In this episode, host Gene Tavernetti speaks with Dr. Lindsey Cormack, an Associate Professor of Political Science at Stevens Institute of Technology and author of 'How to Raise a Citizen: Why It's Up to You to Do It.' They discuss the importance of teaching civics and politics to children, the challenges teachers face in the current political climate, and actionable strategies for parents to engage their children in understanding politics and government. The conversation also touches on...

In this episode, Gene interviews Blake Harvard, Blake discussed his new book: Do I Have Your Attention: Understanding Memory Constraints and Maximizing Learning and what he teaches his students about learning. 01:36 Festival of Education and Presentation Highlights 06:25 Understanding Memory Constraints 07:45 Strategies for Effective Teaching 09:46 Application of Cognitive Psychology in the Classroom 13:57 High Expectations and Student Motivation 17:57 Practical Techniques: Brain Book Buddy...

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 episode of Progressively Incorrect on Direct Instruction. Thinking Out Loud' will be featured on 'Better Teaching: Only Stuff that Works' and 'Progressively Incorrect' platforms. The conversation covers Dr. Groshell's latest podcast episodes, feedback from listeners, and the differences and similarities between Engelmann's DI and explicit...

In this episode, Gene Tavernetti interviews Amy Pento, an instructional consultant and former Spanish teacher. Amy shares her experiences and strategies as an instructional specialist and discusses the importance of evidence-based teaching methods, professional relationships, and the challenges and successes in implementing instructional changes in schools. 02:23 Becoming an Instructional Specialist 04:54 Challenges and Strategies in Instructional Leadership 28:44 The Impact of Instructional...

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 at Fairview Middle School, his commitment to educational technology, and the importance of building trust and relationships in coaching. Paul shares insights on working with both new and veteran teachers, navigating the complexities of coaching, and the significance of being a supportive partner rather than an evaluator. 00:55 Paul’s...

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...

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...

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 

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

In this episode, host JGene Tavernetti welcomes Dr. Zach Groshell, a distinguished teacher, instructional coach, and education consultant. They discuss Zach's career journey, the evolution of his podcast 'Progressively Incorrect,' and his perspective on effective teaching and coaching practices based on research. Zach also shares his experiences teaching internationally and the transition to educational consulting. 00:00 Introduction to Better Teaching and Dr. Zach Groshell 01:25 Zach...

 If you wanna hear about the latest edu fads and conversations filled with cliches and buzzwords, find another podcast. Welcome to Better Teaching: Only Stuff that works. This is a show for teachers instructional coaches, mentors, administrators, and anyone else whose job it is to support teachers.  My name is Gene Tavernetti for more than 20 years, I've worked as an instructional coach who has worked and supported all teachers, teachers who were masters at their craft and demonstrated their...