Coaching Done Well

About Coaching Done Well

In Coaching Unpacked, you will  hear coaching conversations dissected by Adam Kohlbeck, Sarah Cottinghatt, and Chris Passey. Use each episode to: - Improve your coaching - Train your coaches  - Listen just for fun! In Coaching Done Well, join Jim Thompson and Shane Leaning as they talk all things teacher development and coaching in education. With some of the biggest names in coaching education as guests, our chatty show gives you everything you need to improve your coaching practice. We are a proud member of the Education Leaders podcast network. For more great education shows, head to educationleaders.co/network (http://educationleaders.co/network)

Publisher

Shane Leaning, Jim Thompson, Adam Kohlbeck, Sarah Cottinghatt, Chris Passey

Category

education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

24 Sept 2025

Latest episode

10 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

16 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   10 Sept 2026

   Explicit Instruction Done Well | Gene Tavernetti

   The conversation with Gene Tavernetti covers the importance of instructional skills, explicit instruction, the FAST framework, cognitive load, challenges faced by coaches, balancing human and hardware in education, resistance to coaching, the role of instructional coaches, and the importance of district support for coaching. The hosts also discuss the launch of the Education Leaders podcast network. Takeaways Explicit instruction is foundational and essential for effective teaching. Coaching programs require district support and a focus on improving instructional skills. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 04:07 Overview of Gene's Background 05:52 Importance of Instructional Skills 06:54 Explicit Instruction and Fluency 10:24 The FAST Framework and Cognitive Load 16:23 Challenges Faced by Coaches 22:24 Balancing Human and Hardware in Education 24:16 Resistance to Coaching and Professional Development 27:11 The Role of Instructional Coaches 31:15 The Importance of District Support for Coaching 33:01 Closing Remarks and Podcast Network Launch

2. 

   25 Aug 2026

   AI can never replace coaches

   The episode kicks off with a warm welcome and a glimpse into the hosts' current locations. They discuss the start of a new season, the changing seasons, and the impact of climate change. The conversation then delves into the origins of the show's name, inspired by a story about a neurosurgeon seeking coaching for tennis and applying the same principles to his medical practice. The hosts express skepticism about the idea of AI coaching and emphasize the importance of human connection and the messy, human element of coaching. They also announce the expansion of the Education Leaders Podcast Network and tease upcoming guests and topics for future episodes. Takeaways Human connection and the messy, human element of coaching are essential and cannot be replaced by AI. The Education Leaders Podcast Network is expanding, offering a variety of podcasts on leadership, coaching, teaching strategies, and current affairs in education. Chapters 00:00 Season 4 Kickoff and Changing Seasons 04:44 The Origins of Coaching Done Well 08:26 The Perils of AI Coaching 19:01 The Importance of Human Connection in Coaching 42:33 Expansion of the Education Leaders Podcast Network

3. 

   18 Jun 2026

   What Do You Now Believe to Be True? Coaching for Adaptive Expertise

   We're ending Season 3 with a room full of people we've wanted on the show for ages. Sarah Cottinghatt, Haili Hughes and Adam Kohlbeck join Shane and Jim to talk about their new book, Coaching for Adaptive Expertise: Developing Teachers Who Make Better Decisions, and the conversation goes exactly where we'd hoped. We open with a question Jim borrowed from Michael Bungay Stanier: what do you now believe to be true? From there the three of them make a case that's been building over years of practice. Coaching done well isn't about polishing teacher behaviours or checking whether a technique showed up in a lesson. It's about developing teacher judgment. Haili calls out the hollowed out version of coaching that looks busy and measurable but leaves a teacher's thinking untouched. Sarah unpacks why decision making sits at the centre of professionalism. And Adam gives us three things he now holds to be true: purpose, honouring expertise, and agency. We dig into mental models and why two teachers can watch the same classroom moment and notice completely different things. We sit with the hardest part of any coaching conversation, the moment it turns to what didn't go well, and Sarah and Adam reframe it beautifully as building a shared version of reality rather than delivering a verdict. And Haili closes the trailer round with a Jaws homage you'll want to hear twice. If you've ever carried a bit of feedback trauma from early in your career, this one's for you. So is the bigger argument running underneath it all: stop dumbing things down for teachers. Aim for clarity over the complexity instead. A huge thank you to Sarah, Haili and Adam, and to everyone who joined us live. What a way to close the season. Connect with our guests Sarah Cottinghatt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-cottinghatt-08a80533 (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-cottinghatt-08a80533) Haili Hughes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-haili-hughes-178479186 (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-haili-hughes-178479186) Adam Kohlbeck: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-kohlbeck-fcct-b31786102 (https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-kohlbeck-fcct-b31786102) Get the book Coaching for Adaptive Expertise: Developing Teachers Who Make Better Decisions (Routledge): https://www.routledge.com/Coaching-for-Adaptive-Expertise-Developing-Teachers-Who-Make-Better-Decisions/Cottinghatt-Hughes-Kohlbeck/p/book/9781032739793 (https://www.routledge.com/Coaching-for-Adaptive-Expertise-Developing-Teachers-Who-Make-Better-Decisions/Cottinghatt-Hughes-Kohlbeck/p/book/9781032739793)

