Coaching for Positive Classrooms
instructional coaching in schools
About ICG
Excellent instruction, every day,
in every class, for every student, everywhere.
We’re dedicated to creating professional development programs for coaches, teachers, and leaders so students will experience better learning and better lives.
150,000+
Instructional Coaches Trained
60+
Countries Implementing
25+
Years of Research in Coaching
Who We Are
Jim Knight’s Instructional Coaching Group is the leading consultancy for instructional coaching in schools across the world.
Our research-validated approach, the Impact Cycle, provides engaging practices proven to improve teacher effectiveness and student performance in response. We work with people in organizations to learn and implement these strategies through workshops, institutes, and consulting.
How We Work
ICG’s work is supported by research that we use to inform our professional development offerings and consulting practice.
Research
We have been studying instructional coaching for more than two decades. The goal of our research has always been to improve education for every student.
Professional Development
We host workshops and institutes to help coaches, teachers, and administrators learn and implement the factors, habits, and strategies they need to succeed.
Consulting
ICG’s trained consultants are available to meet with districts to help create plans for developing and supporting highly effective instructional coaching programs in their schools.
Research
We have been studying instructional coaching for more than two decades. The goal of our research has always been to improve education for every student.
Professional Development
We host workshops and institutes to help coaches, teachers, and administrators learn and implement the factors, habits, and strategies they need to succeed.
Consulting
ICG’s trained consultants are available to meet with districts to help create plans for developing and supporting highly effective instructional coaching programs in their schools.
Our Partners
Building Successful Instructional Coaching in Schools
At ICG, our research has revealed the factors that impact the success of coaching programs. We work with schools in all stages of developing their instructional coaching program.
The way we present ourselves to others—what we do and how we act—plays an important part in the strength of our relationships.
Since coaching is, above all, a series of conversations, coaches need to be effective communicators. They also need to employ effective coaching skills that reflect healthy beliefs about communication.
Leadership can be divided into two parts: leading yourself and leading others. To lead yourself, you must know your purpose and principles, how to use your time effectively, and how to take care of yourself.
While every coaching situation presents unique challenges, an established process for guiding the coaching experience ensures that instructional coaches have all the tools they need to help teachers set and achieve their goals.
05
Data
Data is important within coaching because it provides a way to identify goals and monitor progress. Goals need to be measured frequently so that teachers can determine if what they are doing is working or if adjustments need to be made.
When going through the coaching cycle, there can be so many factors at play that it’s easy to be overwhelmed. That’s why a central focus of instructional coaching is creating an Instructional Playbook to meet student-focused goals.
When coaches flourish, it is often because they work in settings where leaders are intentional and committed to providing the support that is required for coaching success to occur.
Connecting Educators, Supporting Students
Instructional coaches devote their time to growing teachers. One way to support instructional coaches in their professional growth is to ensure an effective evaluation system…
Michelle Lis
Coordinator, Instructional Coaching, Fairfax County (Va.) Public Schools
The ICG team has pulled through again with a much-needed guide, providing a thorough process from how to hire, evaluate, support, and retain instructional coaches.…
Kelly Jacobs
District Instructional Coaching Coordinator, Lansing (MI) School District
I would suggest it! It’s great to get everyone on the same page across the district. The model videos were very helpful to me as a new coach.
Joyce Kilmer and Richard Stockton Elementary Schools, District Math Coach
Unwrapping the Definitive Guide to Instructional Coaching
I loved the networking opportunity as well as the many “take and go” strategies from the presenters. I walked away with an action plan in mind and people I connected with to support the growth and change.
Instructional Coach
I love that I was able to attend TLC virtually, watch the keynotes in real time, and find time in my day to learn on demand.
Kemp Independent School District
Instructional Coach
This conference was exceptionally valuable as it is extremely important for me to keep learning and growing. During the conference there were many opportunities to learn from experts, collaborate, and share.
District 196
Teacher and MTSS Coach
As a coach… I very rarely get my bucket filled. This conference left me energized, intellectually stimulated, and filled with hope.
Parkhill South High School
Instructional Coach
TLC reminded me about the important and complex work we do. It was a reflective and motivating experience.
Redlands Unified School District
Instructional Coach
It was immensely valuable to be in a space with 2500 other people who share your same passion and love for education.
Franklin Northeast Supervisory Union
Instructional Coach
Virtual TLC was great! I loved that the breakout sessions were prerecorded. I took two professional leave days and felt that I had actually attended, as I followed the same schedule as in-person attendees.
Blount County Schools
Instructional Coach
The information I learned at TLC has transformed my coaching practice and given me direction and goals to move forward.
Halifax Regional Center for Education
Learning Disabilities Coach
I thought this workshop was WELL worth our time and very informative. Our presenter allowed us time to reflect as well as collaborate and I am walking away with new ideas I can implement.
