Coaching Over Evaluation with K.C. Knudson

In this episode of Transformative Principal, host Jethro Jones sits down with K.C. Knudson, MTSS Coordinator at the Northwest Educational Service District, to explore the critical distinction between coaching and evaluation in education. Drawing on research and real-world experience, K.C. shares why 98% of teachers need coaching—not evaluation—and how shifting from a culture of grading to one of growth can transform schools. The conversation covers the pitfalls of traditional evaluation systems, the power of collective efficacy, and practical strategies for principals to foster collaborative, learner-centered environments. Listeners will gain actionable insights on building effective teams, de-privatizing instructional practice, and making professional learning communities truly impactful.

• Coaching vs. Evaluation
• Pennsylvania training and assistance network
• Pennsylvania data - 98% of teachers are rated proficient
• Grow vs. Grade - 98% of your staff want to grow and get better.
• Gates foundation spent $212 Million to state that teacher evaluations do not provide meaningful growth, retain teachers, or help with student achievement
• Washington - research-based evaluation - targeted vs. comprehensive evaluation
• Need to teach our principals how to coach more effectively.
• Don’t spend a lot of time talking about quality instruction
• Precision over profusion - trying to add more seat time is profusion
• What do we need our teachers to be really good at.
• Instructional floor - Anthony Muhammed
• We’ve got to be good at our craft to get to the student learning part of it.
• Learner objectives - produce kids that know how to be seen and heard, how to function, how to thrive in the world.
• The Principal is Principle
• Schools change life trajectories
• Community Creates Equity
• Principal as the center of a wagon wheel vs. the principal as a node of a network
• Supportive leadership in the service of empowered teachers
• How to be a transformative principal? Deprivatize teaching: Sit down for 30 minutes and do a teams audit: When do I have people sitting down and focusing on student learning?

About K.C. Knudson

K. C. Knudson is currently the MTSS Coordinator at the Northwest Educational Service District. Prior to this role, he served as a Senior Educational Consultant, where he focused on facilitating the establishment of inclusive classrooms, schools, and districts to effectively cater to the diverse needs of all students. This work is deeply rooted in the strategic utilization of the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) guidelines and the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework. K. C. has extensive experience in providing professional learning, coaching, and technical assistance specifically aimed at supporting the implementation of inclusive practices using UDL and MTSS. His background in education leadership includes significant roles such as Director of Teaching and Learning, Assistant Superintendent, Executive Director, Principal, Assistant Principal, and Teacher.

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