4. 

   21 May 2026

   Coaching, positive psychology & Dean Clayden

   The conversation delved into the world of coaching, leadership, and creating a safe space for vulnerability. Dean Clayden shared insights on coaching, positive psychology, and the impact of male teachers on underachieving boys. The discussion also explored the idea of coaching stance, creating safety in conversations, coaching for change, and connecting vulnerability with trust. Takeaways Coaching and leadership Creating a safe space for vulnerability Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Weather Chit-Chat 10:01 Impact of Male Teachers on Underachieving Boys 17:56 Coaching Stance and its Interweaving with Positive Psychology 28:02 Coaching for Change and Shared Craft Knowledge 32:57 Connecting Vulnerability with Trust

5. 

   15 May 2026

   Coaching for awareness | Dr Kim Richardson & Dr Daryl Michel

   The conversation begins with an introduction and casual weather chit-chat, followed by the introduction of guests Kim and Daryl. The discussion then delves into beliefs about coaching done well, followed by a conversation about blog posts and dead birds. Daryl shares highlights from his chapter on student-focused coaching, and the conversation concludes with reflections on the stories shared and the overall conversation. Takeaways Coaching is a human-centered and continuous learning process. Leadership is a primary enabler for effective coaching, and coaching is not a uniform treatment. Coaching is about creating awareness and supporting the human aspect of the work. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Weather Chit-Chat 08:01 Beliefs About Coaching Done Well 13:01 Discussion on Blog Posts and Dead Birds 20:25 Reflections on the Conversation and Stories Shared

6. 

   23 Apr 2026

   The Power of Storytelling

   The conversation with Orla Dempsey covers topics such as coaching, interview preparation, storytelling, and the use of AI in coaching. Orla shares insights on her coaching approach, the importance of storytelling, and the potential risks of AI in coaching. Takeaways Coaching Done Well The Power of Storytelling Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene 07:24 Coaching and Interview Preparation 30:31 The Role of AI in Coaching

7. 

   10 Apr 2026

   It's Not About You. It's About Them.

