Best Zach Groshell Podcasts (2025)

1
Anything but boring: The power of direct instruction - with Dr. Zach Groshell 52:26

12d ago52:26

52:26

215: Dr. Zach Groshell explains what direct instruction is and why it's so effective for student learning. He also shares specific classroom strategies teachers can start using right away. Click here for this episode's show notes. Get my book, Reach All Readers! Looking for printable resources that align with the science of reading? Click here to l…

1
What do students need to learn, and what do only teachers need to know? - with Dr. Devin Kearns 36:38

5d ago36:38

36:38

216: Have we overcorrected in our enthusiasm for structured literacy? Dr. Kearns challenges teachers to find the right balance between what students need to know versus what technical knowledge belongs solely in a teacher's toolkit. A thought-provoking listen! Click here for this episode's show notes. Get my book, Reach All Readers! Looking for pri…

1
From decline to top rankings: How England transformed education with Nick Gibb (Ep 49) 1:19:18

15d ago1:19:18

1:19:18

In this episode, Anna Stokke interviews The Right Honourable Sir Nick Gibb, former Minister of State for Schools in England. Nick discusses the bold, evidence-based reforms he led over a decade to reverse declining academic performance in English schools. From phonics-based reading instruction to math mastery, he explains how high expectations, rig…

1
How to use the MTSS framework to transform school reading achievement - with Dr. Sarah Brown & Dr. Stephanie Stollar 43:19

19d ago43:19

43:19

214: Dr. Sarah Brown and Dr. Stephanie Stollar join me to talk about implementing the science of reading through the MTSS framework. We define MTSS, discuss practical tips for implementation, and address things to avoid. Be sure to get their new book, MTSS for Reading Improvement. Click here for this episode's show notes. Get my book, Reach All Rea…

1
The principal's role in using MTSS to improve reading outcomes - with Sharon Dunn 43:38

26d ago43:38

43:38

213: Sharon Dunn, a former principal of a high-poverty school, shares the process that she and her staff used to drastically improve reading outcomes. This episode offers a blueprint for principals looking to lead meaningful reading improvement in their own schools. Click here for this episode's show notes. Get my book, Reach All Readers! Looking f…

1
How we learn: Naive, purposeful, and deliberate practice with Stephen Chew (Ep 48) 57:13

29d ago57:13

57:13

Join math professor Anna Stokke in conversation with Dr. Stephen Chew, a cognitive psychologist at Samford University. They explore the different types of practice—naive, purposeful, and deliberate—and why understanding these distinctions can transform teaching and improve learning. The discussion also covers how to use feedback effectively, struct…

1
The Science of Teaching: Making Research Work in Real Classrooms featuring Dr. Ian Kelleher [EP24] 31:41

1M ago31:41

31:41

Today is all about the science of teaching and how educators can apply continued education in their classrooms. Our guest Dr. Ian Kelleher explains his role as the CTTL Research Chair and makes the case for further professionalizing the practice of teaching, as has been done with so many other fields. In this episode, we discuss why creating assess…

1
[Listen again] How to use assessment data within MTSS - with Dr. Stephanie Stollar 33:50

1M ago33:50

33:50

Dr. Stephanie Stollar has been supporting schools to use MTSS to improve reading outcomes for more than 25 years. She explains the importance of using screening data to reflect the effectiveness of Tier 1 instruction, how to use assessment data to form differentiated small groups, and how to avoid common mistakes that schools make when implementing…

1
Mailbag: Math facts vs calculators, a logic problem, the Southern surge (Ep 47) 14:49

1M ago14:49

14:49

In this special mailbag episode, Anna Stokke tackles two listener questions and a comment. She breaks down a logic puzzle that stumped some fans, explains why relying on calculators isn’t a substitute for math fact fluency, and highlights comments from a listener about encouraging literacy trends in several Southern U.S. states. TIMESTAMPS [00:00:0…

1
What is the science of implementation? - with Laura Stewart 52:14

1M ago52:14

52:14

212: How do we bridge research to classroom practice? The answer lies in the science of implementation. Laura Stewart walks us through the five stages of implementation - this episode is a must-listen for anyone whose school is ready for change! Click here for this episode's show notes. Get my book, Reach All Readers! Looking for printable resource…