Assistant Principal, OLSD - Wyandot Run Elementary
System Support: What Administrators Need to Know About Coaching
The workshop was a valuable use of my time as an elementary instructional leader. I would suggest all building trainers get this training, regardless of whether they have instructional coaches in their building or not.
Elementary Assistant Principal, Olentangy
System Support: What Administrators Need to Know About Coaching
I think this was one of the best PDs I have participated in. I felt like it was informative and thorough. I would recommend this to colleagues! Our presenter was encouraging, funny, thorough in her explanation of topics, and made the content easy to learn. I feel like this will help guide me to be more effective next school year.
Technology Integration Specialist, Cheyenne, WY
Unwrapping the Definitive Guide to Instructional Coaching
I’ve learned how to invest in my teachers in ways I never understood before. Our presenter was amazing. I love that she didn’t waste any time, valued everyone’s input, and was so knowledgeable! 5/5 Stars!!!!
Assistant Principal of School Improvement, Jonesboro, AR Visual and Performing Arts
Impact Cycle
Highly recommend to instructional coaches looking for a solid framework for coaching. Excellent information. I will be able to apply everything that I have learned to my job this school year.
Instructional Facilitator, HWES Jonesboro, AR
Impact Cycle
This workshop is very empowering and practical.
District STEM Specialist, Jonesboro Public Schools
Better Conversations
TLC is a great opportunity to collaborate with peers around the U.S. creating a community of practice.
Central Bucks School District
Instructional Coach
This was the best PD I’ve taken in a long time. I learned how to effect change as a coach and really effectively impact student achievement by being a coach.
Coach, Cherry Hill
Impact Cycle
This workshop was informative and reviving. It brought my coaching mojo back to life. The Impact Cycle is transformational to all staff. Our presenter did a wonderful job compartmentalizing the cycle and giving us ample opportunity to understand and unpack each component.
Literacy Coach, Cherry Hill
Impact Cycle
One of the most relevant workshops I have attended as admin. I learned reflective insights which will be helpful when working with and supporting staff.
Director, Lima
System Support: What Administrators Need to Know About Coaching
It was helpful! The first half gave me a lot of clarity on the layers of complexity when dealing with adult learners that helps me understand my role. I learned about the change process & how to support adults through change.
Curriculum Specialist, Admin
System Support: What Administrators Need to Know About Coaching
This workshop was encouraging. I loved hearing it right before school starts in order to make sure our own school culture around coaching is tight!
Elementary Math Facilitator, Eastside Elementary
Impact Cycle
I would definitely recommend it to colleagues because having that coaching lens helps all of us be better listeners, facilitators, and educators. I learned about having a framework and sample resources to lean on in our journey of coaching and mentoring people, regardless of the role.
Special Education Teacher, WEA
Impact Cycle
The workshop was Excellent. It allowed me to understand the Impact Cycle and how it can help guide my current profession as a coach. I would highly recommend the workshop to other colleagues who have an interest in seeing change among educators and the children they serve.
Instructional Coach, Maryland
Impact Cycle
I would highly recommend to anyone in a coaching role and even teachers. It’s a great way to coach kids as well as adults.
District Behavior Interventionist (IF), Casper, Wy NCSD
Impact Cycle
I left professionally fulfilled. I WOULD suggest this to a colleague. It was actually meaningful, and I foresee myself applying much of what was learned.
Instructional Coach, Hank Aaron New Beginnings Academy- APS
Impact Cycle
I was INSPIRED leaving the talk! I learned so much about myself as a communicator— not only in the work place, but how I can use it to benefit my life outside as well. I loved how there was a chance for reflections because it was in those moments where I realized how I can improve upon communicating and being an effective listener. I feel so enriched knowing the tools I can use to better myself as a communicator. THANK YOU, THANK YOU. I think everyone, in all walks of life can benefit from this vital learning experience!
Alumni Engagement Manager, San Francisco - Sacred Heart Cathedral
Better Conversations
It’s my fave PD series I’ve ever been to. I learned useful ways to track engagement, what engagement actually looks like, the levels of engagement, and strategies to increase engagement.
Teacher support mentor, Madera
Coaching for Engagement
It was informative and yes, I would recommend it to others. It was very helpful to see the process from start to finish.
Instructional Coach, Virtual
Impact Cycle
I thought this was a very informative workshop that balanced a lot of information while also not overwhelming. All of the strategies felt very useful and like some thing that I can immediately implement with my teachers next week. I really appreciated all of the breakout time that we had with other participants to reflect and share our own strategies.
Instructional coach, North Carolina (virtual)
Impact Cycle
There simply isn't a bigger influence than Jim Knight in the world of instructional coaching. His words, through workshops, keynotes, books, blogs, and articles, give us a greater understanding of how to coach and learn from those we coach. I always look forward to his next piece of research, and this book is a compilation of his greatest hits from the last couple of decades, and a guide to doing that work to a deeper degree. I am fortunate to call Jim a mentor and a friend, and I see this deeply impactful book as a go-to resource for a very long time.