   Steve Barkley and Bill Sommers are back on Coaching Done Well. A year after their first conversation with Shane Leaning and Jim Thompson, two of the most experienced voices in instructional coaching and educational leadership return for a LinkedIn Live episode that goes deep on what actually makes coaching work in schools. Steve breaks down his coaching continuum, running from open-ended coaching questions through scaffolding to explicit, supervisory feedback. His take is clear: start open. You can always add scaffold. Taking it away once it's in place is much harder. He also makes the case for replacing feedback with feed forward, arguing that the only reason a coach is in a classroom today is because they're interested in tomorrow. Bill introduces his concept of "arc builders" and asks a pointed question: if it's raining in education right now, who is actually building? He names his own arc builders, including Art Costa, John Saphier, Marshall Goldsmith, and Richard Sheridan, and pushes coaches and school leaders to think about who they surround themselves with and whether those people give energy or drain it. Both guests keep coming back to the same principle: effective coaching is driven by the coachee, not the coach. Steve references Michael Bungay Stanier's phrase "caring enough not to care" as shorthand for what this looks like in practice. Bill connects it to Marshall Goldsmith's stakeholder centred coaching and the feed forward process. The conversation also covers putting staff first so they can put students first, why stories matter more than policy binders, hope as a real strategy for school improvement, and how leaders create the conditions for a learning culture where coaching can actually land. Whether you're an instructional coach, school leader, head of school, or anyone working in teacher development and professional learning, this episode is packed with practical wisdom from two people who've spent decades in the work. Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome and introductions 03:07 - Steve and Bill reintroduce themselves 04:10 - Steve on coaching driven by the coachee 08:46 - What do you now believe to be true about coaching done well? 10:50 - The modelling approach: watch the kids first, not the coach 12:13 - Michael Bungay Stanier: caring enough not to care 12:43 - Steve on the feedback continuum: from telling to thinking 16:44 - The scaffolding continuum: open, scaffolded, and explicit 22:06 - Bill on arc builders and feed forward 27:10 - Shane reflects: coaching as forward-looking and invitational 30:23 - Audience Q&A: standardisation vs personalisation 32:37 - Steve: personalisation in coaching means the coachee drives it 34:36 - Putting staff first so they can put students first 38:05 - Five years from now: hope, stories, and mattering 43:55 - Closing reflections People and resources mentioned: Steve Barkley - barkleypd.com (http://barkleypd.com) | Bill Sommers - learningomnivores.com (http://learningomnivores.com) | Michael Bungay Stanier | Marshall Goldsmith - What Got You Here Won't Get You There | Art Costa & Bena Kallick - Habits of Mind | John Saphier - High Expectations Teaching | Amy Edmondson - The Right Kind of Wrong | Richard Sheridan - Joy, Inc. and Chief Joy Officer | Zach Muriel - The Power of Mattering | Tom Schimmer - The Agile Classroom | Dan Meyer | Peter Drucker | Peter Block | Parker Palmer | Edgar Schein | Andy Hargreaves | Johnny Uttley & John Thomson - Putting Staff First | Shannon Moran - Evocative Coaching | Heath Brothers - The Power of Moments | Jim Knight | Kate Murphy - Why We Click

8. 

   3 Apr 2026

   Jim gets coached by Shane

   The conversation begins with a warm welcome and expressions of gratitude, setting the tone for a reflective and insightful discussion on coaching. The hosts share their experiences, reflect on coaching progress, and discuss strategies for coaching conversations. They emphasize the importance of building relationships, trust, and the impact of reflection on future intentions. The episode concludes with a call to action and a teaser for future guests. Takeaways Gratitude and warmth set the tone for reflective coaching discussions. Reflection on coaching progress is essential for identifying goals and strategies. Building relationships and trust are crucial for effective coaching conversations. Chapters 00:00 Welcoming and Gratitude 10:00 Preparing for a Coaching Conversation 17:08 Reflecting on Coaching Progress 25:39 Impact of Reflection on Future Intentions 31:56 Closing Reflection and Gratitude

9. 

   6 Mar 2026

   Live Coaching Session: A Coach Gets Coached On His Own Video (Real & Unscripted)

   If you coach people - or lead people you're trying to help grow - you already know what good coaching is supposed to look like. When did you last let someone do it to you? This live coaching session is what happens when two coaches decide to stop talking about vulnerability and actually practise it. Jim Thompson - co-author of Video Coaching Done Well - coaches Shane Leaning using the video coaching method, live, in front of a LinkedIn audience. Shane had filmed himself leading a session of his Education Leaders Intensive: 18 school leaders from around the world, meeting weekly on a 10-week programme. He watched it back. He was not happy with what he saw. 'I was rambling,' Shane said. 'Lots of filler words. And I could feel myself going: come on, Shane, these are leaders giving up their time.' So he brought the clip to Jim. During the session, Shane admitted something he'd never quite said out loud: 'Before every session, I tell my wife - this is going to be the worst one yet. She must be sick of it. I know it's not true. But the nerves come every time.' Twenty minutes later, Shane had three concrete strategies he didn't walk in with. And the problem turned out to be different from what he'd thought. Not a skill gap. A confidence dip - one that hit at the very opening of each session, before he'd had a chance to settle. Once it was named, the way forward became obvious. Jim walked away thinking about a single word. What if coaches replaced 'goal' with 'intention'? It changes how people show up to the conversation entirely. If you coach, lead, or teach - here's what you'll take from this: → The "money question" Jim uses that unlocks more than "what would you do differently?" does → Why the best coaching questions don't come from a prepared list - they come from listening → The goal vs intention distinction (and when each one serves the coachee better) → Three grounding strategies for showing up with clarity when nerves have other plans → What "holding space" actually looks and feels like - demonstrated live This is Coaching Done Well. Coaches need coaches. If you work with other people's growth and you've been saying that without quite acting on it - this episode is for you. 👇 Have you ever filmed yourself coaching or teaching and watched it back? What did you see? Tell us in the comments. 🔔 Subscribe to Coaching Done Well for more honest conversations about what it actually takes to get better at this work. TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Welcome from Shanghai and upstate New York 1:09 - Setting the scene 4:23 - Acknowledgements and the power of connection 6:27 - Shane explains what's about to happen 9:20 - The coaching begins 11:20 - What gives Shane energy in this work 13:46 - Shane names his goal: clarity and succinctness 16:03 - Scaling the goal 1-10 18:58 - The money question: what would your coachees be doing differently? 21:24 - How do you even measure that? 25:25 - What does "clarity" actually mean? 27:31 - Three strategies Shane commits to 30:22 - What Shane learned about himself as a coach 33:13 - Goal vs intention - a word that changes everything 40:43 - The power of listening for a coach 43:04 - The learning question: what's been most useful? 45:04 - Closing reflections Shane Leaning: educationleaders.co (http://educationleaders.co) #LiveCoachingSession #VideoCoaching #CoachingSession #CoachingSkills #LeadershipCoaching #ProfessionalDevelopment #CoachingDoneWell #ExecutiveCoaching #InstructionalCoaching #EducationLeaders