1
Why implementation is the missing piece - with Justin Browning 53:50

2M ago53:50

53:50

211: Implementation specialist Justin Browning joins me to discuss the challenges of implementation, the importance of strong leadership, and what really matters for lasting change. Click here for the show notes from this episode. Get my book, Reach All Readers! Looking for printable resources that align with the science of reading? Click here to l…

1
Reclaiming learning time to boost literacy and numeracy with Ross Fox (Ep 46) 1:13:17

2M ago1:13:17

1:13:17

In Episode 46, Anna Stokke chats with Australian education leader Ross Fox. As the former Director of Catholic Education for the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn, Ross led a major shift in teaching practices that led to significant gains in both literacy and numeracy. The episode begins with an overview of the Australian education system. They …

1
[Listen again] How to use assessment data to inform instruction - with Rachel Beiswanger 28:43

2M ago28:43

28:43

In today's episode, special education coach Rachel Beiswanger explains how she uses assessment data when deciding what to teach her students. We list screening measures and list specific things you can do if students are scoring below benchmark. I list all the details in the show notes, so be sure to check them out! Click here for this episode's sh…

1
You Have Something in Your Teeth: Growing as an Educator Through Research featuring Sara McAuliffe [EP23] 34:44

2M ago34:44

34:44

Today's interview might have the catchiest title in our most recent publication. Sara McAuliffe is an English teacher, Co-Leader of New Employee Mentoring Program, and Professional Growth Pathway Co-Leader at St. Andrew's. In this episode, we talk about the personal nature of thinking about your craft and the constant nature of growth and improveme…

1
The power of Quick Writes - in any grade! - with Shauna Cotte 46:37

2M ago46:37

46:37

210: You'll love this practical episode, in which Shauna Cotte emphasizes that Quick Writes are brief, informal writing tasks designed to help students process and reflect on content. Best of all - you can use them in any grade! Click here for the show notes from this episode. Get my book, Reach All Readers! Looking for printable resources that ali…

1
A decade of decline: Examining falling test scores with Mike Petrilli (Ep 45) 59:36

2M ago59:36

59:36

In this episode, host and math professor Anna Stokke interviews Mike Petrilli, President of the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, about the role of standardized testing in K–12 education. They discuss the benefits and criticisms of standardized tests, the methodologies behind tests like NAEP, international comparisons with PISA and TIMSS, long-term tren…

1
How to use Paragraphology to teach the writing process - with Bridget Barley 41:03

2M ago41:03

41:03

209: When I heard Bridget Barley speak about her brilliant method for teaching students to write clearly structured paragraphs, I knew I wanted to have her on the podcast so you can learn all about this method too. This is a must-listen for middle school teachers, but the method can be used starting in first grade. Click here for this episode's sho…

1
Mailbag: Building Thinking Classrooms, number talks & more with Zach Groshell (Ep 44) 49:03

2M ago49:03

49:03

Dr. Anna Stokke and guest Dr. Zach Groshell answer listener questions in a special mailbag episode. They cover strategies for managing varying levels of math proficiency in the classroom, critique the Building Thinking Classrooms approach, and discuss whether number talks should be prioritized for developing math fact fluency. This discussion provi…

1
All about The Writing Revolution - with Judith Hochman 37:26

3M ago37:26

37:26

208: Judith Hochman, creator of The Writing Revolution method, explains the principles of this approach and shares practical, sentence-level activities that teachers can use in any grade level. These activities both enhance writing skills and improve understanding of the subject students are writing about. Click here for this episode's show notes. …

1
How to teach students to be strong writers using SRSD - with Dr. Karen Harris 56:24

3M ago56:24

56:24

207: Dr. Karen Harris, the creator of SRSD (self-regulated strategy development), walks us through this evidence-based approach to teaching writing. You'll learn how this approach teaches students how to plan their writing, follow that plan, and assess how they did. Research shows that SRSD is an effective way to teach students to be independent wr…

