This podcast features a conversation with TLC 2024 presenter Trent Hall, a facilitator, sociologist, and communication expert who focuses on helping people "human better" and lean into our collective humanity. The discussion covers several key topics related to effective communication, coaching, and building connections:

1. Reflective listening techniques and the importance of listening to understand rather than respond
2. Using inclusive language that resonates with both "feelers" and "thinkers"
3. The concept of a "dignity lens" for seeing the inherent worth in all people
4. Building rapport and creating a collective culture in organizations
5. Practical communication tools like the SBI (Situation-Behavior-Impact) model for giving feedback
6. The importance of intentionality in communication and relationship-building

Throughout the conversation, Trent emphasizes the value of effective communication skills in fostering understanding, resolving conflicts, and honoring each person's humanity. He provides insights and practical tips that coaches, educators, and leaders can use to improve their interactions and create more equitable, connected environments.

Interested in joining us for TLC in the Big Easy? Click here to learn how.

Learn how to sign up up for our virtual Institute by clicking here 

In this episode of Coaching Conversations, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Andrea Honigsfeld, an expert in language development, collaboration, and co-teaching for dual language learners. Dr. Honigsfeld shared valuable insights and strategies for effective collaboration and partnership in education.

Our conversation began with Dr. Honigsfeld emphasizing the importance of co-planning with shared goals and objectives to support multilingual learners effectively. She highlighted the need for alignment between content and language goals for accelerated learning.

We delved into the concept of co-teaching, where Dr. Honigsfeld emphasized the shift from remediation to acceleration in language development. She discussed the significance of building partnerships and shared understanding to create an environment conducive to accelerated learning for multilingual learners.

Dr. Honigsfeld also touched on the upcoming release of her book on co-assessment with Dr. Margot Gottlieb, focusing on collaborative assessment practices for English learners. The discussion underscored the value of gathering data to track progress and make informed instructional decisions.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Honigsfeld emphasized the asset-based approach to working with multilingual learners and teachers, promoting a mindset of collaboration, mutual learning, and co-generation. Our conversation concluded with a shared appreciation for the power of dialogue and collaboration in driving positive outcomes in education.

I hope this episode leaves you inspired to adopt a collaborative and asset-based approach in your work with multilingual learners, recognizing the transformative impact of partnership and shared expertise in supporting student success.

I'd love to hear your feedback about my weekly Coaching Conversations. Please consider leaving a rating or review and subscribing to our channel.

Learn more about the System Support: What Administrators Need to Know About Coaching workshop. 

Learn more about the Impact Cycle workshop.

In this episode of the Coaching Conversations podcast, I have the opportunity to sit down with TLC 2024 keynote speaker, Kate Murphy. 

Kate is the acclaimed author of You're Not Listening: What You're Missing and Why It Matters, easily the best book on listening I have ever read. During our conversation we speak about the nuances of effective communication, exploring why listening is more than just hearing words—it's about understanding another person's story. 

We discuss the importance of asking the right questions, the power of analogies, and how genuine listening can transform relationships in a time of increasing polarization. Kate shares her journey of writing the book, emphasizing the role of innovation and creativity in her work. We also touch on practical advice for becoming a better listener, whether in personal relationships or professional coaching.

You'll discover why listening is a selfless act that paradoxically leads to better connections, how to avoid common pitfalls like letting ego or fear dominate conversations, and why everyone can be interesting if you ask the right questions. 

Tune in for a conversation that will inspire you to hone your listening skills and deepen your interactions with others.

I'd love to hear your feedback about my weekly Coaching Conversations. Please consider leaving a rating or review and subscribing to our channel.

Learn more about the TLC 2024 conference.

Learn more about the Intensive Instructional Coaching Institute.

In this month's Coaching Q&A episode, a follow-up to Part 1, Jessica Wise and I dive deeper into the journey of instructional coaching. Previously, we explored my early career and curiosity that led to the partnership approach. Now, in Part 2, we unpack the intricate evolution of instructional coaching and the significant milestones that shaped it.

