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
Coaching Q&A
In this episode of Coaching Conversations, Jessica Wise and I explore how instructional coaches and teachers can collaboratively engage with data to drive meaningful improvements in teaching and learning. I use the metaphor of viewing art to highlight an essential truth: data, like a painting, can be seen from multiple perspectives, and the richest insights come from exploring it together.
Throughout our conversation, we discuss why frequent data collection—beyond just standardized tests—is critical for understanding instructional effectiveness. We also examine the core elements of effective coaching: mutual respect, trust, and open, dialogical conversations that empower teachers rather than evaluate them.
Technology, when used thoughtfully, can enhance data analysis, making it easier to track progress and inform next steps. However, the key to impactful coaching lies in the way we communicate about data—providing specific, non-attributive feedback that sparks reflection and growth.
We wrap up the episode with practical strategies for fostering a coaching culture where data becomes a tool for learning rather than judgment—helping educators feel supported, challenged, and inspired to keep growing.
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