

Coaching Conversations with Jim Knight
Instructional Coaching Group
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 11, 2023 • 46min
Floyd Cobb, Ph.D., and John Krownapple
Welcome to the Coaching Conversations podcast, hosted by Jim Knight. In this episode, Jim engages in a thought-provoking discussion with distinguished guests Floyd Cobb, Ph.D., and John Krownapple. Floyd, an esteemed adjunct faculty member at the Morgridge College of Education, University of Denver, is a leading voice in educational equity and curriculum development. He authored "Leading While Black" (2017) and co-authored "Interrogating Whiteness Relinquishing Power," exploring the intersections of race, class, power, and privilege.Joining Floyd is John Krownapple, an expert in professional and organizational learning focused on belonging, inclusion, and equity. With extensive experience as a coordinator of cultural proficiency and diversity, equity, and inclusion in a large public school district, John's insights are invaluable. He authored "Belonging Through a Culture of Dignity" (2019) and "Guiding Teams to Excellence with Equity" (2017).Together, Floyd Cobb and John Krownapple delve into pressing issues surrounding educational equity and share actionable insights and practical approaches to foster inclusive learning environments. Tune in to the Coaching Conversations podcast and join Jim Knight in this transformative discussion, inspiring educators, coaches, and leaders alike.John and Floyd will be a breakout presenter at this years TLC Conference. Learn more about the conference by visiting https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/tlc2023/speakers

Jul 4, 2023 • 31min
Amy Musante
Join Jim Knight in this thought-provoking episode of Coaching Conversations as he engages in a dynamic conversation with Amy Musante, an esteemed educator and instructional coach who is driven by her belief in collaborative learning and fostering meaningful relationships within diverse school communities. With 18 years of experience in Oregon as a High School English Language Arts teacher, Instructional Coach, and Secondary Schools Intervention Specialist, Amy brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. Having received her MA from Teachers College, Columbia University, with a specialization in Secondary literacy, she is passionate about supporting districts and leaders nationwide and internationally as part of her work with ICG. Tune in to discover Amy's unique approach to developing long-term partnerships and her ongoing commitment to improving outcomes for all students in every classroom.

Jun 27, 2023 • 52min
Coaching Questions Q&A
Coaching expert in education, Brian Sepe and Jim Knight delve into the differences between facilitative, directive, and dialogical coaching approaches in education, discussing the ineffectiveness of telling teachers what to do, the value of treating teachers as professionals, engaging in dialogue, and re-professionalizing teaching.

Jun 20, 2023 • 1h 4min
Peter DeWitt
Tune in to this insightful episode of Coaching Conversations as host Jim Knight engages in a powerful coaching conversation with Peter DeWitt, an accomplished educator, author, and facilitator of professional learning. With over 19 years of experience as a K-5 teacher and principal, Peter's journey has shaped his expertise in instructional leadership, fostering inclusive school climates, and developing collective efficacy among leadership teams. As a renowned coach, Peter has worked with school-based leaders, instructional coaches, teacher leaders, and leadership teams, both in-person and remotely. His impact extends globally, collaborating with state-level organizations, universities, school districts, regional networks, and ministries of education across North America, Australia, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the U.K. Explore Peter's thought-provoking writing through his long-standing column "Finding Common Ground" in Education Week, and his co-creation of "A Seat At the Table," a platform for engaging conversations on various educational topics. As the Series Editor for the Connected Educator Series and the Impact Series, Peter has collaborated with renowned authors in the field. Don't miss this episode as Jim Knight and Peter DeWitt delve into the world of coaching, leadership, and educational insights that will inspire and empower listeners.

Jun 13, 2023 • 37min
John Campbell
Join host Jim Knight in an enlightening episode of Coaching Conversations as he engages in a stimulating conversation with John Campbell, the Founding Director of Growth Coaching International (GCI). With GCI providing coaching and coaching services to school leaders and teachers across multiple countries, including Australia, New Zealand, the UK, the Middle East, Spain, and Central and South America, John brings a wealth of experience to the discussion. From being a high school teacher to a curriculum development advisor and a management consultant, John's journey led him to lead GCI's work across Australia, impacting over 60,000 school leaders through professional learning programs. As a co-author of influential books on coaching in schools, such as "The Leaders' Guide to Coaching in Schools: Creating Conditions for Effective Learning," and as a speaker at coaching events and conferences worldwide, John's expertise is widely recognized. Delve into his extensive knowledge and research on coaching in education as he shares insights from his master's degrees in organizational communication and the psychology of coaching. Discover how John continues to make a profound impact by writing and researching in the field of coaching in education, shaping the future of learning.

