Coaching Conversations with Jim Knight

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Maggie Jackson, the brilliant author of Uncertain. Our conversation dove deep into a theme that resonates powerfully with me—especially in the context of instructional coaching: the importance of embracing uncertainty.

Maggie makes a compelling case that, although many of us instinctively reach for certainty like a security blanket, that same certainty can often box us i...

In this episode of the Coaching Conversations podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Jessica Wise to explore what I call the Seven Success Factors for effective instructional coaching. These factors come from years of research and practice, and they represent what I've seen work in real schools with real teachers.

Jessica and I talked about the importance of approaching coaching as a partnership, where both coach...

In this episode, I'm joined by someone whose thinking continues to shape my work today -  Michael Fullan. Michael, as many of us know, has been a giant in the field of educational change for decades, and in this conversation, he opens up about his journey: how his ideas have evolved, what he’s learned along the way, and why teacher voice is absolutely essential if we’re serious about real, lasting change.

What stands out h...

In this episode of Coaching Conversations, I had the pleasure of connecting with Mark Verde, a deeply thoughtful and incredibly experienced primary school teacher from Patana, a British international school in Bangkok. With more than 30 years in education under his belt, Mark opened up about his journey into instructional coaching and how it’s transformed not only his teaching but the learning experiences of his students as well.

In this episode, I’m joined by Tim Dohrer and Tom Golebiewski for a powerful conversation about something that matters deeply in education today: mental health. Tim and Tom—who co-authored The Schools We Need Now—share their insights on how schools can create environments where everyone, students and educators alike, feel safe, supported, and connected.

We talk about the importance of trust in relationships, and why we can’t se...

Join me and Jessica Wise as we discuss the pivotal concept of "contracting" within instructional coaching. Contracting is that crucial initial dialogue where we lay the groundwork for our coaching relationship, setting clear expectations and defining our roles. 

In this episode, Jessica and I walk through a comprehensive checklist for effective contracting. We underscore its vital role in nurturing trust and fostering...

This week I have the opportunity to sit down with TLC 2025 keynote speaker Juliana Urtubey, the 2021 National Teacher of the Year, to explore what it really means to create schools where joy and justice aren’t just ideas — they’re lived experiences.

Juliana’s story is compelling. As a bilingual, first-generation immigrant, her journey into education has been deeply personal, and that lived experience shows up in every part of h...

In this episode of Coaching Conversations, I sit down with instructional coach Meg Groseclose as she shares her journey into coaching and her work with Rachel, a third-year teacher. Together, they embarked on a coaching cycle focused on improving student engagement and achievement. Starting with a baseline of 64% comprehension, they set an ambitious goal of 90%. Through strategies like cooperative learning and data-driven adjustmen...

This week I had the pleasure of speaking with Ammie Franklin and Jade West from Salesian College in Sunbury, Melbourne. We had a wonderful conversation about the impact of instructional coaching and its pivotal role in enhancing educational practices. 

Ammie, the Deputy Principal for People and Culture, and Jade, the Director of Staff Learning, shared their insights on their school's coaching model. This model not only sup...

In this episode of Coaching Conversations, I sit down with TLC 2025 Keynote presenters Dr. Christian van Nieuwerburgh and Dr. Robert Biswas-Diener to explore the power of radical listening. We discuss how an intentional, empathetic approach to listening can strengthen both personal and coaching relationships. Christian and Robert share key strategies—such as acknowledgment, intentionality, and thoughtful interjection—that help spea...

In this episode of Coaching Conversations, Jessica Wise and I explore how instructional coaches and teachers can collaboratively engage with data to drive meaningful improvements in teaching and learning. I use the metaphor of viewing art to highlight an essential truth: data, like a painting, can be seen from multiple perspectives, and the richest insights come from exploring it together.

Throughout our conversation, we discus...

In this episode of Coaching Conversations, I have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Pasi Sahlberg, one of the most respected voices in educational policy and reform. Our conversation explores the evolution of Finland’s education system and the powerful lessons it holds for educators everywhere.

Dr. Sahlberg shares how Finland built an equitable education system by prioritizing trust, teacher professionalism, and autonomy. Inst...

In this episode of Coaching Conversations, I sit down with two incredible educational leaders, Art Costa and Bob Garmston. Our discussion delves into the deep connections between cognition, emotion, and action in learning—something I’ve always believed is essential for meaningful growth.

Art shares his insights on fostering resilience in students, while Bob emphasizes the importance of agency and collective efficacy in shaping ...

In this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Frederick Brown, CEO and President of Learning Forward. We delved into the evolution of professional learning standards and the pivotal role of coaching in implementing new educational practices. Frederick shared insights into Learning Forward’s history, its advocacy for effective professional learning systems, and the crucial importance of standards in guiding educators.

Our ...

In this episode of the “Coaching Conversations” podcast, Jessica Weiss and I delve into the complexities of coaching dialogues. We emphasize the importance of choosing the right type of conversation to promote learning and growth. Together, we unpack the differences between directive, facilitative, and dialogical approaches, highlighting the necessity for clarity and intentionality in our communication.

Thank you for being a pa...

In this episode of Coaching Conversations, I had the pleasure of engaging with Jeff Wetzler, author of "Ask: Tap into the Hidden Wisdom of People Around You for Unexpected Breakthroughs in Leadership and Life,” and co-founder of Transcend. We delved into the critical roles of curiosity, psychological safety, and high-quality questions in leadership and education. Jeff introduced his ASK approach, which emphasizes fostering cur...

In this episode of "Coaching Conversations," I had the pleasure of hosting Dr. Nancy Dome, who brought to light the critical role of compassionate dialogue when tackling sensitive issues like race. Dr. Dome underscored the necessity of self-awareness and emotional regulation to navigate these challenging conversations effectively. She introduced the REAR protocol—Recognize, Engage, Acknowledge, and Repair—as a powerful fr...

In this episode of the “Coaching Conversations” podcast, I had the pleasure of discussing my doctoral research and the development of the seven partnership principles with Jessica Weiss. We emphasized the importance of creating supportive environments for educators through effective coaching practices. Key themes we explored included the significance of choice, voice, and dialogue in fostering professional growth. I shared personal...