About this episode

Shane Leaning discusses techniques to improve feedback conversations with defensive teachers using a method called three-point communication.

technique called three-point communication that changes the physical dynamic of feedback conversations before a single word is spoken. Drawing on the instructional coaching research of Jim Knight, Parker Palmer's writing on how the soul approaches truth sideways, and well-established findings on side-by-side versus face-to-face conversation, Shane makes the case that a lot of the time, it isn't the words that trigger defensiveness; it's where people are sitting. You'll learn exactly what counts as a "third point" and how to use one, whether you're working from a teaching resource, a marked book, a printed data sheet, or nothing more than a scrap of paper. Shane also shares the story behind this habit, learning from leader Stacy Wallace, who always had a piece of paper on the table, and points to Adam Kohlbeck and Sarah Cottinghatt's Coaching Cuts series as a real-world example of the technique done well. If feedback conversations regularly turn into something you're managing rather than something that's actually helping, this is the episode to listen to before your next difficult chat. Resources & Links Mentioned Jim Knight's Instructional Coaching Group Teaching Walkthrus…

People in this episode

Host: Shane Leaning

Topics covered

• feedback conversations
• defensiveness
• instructional coaching
• communication techniques
• school leadership
• teacher support

Sponsors

International Curriculum Association

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Coaching Cuts, Teaching Walkthrus

More episodes of Education Leaders | Strategic School Leadership

• 10 Million Views Later | A Conversation with Tom Sherrington · July 20, 2026 · 45 min
• Rethinking Equity Through Learning Science | A Conversation with Zaretta Hammond · July 14, 2026 · 34 min
• Management Mastery | A Conversation with Poppy Nobes · July 6, 2026 · 33 min
• Education Leaders LIVE | June Reflections · June 25, 2026 · 48 min
• When Scientists Enter Your Classroom | A Conversation with Patrice Bain · June 22, 2026 · 33 min
• How to Catch a Straw Man · June 15, 2026 · 15 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Education Leaders | Strategic School Leadership podcast page.