Coaching Conversations with Jim Knight

Rob Walker, a journalist and author of "The Art of Noticing," discusses the power of awareness in enhancing our lives. He shares practical exercises to help reclaim focus amidst distractions, fostering creativity and emotional well-being. Rob highlights the significance of intentional noticing in deepening connections and boosting empathy. He offers valuable tips like engaging in active listening and appreciating the everyday miracles around us, advocating for a balanced life that nurtures both productivity and meaningful experiences.

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 and multilingual learners. Through her insights, it’s clear that coaching isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential for creating lasting change in the classroom.We also talk about the importance of continuous professional development for coaches themselves. As coaches, we must constantly evolve, just as the students and educators we support do. The episode underscores the urgent need for effective, sustained support for multilingual learners—because when we equip our educators with the right tools and coaching, we set up all students for success.This conversation highlights not only the power of coaching but the necessity of prioritizing professional growth to address the needs of multilingual students in our classrooms. The work we do as coaches isn’t just about improving instruction—it’s about making sure every student has the support they deserve to 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 Impact Cycle workshop: https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/the-impact-cycle/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=icjan25Learn more about the Instructional Coaching Planner:https://instructional-coaching-group.myshopify.com/products/the-instructional-coaching-planner-pdf-download-2025

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 coaching looks like, how it empowers leaders to thrive, and why it’s essential for creating lasting impact in our schools.Mary brings a powerful perspective on the evolving role of principals. Rather than seeing themselves as the sole decision-makers, she advocates for a shift toward leaders who empower and support their teams to take ownership of their work. It’s about creating a culture where everyone has the space and support to grow.Susie, a certified coach and former principal, shares her experience in building coaching cultures that prioritize reflection, trust, and collaboration. Her insights focus on the importance of developing leaders who are equipped to guide others, and she underscores the value of creating a supportive environment where coaching can thrive.This episode is a deep dive into the heart of coaching—how it can help leaders reflect, listen, and create environments where everyone has the opportunity to flourish. It’s about more than just improving skills; it’s about transforming schools into communities where growth is a shared experience.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 Introduction to Leadership Coaching: https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/introduction-to-leadership-coaching/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=ilcjan25Learn more about Consulting:https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/instructional-coaching-program/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=consulting

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 enhancing coaching practices worldwide. Packed with humor, heartfelt moments, and actionable insights, this episode inspires listeners to embrace gratitude, focus on impactful changes, and make 2025 a year of growth and connection.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 Impact Cycle:https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/book/the-impact-cycle/Learn more about the Intensive Instructional Coaching Institute:https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/instructional-coaching-institutes/

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 our collaborative environment and her excitement for the projects we have lined up. Together, we highlight the importance of community and the continuous journey of learning and development in instructional 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 Jim Knight's 1:1 Impact Coaching: https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/jim-knights-1-1-impact-coaching/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=1to1coachingShortened URL:https://shorturl.at/7vEn6

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-being, how coaching can drive personal growth, and the vital role leadership plays in creating environments that support these changes. At its core, this episode is all about the transformative potential of coaching and positive psychology to help individuals lead more fulfilling, purposeful lives.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 Introduction to Leadership Coaching: https://shorturl.at/MrG0dLearn more about Managing Challenging Conversations:https://shorturl.at/Si9qV

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