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 on and improve their practices.Throughout the episode, we also dive into some of the real challenges that educators face today. We discuss how the Impact Cycle workshop can be a game-changer for professional growth and teaching effectiveness. Above all, we explore the importance of collaboration, the language we use, and setting meaningful goals to create an environment that fosters continuous improvement and professional development. This episode really highlights how coaching can be a catalyst for positive change in education.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 Impact Cycle: https://shorturl.at/bJkwRLearn more about the Intensive Instructional Coaching Institute:https://shorturl.at/V6fg0

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 know where you stand in terms of your own health before making a plan, it's equally vital to understand where teachers are in their practice before setting new goals. This insight really drives home the need for a realistic baseline.We also introduce a practical "playbook" that takes the best research on teaching and turns it into actionable steps for educators. It’s not enough to just know what works — we need tools that help educators take concrete action in their classrooms. And here’s the key: the work doesn’t stop after a few sessions. Ongoing coaching is essential to help teachers embed new practices and continue to grow.Above all, we stress the importance of setting personalized, student-centered goals, and maintaining a culture of continuous support. When we focus on what’s best for students — and equip educators with the resources and coaching they need — we can truly create the kind of teaching and learning that leads to lasting change.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 Effective Instructional Coaching for Improved Classroom Instruction: https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/effective-instructional-coaching-for-improved-classroom-instruction/ 

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, Michael Bungay Stanier, Haesun Moon, Dr. Christopher Emdin, and Zaretta Hammond.His favorite podcast moment with Christian van Nieuwerburgh during a trip across Route 66.The joy of collaborating with Jessica Wise.Jessica's Highs:Living vicariously through Jim's experiences.Their first podcast together, recapping TLC 2023.Discovering they are "vampire listeners" on Spotify and learning from their guests.Jim's Lows:The unrealized potential of coaching when not approached with a focus on kids and partnership.Frustration over research not being utilized effectively in coaching practices.Jessica's Lows:The recurring “if only…” sentiment and the challenge of reaching more educators.A desire for deeper follow-ups with podcast guests.Random Thoughts (Buffalo):Jim shares his childhood dream of being a talk show host, which the podcast allows him to fulfill.Jessica humorously recalls her anxiety about accidentally calling Jim "Jimothy" during their first Q&A.Part Two: Listener Questions Jim and Jessica dive into listener inquiries, discussing the future of research in instructional coaching and strategies for fostering better conversations with school leadership.Future Research: Jim highlights his collaboration with Bryan Goodwin on a new book that merges the science of learning and teaching, emphasizing the need for more research in coaching.Creating Better Conversations: Jessica offers tips for instructional coaches to build rapport with school leaders, focusing on community-building and maintaining role clarity.As they wrap up this celebratory episode, Jim expresses his gratitude for working alongside Jessica and reflects on the ongoing journey of coaching conversations. Tune in for a heartfelt and insightful discussion that honors the past while looking forward to the future!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 High Impact Instruction:  https://shorturl.at/Ad2eTLearn more about Creating an Instructional Playbook: https://shorturl.at/f5VkT

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 educational systems. Tricia makes a compelling analogy between driving and classroom management, highlighting the critical role of routines and procedures in creating a smooth educational experience.Throughout our conversation, we emphasize the necessity of establishing clear expectations and providing consistent support. Effective coaching is essential for nurturing a positive learning environment. Ultimately, we underscore how behavior management, instructional coaching, and educational systems are deeply interconnected, each playing a vital role in fostering student success.Join us as we explore these themes and share insights that can empower educators everywhere!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 Institute: https://shorturl.at/g2qoOLearn more about Data Rules:https://shorturl.at/D1Ywv

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 understanding in fostering critical thinking and preparing students to address contemporary societal challenges.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.To learn more about The Impact Cycle workshop click here:  https://shorturl.at/ofVJKTo learn more about Jim Knight's 1:1 Impact Coaching click here: https://shorturl.at/eZ7u9

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 broadens to consider how instructional coaching can influence gender representation in leadership and suggests future research avenues. This episode is a testament to the collaborative efforts aimed at improving instructional practices and student outcomes.Thank you for being a part of our community.We love hearing from you! Leave us a rating or comment to let us know what you think.Follow our podcast for more episodes packed with insights and inspiration.To learn more about the Effective Instructional Coaching for Improved Classroom Instruction workshop click here: https://shorturl.at/x3qra

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 personal stories that illustrate how clarity, trust, and a supportive environment can transform the coaching experience. When we align our coaching strategies with teachers’ needs and nurture collaborative relationships, we can truly empower them to embrace new practices. Thank you for being a part of our community. We love hearing from you! Leave us a rating or comment to let us know what you think.Follow our podcast for more episodes packed with insights and inspiration.To learn more about our Better Conversations workshop click here - https://shorturl.at/EVwXk

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 challenges, and keeping promises to oneself as foundations for meaningful growth. We also underscore that effective communication, engagement, and the use of tools and resources are crucial for developing successful coaching programs. By embracing these principles, we can enhance our coaching practice and inspire others on their paths to self-discovery and development.Thank you for being a part of our community. We love hearing from you! Leave us a rating or comment to let us know what you think.Follow our podcast for more episodes packed with insights and inspiration.Learn more and join our Intensive Instructional Coaching Institute by clicking here  Interested in learning how our Consultants can help your school or district? Click here 

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, and explores practical applications like intelligent tutoring systems and data-driven insights. Throughout our conversation, we underscore the irreplaceable value of human connection and creativity in the educational landscape. We believe that AI should be viewed as a powerful ally—a supportive tool that enhances our efforts rather than replaces the vital relationships we build. Together, we encourage a culture of continuous learning and collaboration among educators, leveraging technology to enrich our practice and ultimately benefit our students.Thank you for being a part of our community. We love hearing from you! Leave us a rating or comment to let us know what you think.Follow our podcast for more episodes packed with insights and inspiration.Not able to make it to TLC in person? Join us virtually and watch the sessions at your own pace. learn more by clicking here - https://bit.ly/3JcXp1AInterested in learning how better conversations can have an impact on more than just your professional life? Click here - https://shorturl.at/lmxGR

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 to view students as partners, differentiate between noise and genuine voice, and utilize student feedback to enhance teaching practices.Join the conversation to hear how you can create a more inclusive and effective learning environment where all voices are heard and valued.Not able to make it to TLC in person? Join us virtually and watch the sessions at your own pace. learn more by clicking here - https://bit.ly/3JcXp1A