Better Teaching: Only Stuff That Works

Mike Schmoker, educator and best-selling author, speaks from decades of experience as he details the three most important areas school musts Focus on to get Results. (Caps and pun intended.) Get in touch with Mike through his website here .  This podcast sponsored by: The Bell Ringer, a weekly newsletter providing news, tools, and resources on the science of learning, written by education reporter...

Dr. Sarah Powell describes her research on teaching students to solve word, or story, problems. Dr. Powell is a professor at the College of Education, University of Texas Austin. Her primary research focus is identifying the most effective strategies for teaching mathematics to elementary students. Her research provides guidance to teachers in what does work, and what does not work. Links: X: @‌sa...

In this episode, host Gene Tavernetti sits down with Dr. Frank Rodriguez to discuss his extensive experience in the education sector and his focus on parent education. They delve into the nuances of post-pandemic education, the challenges faced by students and educators, and the importance of integrating technology intelligently in classrooms and at home. The conversation also highlights the devel...

Gene Tavernetti hosts Dr. Anna Stokke, a math professor and educational advocate, discussing math education, her non-profit after school math program, math facts, and the importance of effective teaching methods grounded in rigorous research. This podcast sponsored by: The Bell Ringer, a weekly newsletter providing news, tools, and resources on the science of learning, written by education reporte...

Many teachers lack confidence in their ability to teach writing. Christine Teahan and Alexandria Chalonec, Co-Directors of Academics at The Writing Revolution , share how they support educators across the country and around the world in delivering effective, impactful writing instruction using the Hochman Method. Links: Twitter: @TheWritingRevol LinkedIn: @TheWritingRevolution Facebook: @TheWritin...

Zach and Gene provide a definition of coaching cycles for the purpose of the discussion. Are coaching cycles necessary? How long should they last? Are they always necessary when coaches are supporting teachers? Episode Links Zach’s book: Just Tell Them: The Power of Explanations and Explicit Teaching Zach’s website: Education Rickshaw X: @MrZachG LinkedIn: @‌MrZachG Bluesky: @‌mrzachg.bsky.social...

Cameron Castenda is the director of the Teacher Induction program in her district. She is responsible for ensuring that newly credentialed teachers successfully complete a state approved program that allows them to “clear” their preliminary credential. Cameron is an experienced and award-winning teacher who has supported teachers in various roles since leaving the classroom. Episode Links: Instagr...

In this episode teacher leader Laura Stam shares personal experiences in her journey to continual improvement in her teaching practice. Laura also describes her experience of participating in an instructional coaching cycle for the first time. X: @stamstam193 Facebook: @Mrs. Stam.2021 This podcast sponsored by: The Bell Ringer, a weekly newsletter providing news, tools, and resources on the scienc...

Glenn Whitman is a distinguished educator who has worked with schools around the world to support schools and teachers bringing evidence practices to their classrooms. In this episode Glenn talks about his own school’s journey to becoming an evidence-based teaching institution, his continued role in that journey, and how his school supports schools around the world who also want to become evidence...

In this episode, Gene Tavernetti interviews Sherry Lewkowicz, an expert in writing instruction. They discuss the importance of direct scaffolded writing instruction, the role of AI in enhancing teaching practices, and the challenges teachers face in effectively teaching writing across different grade levels. Lewkowicz emphasizes the significance of building foundational skills for both students an...

Dr. Jayne Lammers lives at the intersection of three of my favorite topics: literacy, research, and technology in the classroom. We discuss all of these issues as well as bonus content, advice for folks thinking about pursuing a doctorate. Episode Links: Dr. Lammers' Website LinkedIn: @‌jayneclammers Website: Edmentum This podcast sponsored by: The Bell Ringer, a weekly newsletter providing news,...

In another episode of Thinking Out Loud, Zach Groshell and Gene Tavernetti discuss and weigh the arguments for and against having the best teachers leave the classroom to become instructional coaches. Episode Links: Education Rickshaw X: @‌MrZachG Bluesky: @‌MrZachG LinkedIn: Zach Groshell Podcast: Progressively Incorrect Best Selling Book: Just Tell Them: The Power of Explanations and Explicit Th...

Craig Randall is the author of Trust Based Observations: Maximizing Teaching and Learning Growth. He was inspired to write the book after a long history traditional methods of teacher observations failed to help teachers improve their instruction. Craig works as a consultant training administrators and faculties on how leverage frequent classroom observations and visits into collaborative learning...

Holly Korbey, an education journalist who focuses on the science of leaning and effective math instruction makes a return visit to the podcast. In this episode the updates her work in this area, her experiences in NYC at ResearchED, and her new Podcast “Interviews with An Expert”. Enjoy all her interviews on her YouTube channel. And because she is a journalist, of course she will be asking me abou...

Raquel McGee is a high school reading teacher, instructional coach, and doctoral student. I was very excited to talk to Raquel about all of those things. We discuss student motivation in high school remedial reading classes and how respect for students is critical in maintaining that motivation. Raquel describes the training provided when she became an instructional coach and additional work she h...

Sandra Brunet has worked throughout the United States coaching educators at all levels of the educational system. She had supported leaders in state departments of education, district leaders, site leaders and teachers. In this episode Sandra discusses the importance of alignment and knowledge of all aspects of educational systems to positively impact student outcomes. Links: LinkedIn: @sandrabrun...

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...

Dr. Gabriel Simon took an unconventional path to becoming a district superintendent. He spent over a decade as a successful principal before serving briefly as a Superintendent/Principal in a small rural district. He then transitioned back the district office as an Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, where he worked as the Assistant Superintendent in three different districts. In this epi...

This the third episode in our series Thinking Out Loud in which Zach and I discuss instructional coaching. So far, we have discussed the importance of rehearsal with teachers (Episode 23) and various coaching models (Episode 33). In this episode we discuss coaching moves an instructional coach may employ while observing a lesson. Links: Just Tell Them: The Power of Explanations and Explicit Instru...

Everyone says one of the most effective ways to teach new content is by using explicit instruction. But fewer teachers than you might think can deliver an effective explicit instruction lesson. Dr. Tavernetti wrote Teach FAST to help remedy that situation and help guide teachers to more effective explicit instruction lesson. In this episode Gene lists and explains the differences between this book...

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...

Mike Schmoker, educator and best-selling author, speaks from decades of experience as he details the three most important areas school musts Focus on to get Results. (Caps and pun intended.) Get in touch with Mike through his website here .  This podcast sponsored by: The Bell Ringer, a weekly newsletter providing news, tools, and resources on the science of learning, written by education reporter...

Helen Reynolds, MBE is a distinguished and award-winning science educator from the UK. For the past eight she has taught at a high school in the US. In this episode she compares her experiences in the US and UK and how she has advocated for the science of learning wherever she has taught. Key Moments: 01:21 Differences between UK and US Educational Systems 06:31 National Curriculum in the UK 08:02...

Dr. Zach Groshell and I Think Out Loud about the pros and cons of various coaching models. Various coaching delivery models have been implemented in schools. How do you choose which model is best for your school? We hope this will discussion provides some grist for the mill. (Aphorisms are not buzz words.) Links: Zach’s new book: Just Tell Them: The Power of Explanations and Explicit Teaching Zach...

Beanie Geoghegan is the Co-Founder of Freedom in Education and is an advocate for a school that works for every student. Beanie and I discuss our similar views on explicit instruction and our dissimilar views on other education issues. We also discuss how education makes for strange bedfellows. Social Media: X: @Beanie0597 LinkedIn: Claudine (Beanie) Geoghegan Website/Blog: Beanie's Blog This podc...