Better Teaching: Only Stuff That Works

Dr. Carl Hendrick is known throughout the world for his expertise in the science of learning. In addition to publishing numerous articles, he has co-authored two books How Learning Happens and How Teaching Happens in which he shares the most impactful research on this topic. In this episode he shares what he believes is the most important information that all teachers should know about how student...

Joe Finch is a 5th grade teacher in Kelseyville, California. Joe is committed to the teaching profession and truly desires to improve his craft. In this episode he describes how he discovered the science of learning in his search to improve and how he developed his own professional development program. X:  Joe Finch, M.S. Ed. (@mrjfinch) / X Substack: Joe Finch | Substack This podcast sponsored by...

In this episode Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath and I discuss his new book; Digital Delusion and the intersection of what science knows about how we learn and the impacts of technology on that learning. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jared-cooney-horvath-phd-med-730704b2/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jared.cooney.horvath/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/jaredcooney Website: https:...

Karen Vaites is well-known as a literacy advocate. In this episode we discuss the Southern Surge, the Mississippi Miracle, and the Louisiana and Tennessee increases (sorry no alliterative descriptors) in literacy scores. Episode Links: X: Karen Vaites (@karenvaites) / X Karen Vaites | Substack Curriculum Insight Project | Substack This podcast sponsored by: The Bell Ringer, a weekly newsletter pro...

Two teachers, one middle school and one elementary, share how they have made writing instruction a priority. Josie Wozniak and Kimberly Voge are avid users and proponents of EduProtocols to support their writing instruction. In this episode they share how students are able to write more. But more importantly, how the students take more responsibility for improving their writing. Twitter: @‌ms_woz...

The process of deciding which High Quality Instructional Materials to adopt is not as straight forward as it might seem. There are good options, and there are good teachers with varying opinions.  Kelly Harkins, Supervisor of Elementary English Language Arts, describes her district’s two different processes for selecting two different ELA curricula. Facebook: The Reading League Delaware Website: t...

In this episode with Doug Lemov we discuss how teachers can support reading fluency and literacy beyond the early grades. Doug also describes his work with professional sports teams helping the coaches be more effective teachers. And much, much more! Books: The Teach Like a Champion Guide to the Science of Reading The Coach's Guide to Teaching Teach Like a Champion 3.0 X: Doug Lemov (@doug_lemov)...

Enjoy another installment of Thinking Out Loud with Zach Groshell. In this episode, Dr. Groshell and I discuss how to begin when providing support to teachers. Both Zach and Gene currently work in schools supporting teachers in their quest to be their best for students. Dr. Zach Groshell is the host of the popular podcast Progressively Incorrect and the author of: Just Tell Them: The Power of Expl...

In this episode, Gene Tavernetti speaks with Linda Rhyne, award-winning educator and owner of Rhyne Consulting. They discuss the changing landscape of literacy education, instructional coaching, and practical strategies for supporting teachers. Linda shares her vast experience in teaching, literacy coaching, and district-level instructional support, providing actionable insights for educators and...

Faith Howard knew something had to change. As a Literacy Specialist, in her school district she wasn’t making the impact she knew was possible. With the support of her administration, Faith reimagined her role and launched a “Literacy Lab” — a space designed to emphasize the SOR principles in targeted literacy intervention and instruction. In this episode, Faith shares how the Literacy Lab came to...

Al Borges has coached football at the highest levels of the college game. In this episode, he talks about how great coaching is really just great teaching. You’ll hear familiar ideas—like managing cognitive load, respecting the learning hierarchy, and using retrieval practice to make learning stick. Al even shares how he adjusted his teaching for players with different skill levels. X: (1) Al_Borg...

After recently retiring from Frederick County Public Schools, where she played a key role in advancing evidence-based instruction, Meg Lee has joined forces with her longtime friend and colleague, Dr. Jim Heal, to launch Learning Science Partners. Their organization is dedicated to supporting school districts committed to implementing evidence-informed practices that enhance teaching and learning....

Kent Wetzel and I dive into some of the nitty-gritty of implementing the Science of Learning in a large school district. The district made deliberate choices to avoid the pitfalls that had undermined past initiatives. Thanks to proactive steps taken earlier, it was also able to leverage state legislation to strengthen and sustain its efforts to embed evidence-based practices. Twitter: (2) Kent Wet...

