Coaching Conversations with Jim Knight
Jim Knight is the founder of The Instructional Coaching Group, a professional development provider dedicated to offering PD for coaches, teachers, and leaders based on a partnership approach that creates better learning environments for all students. As a research associate at the University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning Jim has spent 25 years studying professional learning and instructional coaching. He earned his PhD in Education from the University of Kansas and has won several university teaching, innovation, and service awards. The pioneering work Jim and his colleagues have conducted has led to many innovations that are now central to professional development in schools. Jim wrote the first major article about instructional coaching for the Journal of Staff Development, and his book Instructional Coaching (2007) offered the first extended description of instructional coaching. Jim has written several books in addition to those described above, including the bestsellers Unmistakable Impact (2011), High-Impact Instruction (2013), Focus on Teaching (2014), Better Conversations (2015), The Impact Cycle (2018), and The Definitive Guide to Instructional Coaching (2021). He has also authored articles featured in Educational Leadership, The Journal of Staff Development, Principal Leadership, The School Administrator, and Kappan.
Coaching Conversations with Jim Knight
Mary Webb + Susie Vaughan
In this episode of Coaching Conversations, we dive deep into the transformative power of coaching in educational leadership. I’m joined by two incredible colleagues, Mary Webb and Susie Vaughn, to explore how coaching can drive meaningful change in schools.
As co-founder of the Instructional Coaching Group, I’m passionate about the idea that coaching isn’t just for teachers—it’s a critical tool for building leadership capacity at all levels. In this conversation, we talk about what effective coaching looks like, how it empowers leaders to thrive, and why it’s essential for creating lasting impact in our schools.
Mary brings a powerful perspective on the evolving role of principals. Rather than seeing themselves as the sole decision-makers, she advocates for a shift toward leaders who empower and support their teams to take ownership of their work. It’s about creating a culture where everyone has the space and support to grow.
Susie, a certified coach and former principal, shares her experience in building coaching cultures that prioritize reflection, trust, and collaboration. Her insights focus on the importance of developing leaders who are equipped to guide others, and she underscores the value of creating a supportive environment where coaching can thrive.
This episode is a deep dive into the heart of coaching—how it can help leaders reflect, listen, and create environments where everyone has the opportunity to flourish. It’s about more than just improving skills; it’s about transforming schools into communities where growth is a shared experience.
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:
Learn more about Consulting: