Coaching Conversations with Jim Knight

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.

In this episode, I sit down with my long-time friend, educator, and co-author of Understanding By Design (UBD), Jay McTighe. In our conversation Jay shares the origins of UBD and its evolution over time, emphasizing its focus on fostering deep understanding in students through backward design. Have a listen as we discuss the collaborative work of Jay and Grant Wiggins, co-author of UBD, and the importance of open-minded discourse in educational development. Jay clarifies common misconceptions about UBD and highlights its adaptability to diverse learning needs, promoting inclusivity and engagement in the classroom. We explore practical strategies for implementing UBD, including the role of instructional coaches in supporting teachers and the importance of alignment between goals and assessments. Jay closes the episode with reflections on the enduring relevance of UBD in today's rapidly changing world, and he underscores its role in equipping students with essential skills for lifelong learning. I'd love to hear your feedback about my weekly Coaching Conversations. Please consider leaving a rating or review and subscribing to our channel. Stay Connected Subscribe to Jim Knight's Coaching Conversations Podcast on your favorite podcast platform to receive updates on new episodes and access to valuable resources. Learn More To learn more about our annual TLC conference, click here. Prepare for the start of next school year with the Intensive Instructional Coaching Institute, our most comprehensive offering that gives you everything you need to be an effective coach by clicking here.

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: 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: 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.

Welcome back to Coaching Conversations. Today my guest is Allison Rodman, Founder and Chief Learning Officer of The Learning Loop. Allison's background spans various roles in education, from teacher to instructional coach, from school leader to director of teaching and learning. She's an ASCD Faculty Member and the author of Still Learning: Strengthening Professional and Organizational Capacity and Personalized Professional Learning: A Job-Embedded Pathway for Elevating Teacher Voice. As the driving force behind The Learning Loop, Allison's mission is clear: to reshape how we view professional development. In this episode you'll hear Allison share about her passion for student and adult learning, encouraging educators to see learning as an ongoing journey rather than a one-time event. Listen in as Allison shares details about the 5 key concepts from her latest book Still Learning: Strengthening Professional and Organizational Capacity, and find out how to understand, accept, and elevate the importance of stillness within the field so that we can make sure we're making the most thoughtful decisions on behalf of one another as well as our students. I'd love to hear your feedback about my weekly Coaching Conversations. Please consider leaving a rating or review and subscribing to our channel. Curious how our consultants can make an impact on your school or district, 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.

"I think the whole idea, and what I get excited about is that the more we can design learning to reflect how kids' brains work, and the more we can use teaching strategies that really accelerate their learning, the easier it is for them, the more joyful it is for them, and also for us. In the end, I feel all this is adding up to joyful learning experiences for kids and for teachers. We all want to be great teachers, right? We all want to see the light bulbs go on for kids, And, I think this is, ultimately, all about those joyful learning experiences." - Bryan Goodwin In this episode of Coaching Conversations, our special guest is Bryan Goodwin, President and CEO of McREL International, a nonprofit organization that provides in-depth professional learning and school improvement services to school systems worldwide to help educators use the science of teaching, learning, and leading to lift all learners. Learn about the approach in developing the rigorous research base for the third edition of Bryan's book The New Classroom Instruction That Works and how this new methodology yielded an updated set of 14 high leverage teaching strategies that have been shown, scientifically, to promote deep, meaningful, and lasting learning for diverse students. In this conversation, Bryan shares details about the six phases of learning and the cognitive science behind each. Interested in learning how our consultants can make an impact on your School, District, or Program? Click here Learn how to join our Institute by clicking here

Our featured guests this week are Dennis Shirley and Andy Hargreaves, authors of "The Age of Identity." In this episode they share their views on education in our modern era, focusing on how identity influences practices and policies. Together, Jim, Andy, and Dennis discuss the connections between culture, technology, and societal changes, considering what it means for educators globally. Tune in to this conversation about the role of identity in education. Curious how to gain insight into coaching as an administrator, clicking here. To learn more about the Paris Institute and how to attend, click here.

"If teachers have areas in which they can be developed, instructional coaches have the coaching program in our district, and leaders and aspiring leaders have ways to learn - what if we created a way for facilitators to learn? Because whoever is facilitating all of that learning, they need to be poured into as well. They need to be developed, too." - Dr. Jessica Wise Hello and welcome back to our monthly Coaching Questions episode, where we dive deep into the world of coaching and education. I'm your host, Jim Knight, and I'm thrilled to be joined once again by ICG consultant, Dr. Jessica Wise. This week, we celebrate a significant milestone in Jessica's journey – her doctoral accomplishment in the field of education. It's a momentous occasion that deserves recognition, and we couldn't be more excited to share in her success. Jessica's doctoral research encompassed human focus facilitation. In our conversation, she discusses what it means to be more focused on the humans and less focused on the presentation. Listen in as Jessica shares the four ways to prioritize your learners and ensure meaningful professional development experiences where they feel refreshed, rejuvenated, and empowered. I'd love to hear your feedback about my weekly Coaching Conversations. Please consider leaving a rating or review and subscribing to our channel. Keep up to date with everything ICG by signing up to our newsletter by clicking here. To learn more about the Paris Institute and how to attend, click here.

