Coaching Conversations with Jim Knight

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 discipline of returning to the work regularly, even when the words don’t come easily.

Jessica connects this to her own experience writing The IC Toolkit, reflecting on the starts and stops that come with the process and what helped her keep going.

Along the way, Jim points to a few writers who have influenced his thinking, including Anne Lamott and Stephen King, and encourages educators to keep their language straightforward so their ideas are easy to understand and useful in practice.

Thank you for being a part of our community.
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/

Learn more about Radical Learners
https://www.radicallearners.com/

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 focused on the person in front of them and respond to what they hear.

He shares his idea of the “Four Curiosities” as a guide for staying open and engaged in conversations. Throughout the discussion, he returns to a simple idea: coaching is rooted in authentic connection and a sincere interest in helping others think and grow.

Thank you for being a part of our community.
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 Introduction to Leadership Coaching workshop:
https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/introduction-to-leadership-coaching/

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

Jim Knight and Jessica Wise dig into the art of giving and receiving effective feedback in instructional coaching and leadership. They explore how empathy, self-awareness, and a partnership approach can transform feedback conversations from uncomfortable moments into opportunities for real growth.

Through personal stories and practical strategies, Jim and Jessica discuss ways coaches and leaders can make feedback more collaborative and meaningful using tools like video, data, and reflective dialogue to support professional learning. They also talk about how context matters, why feedback should never feel like top-down advice, and how strong coaching relationships create space for honest reflection.

The conversation highlights a core idea at the heart of instructional coaching: feedback works best when it’s grounded in partnership, focused on improvement, and centered on doing what’s best for students.

Thank you for being a part of our community.
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 Data Rules workshop:
https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/data-rules/

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

In this special “Learning from Experience” episode of Coaching Conversations, host Jessica Wise speaks with Mina Ibrahim, an educational leader from Egypt. Mina describes his path from engineering to founding an all-girls school and later serving as an instructional coach. His story illustrates the complex balance between leadership authority and the partnership principles that guide effective coaching.

Throughout the conversation, Mina reflects on the importance of thoughtful pacing, the disciplined use of data, and the creation of psychologically safe environments where teachers feel respected and supported in their learning. He highlights the role of deep listening, the willingness to unlearn long-held assumptions, and the need to keep students at the center of every coaching conversation.

Thank you for being a part of our community.
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/