Peter DeWitt
EdD, leadership coach, author, and Education Week blogger
Instructional coaches devote their time to growing teachers. One way to support instructional coaches in their professional growth is to ensure an effective evaluation system is in place for them. This book gives leaders several things to consider as they define the coach’s role, hire candidates, and put an evaluation process in place.
Michelle Lis
Coordinator, Instructional Coaching, Fairfax County (Va.) Public Schools
I thought I knew how to have a conversation; I’ve had millions of them. Some were good, others not so much so. But I want to have GREAT conversations, and Jim Knight has taught me how. The proof is in: better conversations are possible and the results are worth the investment.
Douglas Fisher
Coauthor of Rigorous Reading and Unstoppable Learning
Better Conversations stimulates the mind, spirit, and soul of those who coach, regardless of their role or position, by unpacking and reshaping the mental models that drive how they think, speak, and act. . . I found myself frequently thinking about how helpful this book will be to nearly every human who interacts with others whether in school or beyond.
Joellen Killion
Senior Advisor, Learning Forward
I read more education books than I care to admit. Some are good, some are bad, and very few are great. Jim Knight’s book Better Conversations is BRILLIANT! Insightful, innovative, and practical are the three words that kept coming to me when I was reading and learning from his book. Jim treats the subject of communication as an art and gives all of us, regardless of position or years of experience, practical ways to use our voice to improve the teaching and learning environment, as well as ourselves!
Russell J. Quaglia
President/Founder, Quaglia Institute for Student Aspirations
“Not only is Jim Knight the reigning expert in coaching, but he keeps on innovating. Focus on Teaching extends and deepens how coaching can have a powerful impact at low cost through the purposeful use of video. It's all there--ideas, tools, technicalities, frameworks, application. You can even coach yourself!”
Michael Fullan
Professor Emeritus OISE/University of Toronto
"While many advocate for using video to improve teaching and learning -- Jim Knight combines the rationale and strategies that compel us to take action. Aligned to the Standards for Professional Learning, Focus on Teaching: Using Video for High-Impact Instruction demonstrates how to have unmistakable impact on educator practice and student achievement! Everyone needs to read this ground-breaking book and then go to work putting the powerful ideas into practice. Another winner!"
Stephanie Hirsh
Executive Director Learning Forward
“This book provides a blueprint for any school or district to continuously enhance the instructional prowess of teachers. Concepts like ‘video-enhanced professional development’ are revolutionary in their intent, yet consummately simple, clear, and practical.”
Robert J. Marzano
CEO Marzano Research Laboratory
"Jim Knight′s High Impact Instruction honors teachers as intelligent, complex, and dedicated people. While many have attempted to identify the attributes of effective instruction, Knight′s work singularly acknowledges the basic human need to be our best selves. A wonderful addition to the literature!"
Stephanie Hirsh
Executive Director Learning Forward
"Jim Knight′s book, High-Impact Instruction, absolutely delivers on the promise of its subtitle ′A Framework for Great Teaching.′ It is breathtaking in its comprehensiveness and heartening in its practicality and detail. This is a must-read for teachers, coaches, administrators, and anyone interested in furthering what is known about effective teaching."
Robert J. Marzano
CEO Marzano Research Laboratory
"Seasoned author Jim Knight provides a masterful resource for teachers and other stakeholders to improve student achievement through a host of clearly defined instructional practices. The tools, resources, and examples he provides enable educators to easily implement his framework which comprise the key ingredients for effective instruction. Furthermore, his writing style makes it an engaging read."
Kathy Glass
Consultant and author of Curriculum Mapping: A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Curriculum Year Overviews
“Teachers helping teachers is a great way to create a powerful instructional staff. Knight has included very practical and useful tools to help teachers achieve excellence."
Dale E. Moxley
Principal, Round Lake Elementary School, Mount Dora, FL
“Provides valuable insight for mentors who are in the field working daily with novice teachers.”
J. Helen Perkins
Assistant Professor, The University of Memphis
Anytime I see a book that tackles a complex matter, I pull out my three key criteria: conciseness (is it clear and specific), comprehensiveness (does it cover the waterfront), and mutual exclusiveness (does it avoid confusing overlap). And the winner is The Definitive Guide to Instructional Coaching! And, indeed, it is definitive. Beautifully written, elegantly simple, fabulously displayed. Coaching made powerful. If you are a coach (which should be just about all of us in education), read this book to find out more deeply who you are, what you do, and where you work. So readable, and inspiring!
