Episode description

Today's guest is American Educator, Coach and Podcast host Dr Zach Groshell for a fascinating discussion about his work in US government funded schools and his drive for an increasingly evidence-based pedagogy.

Matt and Femi talk to Zach about his role as an instructional coach, more and less directive coaching methodologies, the configuration of coaching within US public schools, characteristics of more effective teachers, implementing whole-school changes, high expectations, and structural impediments to raising standards in US schools.

They discuss professional development, and some common misconceptions that are still being promoted, the adoption of pedagogical advances in the science of reading in contrast to more regressive approaches in mathematics.  Accountability, ideologues, ego-protection, the consequences of confusing ‘means with ends’ when designing teaching approaches, and Zach’s hopes and optimism for the future.

Zach is active on X under the handle @MrZachG, has his own blog: www.EducationRickshaw.com and hosts the The Progressively Incorrect podcast.