Jun 6, 2023 • 32min
Michelle Harris
In this episode of Coaching Conversations, join host Jim Knight in a captivating conversation with Michelle Harris, Senior Consultant at ICG and an esteemed educator with a wealth of experience. Starting from her teaching days in El Cajon, California, Michelle takes us on a journey through her career, which includes roles as an instructional coach, Title I coordinator, student manager, and assistant principal at various schools in Beaverton, Oregon. As a seasoned staff developer, she has shared her expertise across the United States, Europe, and Africa, captivating audiences with her presentations and keynotes. Tune in to hear Michelle's insights on instructional coaching, her co-authored books, Evaluating Instructional Coaching and "The Instructional Playbook".

May 23, 2023 • 32min
Coaching Questions
Welcome to Coaching Questions, the latest episode of The Instructional Coaching Group's podcast! Join us as Brian Sepe, a valued member of the Instructional Coaching Group, turns the tables on Jim Knight, a renowned expert in the field, to address the burning questions that instructional coaches face every day. Whether you're an experienced coach or just starting out, this episode is packed with invaluable insights. Jim and Brian tap into their extensive experience working alongside coaches and educators to explore the most commonly asked questions in the coaching community. From effective strategies to handling challenging situations, they've got you covered.Throughout the episode, Jim and Brian provide practical tips, real-world examples, and actionable advice that listeners can immediately apply in their coaching journeys. No matter where you are in your career, this podcast is a goldmine of wisdom from two leading voices in instructional coaching. Don't miss out on this enriching conversation. Tune in now to gain fresh perspectives and unlock your coaching potential. Visit our website at https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/ to learn more about The Instructional Coaching Group and access additional resources to support your growth.

May 23, 2023 • 39min
Jim Thompson
The "Coaching Conversations" podcast invites Jim Thompson, an esteemed speaker and expert in instructional coaching, to share his insights on affirmation and video in the classroom. Jim Thompson is a renowned figure in the field of education, recognized for his extensive knowledge and experience in instructional coaching. As the founder and CEO of the Positive Coaching Alliance, Jim has dedicated his career to creating a positive and empowering environment for teachers and students alike. In this episode, he delves into the power of affirmation, exploring how it can uplift and motivate both educators and learners. Additionally, Jim explores the effective use of video as a coaching tool, discussing how it can enhance professional development and foster reflective practices among teachers. Join this enlightening conversation to gain practical strategies and inspiration for leveraging affirmation and video in educational settings.Jim will be a breakout presenter at this years TLC Conference. Learn more about the conference by visiting https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/tlc2023/speakers

May 16, 2023 • 1h 3min
Sally Helgesen | Episode 21
In this episode of the Instructional Coaching Group podcast, Jim Knight sits down with Sally Helgesen, a globally recognized expert on women's leadership and best-selling author. Together, they explore the unique challenges that women face in leadership positions and the importance of coaching in supporting women to succeed in these roles.Sally shares her insights on how coaching can help women overcome the barriers they often face in the workplace, such as gender bias and imposter syndrome. She also discusses the need for organizations to recognize the value of women's leadership and create cultures that support their development and advancement. This episode offers valuable advice for coaches and leaders alike on how to create more inclusive and supportive workplaces where everyone can thrive.Through his conversations with thought-leaders and coaching experts from around the world, Jim Knight and the Instructional Coaching Group provide a platform for learning and growth for anyone looking to have a positive impact on the people around them. This episode with Sally Helgesen is no exception, offering valuable insights and practical strategies for coaches, leaders, and anyone interested in creating more inclusive and supportive workplaces.

May 9, 2023 • 1h 10min
Rowena Shurn | Episode 20
In this thought-provoking episode of the Instructional Coaching Group podcast, Jim Knight is joined by four distinguished guests, including Rowena Shurn, to discuss a range of topics related to education and coaching. The conversation delves into the use of deficit models in education and the importance of shifting towards more culturally responsive classrooms. The panelists also explore the ways in which coaching can help schools to allocate leadership responsibilities more effectively.Throughout the episode, Jim and his guests draw on their extensive experience in education to share valuable insights and strategies for creating a more inclusive and equitable learning environment. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the impact of deficit models on students, and the ways in which instructional coaching can help to promote a more positive and empowering approach. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in improving education and fostering greater equity and inclusivity in schools.