Coaching Conversations with Jim Knight

In this month's Coaching Q&A episode, a follow-up to Part 1, Jessica Wise and I dive deeper into the journey of instructional coaching. Previously, we explored my early career and curiosity that led to the partnership approach. Now, in Part 2, we unpack the intricate evolution of instructional coaching and the significant milestones that shaped it.Episode Highlights:Jim Knight’s Definition of Instructional Coaching: Discover how Jim's extensive research laid the groundwork for what would become a revolutionary support system for educators.The Impact Cycle: Learn about the dynamic process that helps teachers set and achieve meaningful goals, ensuring continuous improvement and sustained practice.PEERS Goals: Understand the elements of Powerful, Emotionally Compelling, Easy, Reachable, and Student-focused goals and why focusing on students is crucial.Challenges and Adaptations: Hear about the initial hurdles, such as lack of implementation and sustained practice, and how evolving around goal-setting addressed these issues.Directive vs. Dialogical Approaches: Jim explains the importance of balancing different coaching styles and how a dialogical approach, grounded in partnership principles, enhances teacher engagement and effectiveness.The Role of Video: Explore the powerful impact of using video as a starting point for reflection and improvement in teaching practices.Evidence-Based Process: Gain insights into the rigorous research and iterative design process that led to the creation of the Impact Cycle, including the invaluable contributions from numerous dedicated professionals.Misconceptions in Instructional Coaching: Jim addresses common misunderstandings, emphasizing the importance of a dialogical approach over a purely directive or facilitative method.Practical Takeaways for CoachesLearn the 7 Success Factors for recalibrating your coaching practice to be more student-focused.Discover actionable steps to implement the Impact Cycle effectively in your coaching.Understand the benefits of a dialogical approach and how to incorporate it into your interactions with teachers.View the two articles I reference in this episode: "Teach to Win" and "One Size Fits One". I also reference the Impact Cycle checklist as a great starting point for coaches who want to recalibrate their coaching. To learn more about a dialogical approach to coaching, or the Impact Cycle, consider attending the Impact Cycle workshop or the Intensive Instructional Coaching Institute.Learn more about our annual TLC conference taking place in New Orleans or Online.

During this episode, I had a fascinating conversation with TLC 2024 Keynote Speaker, Dr. Haesun Moon from the University of Toronto. We delved into the concept of scaling in coaching conversations and the importance of focusing on progress rather than deficits. Dr. Moon shared insights on how to work with clients' progress and the significance of asking the right questions to facilitate their growth.We discussed the idea of radically accepting another's truth and the importance of understanding people's logic for their lives. Dr. Moon emphasized the power of dialogue and how it can lead to a deeper understanding and connection with others. We also explored the concept of inviting others to imagine what's possible, highlighting the Solution Focused approach to coaching and the value of helping individuals envision positive outcomes.This episode provides valuable insights into effective coaching practices, the significance of empathy and understanding, and the transformative impact of dialogue in fostering growth and development.Learn more from Dr. Moon by joining us in New Orleans for TLC this year. To learn how, click here.Join us at our next Impact Cycle workshop to learn powerful tools that grow student achievement. Learn how to by clicking here. 

In Episode #76 of the "Coaching Conversations" podcast, I have the opportunity to engage, once again, with Dr. Floyd Cobb and John Krownapple, to discuss the crucial role of dignity in creating equitable and inclusive school environments. Dr. Floyd Cobb and John Krownapple, co-authors of Belonging Through a Culture of Dignity: The Keys to Successful Equity Implementation, bring their extensive expertise to the table. They explore the current state of equitable instruction in schools across the U.S. and provide actionable insights on how educators and school leaders can foster environments where every student feels respected and valued.In this episode, you'll hear about:The importance of dignity in schools and how to create environments where every student feels respected.A deep dive into the concept of dignity, inspired by the work of Donna Hicks from Harvard, and its critical role in fostering equitable school cultures.The evolving landscape of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in education, and how current social and legal changes impact this work.Approaches to professional development that honor the dignity of all participants.Advice for educators on addressing equity issues in challenging environments.Stories of hope and success in fostering dignity and equity in schools.The episode wraps up with a sneak peek into what John and Floyd will be presenting at this year's TLC conference in New Orleans, Louisiana.Learn more about the Impact Cycle workshop and register today!Purchase your Instructional Coaching Planner and get ready for the 2024-2025 school year!

