Conversations with Jim Knight — Education
Coaching Conversations with Jim Knight

Jim Knight is the founder of The Instructional Coaching Group, a professional development provider dedicated to offering PD for coaches, teachers, and leaders based on a partnership approach that creates better learning environments for all students. As a research associate at the University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning Jim has spent 25 years studying professional learning and instructional coaching. He earned his PhD in Education from the University of Kansas and has won several university teaching, innovation, and service awards. The pioneering work Jim and his colleagues have conducted has led to many innovations that are now central to professional development in schools. Jim wrote the first major article about instructional coaching for the Journal of Staff Development, and his book Instructional Coaching (2007) offered the first extended description of instructional coaching. Jim has written several books in addition to those described above, including the bestsellers Unmistakable Impact (2011), High-Impact Instruction (2013), Focus on Teaching (2014), Better Conversations (2015), The Impact Cycle (2018), and The Definitive Guide to Instructional Coaching (2021). He has also authored articles featured in Educational Leadership, The Journal of Staff Development, Principal Leadership, The School Administrator, and Kappan.

Copyright: © 2023 Coaching Conversations with Jim Knight

Latest Episodes:

Jim Knight & Shannon Buerk | E2L and ICG Jul 29, 2026

Show notes

What happens when three decades of instructional coaching research meets technology designed to help educators thrive?

In this conversation, Jim Knight and Shannon Buerk explore a new partnership focused on expanding the reach of instructional coaching while staying true to the principles that make coaching effective.

They discuss why partnership, professionalism, and meaningful conversations remain at the heart of lasting school improvement, how districts can better demonstrate the impact of coaching on student learning, and how technology like GroweLab and AI can reduce administrative tasks so coaches can spend more time where they're needed most: alongside teachers.

Throughout the discussion, one message remains clear. Technology can strengthen coaching, but it will never replace the trust, humanity, and relationships that inspire real growth.

Dr. Rachel Edoho-Eket Jul 22, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Coaching Conversations, Jim Knight is joined by guest, TLC 2026 keynote speaker Dr. Rachel Edoho-Eket, principal and author of The Principles Journey, to talk about the experiences that shaped her leadership journey from teaching kindergarten to leading a school community.

Dr. Edoho-Eket shares what she's learned along the way about the power of mentorship, creating a positive culture, making intentional decisions, and navigating the difficult conversations that come with leadership. In this conversation, Jim and Rachel also explore something every leader wrestles with: how to care for others without losing yourself in the process.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Edoho-Eket offers practical insights on setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and choosing joy—even when the work is challenging. Her story is a reminder that sustainable leadership isn't about doing more. It's about being intentional, staying connected to your values, and creating the conditions where both students and educators can thrive.

Thank you for being a part of our community.

Feedback: We love hearing from you! Leave us a rating or comment to let us know what you think.
Stay Connected: Follow our podcast for more episodes packed with insights and inspiration.

Learn more about the Introduction to Leadership Coaching workshop:

https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/introduction-to-leadership-coaching/

Learn more about the Instructional Coaching Institute:

https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/in-person-intensive-instructional-coaching-institute/

Megan Russell | Learning from Experience Jul 14, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Learning From Experience, host Jessica Wise talks with Megan Russell, an assistant principal from Virginia whose journey has taken her from Head Start teacher to elementary educator, instructional coach, and school leader. Megan reflects on the challenges she faced stepping into coaching with limited training, unclear coaching cycles, and few meaningful ways to measure success.

Together, Jessica and Megan explore how Jim Knight's Partnership Principles, including equality, choice, voice, dialogue, praxis, reflection, and reciprocity, continue to shape Megan's approach to coaching and leadership. She also shares how the Impact Cycle has strengthened her work with early childhood educators and offers an encouraging reminder that lasting change doesn't happen all at once. It begins with small, intentional steps taken consistently over time.

Thank you for being a part of our community.

Feedback: We love hearing from you! Leave us a rating or comment to let us know what you think.
Stay Connected: Follow our podcast for more episodes packed with insights and inspiration.

Learn more about the Introduction to Leadership Coaching workshop:

https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/introduction-to-leadership-coaching/

Learn more about the Teaching Leading Coaching (TLC) 2026 Conference:

https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/2026-tlc-conference/

Sonja Pullen | Learning from Experience Jun 09, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Coaching Conversations, Jessica Wise talks with ICG consultant Sonja Pullen about what she's learned from coaching educators around the world. Together, they explore the nuances of different coaching approaches, the power of listening, and why growth often begins with curiosity. Along the way, Sonja shares surprising lessons from the pickleball court that offer powerful insights for coaches, teachers, and leaders alike.

Thank you for being a part of our community.

Feedback: We love hearing from you! Leave us a rating or comment to let us know what you think.
Stay Connected: Follow our podcast for more episodes packed with insights and inspiration.

Learn more about Better Conversations workshop:

https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/better-conversations/

Learn more about the 2026 Teaching Leading Coaching (TLC) Conference:

www.tlc-conference.com

Coaching Q & A May 26, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Coaching Conversations, Jim Knight and ICG Consultant Jessica Wise explore the ideas behind Jim’s book High-Impact Instruction — a book designed to give teachers and coaches practical, easy-to-use strategies that can make an immediate difference in classrooms.

