

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

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.

Sep 10, 2025 • 46min
"Equitable” Grading Through the Eyes of the Teacher with Dr. David Griffith
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 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 3, 2025 • 55min
From the Archives: Using Micro Data to Inform Teachers with Dr. Jana Lee
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 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.

Aug 27, 2025 • 52min
Science Delivered with Dr. Olivia Mullins
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 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.

Aug 20, 2025 • 32min
Building Confident Readers with Laura Patranella
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 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.

Aug 13, 2025 • 47min
Scientists in the Making with Marcie Samayoa
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 presenting at RearchED Denver in September.X: Ms. Sam (@sciinthemaking) / XBlog: http://www.scientistsinthemaking.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.

Aug 6, 2025 • 52min
Reforming Education with Robert Pondiscio
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) / XEmail: Robert.Pondiscio@aei.org
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.

Jul 30, 2025 • 56min
Best from the Archive: Improving Literacy in the Middle Grades with Kyair Butts
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 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.

Jul 23, 2025 • 42min
Best from the Archive: Three Important Areas for Schools to Focus On with Dr. Mike Schmoker
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 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.