Better Teaching: Only Stuff That Works

In this episode, a friend of the podcast Bart Hoffman, interviews Frank Rodriguez and Gene Tavernetti about their new book and the importance of being more intentional about how technology is used in schools. They discuss the challenges educators face in balancing digital tools with meaningful human interaction in learning environments. Digital Captives: Helping Schools Strike a Balance Between Humans and Hardware, written by Frank Rodriguez, Donna Smith, and Gene Tavernetti, explores how schools can thoughtfully integrate technology while keeping teaching, learning, and relationships at the center. See bios for the authors at the Schools Next website. www.schoolsnext.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. Murmuration Author Services by Mark Combes. Looking to write your first book? Murmuration Author Services is your friend and coach for this journey.

In this episode, I’m joined by Anjanette McNeely, an award-winning kindergarten teacher in Davis County, Utah, who is deeply committed to research-informed classroom practice. Anjanette focuses on translating educational research into practical strategies that help every student build strong foundations in literacy and mathematics. She is LETRS-certified (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) and holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and a master’s degree in Instructional Design. In addition to her classroom work, Anjanette has served as a literacy coach and curriculum writer. She is currently a Goyen Literacy Foundation Fellow, where she continues to deepen her work advancing evidence-based literacy instruction. Links: Substack: https://substack.com/@anjanettemcneely X: Anjanette McNeely (@anjanettemcnee2) / X 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. Murmuration Author Services by Mark Combes. Looking to write your first book? Murmuration Author Services is your friend and coach for this journey.

In this episode, veteran school leader Joey Davis pulls back the curtain on the path to the principalship — and the reality of serving as “middle management” in today’s schools. We talk candidly about the highs, the hard days, and the constant balancing act between district expectations and supporting teachers and students. Links: Twitter Facebook Instagram: mrwjdavis 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. Murmuration Author Services by Mark Combes. Looking to write your first book? Murmuration Author Services is your friend and coach for this journey.

In this episode, Dr. Sarah Oberle and Mitch Weathers join the conversation to explore the critical role of executive functions in early learning — and why they matter so much for young students. We discuss how skills like self-regulation, organization, and cognitive flexibility lay the foundation for long-term academic success. We also dive into their new book, Executive Functions for Every K–3 Classroom: Promoting Self-Regulation for a Strong Start and unpack practical strategies teachers can use immediately to support students in developing these essential skills. (@s_oberle) / X LinkedIn: Sarah: www.linkedin.com/in/drsarahoberle Mitch: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchweathers/ Facebook: Mitch: https://www.facebook.com/organizedbinder Instagram: Mitch: https://www.instagram.com/organizedbinder/ Website: Sarah: http://sarahoberle.com Mitch: http://organizedbinder.com Books: Executive Functions for Every K-3 Classroom: Promoting Self-Regulation for a Strong Start Executive Functions for Every Classroom, Grades 3-12: Creating Safe and Predictable Learning Environments 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. Murmuration Author Services by Mark Combes. Looking to write your first book? Murmuration Author Services is your friend and coach for this journey.

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 Model 27:49 Pre-Service Teacher Advice

Rod made the move back to the classroom after years as a leadership and instructional coach. In this episode, he reflects on the surprises of returning to teaching—and how his experiences beyond the classroom shaped his transition. We talk specifically about how he has changed his writing instruction and his emphasis on student dialogue. Resources: The Literacy Cookbook (Sarah Tantillo) literacycookbook.com/about-us.php Inside Teaching: How Classroom Life Undermines Reform (Mary Kennedy) Follow Rod on: X/Twitter: Rod (@rodjnaquin) / X LinkedIn: (1) Rod Naquin | LinkedIn Facebook: (2) Facebook Substack: Rod J. Murmuration Author Services by Mark Combes. Looking to write your first book? Murmuration Author Services is your friend and coach for this journey.

Weston Kieschnick and I discuss teaching, coaching, leadership, relationship building, parenting, and the heavy burden of being funniest person in his family. This was a fun conversation with a great educator and a great guy. X: Weston Kieschnick (@wes_kieschnick) / X LinkedIn: (1) Weston Kieschnick | LinkedIn Facebook: (3) weston kieschnick Website: https://westonkieschnick.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. Murmuration Author Services by Mark Combes. Looking to write your first book? Murmuration Author Services is your friend and coach for this journey.

Dave McAlinden is an instructional designer at Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies. In this episode, we start by clarifying a question many educators have: What does an instructional designer actually do? If you’ve ever taken an online course, you’ve already experienced the impact of instructional design—whether you realized it or not. You can connect with Dave on LinkedIn: (2) Dave McAlinden | LinkedIn Feel free to reach out—Dave enjoys engaging with educators and talking through ideas about teaching, learning, and instructional design. 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. Murmuration Author Services by Mark Combes. Looking to write your first book? Murmuration Author Services is your friend and coach for this journey.

Lauren Brown and I discuss how social studies and history instruction shifts and deepens as students grow, mature, and develop a greater capacity for understanding over time. Lauren hosts podcasts on teaching US History. Folks can also find the registration link on my Substack, on the Teacher Resources page. History with Meaning There will be 2 left when this podcast airs: Thurs. Jan 22 - Using Themes & Stories to Make History Come Alive Thurs. Jan 29 - Short, Powerful Writing Activities to Reinforce Learning Both are at 6:00 CT/7:00 ET Also find Lauren at: https://laurenbrownoned.substack.com For more, folks can check Lauren’s writing for MiddleWeb: https://www.middleweb.com/tag/lauren-brown/ (00:00) - Intro (01:44) - Episode 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. Murmuration Author Services by Mark Combes. Looking to write your first book? Murmuration Author Services is your friend and coach for this journey.