Jim walks through the book’s four key areas: identifying clear learning destinations, using formative assessment to stay on track, strengthening instruction, and building classroom community. Along the way, he reflects on what he might revise if writing the book today, especially around formative assessment and feedback.

The conversation also explores a deeper question: What does great teaching actually feel like for students? Jim shares why classrooms should be places where students feel respected, safe, and genuinely engaged in learning.

Jessica adds perspective from her work with educators today, sharing how the ideas in High-Impact Instruction continue to resonate in workshops and coaching conversations with teachers across schools and districts.

Learn more about Introduction to Leadership Coaching:

https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/introduction-to-leadership-coaching/

Learn more about Managing Challenging Conversations:

https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/managing-challenging-conversations/

TLC Keynote Presenter Yong Zhao May 19, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Coaching Conversations, Jim Knight talks with education expert Yong Zhao, keynote speaker for TLC 2026, about what it means to rethink teaching and learning in an AI-driven world.

Yong challenges many of the assumptions behind traditional school reform and shares a compelling vision for education that is more personalized, problem-centered, and grounded in student strengths. He also introduces his Courageous Minority movement, encouraging educators to lead meaningful change wherever they are.

Together, Jim and Yong explore the promise and potential risks of AI, including its impact on equity, creativity, and human connection. Throughout the conversation, one idea remains clear: technology matters, but authentic relationships are still at the heart of powerful teaching and coaching.

Thank you for being a part of our community.

Feedback: We love hearing from you! Leave us a rating or comment to let us know what you think.
Stay Connected: Follow our podcast for more episodes packed with insights and inspiration.

Learn more about Better Conversations:

https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/better-conversations/

Learn more about partnering with an ICG Consultant:

https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/instructional-coaching-program/

Daren Croy | Learning from Experience May 12, 2026

Show notes

This week’s Learning from Experience segment features host Dr. Jessica Wise in conversation with Daren Croy, a teaching and learning facilitator at Oakdale Middle School in Oregon. Drawing on nearly 30 years in education, Daren reflects on his journey from veteran classroom teacher to instructional coach, including his transition from a private Christian school to a public middle school setting.

The discussion explores the challenges of shifting teacher perceptions about coaching and highlights the essential role of trust and strong relationships in that process. Daren also points to ICG’s Impact Cycle Workshop as a pivotal influence in shaping a more intentional, partnership-driven approach to his work. Throughout the conversation, a clear message emerges: sustaining meaningful impact in education requires not only effective practices, but also a consistently positive attitude.

Thank you for being a part of our community.

Feedback: We love hearing from you! Leave us a rating or comment to let us know what you think.
Stay Connected: Follow our podcast for more episodes packed with insights and inspiration.

Learn more about the Intensive Instructional Coaching Institute:

https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/in-person-intensive-instructional-coaching-institute/

Shortened URL:

https://shorturl.at/KQWtr

Learn more about our Data Rules workshop:

https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/data-rules/

Coaching Q & A Apr 28, 2026

Show notes

Jim Knight and Jessica Wise settle into a conversation about what it’s really like to write books on instructional coaching and professional learning. Jim talks through how an idea slowly takes shape on the page, noting that early drafts are often messy and unfinished, and that the real clarity comes through revision.

He describes writing as something that improves with others involved, whether through feedback, shared thinking, or simply talking ideas through. He also speaks to the discipline of returning to the work regularly, even when the words don’t come easily.

Jessica connects this to her own experience writing The IC Toolkit, reflecting on the starts and stops that come with the process and what helped her keep going.

Along the way, Jim points to a few writers who have influenced his thinking, including Anne Lamott and Stephen King, and encourages educators to keep their language straightforward so their ideas are easy to understand and useful in practice.

Thank you for being a part of our community.

Feedback: We love hearing from you! Leave us a rating or comment to let us know what you think.
Stay Connected: Follow our podcast for more episodes packed with insights and inspiration.

Learn more about the Intensive Instructional Coaching Institute

https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/in-person-intensive-instructional-coaching-institute/

Learn more about Radical Learners

https://www.radicallearners.com/

Christian van Nieuwerburgh Apr 21, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Coaching Conversations, Christian van Nieuwerburgh explores what it means to be a thoughtful, intentional coach. He describes four skills - listening, questioning, noticing, and playing back - and explains that they work best when they come from a place of genuine curiosity, not routine.

Christian also talks about “positive presence,” a way of being with others that is grounded in attention and respect. Rather than trying to follow a script, he encourages coaches to stay focused on the person in front of them and respond to what they hear.

He shares his idea of the “Four Curiosities” as a guide for staying open and engaged in conversations. Throughout the discussion, he returns to a simple idea: coaching is rooted in authentic connection and a sincere interest in helping others think and grow.

Thank you for being a part of our community.

Feedback: We love hearing from you! Leave us a rating or comment to let us know what you think.
Stay Connected: Follow our podcast for more episodes packed with insights and inspiration.

Learn more about the Introduction to Leadership Coaching workshop:

https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/introduction-to-leadership-coaching/

Learn more about the Teaching Leading Coaching (TLC) 2026 Conference:

https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/2026-tlc-conference/

Learning From Experience | Dr. Jessica Robbins Apr 07, 2026

Show notes

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