What does effective instructional coaching really look like?

“If there’s no goal, it’s just a nice conversation.” -Jim Knight

In this special episode of Lessons Learned, host Matt welcomes Jim Knight, one of the most influential voices in instructional coaching and K-12 professional learning. With over 20 years of research and 10+ books authored, Jim reflects on his journey from aspiring English teacher to pioneering coach and how instructional support has evolved.

Throughout the conversation, Jim emphasizes the importance of clear, measurable, and motivating goals tied to the impact on students—and how K-12 schools can use these goals to ensure all of their professional learning is a meaningful use of budget.

Together, we explore key topics such as:

• Why student-centered goals drive sustained improvements in teaching and learning
• How instructional coaching should balance clarity, accountability, and compassion
• The role AI can play in accelerating—not replacing—the human side of coaching
• Why documenting coaching’s impact on student outcomes is essential for demonstrating impact

Connect with our guest:

• Instructional Coaching Group website: https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/
• Attend the Teaching Leading Coaching Conference: https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/2025-tlc-conference/ 
• Contact the ICG team: [email protected]

Ways to tune in:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4bzi3DLY1fCuBknsxWySw6 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/lessons-learned/id1714296987 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c715776e-3d77-4a8b-806b-207e01b861af 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@betterlesson4313