In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Maggie Jackson, the brilliant author of Uncertain. Our conversation dove deep into a theme that resonates powerfully with me—especially in the context of instructional coaching: the importance of embracing uncertainty.

Maggie makes a compelling case that, although many of us instinctively reach for certainty like a security blanket, that same certainty can often box us in. It can lead to rigid thinking, stifle our creativity, and close us off from new possibilities. Instead, she invites us to view uncertainty not as a threat, but as a catalyst for growth. When we open ourselves up to the unknown, we unlock our capacity for curiosity, resilience, and adaptability.

We also touched on some fascinating neuroscience—specifically, how our brains are wired to avoid ambiguity, and how that natural resistance can actually hold us back. Maggie introduces the idea of adaptive expertise, which is all about our ability to learn, unlearn, and relearn in response to new and complex situations. This idea couldn’t be more relevant to the work we do as instructional coaches.

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Learn more about Radical Learners:
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In this episode of the Coaching Conversations podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Jessica Wise to explore what I call the Seven Success Factors for effective instructional coaching. These factors come from years of research and practice, and they represent what I've seen work in real schools with real teachers.

Jessica and I talked about the importance of approaching coaching as a partnership, where both coach and teacher learn from each other. We also dug into how crucial it is to use data—not just to measure success, but to guide our decisions in a way that truly supports student learning.

Throughout the conversation, we kept coming back to one central idea: coaching must be rooted in empathy, trust, and a relentless focus on student outcomes. We talked about how leadership can make or break coaching programs, and why a supportive culture is essential if we want teachers to grow. Teaching is deeply personal work, and coaching needs to honor that by being compassionate, collaborative, and always grounded in respect.

Access the "Teach to Win" article referenced in this podcast.

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Learn more about The Impact Cycle:

https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/the-impact-cycle/

Learn more about Consulting:

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

In this episode, I'm joined by someone whose thinking continues to shape my work today -  Michael Fullan. Michael, as many of us know, has been a giant in the field of educational change for decades, and in this conversation, he opens up about his journey: how his ideas have evolved, what he’s learned along the way, and why teacher voice is absolutely essential if we’re serious about real, lasting change.

What stands out here is how clearly Michael connects change with purpose. He reminds us that transformation in schools isn’t linear or tidy—it’s messy, human work. But when educators come together around a shared moral purpose, and when school culture aligns with that purpose, amazing things can happen. He also speaks to something we’ve seen again and again in coaching: the magic that happens when people feel heard, supported, and invited into the process.

For coaches and leaders, this episode is a reminder that we don’t drive change by pushing—it happens when we walk alongside our partners, keep the focus on student well-being, and stay committed to learning together.

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Learn more about the Intensive Instructional Coaching Institute:

https://shorturl.at/Kc9j2

Learn more about the Coaching Accreditation Program:

https://shorturl.at/YZwXH

In this episode of Coaching Conversations, I had the pleasure of connecting with Mark Verde, a deeply thoughtful and incredibly experienced primary school teacher from Patana, a British international school in Bangkok. With more than 30 years in education under his belt, Mark opened up about his journey into instructional coaching and how it’s transformed not only his teaching but the learning experiences of his students as well.

Our conversation dove into some real, powerful stories from the field—including one especially meaningful coaching experience he had with a colleague named Pim. That story in particular really brought to life the impact that authentic, collaborative growth can have in a school setting.

Throughout our talk, we kept coming back to the same core idea: coaching relationships thrive on strong communication, mutual trust, and genuine respect. It was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when partnerships are built on those foundations.

If you're curious about what it looks like to walk the path of coaching—from the Intensive Instructional Coaching Institute, through The Impact Cycle, Introduction to Leadership Coaching, and 1:1 Impact Coaching—you'll want to tune in to hear Mark’s journey firsthand.

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Learn more about Better Conversations:

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Join us at the Teaching Leading Coaching (TLC) conference:

https://shorturl.at/QZTdi

In this episode, I’m joined by Tim Dohrer and Tom Golebiewski for a powerful conversation about something that matters deeply in education today: mental health. Tim and Tom—who co-authored The Schools We Need Now—share their insights on how schools can create environments where everyone, students and educators alike, feel safe, supported, and connected.

