Better Teaching: Only Stuff That Works

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 instruction. They also delve into the importance of fast-paced, precise teaching and effective coaching methods.02:33 Explaining Direct Instruction04:41 Comparing DI and Regular Episodes06:18 Teaching Lesson Demonstration09:04 Precision of Language in DI10:58 Seeking Out Coaching28:04 Developing DI Workshops

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 Specialist04:54 Challenges and Strategies in Instructional Leadership28:44 The Impact of Instructional Changes32:48 Amy's Proud MomentsGet in touch with Amy:X: @amypento

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 Background02:20 First Impressions03:50 Views on Instruction13:52 Coaching Experience08:14 Challenges in Coaching09:17 Veteran vs. Novice TeachersSocial Media Links for Paul:Facebook: Paul DietrichTwitter: @‌DietrichucationLinkedIn: dietrichucation

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 and the role of instructional coaches.01:27 Holly's Journey to Education Journalism03:41 Challenges and Consistencies in Education08:47 PR and Social Media in Schools31:51 The Role of Instructional Coaches40:21 Parallels Between Academics and After School ActivitiesEpisode Links:Twitter: @‌HKorbeyThe Bell Ringer Substack

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 Messages02:37 The Importance of Clear Explanations05:07 Cognitive Load Theory and Clarity06:37 Practicing and Rehearsing Explanations19:26 Learning Objectives and Explicit Instruction15:58 The Role of Classroom Environment in Learning16:53 Explaining with Undivided Attention26:26 Using Stories and Humor in Teaching38:26 The I Do, We Do, You Do Framework

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 Introduction01:13 Dominic’s Teaching Journey04:19 Experience as an Administrator02:43 The Importance of Reflection and Growth21:12 EduProtocols and Innovative Strategies45:21 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 also covers the challenges of teaching math, the significance of consistent language in math instruction, and the impact of professional development.00:00 Introduction01:53 The Language of Math05:01 Visual Learning Techniques05:54 Challenges and Solutions in Curriculum Development08:41 From Classroom to Charter School Leadership09:34 Implementing Consistent Language in Math Instruction16:54 Remedial Programs and Student Progress22:09 Balancing Procedural and Conceptual Learning24:28 Advice for Teachers26:14 Conclusion and Contact InformationGet in touch with Randy:randypalisoc@mathfluency.com or randypalisoc@gmail.comMathFluency.comlinkedin.com/randypalisoc/Math isn't hard, it's a language | Randy Palisoc | TEDxManhattanBeach (youtube.com)

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 Introduction01:30 Anna Stokke's Non-Profit02:40 Math Facts Controversy04:07 Starting the After-School Program05:10 Response from Schools06:19 Math Department Coordination09:03 Science of Learning Discussion16:17 Math Specialists Debate18:50 Importance of Proper Resources21:09 Higher Grade Connectivity25:14 Conceptual Understanding in Math31:29 Real World Relevance in Math37:49 Conclusion

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 Introduction01:21 Science of Reading01:40 Role and Experience as a Literacy Coach04:32 Transition to Instructional Coaching06:39 Responding to Change in Literacy Practices20:45 Transparency and Trust in Coaching30:26 Challenges and Strategies in CoachingGet in touch with Linda:Website: lindarhyneconsulting.comInstagram: instagram.com/lindarhyneconsultingX: twitter.com/lindaschultzieFacebook: facebook.com/lindarhyneconsultingLindedin: linkedin.com/linda-rhyne-91704b93/You Tube: youtube.com/@lindarhyne8246

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 Introduction00:42 Steve Hare's Background01:18 Importance of Math Facts02:01 Creation of Fact Freaks02:53 Fact Freaks Accessibility03:38 Development and Evolution of Fact Freaks04:24 The Need for 100% Accuracy06:03 Impact of Speed on Accuracy08:03 Implementation in Classrooms16:15 Benefits of Worked Examples13:32 Overcoming COVID-19 Challenges21:31 Encouraging Student Independence22:46 Managing Differentiated Classrooms27:55 Teacher and Student Benefits36:40 Conclusion and Resources

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 Podcast00:28 Meet James Hardin: A Veteran Educator02:15 Unique Experiences in Independent Schools04:13 Differences in Teaching Levels05:30 Effective Teaching Strategies Across Levels07:39 Leadership and Coaching in Education08:49 Building a Collaborative Teaching Environment13:42 The Role of Instructional Leadership23:03 Meeting James Hardin: A Story of Ambition23:39 Setting High Expectations in a High-Performing School25:14 Building Consensus Among Teachers28:28 Achieving Top Scores and Recognition31:11 Transitioning Between Different Socioeconomic Schools34:46 The Role of a Principal as an Instructional Coach38:15 Advice for New Principals

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 Guest01:19 Introduction by Adam Moler01:23 AI in Teaching02:05 Using AI for Lesson Planning03:45 AI in the Classroom03:53 Creating Questions with AI04:45 Editing AI Responses08:15 Student Engagement with AI11:16 Thoughts on AI Usage13:40 EduProtocols Overview19:15 Practical Uses of EduProtocols20:15 EduProtocols in Schools21:32 Scaling EduProtocols24:34 Adjunct Professor Role28:00 Advice for Teachers

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 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-inThis 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 TavernettiDr. 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.

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 Introduction00:28 Meet Bill Davidson00:43 Bill's Experience and Work00:50 Centering the Pendulum02:03 Infusing Dynamism into Daily Problem Solving04:22 Challenges in Implementing New Math Strategies06:20 Effective Methods for Teaching Word Problems08:03 Developing a Problem-Solving Structure09:17 Engagement and Dynamism in Math Teaching21:03 Reversing Learning Complexes27:33 Final Thoughts34:28 Closing Remarks

In this episode, host Gene 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 Groshell01:25 Zach Groshell's Early Career and Podcast Beginnings11:36 International Teaching Experience19:00 Return to the USA and Reflections on Teaching Practices20:39 The Importance of Research in Teaching and Coaching34:03 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Projects

 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 expertise every day to lucky classes of students,Teachers who are struggling to find their sea legs and all teachers in between,, in schools that served incarcerated youth, and in schools where teachers drew the blinds because the view of the beach was too distracting. In addition to providing support to teachers, I've also had the opportunity to provide training and support to instructional coaches and administrators, and I continue to work in schools across the country in that capacity.I chronicled that work and much of what I've learned about instruction and coaching in two books teach fast focused, adaptable structured teaching and maximizing the impact of coaching cycles. The persistent truth about teaching that is confirmed in every classroom is this, teaching is hard and unfortunately much of the advice from many of the experts make the job more difficult instead of easier. Many ideas and innovations would be great, and the kids would love them if only teachers had the time, and other resources necessary to make those ideas work. The goal of this show is to articulate advice to make teaching easier and learning easier for teachers and students.The advice will be common sense evidence-based, and most importantly, it will be advice that has already been implemented in a real classroom. These are not pie in the sky ideas that, oh, wouldn't it be nice for someone to try someday? If you wanna hear about the latest edu fads and conversations filled with cliches and buzzwords, find another podcast.What you will hear here are ideas that have already successfully been used in real classrooms by real teachers and are proven to be effective to help students succeed. In other words, you know, only step that works. Talk to you soon.