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/

This week we have a special episode with Jim Knight and Christian van Nieuwerburgh about their 20-day trek along Nepal's Annapurna Circuit. They share stories from the trail—the stunning landscapes, the physical and mental challenges, and the moments when they weren't sure they could keep going. Along the way, they reflect on what the experience taught them about growth, gratitude, and what it means to say "yes" to something hard. They also talk about teamwork, the parallels between coaching and guiding, and how travel can shift the way we see the world. The episode wraps up with thoughts on embracing discomfort, staying connected to others, and carrying lessons of resilience, service, and hope into daily life.

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 Data Rules workshop:

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

Traditional SMART goals in educational coaching often fall short because they focus on what teachers do rather than what students learn.

Jim Knight and Jessica Wise explore a different approach: the PEERS framework—goals that are Powerful, Easy, Emotionally Compelling, Reachable, and Student-Focused.

This conversation examines why coaching must be adaptive, why genuine commitment matters more than compliance, and what 30 years of instructional coaching research reveals about effective practice.

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 Introduction to Leadership Coaching:

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

Learn more about Managing Challenging Conversations:

https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/managing-challenging-conversations/