We talk about the importance of trust in relationships, and why we can’t separate learning from well-being. Academic success doesn’t happen in isolation—it’s tied to the emotional, social, and even physical well-being of our students. That’s why we explore practical, proactive strategies to support mental health, including building strong community partnerships and weaving mindfulness into the fabric of school life.

This isn’t just about reacting to challenges—it’s about reimagining schools as places where humans flourish. If we want thriving classrooms, we have to prioritize mental health as a foundational part of learning.

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Learn more about Consulting:

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

Learn more about the Impact Cycle workshop:

https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/the-impact-cycle/

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.

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Learn more at:

www.instructionalcoaching.com

Download the Contracting Checklist:

https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Contracting-Checklist-Handout_2025-1.pdf

This week I have the opportunity to sit down with TLC 2025 keynote speaker Juliana Urtubey, the 2021 National Teacher of the Year, to explore what it really means to create schools where joy and justice aren’t just ideas — they’re lived experiences.

Juliana’s story is compelling. As a bilingual, first-generation immigrant, her journey into education has been deeply personal, and that lived experience shows up in every part of her practice.

Throughout our conversation, Juliana talks about how her background has shaped not only how she teaches, but why she teaches. She emphasizes the central role of community and reflection — two elements we know are foundational for authentic learning and growth. Her "Choice and Just Framework" is all about reimagining the classroom as a space for collaboration rather than compliance, where students are seen, heard, and valued.

What I found especially powerful is Juliana’s unwavering belief that classrooms can be places of both rigor and joy — that justice and belonging aren’t add-ons, but essential. 

If you’re an educator looking to build inclusive, affirming environments where every student’s strengths are honored, this conversation offers not just inspiration, but real insights you can act on.

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Learn more about TLC 2025:

https://shorturl.at/E9wTa

Learn more about the Virtual Institute:

https://shorturl.at/dXnK6

In this episode of Coaching Conversations, I sit down with instructional coach Meg Groseclose as she shares her journey into coaching and her work with Rachel, a third-year teacher. Together, they embarked on a coaching cycle focused on improving student engagement and achievement. Starting with a baseline of 64% comprehension, they set an ambitious goal of 90%. Through strategies like cooperative learning and data-driven adjustments, they made remarkable progress, reaching 88% comprehension. 

This conversation highlights the power of collaboration, adaptability, and data in instructional coaching. It’s a perfect example of how coaching can drive real, meaningful change in both teaching and student outcomes.

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Learn more about Using AI in Instructional Coaching: Best Practices & Tools

https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/using-ai-in-instructional-coaching-best-practices-tools/

This week I had the pleasure of speaking with Ammie Franklin and Jade West from Salesian College in Sunbury, Melbourne. We had a wonderful conversation about the impact of instructional coaching and its pivotal role in enhancing educational practices. 

Ammie, the Deputy Principal for People and Culture, and Jade, the Director of Staff Learning, shared their insights on their school's coaching model. This model not only supports individualized student learning pathways but also fosters staff development.

We discussed the delicate balance between professional practice and well-being, emphasizing the importance of fostering a culture of care. Ammie and Jade highlighted how continuous improvement through reflective practices is at the heart of their approach. 

This episode truly underscores the significant impact that coaching can have on both educators and students, driving meaningful change and growth in educational settings.

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Learn more about the Instructional Coaching Done Well Roadshow:

https://shorturl.at/UAFap

In this episode of Coaching Conversations, I sit down with TLC 2025 Keynote presenters Dr. Christian van Nieuwerburgh and Dr. Robert Biswas-Diener to explore the power of radical listening. We discuss how an intentional, empathetic approach to listening can strengthen both personal and coaching relationships. Christian and Robert share key strategies—such as acknowledgment, intentionality, and thoughtful interjection—that help speakers feel truly seen, valued, and heard. We also examine the importance of creating an environment that fosters deep listening. Ultimately, this conversation highlights how radical listening not only enhances communication but also builds stronger connections and contributes to a more compassionate world.

Radical Listening Model

https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/RL-Model.pdf

Dr. Christian van Nieuwerburgh's website:

coachonamotorcycle.com

Dr. Robert Biswas-Diener's website:

http://www.robertdiener.com/

Author of Positive Provocation: 25 Questions to Elevate Your Coaching Practice

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Learn more about our International Institutes here:

https://shorturl.at/QXrQj