Episode Highlights:

• Jim Knight’s Definition of Instructional Coaching: Discover how Jim's extensive research laid the groundwork for what would become a revolutionary support system for educators.
• The Impact Cycle: Learn about the dynamic process that helps teachers set and achieve meaningful goals, ensuring continuous improvement and sustained practice.
• PEERS Goals: Understand the elements of Powerful, Emotionally Compelling, Easy, Reachable, and Student-focused goals and why focusing on students is crucial.
• Challenges and Adaptations: Hear about the initial hurdles, such as lack of implementation and sustained practice, and how evolving around goal-setting addressed these issues.
• Directive vs. Dialogical Approaches: Jim explains the importance of balancing different coaching styles and how a dialogical approach, grounded in partnership principles, enhances teacher engagement and effectiveness.
• The Role of Video: Explore the powerful impact of using video as a starting point for reflection and improvement in teaching practices.
• Evidence-Based Process: Gain insights into the rigorous research and iterative design process that led to the creation of the Impact Cycle, including the invaluable contributions from numerous dedicated professionals.
• Misconceptions in Instructional Coaching: Jim addresses common misunderstandings, emphasizing the importance of a dialogical approach over a purely directive or facilitative method.

Practical Takeaways for Coaches

• Learn the 7 Success Factors for recalibrating your coaching practice to be more student-focused.
• Discover actionable steps to implement the Impact Cycle effectively in your coaching.
• Understand the benefits of a dialogical approach and how to incorporate it into your interactions with teachers.

View the two articles I reference in this episode: "Teach to Win" and "One Size Fits One". I also reference the Impact Cycle checklist as a great starting point for coaches who want to recalibrate their coaching. 

To learn more about a dialogical approach to coaching, or the Impact Cycle, consider attending the Impact Cycle workshop or the Intensive Instructional Coaching Institute.

Learn more about our annual TLC conference taking place in New Orleans or Online.

During this episode, I had a fascinating conversation with TLC 2024 Keynote Speaker, Dr. Haesun Moon from the University of Toronto. We delved into the concept of scaling in coaching conversations and the importance of focusing on progress rather than deficits. 

Dr. Moon shared insights on how to work with clients' progress and the significance of asking the right questions to facilitate their growth.

We discussed the idea of radically accepting another's truth and the importance of understanding people's logic for their lives. 

Dr. Moon emphasized the power of dialogue and how it can lead to a deeper understanding and connection with others. We also explored the concept of inviting others to imagine what's possible, highlighting the Solution Focused approach to coaching and the value of helping individuals envision positive outcomes.

This episode provides valuable insights into effective coaching practices, the significance of empathy and understanding, and the transformative impact of dialogue in fostering growth and development.

Learn more from Dr. Moon by joining us in New Orleans for TLC this year. To learn how, click here.

Join us at our next Impact Cycle workshop to learn powerful tools that grow student achievement. Learn how to by clicking here. 

In Episode #76 of the "Coaching Conversations" podcast, I have the opportunity to engage, once again, with Dr. Floyd Cobb and John Krownapple, to discuss the crucial role of dignity in creating equitable and inclusive school environments.

Dr. Floyd Cobb and John Krownapple, co-authors of Belonging Through a Culture of Dignity: The Keys to Successful Equity Implementation, bring their extensive expertise to the table. They explore the current state of equitable instruction in schools across the U.S. and provide actionable insights on how educators and school leaders can foster environments where every student feels respected and valued.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

• The importance of dignity in schools and how to create environments where every student feels respected.
• A deep dive into the concept of dignity, inspired by the work of Donna Hicks from Harvard, and its critical role in fostering equitable school cultures.
• The evolving landscape of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in education, and how current social and legal changes impact this work.
• Approaches to professional development that honor the dignity of all participants.
• Advice for educators on addressing equity issues in challenging environments.
• Stories of hope and success in fostering dignity and equity in schools.

The episode wraps up with a sneak peek into what John and Floyd will be presenting at this year's TLC conference in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Learn more about the Impact Cycle workshop and register today!

Purchase your Instructional Coaching Planner and get ready for the 2024-2025 school year!

This week I welcome Dr. Kim Richardson, a long-time friend, Radical Learners course instructor, 5x TLC presenter, coaching leader in Hampton City Schools in Virginia, and leader of Virginia ASCD. 

In this episode, Dr. Richardson dives into critical professional topics such as funding adjustments for coaches and the push for wellness and leadership. She shares practical advice for instructional leaders facing the challenge of supporting teachers with varying levels of experience and offers strategies for creating psychological safety in schools and fostering professional autonomy.

Kim also highlights the importance of clear communication, understanding where teachers have autonomy, and the role of trust in coaching. Tune in to gain valuable insights and practical tips that can help you navigate the complexities of educational leadership and improve your coaching practice.

Finally, get a sneak peek into Kim’s upcoming session at TLC 2024, where she will explore the art of inquiry and the power of questioning to enhance teacher engagement and learning outcomes.

