Better Teaching: Only Stuff That Works

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 Messages

02:37 The Importance of Clear Explanations

05:07 Cognitive Load Theory and Clarity

06:37 Practicing and Rehearsing Explanations

19:26 Learning Objectives and Explicit Instruction

15:58 The Role of Classroom Environment in Learning

16:53 Explaining with Undivided Attention

26:26 Using Stories and Humor in Teaching

38:26 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. 

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 Introduction

01:13 Dominic’s Teaching Journey

04:19 Experience as an Administrator

02:43 The Importance of Reflection and Growth

21:12 EduProtocols and Innovative Strategies

45:21 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. 

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 Introduction

01:53 The Language of Math

05:01 Visual Learning Techniques

05:54 Challenges and Solutions in Curriculum Development

08:41 From Classroom to Charter School Leadership

09:34 Implementing Consistent Language in Math Instruction

16:54 Remedial Programs and Student Progress

22:09 Balancing Procedural and Conceptual Learning

24:28 Advice for Teachers

26:14 Conclusion and Contact Information

Get in touch with Randy:
[email protected] or [email protected]

MathFluency.com

linkedin.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. 

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 Introduction

01:30 Anna Stokke's Non-Profit

02:40 Math Facts Controversy

04:07 Starting the After-School Program

05:10 Response from Schools

06:19 Math Department Coordination

09:03 Science of Learning Discussion

16:17 Math Specialists Debate

18:50 Importance of Proper Resources

21:09 Higher Grade Connectivity

25:14 Conceptual Understanding in Math

31:29 Real World Relevance in Math

37:49 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. 

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 Introduction

01:21 Science of Reading

01:40 Role and Experience as a Literacy Coach

04:32 Transition to Instructional Coaching

06:39 Responding to Change in Literacy Practices

20:45 Transparency and Trust in Coaching

30:26 Challenges and Strategies in Coaching

Get in touch with Linda:
Website: lindarhyneconsulting.com

Instagram: instagram.com/lindarhyneconsulting

X: twitter.com/lindaschultzie

Facebook: facebook.com/lindarhyneconsulting

Lindedin: 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. 

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 education
• student individualized learning
• impact of worked examples on student understanding.

00:00 Introduction

00:42 Steve Hare's Background

01:18 Importance of Math Facts

02:01 Creation of Fact Freaks

02:53 Fact Freaks Accessibility

03:38 Development and Evolution of Fact Freaks

04:24 The Need for 100% Accuracy

06:03 Impact of Speed on Accuracy

08:03 Implementation in Classrooms

16:15 Benefits of Worked Examples

13:32 Overcoming COVID-19 Challenges

21:31 Encouraging Student Independence

22:46 Managing Differentiated Classrooms

27:55 Teacher and Student Benefits

36:40 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. 

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 Podcast
00:28 Meet James Hardin: A Veteran Educator
02:15 Unique Experiences in Independent Schools
04:13 Differences in Teaching Levels
05:30 Effective Teaching Strategies Across Levels
07:39 Leadership and Coaching in Education
08:49 Building a Collaborative Teaching Environment
13:42 The Role of Instructional Leadership
23:03 Meeting James Hardin: A Story of Ambition
23:39 Setting High Expectations in a High-Performing School
25:14 Building Consensus Among Teachers
28:28 Achieving Top Scores and Recognition
31:11 Transitioning Between Different Socioeconomic Schools
34:46 The Role of a Principal as an Instructional Coach
38:15 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. 

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 Guest

01:19 Introduction by Adam Moler

01:23 AI in Teaching

02:05 Using AI for Lesson Planning

03:45 AI in the Classroom

03:53 Creating Questions with AI

04:45 Editing AI Responses

08:15 Student Engagement with AI

11:16 Thoughts on AI Usage

13:40 EduProtocols Overview

19:15 Practical Uses of EduProtocols

20:15 EduProtocols in Schools

21:32 Scaling EduProtocols

24:34 Adjunct Professor Role

28:00 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. 

This episode features an interview from the show Transformative Principal with Jethro Jones. 

• Everyone should have a coach
• There are people who are viewed as the real pros
• The 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 doing
• Personal relationship vs. professional relationship
• Focus 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-in
• This 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 Tavernetti

Dr. 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. 

In this episode, host Gene Tavernetti interviews Bill Davidson, an experienced educator and elementary math trainer. Click here to find more information about Bill and what he does. 

They dive into Bill's new book, 'Infusing Dynamism into Daily Problem Solving,' discussing effective strategies for teaching word problems, the importance of visual representations in math, and combating complex issues students face with word problems. The episode focuses on providing practical advice and innovative methods for teachers to enhance student engagement and understanding in math problem-solving. 
00:00 Introduction

00:28 Meet Bill Davidson

00:43 Bill's Experience and Work

00:50 Centering the Pendulum

02:03 Infusing Dynamism into Daily Problem Solving

04:22 Challenges in Implementing New Math Strategies

06:20 Effective Methods for Teaching Word Problems

08:03 Developing a Problem-Solving Structure

09:17 Engagement and Dynamism in Math Teaching

21:03 Reversing Learning Complexes

27:33 Final Thoughts

34:28 Closing Remarks

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.