10. 

    6 Feb 2026

    The Heart of Coaching: A Conversation with Jim Knight

    In this episode of Coaching Done Well, Shane Leaning and Jim Thompson engage in a deep conversation with Jim Knight about the essence of coaching, the importance of human connection, and the role of AI in education. They explore the mission of instructional coaching, the nature of truth in coaching practices, and the significance of meaningful conversations in fostering student success. The discussion also delves into the complexities of AI's role in coaching, emphasizing that while AI can provide ideas, it cannot replace the human element essential for effective coaching. Ultimately, the episode concludes with a hopeful vision for more life-giving conversations in education. Takeaways The mission of instructional coaching is student success every day. It's important to hold your truths lightly and be open to others' perspectives. Conversations are central to the effectiveness of schools and coaching. AI can provide ideas but lacks the human connection necessary for coaching. Coaching is a profoundly human endeavor that requires empathy and understanding. Two monologues do not equal a dialogue; true conversation requires engagement. Life-giving conversations can transform relationships and foster growth. Coaches who leverage AI will have an advantage over those who do not. Professionalism in coaching involves using discretion and adapting to individual needs. Adaptive challenges require human insight and cannot be solved by AI alone. Sound bites "Hold your truths lightly." "AI is a vending machine for ideas." "Two monologues don't equal a dialogue."

11. 

    15 Jan 2026

    Coaching Reflections and Controversies

    In this episode of "Coaching Done Well," Shane Leaning and Jim Thompson engage in a lively discussion about the unpredictable nature of weather, particularly focusing on snow and typhoons, as they share personal anecdotes from their respective locations. The conversation transitions into a deeper reflection on coaching practices, emphasizing the importance of video coaching as a tool for self-reflection and professional growth. Jim highlights the need for educators to engage in meaningful conversations about their teaching practices, advocating for a shift from traditional evaluation methods to more supportive, collaborative approaches that prioritize student success and well-being. As the episode progresses, Shane and Jim delve into the controversial topic of neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) and learning styles, questioning their validity in educational settings. They discuss the potential risks of reintroducing outdated concepts into modern coaching and teaching practices. The episode concludes with a call for educators to confront ineffective methodologies and embrace evidence-based practices that truly enhance learning outcomes. Overall, the conversation is rich with insights on coaching, reflection, and the evolving landscape of education.

12. 

