Coaching Conversations with Jim Knight

In this episode of Coaching Conversations, Jim Knight talks with education expert Yong Zhao, keynote speaker for TLC 2026, about what it means to rethink teaching and learning in an AI-driven world.

Yong challenges many of the assumptions behind traditional school reform and shares a compelling vision for education that is more personalized, problem-centered, and grounded in student strengths. He also introduces his Courageous Minority movement, encouraging educators to lead meaningful change wherever they are.

Together, Jim and Yong explore the promise and potential risks of AI, including its impact on equity, creativity, and human connection. Throughout the conversation, one idea remains clear: technology matters, but authentic relationships are still at the heart of powerful teaching and coaching.

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Learn more about Better Conversations:
https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/better-conversations/

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https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/instructional-coaching-program/

This week’s Learning from Experience segment features host Dr. Jessica Wise in conversation with Daren Croy, a teaching and learning facilitator at Oakdale Middle School in Oregon. Drawing on nearly 30 years in education, Daren reflects on his journey from veteran classroom teacher to instructional coach, including his transition from a private Christian school to a public middle school setting.

The discussion explores the challenges of shifting teacher perceptions about coaching and highlights the essential role of trust and strong relationships in that process. Daren also points to ICG’s Impact Cycle Workshop as a pivotal influence in shaping a more intentional, partnership-driven approach to his work. Throughout the conversation, a clear message emerges: sustaining meaningful impact in education requires not only effective practices, but also a consistently positive attitude.

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Learn more about the Intensive Instructional Coaching Institute:
https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/in-person-intensive-instructional-coaching-institute/

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Learn more about our Data Rules workshop:
https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/data-rules/

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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Feedback: We love hearing from you! Leave us a rating or comment to let us know what you think.
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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/