Sometimes the most profound lessons come from unexpected places. I recently trekked Nepal's Annapurna Circuit, and the experience left me with fresh perspective on gratitude, silence, and what really matters. In this episode, Jessica Wise and I share what we're grateful for, from working with incredible educators around the world to precious family moments. We explore why noticing the good matters so much in our work, the value of coaching relationships, and how to recognize and celebrate the impact we're making, even on the tough days.

Thank you for being a part of our community.

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Learn more about our Instructional Coaching Institutes:

https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/in-person-intensive-instructional-coaching-institute/

Learn more about our 1:1 Impact Coaching:

https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/jim-knights-1-1-impact-coaching/

In this episode of "Coaching Conversations," Amy Musante, ICG's Director of Consulting, reflects on her favorite podcast highlights from 2025. Amy and looks back at three episodes that really stayed with her. She talks about what she learned from Zaretta Hammond's insights on culturally responsive teaching, Maggie Jackson's ideas about uncertainty and adaptive expertise, and Susie Green's work on bringing positive psychology into coaching. Amy shares why partnership matters so much, what it means to really listen with intention, and how we can support well-being in our schools. Whether you're a coach or an educator, you'll find some practical ideas here that can help you grow and make a real difference with the teachers you work with.

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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 our Instructional Coaching Institutes:

https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/in-person-intensive-instructional-coaching-institute/

Learn more about our 1:1 Impact Coaching:

https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/jim-knights-1-1-impact-coaching/

What's the difference between directive and non-directive coaching? Should coaches set the agenda or let teachers lead?

In this episode, Dr. Robert Biswas-Diener joins Jim Knight to explore the philosophy and practice of instructional coaching. They tackle the big questions: balancing directive and non-directive approaches, the role of curiosity and empathy in coaching relationships, and how to give feedback that truly lands.

The conversation explores why emotions matter in coaching, how small talk builds rapport, and introduces the "crux" metaphor from rock climbing—a powerful way to help clients focus on their biggest challenges.

Walk away with practical insights and reflective questions to deepen their coaching practice and better support client growth.

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


Learn more about our 1:1 Impact Coaching:
https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/jim-knights-1-1-impact-coaching/

In this episode of Coaching Conversations, ICG Consultant Jessica Wise looks back at three standout episodes from 2025. Each one pushed her thinking about how we can better support educators and help schools flourish.

Listeners will hear why connection sits at the heart of real change and why strong support systems matter so much for educator well-being. Jessica also highlights practical ideas for creating schools where mental health is a priority and where people feel safe, supported, and encouraged.

Drawing on insights from our expert guests, Jessica encourages listeners to reflect on their own practice—nurturing relationships, taking mental health seriously, and building cultures where both educators and students can thrive.

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 our Instructional Coaching Institutes:

https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/in-person-intensive-instructional-coaching-institute/

Learn more about our 1:1 Impact Coaching:

https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/jim-knights-1-1-impact-coaching/

In this week's Coaching Q&A episode, Jessica Wise and I dig into one of the most important topics in education today: the role of school leaders, especially principals, as instructional coaches.

We talk honestly about what great coaching really requires, the common challenges leaders face, and why authentic partnership matters so much more than compliance-driven conversations. We also explore what it looks like when leaders show up as true collaborators, using evidence-based practices and meaningful dialogue to support teachers' growth.

During this episode I also walk through the Impact Cycle, my go-to framework for creating real, sustainable improvement, and share why quick fixes or surface-level coaching won't get us where we want to go.

Throughout the conversation, Jessica and I share practical advice, encouragement, and real examples designed to help leaders foster genuine change, honor teacher autonomy, and build a culture of continuous learning that ultimately leads to better outcomes for students.

Thank you for being a part of our community.

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Learn more about Better Conversations:

https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/better-conversations/

Learn more about Managing Challenging Conversations:

https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/managing-challenging-conversations/

In this episode, Jim Knight sits down with the brilliant Zaretta Hammond, author of Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain. They discuss how teachers can bridge the gap between knowing and doing; bringing the science of learning and culturally responsive practices together to truly empower students.

Zaretta shares powerful insights on building students’ “learning power,” developing metacognitive skills, and shifting from compliance-based teaching to what she calls a pedagogy of possibility.

It’s a rich, practical conversation about equity, deep learning, and helping every student become an independent, confident learner.

Thank you for being a part of our community.

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• Stay Connected: Follow our podcast for more episodes packed with insights and inspiration.

Learn more about Partnering with ICG Consultants:

https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/instructional-coaching-program/

Chris Munro, John Campbell, and Jim Knight talk about what leadership coaching really looks like in schools. So much of it comes down to the conversations we have every day—the small moments that help people think, reflect, and grow.

In this episode they discuss ideas from their latest book Growth Talk, including tools like the Learning Conversations Map and the GROWTH model—both designed to help leaders turn ordinary interactions into meaningful opportunities for learning. They also talked about some of the core skills that make coaching powerful: asking good questions, really listening, and being fully present.

Tune in to learn about the mindset behind coaching—valuing progress over perfection, and seeing every exchange as a chance to build trust, clarity, and hope. Whether in schools or beyond, these ideas remind us that great leadership starts with how we connect with others.

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 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/