Better Teaching: Only Stuff That Works

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. 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.

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. 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.

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.

X/Twitter: 
Sarah: Sarah Oberle, Ed.D. (@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. 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.

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. Naquin | Substack
Podcast: Why I'm giving students the claims - Pocket Casts

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.