I'd love to hear your feedback about my weekly Coaching Conversations. Please consider leaving a rating or review and subscribing to our channel.

Click here to learn more about our Better Conversations workshop. 

Click here if you'd like to learn more about the annual TLC conference.

In this Coaching Q&A episode, Jim Knight and Jessica Wise explore the evolution of the term "instructional coaching" through Jim's extensive research and work. Jim Knight shares his early career experiences that led to the development of the partnership approach, which forms the foundation of instructional coaching today. 

They discuss the importance of coaching, goal setting, and improving teaching practices. Jim Knight talks about his work with principals and teachers in Topeka schools, where he modeled inclusive teaching methods. He also outlines the goal-setting framework he developed with Michelle Harris, emphasizing student-centered goals that are emotionally compelling and achievable.

Jessica and Jim delve into the definition and misconceptions of instructional coaching, highlighting the need for adaptive responses to complex teaching challenges. They emphasize the effectiveness of the partnership approach, which has been shown to make teachers more likely to embrace new ideas.

Jim Knight explains the process of instructional coaching, the impact cycle, and the importance of mutual respect and collaboration. They discuss various coaching approaches, including facilitative, directive, and dialogical, and stress the importance of dialogue in fostering teacher growth.

Finally, they reflect on the contributions of many experts in developing the instructional coaching model and address common misconceptions. Jim Knight and Jessica Wise underscore the significance of seeing teachers as professionals and making a meaningful difference in students' lives through coaching.

I'd love to hear your feedback about my weekly Coaching Conversations. Please consider leaving a rating or review and subscribing to our channel.

Interested in learning how our wonderful consultants can make an impact on your school or district, click here. 

To purchase our planner, click here. 

In this episode, I sit down with my long-time friend, educator, and co-author of Understanding By Design (UBD), Jay McTighe. In our conversation Jay shares the origins of UBD and its evolution over time, emphasizing its focus on fostering deep understanding in students through backward design.

Have a listen as we discuss the collaborative work of Jay and Grant Wiggins, co-author of UBD, and the importance of open-minded discourse in educational development. 

Jay clarifies common misconceptions about UBD and highlights its adaptability to diverse learning needs, promoting inclusivity and engagement in the classroom. 

We explore practical strategies for implementing UBD, including the role of instructional coaches in supporting teachers and the importance of alignment between goals and assessments. 

Jay closes the episode with reflections on the enduring relevance of UBD in today's rapidly changing world, and he underscores its role in equipping students with essential skills for lifelong learning.

I'd love to hear your feedback about my weekly Coaching Conversations. Please consider leaving a rating or review and subscribing to our channel.

Stay Connected

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Learn More

To learn more about our annual TLC conference, click here.

Prepare for the start of next school year with the Intensive Instructional Coaching Institute, our most comprehensive offering that gives you everything you need to be an effective coach by clicking here.

In today's episode I have the opportunity to visit with Suzanne Dailey once again. She was a guest on our podcast last year as well as a presenter at TLC 2023 in Orlando. Not only am I happy to have her on the show again, but she will return to present at TLC 2024 in New Orleans with a session titled "Strategies to Support Joyful Leadership". 

Suzanne Dailey is an instructional coach in the Central Bucks School District where she works with over 600 elementary teachers and 9,000 students. She is Nationally Board Certified, a fellow of the National Writing Project, and has a masters degree in reading. Suzanne is also the author of Teach Happier this School Year: 40 Weeks of Inspiration and Reflection and the host of the popular weekly podcast, Teach Happier.

Today, Suzanne shares her thoughts and research on happiness, specifically how life is so much more than just happiness. Happiness, she says, is not an "either or" situation; it's an "and" situation. When you look at it that way, you can fully live life and experience all of it. 

We also discuss the crisis of happiness that is happening in schools right now and two specific practices everyone can do to become happier. Listen in as she gives us some practical advice and three Rs to implement daily.

In this conversation you'll learn how paying attention to the things we are grateful for and how focusing on health and happiness can help us be a resource for other people. 

Suzanne also provides tips for coaches to persevere and be a service to others, as well as what you should and shouldn't do when you are coaching someone that is going through difficult times.

Finally, learn about her recent research into which teachers are in need of the most support these days, and what you can do to be an effective coach.

Interested in learning how System Support can make an impact on your district, click here.

Want to learn more about what Instructional Coaches should do to foster powerful improvements in teaching, click here. 

I'd love to hear your feedback about my weekly Coaching Conversations. Please consider leaving a rating or review and subscribing to our channel.