1
How advocacy is changing reading instruction with Jamie Metsala (Ep 43) 1:15:17

3M ago1:15:17

1:15:17

Join Anna Stokke in conversation with Dr. Jamie Metsala, one of two content area experts on the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s Right to Read public inquiry. Jamie shares her expertise on the importance of strong early instruction in foundational reading skills, the pitfalls of balanced literacy, and the urgent need for evidence-based practices i…

1
[Listen Again] How to teach writing in K-8: A thinkSRSD deep dive with Dr. Leslie Laud 1:03:15

3M ago1:03:15

1:03:15

If you're looking for an evidence-based approach to teaching writing in all grades, look no further than thinkSRSD! Dr. Leslie Laud explains this approach and breaks down how it looks across the grade levels. Be sure to check the show notes for links to free resources that will get you started! Click here for the show notes from this episode. Get m…

1
Strategies for teaching writing in the early grades - with Amy Siracusano 53:30

3M ago53:30

53:30

206: Amy Siracusano describes the Not So Simple View of Writing and explains how this model helps us make instructional decisions when teaching young writers. She also shares a variety of strategies that will help you teach students at all different stages. Lots of goodness in this episode! Click here for the show notes from this episode. Get my bo…

1
From Police Officer to Science Teacher: A Journey in Research-Informed Teaching featuring Brittany Shields [EP22] 36:59

3M ago36:59

36:59

Today's guest took one of the most unique pathways to education. Brittany Shields was a police officer before she worked at St. Andrews as a science teacher. In this episode, Brittany and I discuss why she left police work for teaching and the process she underwent to design her own forensics course. We also talk about the importance of understandi…

1
How to incorporate guided practice into your writing lessons - with Leah Mermelstein 46:38

3M ago46:38

46:38

205: When I look back at my own writing instruction, I often gave a quick mini-lesson and expected students to take a "nose dive" into independent writing with little, if any, guided practice. Leah Mermelstein walks us through the importance of gradual release and explains three types of guided practice that you can bring into your writing instruct…

1
Math Academy: Optimizing student learning with Alex Smith and Justin Skycak (Ep 42) 1:14:55

4M ago1:14:55

1:14:55

Join Anna Stokke in conversation with Dr. Alex Smith, Director of Curriculum, and Justin Skycak, Director of Analytics, from Math Academy. Math Academy is an AI-powered online learning platform designed around science of learning principles. They discuss Bloom's 2 sigma problem and explore how Math Academy aims to address it. They also explain how …

1
Can we redeem the writing workshop approach? - with April Smith 38:45

4M ago38:45

38:45

204: "Writing workshop" is almost a bad word in today's science of reading circles. It's true that many elements of the model need improvement, but it's also true that some elements of the workshop model are based on research. Is it possible to redeem the writing workshop approach? I break this down with author, educator, and curriculum writer, Apr…

1
Evidence-based practices in teaching writing - with Dr. Steve Graham 1:13:29

4M ago1:13:29

1:13:29

203: With his 47 years of experience, Dr. Steve Graham has much to share about what research says about teaching writing and how to apply it to classroom instruction. We discuss six evidence-based practices for teaching writing and how to implement them in day-to-day instruction. Click here for the show notes from this episode. Get my book, Reach A…

1
How to cure the balanced literacy hangover - with Dr. Brent Conway & Jen Hogan 50:43

4M ago50:43

50:43

202: Dr. Brent Conway, school superintendent, and Jen Hogan, curriculum coordinator, have written a fascinating white paper, Early Literacy and the Balanced Literacy Hangover. Even though more schools and teachers are embracing the science of reading, "lingering beliefs and practices have become like a bad hangover that is tough to shake." In this …

1
Supporting students with math difficulties with Sarah Powell (Ep 41) 58:53

4M ago58:53

58:53

Join Anna Stokke in conversation with Dr. Sarah Powell, a leading expert in teaching students with math difficulties. They discuss the shortcomings of a recent joint position statement by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) and the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) on teaching math to students with disabilities. Sarah critiq…