This week I welcome Dr. Kim Richardson, a long-time friend, Radical Learners course instructor, 5x TLC presenter, coaching leader in Hampton City Schools in Virginia, and leader of Virginia ASCD. In this episode, Dr. Richardson dives into critical professional topics such as funding adjustments for coaches and the push for wellness and leadership. She shares practical advice for instructional leaders facing the challenge of supporting teachers with varying levels of experience and offers strategies for creating psychological safety in schools and fostering professional autonomy.Kim also highlights the importance of clear communication, understanding where teachers have autonomy, and the role of trust in coaching. Tune in to gain valuable insights and practical tips that can help you navigate the complexities of educational leadership and improve your coaching practice.Finally, get a sneak peek into Kim’s upcoming session at TLC 2024, where she will explore the art of inquiry and the power of questioning to enhance teacher engagement and learning outcomes.I'd love to hear your feedback about my weekly Coaching Conversations. Please consider leaving a rating or review and subscribing to our channel.Click here to learn more about our Better Conversations workshop. Click here if you'd like to learn more about the annual TLC conference.

In this Coaching Q&A episode, Jim Knight and Jessica Wise explore the evolution of the term "instructional coaching" through Jim's extensive research and work. Jim Knight shares his early career experiences that led to the development of the partnership approach, which forms the foundation of instructional coaching today. They discuss the importance of coaching, goal setting, and improving teaching practices. Jim Knight talks about his work with principals and teachers in Topeka schools, where he modeled inclusive teaching methods. He also outlines the goal-setting framework he developed with Michelle Harris, emphasizing student-centered goals that are emotionally compelling and achievable.Jessica and Jim delve into the definition and misconceptions of instructional coaching, highlighting the need for adaptive responses to complex teaching challenges. They emphasize the effectiveness of the partnership approach, which has been shown to make teachers more likely to embrace new ideas.Jim Knight explains the process of instructional coaching, the impact cycle, and the importance of mutual respect and collaboration. They discuss various coaching approaches, including facilitative, directive, and dialogical, and stress the importance of dialogue in fostering teacher growth.Finally, they reflect on the contributions of many experts in developing the instructional coaching model and address common misconceptions. Jim Knight and Jessica Wise underscore the significance of seeing teachers as professionals and making a meaningful difference in students' lives through coaching.I'd love to hear your feedback about my weekly Coaching Conversations. Please consider leaving a rating or review and subscribing to our channel.Interested in learning how our wonderful consultants can make an impact on your school or district, click here.  To purchase our planner, click here. 

Jay McTighe, co-author of Understanding By Design, discusses the origins and evolution of UBD, focusing on fostering deep understanding in students through backward design. He clarifies misconceptions, emphasizes inclusivity, and shares practical strategies for implementation. The podcast explores the enduring relevance of UBD in equipping students with essential skills for lifelong learning.

In today's episode I have the opportunity to visit with Suzanne Dailey once again. She was a guest on our podcast last year as well as a presenter at TLC 2023 in Orlando. Not only am I happy to have her on the show again, but she will return to present at TLC 2024 in New Orleans with a session titled "Strategies to Support Joyful Leadership". Suzanne Dailey is an instructional coach in the Central Bucks School District where she works with over 600 elementary teachers and 9,000 students. She is Nationally Board Certified, a fellow of the National Writing Project, and has a masters degree in reading. Suzanne is also the author of Teach Happier this School Year: 40 Weeks of Inspiration and Reflection and the host of the popular weekly podcast, Teach Happier.Today, Suzanne shares her thoughts and research on happiness, specifically how life is so much more than just happiness. Happiness, she says, is not an "either or" situation; it's an "and" situation. When you look at it that way, you can fully live life and experience all of it. We also discuss the crisis of happiness that is happening in schools right now and two specific practices everyone can do to become happier. Listen in as she gives us some practical advice and three Rs to implement daily.In this conversation you'll learn how paying attention to the things we are grateful for and how focusing on health and happiness can help us be a resource for other people. Suzanne also provides tips for coaches to persevere and be a service to others, as well as what you should and shouldn't do when you are coaching someone that is going through difficult times.Finally, learn about her recent research into which teachers are in need of the most support these days, and what you can do to be an effective coach.Interested in learning how System Support can make an impact on your district, click here.Want to learn more about what Instructional Coaches should do to foster powerful improvements in teaching, click here. I'd love to hear your feedback about my weekly Coaching Conversations. Please consider leaving a rating or review and subscribing to our channel.

