What happens when three decades of instructional coaching research meets technology designed to help educators thrive? In this conversation, Jim Knight and Shannon Buerk explore a new partnership focused on expanding the reach of instructional coaching while staying true to the principles that make coaching effective. They discuss why partnership, professionalism, and meaningful conversations remain at the heart of lasting school improvement, how districts can better demonstrate the imp...
Jul 29
50 min
In this episode of Coaching Conversations, Jim Knight is joined by guest, TLC 2026 keynote speaker Dr. Rachel Edoho-Eket, principal and author of The Principles Journey, to talk about the experiences that shaped her leadership journey from teaching kindergarten to leading a school community. Dr. Edoho-Eket shares what she's learned along the way about the power of mentorship, creating a positive culture, making intentional decisions, and navigating the difficult conversations that come with l...
Jul 22
33 min
In this episode of Learning From Experience, host Jessica Wise talks with Megan Russell, an assistant principal from Virginia whose journey has taken her from Head Start teacher to elementary educator, instructional coach, and school leader. Megan reflects on the challenges she faced stepping into coaching with limited training, unclear coaching cycles, and few meaningful ways to measure success. Together, Jessica and Megan explore how Jim Knight's Partnership Principles, including equality, ...
Jul 14
33 min
In this episode of Coaching Conversations, Jessica Wise talks with ICG consultant Sonja Pullen about what she's learned from coaching educators around the world. Together, they explore the nuances of different coaching approaches, the power of listening, and why growth often begins with curiosity. Along the way, Sonja shares surprising lessons from the pickleball court that offer powerful insights for coaches, teachers, and leaders alike. Thank you for being a part of our community. Feedbac...
Jun 9
41 min
In this episode of Coaching Conversations, Jim Knight and ICG Consultant Jessica Wise explore the ideas behind Jim’s book High-Impact Instruction — a book designed to give teachers and coaches practical, easy-to-use strategies that can make an immediate difference in classrooms. Jim walks through the book’s four key areas: identifying clear learning destinations, using formative assessment to stay on track, strengthening instruction, and building classroom community. Along the way, he refle...
May 26
25 min
In this episode of Coaching Conversations, Jim Knight talks with education expert Yong Zhao, keynote speaker for TLC 2026, about what it means to rethink teaching and learning in an AI-driven world. Yong challenges many of the assumptions behind traditional school reform and shares a compelling vision for education that is more personalized, problem-centered, and grounded in student strengths. He also introduces his Courageous Minority movement, encouraging educators to lead meaningful chan...
May 19
31 min
This week’s Learning from Experience segment features host Dr. Jessica Wise in conversation with Daren Croy, a teaching and learning facilitator at Oakdale Middle School in Oregon. Drawing on nearly 30 years in education, Daren reflects on his journey from veteran classroom teacher to instructional coach, including his transition from a private Christian school to a public middle school setting. The discussion explores the challenges of shifting teacher perceptions about coaching and highli...
May 12
34 min
Jim Knight and Jessica Wise settle into a conversation about what it’s really like to write books on instructional coaching and professional learning. Jim talks through how an idea slowly takes shape on the page, noting that early drafts are often messy and unfinished, and that the real clarity comes through revision. He describes writing as something that improves with others involved, whether through feedback, shared thinking, or simply talking ideas through. He also speaks to the discipl...
Apr 28
48 min
In this episode of Coaching Conversations, Christian van Nieuwerburgh explores what it means to be a thoughtful, intentional coach. He describes four skills - listening, questioning, noticing, and playing back - and explains that they work best when they come from a place of genuine curiosity, not routine. Christian also talks about “positive presence,” a way of being with others that is grounded in attention and respect. Rather than trying to follow a script, he encourages coaches to stay ...
Apr 21
44 min
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