If you’ve ever walked out of a math coaching session wondering whether you made an impact, you’re not alone. Many instructional coaches step into the role because they were strong in the classroom—but math coaching teachers requires a different skillset. You’re no longer the expert in front of the room; you’re the thinking partner beside it. And that shift can be tough. This episode explores how to stop feeling pressure to have all the answers—and start guiding teachers to uncover their own. ...
Aug 7
12 min
Are we underestimating what young math learners can do with algebra — just because they’re young? If you've ever watched a student skip the reasoning and jump straight into "finding the answer," you're not alone. In this episode, Yvette Lehman shares a raw, real experience that started with a misstep and turned into a breakthrough. Through a single change in how she worded a math prompt, she unlocked deeper thinking and powerful generalizations — from 10-year-olds. Whether you're a math educa...
Aug 4
25 min
In this episode, Jon Orr and Yvette Lehman unpack the difference between long-term objectives and short-term key results. Through a real coaching conversation, they explore how to define milestones that reflect real progress—even when the win is simply establishing a structure or doing what you said you’d do. Not all results have impact right away—and that’s okay. In this episode, you’ll discover: The difference between long-term objectives and short-term key resultsWhy short-term wins are so...
Jul 31
25 min
It’s early in the school year. You’re reviewing student math work and noticing some red flags—math concepts that should be solid just aren’t there. But when you check their file, you see As and Bs from last year. So what now? In this episode, we unpack the tension many educators face: How do you trust your math professional judgment while navigating a system that sends mixed messages? How do you raise concerns for math progress without being seen as “the bad guy”? And how do you advocate for ...
Jul 28
34 min
Book talks have become a popular way to spark professional learning, but in many cases, they don’t go far enough to create real change—especially in math. In this episode, we explore how to take math book talks to the next level by transforming them from simple discussions into actionable learning opportunities. We’ll break down the difference between a book talk and a book do, share what we’ve seen work in districts across North America. If you want your next math book study to inspire more ...
Jul 24
21 min
It’s a familiar challenge— when it comes to deciding which math operation to use, students get stuck. In this episode, we explore one of the often overlooked reasons: a lack of understanding around mathematical structure and behaviour. We dive into what’s really needed for students to confidently choose the appropriate operator, with a focus on structure—not only strategies or models. Using division and subtraction as examples, we highlight the different images, actions, and interpretations t...
Jul 21
23 min
Is your math coaching program truly transforming classroom practice—or just treading water? Many districts wrestle with whether coaching is worth the investment or how to maximize its impact. If you've ever wondered why some schools see real progress while others stall while striving for sustainable math improvement—despite similar coaching setups—this episode unpacks the hidden reasons behind that divide. Whether you're a district leader, math coach, or teacher leader, this conversation reve...
Jul 17
27 min
Is it possible for teachers to have both autonomy in their math classroom and alignment with district goals? In this episode, we challenge the idea that autonomy and alignment are opposing forces. Instead, we explore how they can work together to create strong, consistent math programs while still honouring professional judgement and instructional creativity. From pacing guides to new resources, we reflect on how district structures can feel restrictive—but don't have to be. When done well, a...
Jul 14
25 min
In this episode, we reflect on a challenge many math leaders face: the risk of presenting ourselves with false authority. Whether we’re facilitating professional learning, supporting instructional coaches, or engaging in school- or district-wide math conversations, strong convictions can easily be mistaken for certainty. But leading meaningful change in mathematics education requires something different—humility, curiosity, and a deep commitment to learning. We unpack what it means to hold sp...
Jul 10
24 min
Math Screeners… Diagnostics… Assessments… It’s easy to get lost in the language of math data. In this episode, we unpack the similarities and differences between math screeners and diagnostics, share where we stand on the topic, and offer insights from real classroom experiences. We’ll talk about the benefits we’ve seen, the challenges that can trip up implementation, and how to use these tools to support—not overwhelm—math instruction. Most importantly, we want to hear from you! What’s been ...
Jul 7
34 min
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