Vida John is a math coach who helps students prepare for math competitions. I was excited to chat with Vida because the entire world of math competitions is new to me. Vida discusses how math competitions can benefit all students regardless of grade level. Contact and follow Vida at: LinkedIn: @VidaJohn YouTube: Math Problem Solving Skills Website: Vida John Tutoring This podcast sponsored by: The...

Dr. Sarah Oberle discusses her research on the wider implementation of the Science of Learning and its influence on her classroom and teaching methods. Links: X: @‌S_Oberle BlueSky: Sarah. Oblerle@bluesky.social LinkedIn: Sarah Oberle, Ed. D.

In this episode of Thinking Out Loud, Zach and I dive into what he’s learned during his first full year of consulting. Whether you’re a teacher, administrator, instructional coach, or independent consultant, Zach’s reflections — and the successes he’s experienced — offer a thought-provoking framework for building stronger collaboration and driving better student outcomes at your schools. Links: Ju...

Over the course of his 38-year career as a high school social studies teacher, Ed Cabrera has led passionate student discussions through 10 presidential elections, impeachments, 9/11, controversial wars, presidential assassination attempts, all while maintaining political neutrality. In this episode Ed discusses his guidelines for leading passionate classroom discussions on controversial topics. T...

Dr. Sachdeva and I have a wide-ranging conversation about the Science of Learning and how that information might be disseminated to all educators more quickly. Links: Substack: The Science of Learning | Jim Hewitt | Substack X: Nidhi Sachdeva, PhD (@nsachdeva2019) on X LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nidhi-sachdeva-toronto/ This podcast sponsored by: The Bell Ringer, a weekly newsletter prov...

Dr. David Griffith is the Associate Director of Research at the Thomas B Fordham Institute . In this episode we discuss the results of a recent study he conducted and reported on about “Equitable” Grading Through the Eyes of the Teacher.” 21:46.9 This podcast sponsored by: The Bell Ringer, a weekly newsletter providing news, tools, and resources on the science of learning, written by education rep...

In this episode, Gene Tavernetti talks with Dr. Jana Lee, an expert in data-driven educational practices and inclusive teaching. The discussion delves into effective data utilization, the importance of microdata, and best practices for both general and special education. Learn how to enhance professional learning communities (PLCs) and the significance of responsive teaching. This podcast sponsore...

In this episode Dr. Olivia Mullins describes the work she and her non-profit, Science Delivered , is doing to deliver science lessons to early elementary students. She discusses the challenges of delivering high quality science instruction when time for science instruction is scarce. This podcast sponsored by: The Bell Ringer, a weekly newsletter providing news, tools, and resources on the science...

In this episode, reading specialist Laura Patranella shares the challenges and successes she’s experienced as both a classroom teacher and reading specialist, highlighting her work to improve literacy skills for all students and her journey with the Science of Reading. Laura Patranella (@laurapatranella) / X This podcast sponsored by: The Bell Ringer, a weekly newsletter providing news, tools, and...

Marcie Samayoa is a high school science teacher from Los Angeles, CA with nearly a decade of classroom experience. She is very passionate about bringing evidence-based practices into the classroom. Through her blog, Scientists in the Making, she shares practical strategies that integrate the science of learning with science instruction. She recently presented at ResearchEd New York, and will be pr...

In this episode, I sit down with education reformer Robert Pondiscio and make an unsuccessful attempt to convince him that we should be the Butch Cassidy and Sundance Kid of education reform. Evidently, he has plenty ideas of his own. X: Robert Pondiscio (@rpondiscio) / X Email: Robert. Pondiscio@aei.org This podcast sponsored by: The Bell Ringer, a weekly newsletter providing news, tools, and res...

Kyair Butts, Baltimore City Public Schools Teacher of the Year, discusses improving literacy in the middle grades and a successful low-cost professional development program that teachers enjoyed and employed. Follow Kyair and his students in action at on: X: @kyairb  Instagram: @MrK_bcpss This podcast sponsored by: The Bell Ringer, a weekly newsletter providing news, tools, and resources on the sc...