Michael Fullan
Professor Emeritus, OISE/University of Toronto
Coaching can have such variable impacts, and this should scream for a science of coaching; a focus for coaches to look back, at, and ahead; the power of listening and engaging in dialogue; and an openness to learn. I have seen Jim in action as a coach, and in this book, the king of coaching has revealed his soul, secrets, and success.
John Hattie
Emeritus Laureate Professor, Melbourne Graduate School of Education
The ICG team has pulled through again with a much-needed guide, providing a thorough process from how to hire, evaluate, support, and retain instructional coaches. This book will empower school leaders to be partners with instructional coaches by providing meaningful evaluation tools and effective coaching programs. Readers will walk away with ideas on how to help coaches grow to best serve students and teachers in their schools.
Kelly Jacobs
District Instructional Coaching Coordinator, Lansing (MI) School District
Who better to write the definitive guide to instructional coaching than Dr. Jim Knight—the guy who coined the term instructional coaching? This guide provides a comprehensive exploration of instructional coaching and what helps it deliver great results for students. I particularly liked the section on system support. Great work by individual coaches and teachers will have so much more impact when the system is aligned and supportive. Administrators and coaches will frequently turn to Knight's practical advice as they take steps down the implementation pathway.
John Campbell
Founding Director, Growth Coaching International
Jim Knight's books, articles, presentations, and one-on-one conversations have strengthened my skills and understanding of coaching from my earliest days as a promoter of coaching in schools. For readers with substantial experience in coaching, The Definitive Guide to Instructional Coaching will provide reinforcement, reminders, and continued opportunities for growth. Those who are newer to the coaching field will find direction for their next steps. "All educators deserve coaching." Jim's work supports all of us who want to make that happen.
Stephen Barkley
Author of Instructional Coaching with the End in Mind
"Coaching done well may be the most effective intervention designed for human performance. Jim Knight’s work has helped me understand the details of how effective coaching can and should be done."
Dr. Atul Gawande
Surgeon, public health researcher, and author of The Checklist Manifesto
"Jim Knight is one of the wise men of coaching. His well is deep; he draws from it the best tools from practitioners, the wisdom of experience, and research-based insights. And he never loses sight of the bigger picture: the point of all this is to have more impact in this life we're lucky enough to live."
Michael Bungay Stanier
Author of The Coaching Habit
“This is a book by the master coach in practice and theory; it sums up the core notions of coaching, and it provides a richness for action and thought for all who want to bring the power of coaching into teaching. I am convinced.”
John Hattie
Laureate Professor, Deputy Dean of MGSE, Director of the Melbourne Education Research Institute, Melbourne Graduate School of Education
"Creating an instructional playbook is as much about the process as it is about the product. The chance to reflect on teachers' most frequent requests, to sift through the tools in a team's collective toolbox, to research and refine thinking collaboratively, to edit for clarity in language and purpose, and to learn from peers is a priceless learning opportunity for coaches and other stakeholders."
Jacqueline Zimmerman
Secondary Instructional Coach Facilitator at Katy ISD, Texas
"The use of an instructional playbook has revolutionized how our teachers think about how they teach. A playbook moves the conversation beyond simply talking about what works to doing what works."
Ray Swann
Deputy Headmaster and Head of Crowther Center at Brighton Grammar School in Melbourne, Australia
"Implementation is the core to success—and this elegant guide to creating playbooks provides the tools to make coaching real, deep, and have high impact."
John Hattie
Author of Visible Learning: A Synthesis of Over 800 Meta-Analyses Relating to Achievement and Laureate Professor at Melbourne Graduate School of Education in University of Melbourne, Australia
“Unmistakable Impact takes us deeper into the realm of grounded school improvement – a great contribution to the field.”
Michael Fullan
Professor and Author University of Toronto, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, Centre for Teacher Development
“This book exemplifies everything Jim Knight advocates: a clear focus, respect for educators’ significant contributions, and the value of well-designed professional learning.”
Dennis Sparks
Former Executive Director Learning Forward
“Jim Knight helps us to understand how learning can be infectious, energizing, and humanizing as he eloquently delineates the steps involved in creating an impact school. I suggest buying this book for all principals who want to strengthen their schools. I believe that Unmistakable Impact will be a resource they return to time and again.”
Stephanie Hirsh
Executive Director Learning Forward
“Jim Knight’s work has had a tremendous impact on the quality of our professional development practices that are job-embedded and meet the real needs of our teachers. He is a consummate relationship builder who models how to establish the types of relationships necessary for second-order change to occur.”
Carolyn J. Teigland
Associate Superintendent for Education Services Cecil County Public Schools, Elkton, MD
“Jim Knight outlines a clear path to success for educators to make sense out of the complex nature of external mandates, competing initiatives, and prevailing traditional models found within many schools and districts around the nation.”
Ken Geisick
Superintendent Riverbank Unified School District, CA
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We see instructional coaching in schools as a dialogical and collaborative technique. These principles are the foundation of our work at ICG.
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