Hello, and Welcome to Coaching Conversations, where we explore the transformative power of coaching in education. I'm Jim Knight, your host, and today I'm thrilled to have Mariah Rankine-Landers, EdM, join me for an inspiring discussion. Mariah is a visionary educator who challenges the status quo and advocates for the integration of contemporary arts into the educational system. Her passion lies in redefining the purpose of education, placing the role of artists at the forefront of nurturing imagination, innovation, and critical thinking in young minds. With a firm belief that tending to our hearts and embracing the arts can dismantle oppressive systems in schools, Mariah leads with love and conviction. As the co-founder of Rise Up! An American Curriculum, inspired by the musical "Hamilton," she is on a mission to revolutionize teaching and learning through creative inquiry. In our conversation today, Mariah will share her insights on how to cultivate environments where students can fully bloom and thrive. We'll explore the transformative potential of integrating the arts into education and how it can shape attitudes, assumptions, and patterns of knowing for both teachers and students. Please join us as we dive into Mariah's journey as a catalyst for change in education. This episode promises to be enlightening, inspiring, and filled with actionable strategies for educators looking to create sanctuaries of learning where all students can flourish. I'd love to hear your feedback about my weekly Coaching Conversations. Please consider leaving a rating or review and subscribing to our channel. To learn how our 16 week Instructional institute can make an impact on your teaching or district, click here. To learn more about the Paris Institute and how to attend, click here.

Welcome to Coaching Conversations, where we explore innovative approaches to teaching and learning. Today I have the pleasure of speaking with my dear friend and extraordinary voice in education, Carol Tomlinson. I'm your host, Jim Knight, and I'm excited to bring you insights from the forefront of education. With a focus on curriculum, differentiated instruction, and formative assessment, Carol’s work at the University of Virginia has always aimed to empower classroom teachers to enhance the learning experiences of diverse learners. Through over 300 publications, including bestselling books like How to Differentiate Instruction in Academically Diverse Classrooms and The Differentiated Classroom, Carol has strived to provide practical strategies for educators worldwide. Named Outstanding Professor at UVA's School of Education and recognized as #12 in the Education Week Edu-Scholar Public Presence Rankings, my commitment to advancing educational discourse remains steadfast. Whether it's through her writing or collaborations with educators nationally and internationally, Carol’s goal is to foster learner-centered classrooms where every student can thrive. Join me on Coaching Conversations as we delve into the principles and practices of differentiation, formative assessment, and creating inclusive learning environments. Whether you're a teacher, a school leader, or simply passionate about education, this podcast is your resource for transformative ideas and actionable strategies. Tune in as we embark on a journey to elevate teaching and learning for all students. I'd love to hear your feedback about my weekly Coaching Conversations. Please consider leaving a rating or review and subscribing to our channel. To learn more about our Instructional Coaching Institute and how to attend, click here. To learn how to join out System Support: What Administrators need to know virtual workshop, click here.

Welcome back to Coaching Conversations, where we delve into the world of education, leadership, and personal growth. I'm your host, Jim Knight, and today, I'm thrilled to bring you a dynamic duo from the Crowther Centre: Dr. Ray Swann and Dr. Mark Dowley. Dr. Ray Swann, the Head of the Crowther Centre, brings a wealth of experience in education and well-being programs. With a background in medical education and a passion for evidence-informed practice, Ray has made significant strides in educational leadership. From being recognized as a national Top 50 educator to hosting the popular Understanding Boys podcast, Ray's insights are invaluable. He's also a sought-after consultant in identity performance coaching, particularly for medical trainees facing the daunting residency interview process. Joining Ray is Dr. Mark Dowley, the Associate Head of Staff Development and Instruction at the Crowther Centre. Mark's expertise lies in driving school improvement through enhancing instructional quality. With accolades from VCAA and The Educator Magazine, Mark's impact on teaching and professional learning is undeniable. As a certified Instructional Coach and an Adjunct Lecturer at La Trobe University, Mark's contributions to coaching and staff development are exemplary. In this episode, Dr. Ray Swann and Dr. Mark Dowley discuss effective coaching programs, focusing on improving classroom instruction. They emphasize the integral role of instructional coaching in enhancing human performance, echoing Atul Gawande's view. Ray and Mark highlight their journey in developing an instructional playbook for excellent instruction and achieving widespread implementation of coaching with positive outcomes. Stay tuned for Coaching Conversations, where every discussion brings new perspectives and actionable strategies for success. I'd love to hear your feedback about my weekly Coaching Conversations. Please consider leaving a rating or review and subscribing to our channel. To learn more about the Paris Institute and how to attend, click here. To learn how Better Conversations can have an impact on your daily life, click here.

