Better Teaching: Only Stuff That Works
Episodes
Making Writing Instruction a Priority with Josie Wozniak & Kimberly Voge
17 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Two teachers, one middle school and one elementary, share how they have made writing instruction a priority. Josie Wozniak and Kimberly Voge are avid ...
Implementing and Evaluating New Literacy Curriculum with Kelly Harkins
10 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The process of deciding which High Quality Instructional Materials to adopt is not as straight forward as it might seem. There are good options, and t...
Supporting Reading Fluency and Literacy Beyond the Early Grades with Doug Lemov
03 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode with Doug Lemov we discuss how teachers can support reading fluency and literacy beyond the early grades. Doug also describes his work...
Providing Support to Teachers - Thinking Out Loud #6
26 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Enjoy another installment of Thinking Out Loud with Zach Groshell. In this episode, Dr. Groshell and I discuss how to begin when providing support to ...
From the Archives: The Science of Reading with Linda Rhyne
19 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Gene Tavernetti speaks with Linda Rhyne, award-winning educator and owner of Rhyne Consulting. They discuss the changing landscape of...
Literacy Labs and Other Practical Strategies with Faith Howard
12 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Great Coaching is Just Great Teaching with Al Borges
05 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 teac...
Learning Science Partners with Meg Lee
29 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
After recently retiring from Frederick County Public Schools, where she played a key role in advancing evidence-based instruction, Meg Lee has joined ...
Implementing the Science of Learning in a Large School District with Kent Wetzel
22 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Kent Wetzel and I dive into some of the nitty-gritty of implementing the Science of Learning in a large school district.The district made deliberate c...
The World of Math Competitions with Vida John
15 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 competiti...
From the Archives: The Wider Implementation of the Science of Learning with Dr. Sarah Oberle
08 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Sarah Oberle discusses her research on the wider implementation of the Science of Learning and its influence on her classroom and teaching methods...
Lessons from Consulting - Thinking Out Loud #5
01 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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, ad...
Leading Passionate Classroom Discussions on Controversial Topics with Ed Cabrera
25 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Over the course of his 38-year career as a high school social studies teacher, Ed Cabrera has led passionate student discussions through 10 presidenti...
Disseminating the Science of Learning to All Educators with Dr. Nidhi Sachdeva
17 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Sachdeva and I have a wide-ranging conversation about the Science of Learning and how that information might be disseminated to all educators more...
"Equitable” Grading Through the Eyes of the Teacher with Dr. David Griffith
10 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 h...
From the Archives: Using Micro Data to Inform Teachers with Dr. Jana Lee
03 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Gene Tavernetti talks with Dr. Jana Lee, an expert in data-driven educational practices and inclusive teaching. The discussion delves...
Science Delivered with Dr. Olivia Mullins
27 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Dr. Olivia Mullins describes the work she and her non-profit, Science Delivered, is doing to deliver science lessons to early elementa...
Building Confident Readers with Laura Patranella
20 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, reading specialist Laura Patranella shares the challenges and successes she’s experienced as both a classroom teacher and reading s...
Scientists in the Making with Marcie Samayoa
13 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Marcie Samayoa is a high school science teacher from Los Angeles, CA with nearly a decade of classroom experience. She is very passionate about bringi...
Reforming Education with Robert Pondiscio
06 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 Cass...
Best from the Archive: Improving Literacy in the Middle Grades with Kyair Butts
30 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Kyair Butts, Baltimore City Public Schools Teacher of the Year, discusses improving literacy in the middle grades and a successful low-cost profession...
Best from the Archive: Three Important Areas for Schools to Focus On with Dr. Mike Schmoker
23 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Mike Schmoker, educator and best-selling author, speaks from decades of experience as he details the three most important areas school musts Focus on ...
Best from the Archive: Teaching Students to Solve Word & Story Problems with Dr. Sarah Powell
16 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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, ...
Best from the Archive: The Impact of Excessive Screen Time on Our Children with Dr. Frank Rodriguez
09 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Best from the Archive: Tackling Math Education Challenges with Dr. Anna Stokke
02 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Gene Tavernetti hosts Dr. Anna Stokke, a math professor and educational advocate, discussing math education, her non-profit after school math program,...
The Writing Revolution with Christine Teahan and Alexandria Chalonec
25 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Many teachers lack confidence in their ability to teach writing. Christine Teahan and Alexandria Chalonec, Co-Directors of Academics at The Writing Re...