1
Going Beyond "Good Job": Creating Actionable Feedback That Works featuring Andrew Seidman [EP21] 35:09

4M ago35:09

35:09

Today I talk with Andrew Seidman about his recent article, giving feedback that works for students and teachers, and the CTL's emphasis on metacognition. In this episode, we discuss current ways of giving student feedback and how these methods could be improved. We also share our frustration with students not taking feedback onboard. Listen to Andr…

1
How to choose a new reading program - with Dr. Maria Murray 37:02

4M ago37:02

37:02

201: If your school is looking for a new reading program, this is the episode for you! Dr. Maria Murray, president of The Reading League, explains how schools can use their free tools to evaluate potential programs. Click here for the show notes from this episode. Get my book, Reach All Readers! Looking for printable resources that align with the s…

1
EPISODE 200! 11:45

5M ago11:45

11:45

200: In today's celebratory episode, I share my science of reading journey so far and identify my very favorite guest from the last five years. Just kidding! But I do give podcast "awards" as I identify my favorite podcast series, the most genuine guests, the most passionate, the most knowledgeable ... and more. Listen in to find out which guests w…

1
From math to science: How weak math skills hurt students with Therese Markow (Ep 40) 54:23

5M ago54:23

54:23

In this episode, Anna Stokke welcomes Dr. Therese Markow, Professor Emeritus at the University of California, San Diego, and host of the Critically Speaking podcast. They discuss the critical intersection of math and science education. Therese shares her firsthand experiences as a geneticist and post-secondary educator, highlighting the alarming de…

1
How to address the needs of advanced readers - with Dr. Nancy Young 43:53

5M ago43:53

43:53

199: Dr. Nancy Young, creator of The Ladder of Reading & Writing infographic, explains why we need to challenge students who are advanced in reading and why research does not support the notion that they will be "just fine" regardless of their instruction. This is an important issue that deserves more attention. Click here for the show notes from t…

1
Equipping students to make strong inferences - with Dr. Amy Elleman 47:35

5M ago47:35

47:35

198: Comprehension is complex - and helping students improve comprehension is no straightforward task! Thankfully, Dr. Amy Elleman shows us how to teach the subskills that will enable our students to make strong inferences and become better comprehenders in the process. Click here for the show notes from this episode. Get my book, Reach All Readers…

1
Project Follow Through: Direct Instruction's overlooked success with Marcy Stein (Ep 39) 1:15:54

5M ago1:15:54

1:15:54

Join Anna Stokke in conversation with Dr. Marcy Stein, professor emeritus from the University of Washington, Tacoma, about her firsthand experience with Direct Instruction (DI) and Project Follow Through—the world’s largest educational experiment. Despite showing DI’s effectiveness with at-risk students, the results were largely ignored. Marcy shar…

1
Belonging as the Foundation: Where Brain Science Meets Identity in the Classroom [EP 20] 42:38

5M ago42:38

42:38

Today we talk about belonging as a foundational element in the classroom with colleague and mentor, Lorraine Martinez Haley. Fifteen years ago 'belonging' wasn't a common buzzword among educators, so today we discuss the connection between the science of teaching and learning and the science of diversity, equity, and belonging. We ask how we as tea…

1
How to use think alouds to improve students' reading comprehension - with Dr. Molly Ness 37:47

5M ago37:47

37:47

197: Dr. Molly Ness joins us to examine the power of think alouds. We discuss how to prepare for effective think alouds and how to use them to boost student comprehension. Click here for the show notes from this episode. Get my book, Reach All Readers! Looking for printable resources that align with the science of reading? Click here to learn more …

1
{BONUS EPISODE} A new, FREE learning opportunity coming in January! with Donna Hejtmanek & Virginia Quinn-Mooney 7:56

6M ago7:56

7:56

Sign up for a workshop about teaching small groups here Sign up for a workshop about teaching writing here Science of Reading Facebook Group SOR - What I Should Have Learned in College YouTube Channel Virtual Happy Hour - Science of Reading YouTube Channel Get my book, Reach All Readers! Looking for printable resources that align with the science o…

