

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

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.

May 2, 2023 • 12min
Michelle Lis | Episode 19
In this episode of the Instructional Coaching Group podcast, Jim Knight sits down with Michelle Lis to discuss how to set up a successful instructional coaching program. Michelle Lis has spent 24 years in education as an elementary teacher, instructional coach at two different schools, central office administrator, and most recently as the district leader for a large instructional coaching program of over 100 instructional coaches. She has facilitated professional development at the school, district, state, and national levels. This podcast episode provides a sneak peek into Michelle’s upcoming Radical Learners course, Designing and Sustaining Great Instructional Coaching Programs. Michelle shares her insights and experiences from her work as an instructional coach and provides practical tips on how to establish a coaching program that works. She explores topics such as identifying coaching goals, selecting the right coaches, and building a supportive culture for coaching. To learn more about her course and how to build a successful coaching program in your school and/or district visit Radical Learners.

Apr 25, 2023 • 31min
Coaching Q&A
Welcome to the latest episode of the Instructional Coaching Group's podcast! In this episode, we have Jim Knight joining us to discuss some of the most pressing questions that instructional coaches have. Asking the questions on the podcast is Brian Sepe, who is also part of the Instructional Coaching Group. Together, they will be addressing some of the most commonly asked questions that instructional coaches have. Jim and Brian will also be discussing the importance of ongoing professional development for coaches, and the role that technology can play in enhancing coaching practices.Throughout the podcast, Jim and Brian will be drawing on their extensive experience working with coaches and educators, and providing practical tips and advice that listeners can apply in their own coaching practice.So whether you're an experienced instructional coach, or just starting out in the field, this is an episode that you won't want to miss. Tune in now to learn from two of the leading voices in instructional coaching!To learn more about The Instructional Coaching Group: https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/

Apr 18, 2023 • 30min
Suzanne Dailey | Episode 17
In this episode, Jim sits down with Suzanne Dailey to discuss designing ways to help anyone working in schools to incorporate small shifts. These small shifts, practiced over time, will make a positive impact in school and at home. Suzanne Dailey is an instructional coach in the Central Bucks School District where she has the honor and joy of working with elementary teachers and students in 15 buildings. Suzanne is Nationally Board Certified, a Fellow of the National Writing Project, and has a Masters Degree in Reading. She is the author of Teach Happier this School Year: 40 Weeks of Inspiration & Reflection. Suzanne will be featured as a breakout presenter at the 2023 Teaching Learning Coaching conference in Orlando, FL. Learn more about Suzanne Dailey by visiting https://suzannedailey.com/Register to attend the 2023 TLC Conference by visiting https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/tlc2023/

Apr 11, 2023 • 1h 3min
Zaretta Hammond | 16
Join Jim and Zaretta Hammond in this episode of Coaching Conversations as they break down culturally responsive teaching and how teachers can be powerful catalysts in helping students transform into cognitively independent learners. Follow along as they discuss the impact of applying the science of learning through active demandingness, instructional equity, setting goals, and building students’ confidence to accelerate and bring joy into learning for all students. Ms. Hammond is a national education consultant and author of Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain: Promoting Authentic Engagement and Rigor for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students. She is a former high school and community college expository writing instructor. She has published articles in Educational Leadership, The Learning Professional, and Phi Delta Kappan. She is passionate about the intersectionality of equity and culturally responsive teaching as a way to help educators close opportunity and learning gaps for under-served students. She has consulted widely with school districts, regional education service agencies, and coaching organizations across the country on ways to support students to accelerate their own learning through the science of learning. Ms. Hammond sits on the Board of Trustees for the Center for Collaborative Classroom and is involved in a number of working groups committed to educational equity through improvement science and the science of learning. Learn more about Zaretta Hammond and her work by visiting: https://crtandthebrain.com/ Hear more from Zaretta at the 2023 Teaching Learning Coaching Conference, where she'll be featured as a keynote presenter. Register to attend in-person in Orlando, FL or virtually from your home or office. https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/tlc2023/