Coaching Cycles - Thinking Out Loud #4
18 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Continuing Support for New Classroom Teachers with Cameron Castaneda
11 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Cameron Castenda is the director of the Teacher Induction program in her district. She is responsible for ensuring that newly credentialed teachers su...
Teachers Helping Teachers Getting Better with Laura Stam
04 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode teacher leader Laura Stam shares personal experiences in her journey to continual improvement in her teaching practice.Laura also desc...
Evidence-Based Schools with Glenn Whitman
28 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Glenn Whitman is a distinguished educator who has worked with schools around the world to support schools and teachers bringing evidence practices to ...
Writing Instruction with Sherry Lewkowicz
21 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Gene Tavernetti interviews Sherry Lewkowicz, an expert in writing instruction. They discuss the importance of direct scaffolded writi...
Literacy, Research & Technology with Dr. Jayne Lammers
14 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Jayne Lammers lives at the intersection of three of my favorite topics: literacy, research, and technology in the classroom.We discuss all of thes...
Should the Best Teachers Be Coaches? with Dr. Zach Groshell
07 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In another episode of Thinking Out Loud, Zach Groshell and Gene Tavernetti discuss and weigh the arguments for and against having the best teachers le...
Trust Based Observations with Craig Randall
30 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Craig Randall is the author of Trust Based Observations: Maximizing Teaching and Learning Growth. He was inspired to write the book after a long histo...
The Science of Learning and Effective Math Instruction with Holly Korbey
23 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Holly Korbey, an education journalist who focuses on the science of leaning and effective math instruction makes a return visit to the podcast. In thi...
The Importance of Respect in Maintaining Motivation with Raquel McGee
16 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 thin...
The Importance of Alignment with Sandra Brunet
09 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sandra Brunet has worked throughout the United States coaching educators at all levels of the educational system. She had supported leaders in state d...
The Importance of Knowing How Students Learn with Carl Hendricks
02 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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-a...
Applying Lessons Learned in HR to Being a Superintendent with Gabe Simon
26 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Gabriel Simon took an unconventional path to becoming a district superintendent. He spent over a decade as a successful principal before serving b...
Coaching Moves While Observing Lessons with Zach Groshell - Thinking Out Loud #3
19 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Teach FAST with Gene Tavernetti
12 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 delive...
Improving Literacy in the Middle Grades with Kyair Butts
05 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Kyair Butts, Baltimore City Public Schools Teacher of the Year, discusses improving literacy in the middle grades and a successful low-cost profession...
Three Important Areas for Schools to Focus On with Mike Schmoker
26 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Mike Schmoker, educator and best-selling author, speaks from decades of experience as he details the three most important areas school musts Focus on ...
Implementing the Science of Learning Everywhere with Helen Reynolds
19 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Thinking Out Loud: Pros and Cons of Coaching Models with Zach Groshell
12 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 sc...
Schools That Work For Every Student with Beanie Geoghegan
05 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 simil...
Increasing Learning and Decreasing Anxiety with Francie Weinberg
29 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Francie Weinberg, high school counselor, shares how she teaches students SOL principles to increase learning and decrease anxiety.I always ask guests ...
The Difficult Decision of Leaving the Classroom Mid-Year with Dr. Janae Tovar
22 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Janae Tovar shares the difficult decision of leaving the classroom mid-year.It’s very easy to vilify teachers who break a contract and leave the...
Advice for First-Time Authors with Mark Combes
15 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Mark Combes, a veteran of the K-12 publishing space, shares advice for all those aspiring to write their first book.Mark has collaborated with and sup...
Optimizing AI in the Classroom with Adam Moler
08 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Adam Moler discusses the strengths and weaknesses of various types of artificial intelligence and how he optimizes their application in his school cla...
The Importance of Support in the Beginning Years of Teaching with Andrew Bixler
01 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Andrew Bixler describes the support he received during his initial years as a teacher.For centuries, craftsmen and artisans have benefited from one-on...
Teaching Students to Solve Word & Story Problems with Dr. Sarah Powell
25 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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, ...
The Wider Implementation of the Science of Learning with Dr. Sarah Oberle
18 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Sarah Oberle discusses her research on the wider implementation of the Science of Learning and its influence on her classroom and teaching methods...
The Importance of Knowing the Research Behind Retrieval Practices with Patrice Bain
11 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Patrice Bain discusses retrieval practice and why it is important for teachers to know the research that supports it.Patrice Bain is well-known for he...
