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
Claudia Owad & Christina Ortega
In this episode, I talk with ICG Consultant, Christina Ortega, and Global Director of Learning & Development, Claudia Owad, about handling challenging conversations in schools. We focus on approaching these situations with empathy, preparation, and a coaching mindset so that the goal is growth, not blame. I share personal experiences and practical examples for using data, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence when conversations get difficult. We also give a preview of the Managing Challenging Conversations pre-conference session at the 2025 TLC Conference where educators will practice these strategies and leave with tools and confidence for supporting meaningful development.
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