    19 Dec 2025

    The 98% Problem | A Conversation with Matt Stone

    In this engaging conversation, Shane Leaning and Jim Thompson welcome Matt Stone, lead-author of Teaching Walkthrus to discuss the challenges and opportunities in coaching and education. They explore the '98% problem' where teachers often work in isolation, the importance of mental models in teaching, and how coaching can support teachers in developing effective practices. The discussion also addresses student behavior, the significance of creating a common language in education, and the role of effective questioning in coaching. As they look ahead to the new year, the trio emphasizes the need for quality conversations and collaborative efforts to enhance teaching and learning. Takeaways Teachers spend nearly all their time alone in classrooms. Feedback alone is not enough; teachers need cognitive support. Professional development must resonate with teachers' experiences. Creating conditions for meaningful student participation is crucial. A common language in education helps bridge understanding gaps. Effective questioning is key to coaching success. Coaching walkthroughs provide practical strategies for teachers. Incremental growth in teaching practice leads to sustainable improvement. Quality conversations are essential for effective coaching. The future of education relies on collaboration and shared goals. Get your copy of Coaching Walkthrus here: https://www.amazon.com/Coaching-WalkThrus-Matt-Stone/dp/1036007278 (https://www.amazon.com/Coaching-WalkThrus-Matt-Stone/dp/1036007278)

13. 

    4 Dec 2025

    Coaching with Purpose | Rachel Lofthouse, Trista Hollweck, Jasen Booton

    In this engaging conversation, the hosts and guests explore the multifaceted world of coaching in education. They discuss the purpose behind their book, the importance of context in coaching practices, and the essential elements that contribute to quality coaching conversations. The discussion also highlights the challenges of gaining buy-in for coaching initiatives and emphasizes the need for strategic support from educational leaders. Ultimately, the conversation culminates in reflections on what coaching at its best looks like, showcasing the transformative power of effective coaching in educational settings. Thank you to Jasen Booton, Rachel Lofthouse and Trista Hollweck. Takeaways Coaching needs to be understood in context. The book serves as a love letter to Collective Ed. Coaching is a tool for enhancing educational practices. Quality coaching conversations require active listening and trust. Creating a safe space is essential for effective coaching. Buy-in for coaching requires strategic integration into existing practices. Coaching should not be an additional burden on educators. The purpose of coaching must resonate with all stakeholders. Coaching can lead to cultural shifts within educational institutions. Effective coaching fosters relationships and empowers educators.

14. 

    6 Nov 2025

    Courage, Curiosity & Compassion | A Conversation with Tamara Zaple Rolfs

    The conversation explores the shift from traditional work methods rooted in the industrial age to more dynamic and collaborative approaches necessary for navigating today's complex challenges. Tamara emphasizes the importance of listening to diverse perspectives to foster effective collaboration and find solutions in a divisive environment. Takeaways Old ways of working are no longer effective. We need to question how we do things. Work must be more dynamic to adapt to complexity. Listening to different perspectives is crucial. It's not about being a rebel, but finding solutions. Collaboration is key in divisive times. We must work well together to move forward. The industrial age methods are outdated. Complexity requires new approaches to work. Finding a way forward involves diverse viewpoints. Sound Bites "You can't work in that way anymore." "We need to work more dynamically." "Listening to different perspectives is so important."

15. 

    24 Oct 2025

    A framework for coaching conversations | Chris Munro & John Campbell

    Shane Leaning and Jim Thompson engage with coaching experts Chris Munro and John Campbell to explore the essence of effective coaching. They discuss the characteristics of coaching done well, the importance of a coaching way of being, and the significance of intentional conversations. The dialogue emphasizes the need for clarity, alignment, and the role of leaders in fostering a culture of coaching. They also introduce a framework for understanding different conversational contexts and the concept of becoming a customer for change, highlighting the practical applications of coaching in everyday interactions. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Coaching Done Well 03:12 Defining Coaching Done Well 06:13 The Coaching Way of Being 11:26 Coachable Moments in Leadership 16:23 The Customer for Change 24:28 Hopes for Readers of the Book

16. 

    24 Sept 2025

    Season 3 Launch

    In this episode of Coaching Done Well, hosts Shane Leaning and Jim Thompson reflect on significant themes such as the importance of communication, connection, and professional development in education. They discuss the impact of 9/11 on their lives, share their visions for the upcoming season, and emphasize the role of teachers in student success. Practical strategies for educators are provided, including the importance of reading aloud and fostering connections with students. The episode concludes with a commitment to sustainable professional development and the power of community engagement. Takeaways The importance of noticing and communicating with others. Teachers play a crucial role in student success. Building connections with students is essential. Reading aloud can foster a love for learning. Professional development should be sustainable and meaningful. Creating a sense of belonging is vital in education. Coaching can significantly impact teaching practices. Engaging with the community enhances educational experiences. Listening to students' needs is crucial for their success. The power of storytelling can create lasting connections.

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