Coaching Conversations with Jim Knight

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, choice, voice, dialogue, praxis, reflection, and reciprocity, continue to shape Megan's approach to coaching and leadership. She also shares how the Impact Cycle has strengthened her work with early childhood educators and offers an encouraging reminder that lasting change doesn't happen all at once. It begins with small, intentional steps taken consistently over time.
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Learn more about the Introduction to Leadership Coaching workshop:
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Learn more about the Teaching Leading Coaching (TLC) 2026 Conference:
https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/2026-tlc-conference/

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.

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Learn more about Better Conversations workshop:
https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/better-conversations/

Learn more about the 2026 Teaching Leading Coaching (TLC) Conference:
www.tlc-conference.com

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 reflects on what he might revise if writing the book today, especially around formative assessment and feedback.

The conversation also explores a deeper question: What does great teaching actually feel like for students? Jim shares why classrooms should be places where students feel respected, safe, and genuinely engaged in learning.

Jessica adds perspective from her work with educators today, sharing how the ideas in High-Impact Instruction continue to resonate in workshops and coaching conversations with teachers across schools and districts.

Learn more about Introduction to Leadership Coaching:
https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/introduction-to-leadership-coaching/

Learn more about Managing Challenging Conversations:
https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/managing-challenging-conversations/

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 change wherever they are.

Together, Jim and Yong explore the promise and potential risks of AI, including its impact on equity, creativity, and human connection. Throughout the conversation, one idea remains clear: technology matters, but authentic relationships are still at the heart of powerful teaching and coaching.

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Learn more about Better Conversations:
https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/better-conversations/

Learn more about partnering with an ICG Consultant:
https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/instructional-coaching-program/

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 highlights the essential role of trust and strong relationships in that process. Daren also points to ICG’s Impact Cycle Workshop as a pivotal influence in shaping a more intentional, partnership-driven approach to his work. Throughout the conversation, a clear message emerges: sustaining meaningful impact in education requires not only effective practices, but also a consistently positive attitude.

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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 Intensive Instructional Coaching Institute:
https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/in-person-intensive-instructional-coaching-institute/

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Learn more about our Data Rules workshop:
https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/data-rules/