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-authored two books How Learning Happens and How Teaching Happens in which he shares the most impactful research on this topic. In this episode he shares what he believes is the most important information that all teachers should know about how students learn but is still not being taught in many schools of education. He also has some advice for teachers about some things they can safely stop doing. Links: X: @‌C_Hendrick BlueSky: @‌carlhendrick.substack.com LinkedIn: Carl Hendrick Weekly Science of Learning newsletter at The Learning Dispatch How Teaching and Learning Happens e-learning course can be found here.

Joe Finch is a 5th grade teacher in Kelseyville, California. Joe is committed to the teaching profession and truly desires to improve his craft. In this episode he describes how he discovered the science of learning in his search to improve and how he developed his own professional development program. Ed. (@mrjfinch) / X Substack: Joe Finch | 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. Murmuration Author Services by Mark Combes. Looking to write your first book? Murmuration Author Services is your friend and coach for this journey.

In this episode Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath and I discuss his new book; Digital Delusion and the intersection of what science knows about how we learn and the impacts of technology on that learning. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jared-cooney-horvath-phd-med-730704b2/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jared.cooney.horvath/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/jaredcooney Website: https://www.lmeglobal.net Book: The Digital Delusion 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. Murmuration Author Services by Mark Combes. Looking to write your first book? Murmuration Author Services is your friend and coach for this journey.

Karen Vaites is well-known as a literacy advocate. In this episode we discuss the Southern Surge, the Mississippi Miracle, and the Louisiana and Tennessee increases (sorry no alliterative descriptors) in literacy scores. Episode Links: X: Karen Vaites (@karenvaites) / X Karen Vaites | Substack Curriculum Insight Project | 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. Murmuration Author Services by Mark Combes. Looking to write your first book? Murmuration Author Services is your friend and coach for this journey.

Two teachers, one middle school and one elementary, share how they have made writing instruction a priority. Josie Wozniak and Kimberly Voge are avid users and proponents of EduProtocols to support their writing instruction. In this episode they share how students are able to write more. But more importantly, how the students take more responsibility for improving their writing. Twitter: @‌ms_woz @kvoge71 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-voge-662b905b/ Facebook: (5) Facebook (5) EduProtocols Community | Facebook Instagram: @‌jwoz_teaches @‌hermajestyvoge Bluesky: @‌jwoz-teaches.bsky.social Tik Tok: @‌jwoz_teaches @techsassy Deploying EduProtocols 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. Murmuration Author Services by Mark Combes. Looking to write your first book? Murmuration Author Services is your friend and coach for this journey.

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 there are good teachers with varying opinions. Kelly Harkins, Supervisor of Elementary English Language Arts, describes her district’s two different processes for selecting two different ELA curricula. Facebook: The Reading League Delaware Website: the reading league Delaware Reading League Delaware Memberships 2025 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. Murmuration Author Services by Mark Combes. Looking to write your first book? Murmuration Author Services is your friend and coach for this journey.

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 with professional sports teams helping the coaches be more effective teachers. And much, much more! Books: The Teach Like a Champion Guide to the Science of Reading The Coach's Guide to Teaching Teach Like a Champion 3.0 X: Doug Lemov (@doug_lemov) / X LinkedIn: Doug Lemov | LinkedIn Website: http://teachlikeachampion.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. Murmuration Author Services by Mark Combes. Looking to write your first book? Murmuration Author Services is your friend and coach for this journey.

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 teachers. Both Zach and Gene currently work in schools supporting teachers in their quest to be their best for students. Dr. Zach Groshell is the host of the popular podcast Progressively Incorrect and the author of: Just Tell Them: The Power of Explanations and Explicit Teaching Dr. Gene Tavernetti is the author of: Maximizing the Impact of Coaching Cycles Teach Fast: Focused Adaptable Structured Teaching 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. Murmuration Author Services by Mark Combes. Looking to write your first book? Murmuration Author Services is your friend and coach for this journey.

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

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 the support of her administration, Faith reimagined her role and launched a “Literacy Lab” — a space designed to emphasize the SOR principles in targeted literacy intervention and instruction. In this episode, Faith shares how the Literacy Lab came to life and offers practical strategies teachers can use to strengthen Tier 1 instruction in their own classrooms. Facebook: Literacy Lab with Faith Substack: Faith Howard | Substack YouTube Channel: Science of Reading Classroom Email: literacylabwithfaith@gmail.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. Murmuration Author Services by Mark Combes. Looking to write your first book? Murmuration Author Services is your friend and coach for this journey.

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 teaching. You’ll hear familiar ideas—like managing cognitive load, respecting the learning hierarchy, and using retrieval practice to make learning stick. Al even shares how he adjusted his teaching for players with different skill levels. X: (1) Al_Borges_Burner (@freddyteee83) / X Books: Deny of the Tiger The story behind the undefeated SEC Champion Auburn Tigers, who were denied the opportunity to play for the BCS National Championship. Coaching the West Coast Quarterback 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. Murmuration Author Services by Mark Combes. Looking to write your first book? Murmuration Author Services is your friend and coach for this journey.