In this episode of Coaching Conversations I am joined by one of ICG's consultants, Christina Ortega. Christina is an experienced instructional coach and coordinator of math and science. I had the opportunity to work with her and several coaches last year as part of a study where we looked at a year in the life of a coach. She taught me a lot about what people were dealing with, successes and challenges, in the moment as she was coaching. It was an incredibly unique learning experience that I'm grateful for.In this episode, Christina talks about the power of being a learner and why being a continuous learner is a critical part about being a coach. She and I revisit what it was like to be in the study last year and how it taught her about the importance of pausing and reflecting. Tune in to hear Christina's perspective on the rewarding and gratifying work that is instructional coaching, while also embracing the scary moments and giving space to success stories. Christina and I also touch on the following key aspects of coaching:Role ClarityAligning a Coach's Role to the Goals of the School and DistrictWhat it means to be an advocate for yourselfCoaching questions, tips, forms, tools, and activities that will help you on your journeyTLC - Christina's perspective as an attendee last year and what she's excited about presenting this year!To learn more and join the institute, click here.To purchase our planner, click here. I'd love to hear your feedback about my weekly Coaching Conversations. Please consider leaving a rating or review and subscribing to our channel.

In this episode of Coaching Conversations I'm excited to learn from my guest James Marshall, professor at San Diego State University—ranked as the top education school in California—and author of Right from the Start: The Essential Guide to Implementing School Initiatives. James draws a clear distinction between programs and initiatives, emphasizing that initiatives are what truly drive systemic change. They are embedded in the culture of an organization, fostering meaningful change. Initiatives are designed to make a real impact.Tune in as James shares a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to successfully implementing school initiatives. He covers key aspects of this well-structured process, including:The importance of conducting needs assessmentsEssential factors to consider when designing and launching initiativesAn introduction to the "logic model" and its role in initiative planningThe significance of a program director and what makes an effective oneFundamental principles for monitoring the impact of an initiativeAnd more!High quality implementation is essential. We have great ideas, but they aren't great if they aren't implemented effectively. I'm grateful James Marshall gives us ways to do it. I'd love to hear your feedback about my weekly Coaching Conversations. Please consider leaving a rating or review and subscribing to our channel.Join us at the Teaching Learning Coaching conference in New Orleans or Online, this October. To learn more, click here.Learn how administrators can support their coaches effectively by clicking here.

In today's podcast episode Jessica Wise and I discuss the topic of nominal change from my recent article in Educational Leadership "The Problem of Nominal Change". Join us as we unpack the challenges, implications, and strategies for breaking free from cycles.I define nominal change as the act of stating or expressing intentions without actual implementation or execution. Nominal change is prevalent in education, where initiatives are adopted but not effectively put into practice.In this episode, I highlight the systemic and psychological factors contributing to nominal change. Systemically, educators often face time constraints and lack adequate resources to implement new initiatives effectively. Psychologically, there's a tendency to chase after new ideas without committing to the hard work required for deep implementation.Throughout the episode, I explore various examples of nominal change, ranging from professional learning communities to instructional coaching programs. I discuss the importance of establishing clear goals, having dedicated champions for initiatives, and allocating sufficient time and resources for implementation.The conversation delves into 7 practical strategies for escaping the nominal change cycle, including beginning with the end in mind, having a champion for initiatives, and ensuring deep knowledge among educators. I'd love to hear your feedback about my weekly Coaching Conversations. Please consider leaving a rating or review and subscribing to our channel.   Interested in joining our Intensive Institute, click here. Join us at TLC in New Orleans, this October as we remind ourselves to keep kids first. To learn how to join us, click here.