1
Boosting attention and learning with Blake Harvard (Ep 38) 55:16

6M ago55:16

55:16

Join math professor, Anna Stokke, in conversation with Blake Harvard, a secondary teacher in Alabama. They discuss insights from his new book, Do I Have Your Attention?, including how he incorporates cognitive psychology into his teaching. Their conversation explores topics like cognitive architecture, memory constraints, attention contagion and co…

1
The nuts and bolts of building oral language in the classroom - with Jocelyn Seamer 59:19

6M ago59:19

59:19

196: Don't have time to build oral language skills? Jocelyn Seamer shows you how to build them into what you're already doing and offers specific oral language routines to incorporate. This episode is for you, no matter what grade you teach! Click here for the show notes from this episode. Get my book, Reach All Readers! Looking for printable resou…

1
The Goldilocks Map: Finding the Right Balance in Research-Informed Teaching featuring Andrew C. Watson [EP19] 18:46

6M ago18:46

18:46

This interview with Andrew Watson was recorded during the second USA Festival of Education. Andrew is what I call a positive skeptic. In this episode, we discuss the differences between the brain and the mind and debate the importance of studying both. We also offer tips for analyzing educational research. Listen to Andrew's educational journey and…

1
[Listen again] How to scaffold preschoolers' early writing skills - with Dr. Sonia Cabell 31:18

6M ago31:18

31:18

When you understand the stages of early writing, you're better able to support beginning writers. In this episode, Dr. Sonia Cabell reviews a framework for teachers to evaluate, support, and extend the writing that young children produce. This is a must-listen for preschool and kindergarten teachers! Click here for the show notes from this episode.…

1
How to train future reading teachers - with Dr. Carrie Pfeifer 32:29

6M ago32:29

32:29

195: Dr. Carrie Pfeifer shares how her structured literacy clinic and redesigned coursework prepare future reading teachers. Students get hands-on tutoring experience while mastering evidence-based teaching methods. It's a win for everyone! Click here for the show notes from this episode. Get my book, Reach All Readers! Looking for printable resour…

1
Homework that works with Jo Castelino (Ep 37) 1:06:46

7M ago1:06:46

1:06:46

Join Anna Stokke as she chats with Dr. Jo Castelino, a secondary school teacher, to discuss her new book on homework. They discuss the vital role of homework in education, exploring why it's important, how much should be assigned and what types of homework are most effective. Jo shares insights from research and her experiences, addressing common c…

1
[Listen again] Teaching students to read longer words - with Dr. Devin Kearns 40:15

7M ago40:15

40:15

Dr. Devin Kearns explains why popular syllable division methods may not be the most efficient way to teach students to read longer words – and what to consider instead. Click here for the show notes from this episode. Get my book, Reach All Readers! Looking for printable resources that align with the science of reading? Click here to learn more abo…

1
Going deep beneath the surface of words - with Sue Hegland 1:02:11

7M ago1:02:11

1:02:11

194: One of my favorite education books is Beneath the Surface of Words, by Sue Hegland - it's a truly mind-blowing book that opened my eyes to the sense behind English spelling. Even though I've always been a strong speller, this book led to understandings that made me a better teacher of spelling. In this episode I sat down with Sue Hegland to di…

1
Just Tell Them: A Journey into Explicit Teaching featuring Zach Groshell [EP18] 13:26

7M ago13:26

13:26

Zach Groshell is good gatekeeper of information, so we are very lucky today to be able to pick his brain about his educational passions, explicit teaching and direct instruction. In this episode, we define these two teaching styles, discuss the research behind them, and explain why explicit teaching is so rare. We also talk about the importance of …

1
Specific ways to teach morphology in the lower grades - with Fiona Hamilton 1:01:47

7M ago1:01:47

1:01:47

193: If you're looking for specific ways to teach morphology in the primary grades - starting in kindergarten - THIS is the episode for you. Fiona Hamilton breaks it all down for us, even giving us the exact words to say. This episode is a must-listen for any lower grades teacher who's ready to get started with morphology instruction! Click here fo…

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Zach Groshell Podcasts

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