How to Be a More Effective Teacher

Illustration of a smiling teacher holding a book titled “Scientific Strategies” in front of a whiteboard that says “Teach with Evidence,” with diagrams of retrieval practice and spaced learning. Diverse students are seated and engaged at a classroom table.
What really works in teaching? Nathaniel Hansford shares scientific, evidence-based strategies to help you become a more effective teacher—backed by real classroom experience.

When you’re standing in front of a classroom, what actually works? In this episode, Nathaniel Hansford shares the scientific principles every teacher should know. He draws from meta-analysis and global classroom experience. Then, he explains how to move beyond guesswork and trends. Finally, Nathaniel uses strategies proven to make a difference.

Whether you’re new to teaching or a veteran looking to refine your approach, this episode is packed with research-based insight you can apply right away.

Sponsored by Solution Tree

This episode is sponsored by Solution Tree. For 25 years, Solution Tree has helped schools implement results-driven professional development based on the work of education leaders like today’s guest, Nathaniel Hansford. Learn more and find Nathaniel’s book, The Scientific Principles of Teaching, at Solution Tree and info on creating amazing professional development customized for your school at solutiontree.com/10minuteteacher.

Learn about Solution Tree

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How to Be a More Effective Teacher
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    Key Takeaways

    Infographic showing four science-based teaching principles—spaced practice, retrieval practice, feedback loops, and cognitive load management—along with explanations and classroom tips, featuring Nathaniel Hansford and a link to coolcatteacher.com/e899.
    What does science say about effective teaching? These 4 research-based strategies—shared by Nathaniel Hansford—can help every teacher improve learning outcomes

    What makes someone an effective teacher? 🔍

    Nathaniel breaks down how research identifies high-impact strategies that make a difference in real classrooms. It’s not about charisma—it’s about clarity, feedback, and deliberate practice.

    How can teachers use research without being overwhelmed?

    He explains how to use meta-analysis to understand which practices are worth investing time in—and which to skip.

    Why do so many PD sessions fall flat?

    At the end of the show, Vicki shares how professional development often misses the mark because it’s not tailored to individual school contexts. Solution Tree’s model (the sponsor of this show) offers a more personalized approach.

    What scientific principles of teaching actually work? ⚖️

    From spaced practice to retrieval, this episode is full of classroom-ready applications backed by hard data.

    🎧 Love the show? Don’t miss an episode — subscribe and leave a review!

    Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. Thanks for listening!

    👤 Guest Bio – Nathaniel Hansford

    Nathaniel Hansford, author of


    Nathaniel Hansford has taught every grade from preK to 12 in many interesting and diverse locations—from South Korea to the subarctic of Quebec. He specializes in using meta-analysis research to help teachers implement proven methodologies.

    Blog: www.teachingbyscience.com

    Twitter: @NateJoseph19

    Podcast: Pedagogy Non Grata https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/pedagogy-non-grata/id1448225801

    The Scientific Principles of Teaching: https://a.co/d/cr2PaJM
    The Scientific Principles of Reading Instruction: https://a.co/d/h4aCNQd

    Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a “sponsored podcast episode.” The company who sponsored it compensated me via cash payment, gift, or something else of value to include a reference to their product. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for my readers and are from companies I can recommend. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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    Vicki Davis

    Vicki Davis has been an educator and IT director in Georgia since 2002. Today, she also works as an instructional technology coach, staying side-by-side with active teachers and students so her work stays grounded in real classrooms.

    She's a mom of three, wife of one, and loves talking about the wise, transformational use of technology for teaching and doing good in the world.

    She has blogged at the Cool Cat Teacher Blog since 2005 and hosts the 10 Minute Teacher Podcast and Cool Cat Teacher Talk (radio, public access TV, YouTube, and all major podcast platforms), interviewing remarkable educators around the world. Vicki focuses on what unites us — a quest for truly remarkable, life-changing teaching and learning. The goal of her work is to provide actionable, encouraging, relevant ideas for teachers, grounded in truth and shared with love.

    If you talk to Vicki for long, she'll encourage you to "Relate to Educate," to "innovate like a turtle," or to be "a remarkable teacher." She loves homemade sourdough bread and cinnamon rolls and runs half marathons with her sisters. You can usually find her laughing with her students or digging into a book.

    Thank you for reading, sharing, and telling your friends about the work we do here! - Vicki

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