Better Teaching: Only Stuff That Works

In this episode, Gene Tavernetti interviews education journalist and author Holly Korbey. They discuss Holly's journey from theater to journalism, her passion for the science of learning and math, and her insights on education across various regions. The conversation covers the consistency of challenges in teaching, the impact of social media on schools, and the importance of simplifying education to focus on core skills like reading and math. Holly also shares her thoughts on PR in education and the role of instructional coaches.01:27 Holly's Journey to Education Journalism03:41 Challenges and Consistencies in Education08:47 PR and Social Media in Schools31:51 The Role of Instructional Coaches40:21 Parallels Between Academics and After School ActivitiesEpisode Links:Twitter: @‌HKorbeyThe Bell Ringer Substack 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. 

In this episode, Gene Tavernetti interviews Dr. Zach Groshell about his upcoming book and dives into effective teaching strategies. The discussion covers a variety of topics, including the importance of clear and concise explanations, cognitive load theory, the role of learning objectives, and the use of stories and humor in the classroom. They also address common misconceptions about explicit instruction and the practicalities of teaching in a focused and effective manner.01:05 The Need for Positive Teaching Messages02:37 The Importance of Clear Explanations05:07 Cognitive Load Theory and Clarity06:37 Practicing and Rehearsing Explanations19:26 Learning Objectives and Explicit Instruction15:58 The Role of Classroom Environment in Learning16:53 Explaining with Undivided Attention26:26 Using Stories and Humor in Teaching38:26 The I Do, We Do, You Do Framework 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. 

In this episode, Gene Tavernetti interviews educator and consultant Dominic Helmstetter. Dominic shares his experiences in teaching, administration, and consulting, emphasizing practical strategies, the importance of student relationships, and innovative educational practices. 00:00 Introduction01:13 Dominic’s Teaching Journey04:19 Experience as an Administrator02:43 The Importance of Reflection and Growth21:12 EduProtocols and Innovative Strategies45:21 Conclusion  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. 

In this episode, Gene Tavernetti speaks with Dr. Randy Palisoc, a passionate educator known for his innovative approach to teaching math. Dr. Palisoc shares his experiences and strategies for making math easy for students, focusing on the importance of understanding math as a language. They discuss Dr. Palisoc's background, including his work at Synergy Academies, the development of the Core Advantage Math Fluency System, and his current role at James Jordan Middle School. The conversation also covers the challenges of teaching math, the significance of consistent language in math instruction, and the impact of professional development.00:00 Introduction01:53 The Language of Math05:01 Visual Learning Techniques05:54 Challenges and Solutions in Curriculum Development08:41 From Classroom to Charter School Leadership09:34 Implementing Consistent Language in Math Instruction16:54 Remedial Programs and Student Progress22:09 Balancing Procedural and Conceptual Learning24:28 Advice for Teachers26:14 Conclusion and Contact InformationGet in touch with Randy:randypalisoc@mathfluency.com or randypalisoc@gmail.comMathFluency.comlinkedin.com/randypalisoc/Math isn't hard, it's a language | Randy Palisoc | TEDxManhattanBeach (youtube.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. 

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.00:00 Introduction01:30 Anna Stokke's Non-Profit02:40 Math Facts Controversy04:07 Starting the After-School Program05:10 Response from Schools06:19 Math Department Coordination09:03 Science of Learning Discussion16:17 Math Specialists Debate18:50 Importance of Proper Resources21:09 Higher Grade Connectivity25:14 Conceptual Understanding in Math31:29 Real World Relevance in Math37:49 Conclusion 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. 

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 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. 

In this episode, Gene Tavernetti interviews Steve Hare, a long-time classroom math teacher and the creator of the You Teach You book series and Fact Freaks, a free math fact website. They discuss the importance of learning math facts, the motivation behind Fact Freaks, and how Steve's instructional strategies evolved, especially during COVID-19. Topics include: techniques for improving math educationstudent individualized learningimpact of worked examples on student understanding.00:00 Introduction00:42 Steve Hare's Background01:18 Importance of Math Facts02:01 Creation of Fact Freaks02:53 Fact Freaks Accessibility03:38 Development and Evolution of Fact Freaks04:24 The Need for 100% Accuracy06:03 Impact of Speed on Accuracy08:03 Implementation in Classrooms16:15 Benefits of Worked Examples13:32 Overcoming COVID-19 Challenges21:31 Encouraging Student Independence22:46 Managing Differentiated Classrooms27:55 Teacher and Student Benefits36:40 Conclusion and Resources 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. 

