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
Pasi Sahlberg
In this episode of Coaching Conversations, I have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Pasi Sahlberg, one of the most respected voices in educational policy and reform. Our conversation explores the evolution of Finland’s education system and the powerful lessons it holds for educators everywhere.
Dr. Sahlberg shares how Finland built an equitable education system by prioritizing trust, teacher professionalism, and autonomy. Instead of relying on high-stakes accountability, Finnish schools focus on creating calm, supportive environments where teachers can truly engage students in deep learning. We also discuss the challenges of standardized testing, the importance of student agency, and why effective teaching isn’t about theatrics—it’s about meaningful, lasting connections.
Throughout our discussion, one theme remains clear: great education is built on strong relationships. When teachers feel trusted and students feel valued, real learning happens. I hope this conversation sparks new insights for you and encourages all of us to think more deeply about how we create schools where both students and educators thrive.
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