Rehearsal & Instructional Coaching with Zach Groshell
04 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Thinking Out Loud Zach Groshell and Gene Tavernetti think out loud about the role rehearsal can play in professional development an...
Adopting the Science of Learning Principles as a Central Focus with Lynn Gaffney
27 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, host Gene Tavernetti interviews Lynn Gaffney, the Assistant Superintendent for Instruction at Watertown City School District. They di...
The Impact of Excessive Screen Time on Our Children with Dr. Frank Rodriguez
20 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Rod Naquin on the Role of Dialogue in Education
13 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, host Gene Tavernetti converses with Rod Naquin, a seasoned educator and instructional coach. They discuss the impact of dialogue on t...
Dr. Jana Lee explains how she helps teachers use micro data to inform everything from IEPs, instruction, interventions, and PLCs.
06 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Gene Tavernetti talks with Dr. Jana Lee, an expert in data-driven educational practices and inclusive teaching. The discussion delves...
Lindsey Cormack discusses her new book How to Raise a Citizen (And Why It’s Up to You to Do It) and the importance of parents educating children about our system of government.
23 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, host Gene Tavernetti speaks with Dr. Lindsey Cormack, an Associate Professor of Political Science at Stevens Institute of Technology ...
Blake Harvard On What Teachers and Students Need to Know About How We Learn
16 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Gene interviews Blake Harvard, Blake discussed his new book: Do I Have Your Attention: Understanding Memory Constraints and Maximizin...
Thinking Out Loud with Zach Groshell
09 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In the premiere episode of a new segment titled 'Thinking Out Loud,' Zach Groshell and Gene Tavernetti engage in a candid discussion about a recent ...
“Don’t call me a instructional coach! I’m an instructional specialist.” Amy Pento describes the difference, and why it was important to her.
03 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Gene Tavernetti interviews Amy Pento, an instructional consultant and former Spanish teacher. Amy shares her experiences and strategi...
Paul Dietrich Reflects on His First Two Years as an Academic Coach
25 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Gene Tavernetti welcomes Paul Dietrich to the podcast. They discuss Paul's journey from being a teacher to becoming an academic coach...
Education Through the Eyes of a Journalist with Holly Korbey
18 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Gene Tavernetti interviews education journalist and author Holly Korbey. They discuss Holly's journey from theater to journalism, her...
Just Tell Them with Dr. Zach Groshell
11 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Gene Tavernetti interviews Dr. Zach Groshell about his upcoming book and dives into effective teaching strategies. The discussion cov...
Innovative and Practical Educational Strategies with Dominic Helmstetter
04 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Gene Tavernetti interviews educator and consultant Dominic Helmstetter. Dominic shares his experiences in teaching, administration, a...
Teaching the Language of Math with Dr. Randy Palisoc
28 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Gene Tavernetti speaks with Dr. Randy Palisoc, a passionate educator known for his innovative approach to teaching math. Dr. Palisoc ...
Tackling Math Education Challenges with Dr. Anna Stokke
19 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Gene Tavernetti hosts Dr. Anna Stokke, a math professor and educational advocate, discussing math education, her non-profit after school math program,...
The Science of Reading with Linda Rhyne
13 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Gene Tavernetti speaks with Linda Rhyne, award-winning educator and owner of Rhyne Consulting. They discuss the changing landscape of...
Fact Freaks and Building Math Fluency with Steve Hare
05 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 F...
Instructional Leadership Insights from James Hardin
22 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
AI, EduProtocols and Social Studies with Adam Moler
11 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Gene Tavernetti interviews Adam Moler, an innovative middle school social studies teacher recognized for his exceptional instructio...
Gene Tavernetti on Instructional Coaching - Transformative Principal
09 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This episode features an interview from the show Transformative Principal with Jethro Jones. Everyone should have a coachThere are people who are vie...
Word Problems, Dynamic Teaching and Problem Solving with Bill Davidson
05 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, host Gene Tavernetti interviews Bill Davidson, an experienced educator and elementary math trainer. Click here to find more informati...
Explicit Instruction, Research and Teaching Globally with Dr. Zach Groshell
03 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, host Gene Tavernetti welcomes Dr. Zach Groshell, a distinguished teacher, instructional coach, and education consultant. They discuss...
Trailer
14 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you wanna hear about the latest edu fads and conversations filled with cliches and buzzwords, find another podcast. Welcome to Better Teaching: O...