In this episode of "Better Teaching: Only Stuff That Works," host Gene Tavernetti sits down with veteran educator James Hardin. With over 20 years of experience as a principal, James shares actionable insights and personal anecdotes from his career. Topics include effective administration across various school settings, the importance of focused instruction, fostering teacher growth through coaching, and the critical role of leadership in educational success. James emphasizes the need for principals to be both instructional leaders and supportive coaches, providing practical advice for new and seasoned administrators alike.00:00 Introduction to Better Teaching Podcast00:28 Meet James Hardin: A Veteran Educator02:15 Unique Experiences in Independent Schools04:13 Differences in Teaching Levels05:30 Effective Teaching Strategies Across Levels07:39 Leadership and Coaching in Education08:49 Building a Collaborative Teaching Environment13:42 The Role of Instructional Leadership23:03 Meeting James Hardin: A Story of Ambition23:39 Setting High Expectations in a High-Performing School25:14 Building Consensus Among Teachers28:28 Achieving Top Scores and Recognition31:11 Transitioning Between Different Socioeconomic Schools34:46 The Role of a Principal as an Instructional Coach38:15 Advice for New Principals 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. 

In this episode,  Gene Tavernetti interviews Adam Moler, an innovative middle school social studies teacher recognized for his exceptional instructional practices. They discuss the real and practical uses of AI in education, as well as the benefits of EduProtocols in the classroom.00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest01:19 Introduction by Adam Moler01:23 AI in Teaching02:05 Using AI for Lesson Planning03:45 AI in the Classroom03:53 Creating Questions with AI04:45 Editing AI Responses08:15 Student Engagement with AI11:16 Thoughts on AI Usage13:40 EduProtocols Overview19:15 Practical Uses of EduProtocols20:15 EduProtocols in Schools21:32 Scaling EduProtocols24:34 Adjunct Professor Role28:00 Advice for Teachers 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. 

This episode features an interview from the show Transformative Principal with Jethro Jones. Everyone should have a coachThere are people who are viewed as the real prosThe difference between having a coach and “just getting better”The biggest mistake coaches make.How to mix the coach’s agenda with what the teacher is doingPersonal relationship vs. professional relationshipFocus is powerful. Teacher behavior during a training vs. teacher behavior in classroom.Teachers don’t have to be an entertainer. Coaches as a model lesson. Power Phrases and Phrases to Never Say.Teacher behavior matches the behavior of the grade they teach.Techniques that work regardless of your personality. Coaching cycles are important. Meet, observe, debrief, Check-inThis is your lesson, do it your way. Coaches need to be smiling during the observation. Debrief - how they evaluated their own lesson. Calibrate with a local coach or administrator. How to be a Transformative Principal? Know that your role is not that of a coach. Coach helps teachers get better. Principal - don’t get in the way! Part of a system of improvement.About Gene TavernettiDr. Gene Tavernetti has been involved in education for over forty years. He has served as coach, teacher, counselor, administrator, and consultant. He is the author of Teach FAST, a book about the design and delivery of quality instruction, and Maximizing the Impact of Coaching Cycles, a book that answers many of the questions that were left unanswered in most books on instructional coaching.  In 2006 Gene partnered with his former high school teacher and mentor, Dr. Randy Olson, to found Total Educational Systems Support, (TESS). The focus of TESS has always been training teachers, and those who support teachers, in how to provide the best instruction possible.  Dr. Tavernetti holds a core belief about children and adults: Given the right environment and proper support, everyone can improve and succeed. This core belief has allowed Dr. Tavernetti to help his students, staffs, teachers, and administrators – with whom he now trains and coaches – to attain the levels of competence they desire. 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.