Jim Knight and Jessica Wise settle into a conversation about what it’s really like to write books on instructional coaching and professional learning. Jim talks through how an idea slowly takes shape on the page, noting that early drafts are often messy and unfinished, and that the real clarity comes through revision.

He describes writing as something that improves with others involved, whether through feedback, shared thinking, or simply talking ideas through. He also speaks to the discipline of returning to the work regularly, even when the words don’t come easily.

Jessica connects this to her own experience writing The IC Toolkit, reflecting on the starts and stops that come with the process and what helped her keep going.

Along the way, Jim points to a few writers who have influenced his thinking, including Anne Lamott and Stephen King, and encourages educators to keep their language straightforward so their ideas are easy to understand and useful in practice.

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Learn more about the Intensive Instructional Coaching Institute

https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/in-person-intensive-instructional-coaching-institute/

Learn more about Radical Learners

https://www.radicallearners.com/

In this episode of Coaching Conversations, Christian van Nieuwerburgh explores what it means to be a thoughtful, intentional coach. He describes four skills - listening, questioning, noticing, and playing back - and explains that they work best when they come from a place of genuine curiosity, not routine.

Christian also talks about “positive presence,” a way of being with others that is grounded in attention and respect. Rather than trying to follow a script, he encourages coaches to stay focused on the person in front of them and respond to what they hear.

He shares his idea of the “Four Curiosities” as a guide for staying open and engaged in conversations. Throughout the discussion, he returns to a simple idea: coaching is rooted in authentic connection and a sincere interest in helping others think and grow.

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Learn more about the Introduction to Leadership Coaching workshop:

https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/introduction-to-leadership-coaching/

Learn more about the Teaching Leading Coaching (TLC) 2026 Conference:

https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/2026-tlc-conference/

Jim Knight and Jessica Wise dig into the art of giving and receiving effective feedback in instructional coaching and leadership. They explore how empathy, self-awareness, and a partnership approach can transform feedback conversations from uncomfortable moments into opportunities for real growth.

Through personal stories and practical strategies, Jim and Jessica discuss ways coaches and leaders can make feedback more collaborative and meaningful using tools like video, data, and reflective dialogue to support professional learning. They also talk about how context matters, why feedback should never feel like top-down advice, and how strong coaching relationships create space for honest reflection.

The conversation highlights a core idea at the heart of instructional coaching: feedback works best when it’s grounded in partnership, focused on improvement, and centered on doing what’s best for students.

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Learn more about the Data Rules workshop:

https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/data-rules/

Learn more about the Teaching Leading Coaching (TLC) 2026 Conference:

https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/2026-tlc-conference/

In this special “Learning from Experience” episode of Coaching Conversations, host Jessica Wise speaks with Mina Ibrahim, an educational leader from Egypt. Mina describes his path from engineering to founding an all-girls school and later serving as an instructional coach. His story illustrates the complex balance between leadership authority and the partnership principles that guide effective coaching.

Throughout the conversation, Mina reflects on the importance of thoughtful pacing, the disciplined use of data, and the creation of psychologically safe environments where teachers feel respected and supported in their learning. He highlights the role of deep listening, the willingness to unlearn long-held assumptions, and the need to keep students at the center of every coaching conversation.

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Learn more about the Intensive Instructional Coaching Institute:

https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/in-person-intensive-instructional-coaching-institute/

Jim Knight and Jessica Wise explore the critical process of enrolling teachers in instructional coaching cycles, discussing the importance of building trust, respecting teachers' autonomy, and using one-on-one conversations to foster engagement. They share practical enrollment strategies, highlight the significance of supportive leadership, and emphasize that coaching should be seen as a partnership for professional growth; not a punitive measure. In this episode, you'll gain actionable advice on relationship-building, gradual engagement, and creating a positive coaching culture within schools.

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• 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 the Intensive Instructional Coaching Institute:

https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/in-person-intensive-instructional-coaching-institute/

Learn more about the Teaching Leading Coaching (TLC) 2026 Conference:

https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/2026-tlc-conference/

Jim Knight welcomes back author of You're Not Listening, Kate Murphy, for a thoughtful exploration of interpersonal synchrony and its influence on coaching and human connection. Drawing on research and lived experience, they examine how people align with one another at neural, physiological, and behavioral levels, and why that alignment matters.

Together, they unpack the role of self-awareness, emotional regulation, and intentional presence in building trust and fostering meaningful dialogue. Their conversation connects science to practice, offering practical strategies coaches can use to cultivate empathy and deepen conversations.

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• Stay Connected: Follow our podcast for more episodes packed with insights and inspiration.

Learn more about our Evaluating Instructional Coaching workshop:

https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/evaluating-instructional-coaching/

We’re excited to introduce a new segment of the Coaching Conversations podcast: Learning from Experience with Dr. Jessica Wise.

In this first conversation, Jessica sits down with Beth, an instructional coach from rural Colorado with 21 years in education. Beth reflects on her journey from the classroom into coaching, the realities of supporting two small schools, and what it means to build authentic, trusting relationships with teachers.

She shares how the Impact Cycle workshop shaped her coaching practice, the role of reflection and partnership in teacher growth, and why effective coaching leaves a lasting imprint on both educators and students.

At the heart of the conversation is a reminder of the deeply human work of education and the quiet, powerful influence of coaching done well.

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 our High Impact Instruction workshop:

https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/high-impact-instruction/

Learn more about the Teaching Leading Coaching (TLC) 2026 Conference:

https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/2026-tlc-conference/