

Better Teaching: Only Stuff That Works
Gene Tavernetti
Descriptions of effective teaching often depict an idealized form of "perfect" instruction. Yet, pursuing perfection in teaching, which depends on children's behavior, is ultimately futile. To be effective, lessons and educators need to operate with about 75% efficiency. The remaining 25% can be impactful, but expecting it in every lesson, every day, is unrealistic. Perfection in teaching may be unattainable, but progress is not. Whether you are aiming for the 75% effectiveness mark or striving for continuous improvement, this podcast will guide you in that endeavor.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 19, 2025 • 45min
From the Archives: The Science of Reading with Linda Rhyne
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 coaches.00:00 Introduction01:21 Science of Reading01:40 Role and Experience as a Literacy Coach04:32 Transition to Instructional Coaching06:39 Responding to Change in Literacy Practices20:45 Transparency and Trust in Coaching30:26 Challenges and Strategies in CoachingGet in touch with Linda:Website: lindarhyneconsulting.comInstagram: instagram.com/lindarhyneconsultingX: twitter.com/lindaschultzieFacebook: facebook.com/lindarhyneconsultingLindedin: linkedin.com/linda-rhyne-91704b93/You Tube: youtube.com/@lindarhyne8246

Nov 12, 2025 • 1h 7min
Literacy Labs and Other Practical Strategies with Faith Howard
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 life and offers practical strategies teachers can use to strengthen Tier 1 instruction in their own classrooms. Facebook: Literacy Lab with FaithSubstack: Faith Howard | SubstackYouTube Channel: Science of Reading ClassroomEmail: literacylabwithfaith@gmail.com
This podcast sponsored by:The Bell Ringer, a weekly newsletter providing news, tools, and resources on the science of learning, written by education reporter Holly Korbey. Subscribe here. Murmuration Author Services by Mark Combes. Looking to write your first book? Murmuration Author Services is your friend and coach for this journey. Learn more here.

Nov 5, 2025 • 45min
Great Coaching is Just Great Teaching with Al Borges
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_Borges_Burner (@freddyteee83) / XBooks:Deny of the Tiger The story behind the undefeated SEC Champion Auburn Tigers, who were denied the opportunity to play for the BCS National Championship.Coaching the West Coast Quarterback
This podcast sponsored by:The Bell Ringer, a weekly newsletter providing news, tools, and resources on the science of learning, written by education reporter Holly Korbey. Subscribe here. Murmuration Author Services by Mark Combes. Looking to write your first book? Murmuration Author Services is your friend and coach for this journey. Learn more here.

Oct 29, 2025 • 47min
Learning Science Partners with Meg Lee
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.In this episode Meg shares organizational insights into making it all happen.Episode Links:X: Meg Lee (@megvertebrae) / XLinkedIn: (1) Meg Lee | LinkedInWebsite: LSPEdutopia: Solidifying Core Concepts With Examples and Non-Examples | Edutopia
This podcast sponsored by:The Bell Ringer, a weekly newsletter providing news, tools, and resources on the science of learning, written by education reporter Holly Korbey. Subscribe here. Murmuration Author Services by Mark Combes. Looking to write your first book? Murmuration Author Services is your friend and coach for this journey. Learn more here.

Oct 22, 2025 • 51min
Implementing the Science of Learning in a Large School District with Kent Wetzel
Kent Wetzel, a teacher specialist and adjunct professor, discusses the successful implementation of the Science of Learning in Frederick County Public Schools. He shares how early leaders embraced mind-brain education to avoid past pitfalls. Kent highlights the importance of strategic partnerships with higher education and the role of teacher specialists in delivering professional development. He emphasizes the need for structured leader training and the significant impact of Maryland's state mandate on adopting evidence-based practices. Kent also reflects on the journey's evolution and the community's growing support.

Oct 15, 2025 • 43min
The World of Math Competitions with Vida John
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: @VidaJohnYouTube: Math Problem Solving SkillsWebsite: Vida John Tutoring
This podcast sponsored by:The Bell Ringer, a weekly newsletter providing news, tools, and resources on the science of learning, written by education reporter Holly Korbey. Subscribe here. Murmuration Author Services by Mark Combes. Looking to write your first book? Murmuration Author Services is your friend and coach for this journey. Learn more here.

Oct 8, 2025 • 46min
From the Archives: The Wider Implementation of the Science of Learning with Dr. Sarah Oberle
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_OberleBlueSky: Sarah.Oblerle@bluesky.socialLinkedIn: Sarah Oberle, Ed.D.

Oct 1, 2025 • 42min
Lessons from Consulting - Thinking Out Loud #5
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:Just Tell Them: The Power of Explanations and Explicit TeachingMaximizing the Impact of Coaching Cycles
This podcast sponsored by:The Bell Ringer, a weekly newsletter providing news, tools, and resources on the science of learning, written by education reporter Holly Korbey. Subscribe here. Murmuration Author Services by Mark Combes. Looking to write your first book? Murmuration Author Services is your friend and coach for this journey. Learn more here.

Sep 25, 2025 • 43min
Leading Passionate Classroom Discussions on Controversial Topics with Ed Cabrera
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.
This podcast sponsored by:The Bell Ringer, a weekly newsletter providing news, tools, and resources on the science of learning, written by education reporter Holly Korbey. Subscribe here. Murmuration Author Services by Mark Combes. Looking to write your first book? Murmuration Author Services is your friend and coach for this journey. Learn more here.

Sep 17, 2025 • 49min
Disseminating the Science of Learning to All Educators with Dr. Nidhi Sachdeva
Dr. Nidhi Sachdeva, a Canadian researcher in learning science, shares her insights on translating cognitive science into effective classroom strategies. She discusses the challenges educators face in accessing research and the historical barriers that thwart the implementation of evidence-based practices. Nidhi delves into microlearning, highlighting its cognitive benefits and practical applications. The conversation emphasizes the importance of coaching and constructive observation in bridging the gap between learning science and effective teaching.