Hello and welcome back to our monthly Coaching Questions episode between ICG consultant, Jessica Wise and me, Jim Knight. In this episode, we explore insights from my book, "Unmistakable Impact," which simplifies the process for achieving dramatic student outcomes through targeted, consistent professional learning done with teachers, not to teachers. Discover the characteristics of Impact Schools, including a focused improvement plan, a culture encouraging ongoing professional development, and alignment of purpose and actions among all staff members. Join us as we discuss how to translate the joy of learning into high-leverage practices that truly make a difference. This episode is a valuable resource for principals, workshop leaders, professional learning communities, and instructional coaches. Tune in for a roadmap to remarkable results and learn how, when everyone learns, every student receives excellent instruction every day in every class. Join us for a conversation on creating an unmistakable impact in education and the complexity of helping.

Greetings, in this episode of Coaching Conversations, I am joined by two leading experts in the realm of motivational interviewing in education—Keith C. Herman, PhD, and Wendy M. Reinke, PhD. Join us as we delve into the transformative insights from their book, "Motivational Interviewing in Schools." Keith C. Herman, a professor in school and counseling psychology at the University of Missouri, and Wendy M. Reinke, a professor in school psychology at the same institution, are not only experts in their fields but also influential members of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT). Their collective expertise has significantly shaped motivational interviewing in education, providing a powerful framework for effecting positive change. In this conversation, we explore the profound impact of motivational interviewing in education and how it serves as a cornerstone for our instructional coaching model. Discover the practical applications of motivational interviewing, its role in fostering meaningful change in educational settings, and how it has influenced our own coaching methodologies. I'd love to hear your feedback about my weekly Coaching Conversations. Please consider leaving a rating or review and subscribing to our channel. To learn more about Radical Learners and the impact each lesson can have on your professional development, click here.

Welcome back to another episode of Coaching Conversations. In this episode, I’m joined by the exceptional Tina Curry—an award-winning coach, professor, and teacher with a 23-year distinguished track record in education. Tina, currently the lead instructional coach at Fernwood Elementary in Chicago, is known for her innovative success as a teacher and her role as a valued member of the adjunct faculty at National Louis University. Tune in as we discuss mentoring, leadership, and Tina's focus on mentoring young women and women of color. Tina's dynamite presentation skills and her transformative work as a lead equity facilitator for DePaul University's Office of Innovative Professional Learning promise a conversation filled with inspiration and practical insights. Discover Tina's impressive accomplishments, including being a contributing writer to the award-winning book Teaching for Racial Equity: Becoming Interrupters. Her support for professional learning at both leadership and classroom levels has transformed lives professionally and personally. Join us for an enlightening discussion with Tina Curry, a nominee for the 2023 NCTE nominating committee, as she shares her passion for coaching and equity. I'd love to hear your feedback about my weekly Coaching Conversations. Please consider leaving a rating or review and subscribing to our channel.

Thank you for joining me for another exciting episode of the Coaching Conversations Podcast. In this episode, I'm joined by Daryl Michel and Jan Hasbrouck, coauthors of a groundbreaking book on instructional coaching—Student-Focused Coaching (SFC). Explore the step-by-step guide to instructional coaching in K–12 schools using the SFC model. Learn about the three key coaching roles and discover practical activities and materials to implement the SFC model effectively. Join Daryl, Jan, and me as we discuss building respectful relationships with teachers, navigating challenging conversations, and collaborating to improve student outcomes. We'll cover strategies for goal-setting, evidence-based interventions, and supporting struggling students. Find out how to enhance time management skills, provide constructive feedback, and design professional learning opportunities. This episode is essential for instructional coaches, teachers, and administrators seeking to elevate their coaching impact. 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 to attend our Institute in Paris, France, click here.

Please join me and ICG consultant, Jessica Wise as we explore the transformative insights from my ASCD article, titled Escape from the Zero Learning Zone. In this episode, we navigate the challenges of stagnant learning environments, examining firsthand experiences and practical strategies for breaking free. In this episode we will discuss how innovative teaching methods and personalized approaches can propel students out of the zero learning zone, fostering curiosity, creativity, and genuine understanding. This conversation explores reshaping education for a future where every learner thrives. Tune in for a concise exploration of creating enriching educational landscapes and unleashing the full potential of learners. 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 consultants can leave a lasting impression on your school or district, click here.

Join me as Dr. Robyn Jackson and I explore the four fundamental needs that drive our motivation: autonomy, mastery, purpose, and connection. Dr. Jackson is passionate about building better schools. As the CEO of Mindsteps Inc. she has helped thousands of K-12 administrators and teachers develop the clarity and confidence to turn their classrooms and schools into success stories. In this episode, you'll discover how tapping into these dominant drivers becomes the key to motivating not just teachers but anyone. Uncover the shortcut to unlocking motivation by attuning yourself to their essential question, and grasp why this strategy is not only powerful for motivation but also for sustaining it over time. Join us as Dr. Jackson discusses how to unleash the true power of understanding and fueling the dominant will drivers that shape our actions 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 consultants can leave a lasting impression on your school or district, click here. Are you a Radical Learner? Our asynchronous courses offer a wide range of topics to help you develop new skills that make an impact. Learn more about Radical Learners by clicking here.