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
Join me and Jessica Wise as we discuss the pivotal concept of "contracting" within instructional coaching. Contracting is that crucial initial dialogue where we lay the groundwork for our coaching relationship, setting clear expectations and defining our roles.
In this episode, Jessica and I walk through a comprehensive checklist for effective contracting. We underscore its vital role in nurturing trust and fostering collaboration.
We also share our thoughts on maintaining confidentiality, the power of silence, and the importance of being adaptable during coaching sessions. This episode is packed with practical strategies designed to help coaches refine their practice and cultivate strong, trusting relationships with the educators they support.
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 at:
Download the Contracting Checklist: