

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

Jun 18, 2025 • 48min
Coaching Cycles - Thinking Out Loud #4
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 they always necessary when coaches are supporting teachers?Episode LinksZach’s book: Just Tell Them: The Power of Explanations and Explicit TeachingZach’s website: Education RickshawX: @MrZachGLinkedIn: @MrZachGBluesky: @mrzachg.bsky.socialPodcast: Progressively Incorrect
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.

Jun 11, 2025 • 44min
Continuing Support for New Classroom Teachers with Cameron Castaneda
Cameron Castenda is the director of the Teacher Induction program in her district. She is responsible for ensuring that newly credentialed teachers successfully complete a state approved program that allows them to “clear” their preliminary credential.Cameron is an experienced and award-winning teacher who has supported teachers in various roles since leaving the classroom.Episode Links:Instagram: @PYLUSD_Induction
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.

Jun 4, 2025 • 50min
Teachers Helping Teachers Getting Better with Laura Stam
In this episode teacher leader Laura Stam shares personal experiences in her journey to continual improvement in her teaching practice.Laura also describes her experience of participating in an instructional coaching cycle for the first time.X: @stamstam193Facebook: @Mrs.Stam.2021
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.

May 28, 2025 • 46min
Evidence-Based Schools with Glenn Whitman
Glenn Whitman is a distinguished educator who has worked with schools around the world to support schools and teachers bringing evidence practices to their classrooms.In this episode Glenn talks about his own school’s journey to becoming an evidence-based teaching institution, his continued role in that journey, and how his school supports schools around the world who also want to become evidence-based through The Center for Transformative Teaching.Episode Links:Website: Home - The Center for Transformative Teaching and LearningGlenn's Email: gwhitman@saes.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.

May 21, 2025 • 53min
Writing Instruction with Sherry Lewkowicz
In this episode, Gene Tavernetti interviews Sherry Lewkowicz, an expert in writing instruction. They discuss the importance of direct scaffolded writing instruction, the role of AI in enhancing teaching practices, and the challenges teachers face in effectively teaching writing across different grade levels. Lewkowicz emphasizes the significance of building foundational skills for both students and teachers and shares insights into effective writing instruction strategies.LinkedIn: @SherryLewkowiczWebsite: Writing PathwayGoogle Scholar: Teaching Writing During the COVID-19 Pandemic
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.

May 14, 2025 • 43min
Literacy, Research & Technology with Dr. Jayne Lammers
Dr. Jayne Lammers lives at the intersection of three of my favorite topics: literacy, research, and technology in the classroom.We discuss all of these issues as well as bonus content, advice for folks thinking about pursuing a doctorate.Episode Links:Dr. Lammers' WebsiteLinkedIn: @jayneclammersWebsite: Edmentum
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.

May 7, 2025 • 31min
Should the Best Teachers Be Coaches? with Dr. Zach Groshell
In another episode of Thinking Out Loud, Zach Groshell and Gene Tavernetti discuss and weigh the arguments for and against having the best teachers leave the classroom to become instructional coaches.Episode Links:Education RickshawX: @MrZachGBluesky: @MrZachGLinkedIn: Zach GroshellPodcast: Progressively IncorrectBest Selling Book: Just Tell Them: The Power of Explanations and Explicit Thinking
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.

Apr 30, 2025 • 41min
Trust Based Observations with Craig Randall
Craig Randall is the author of Trust Based Observations: Maximizing Teaching and Learning Growth. He was inspired to write the book after a long history traditional methods of teacher observations failed to help teachers improve their instruction.Craig works as a consultant training administrators and faculties on how leverage frequent classroom observations and visits into collaborative learning opportunities.Links:Trust-Based ObservationsX: @TrustBasedCraigLinkedIn: @TrustBasedCraig
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.

Apr 23, 2025 • 34min
The Science of Learning and Effective Math Instruction with Holly Korbey
Holly Korbey, an education journalist and author of The Bell Ringer newsletter, joins to discuss the science of learning and effective math instruction. She shares insights from her experience at ResearchED, emphasizing the importance of engaging presentations. Holly explains that simplifying language when discussing learning can enhance understanding. They dive into why math instruction often lags behind reading, and the need for better teacher preparation, especially in math content. The conversation also highlights the use of sports and music as metaphors for teaching skills.

Apr 16, 2025 • 39min
The Importance of Respect in Maintaining Motivation with Raquel McGee
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 things.We discuss student motivation in high school remedial reading classes and how respect for students is critical in maintaining that motivation.Raquel describes the training provided when she became an instructional coach and additional work she has done on her own to ensure she provides quality support to teachers.Links:X: @RaquelMTeaches
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.


