Episodes

  • S03E08 - Craig Barton on Becoming a Better Maths Teacher

    S03E08 - Craig Barton on Becoming a Better Maths Teacher
    May 10 2025
    In this episode of Knowledge for Teachers podcast, Brendan Lee is joined by the legendary Craig Barton—maths educator, best-selling author of How I Wish I Taught Maths and Reflect, Expect, Check, Explain, creator of variationtheory.com and tipsforteachers.co.uk, and one of the original voices in education podcasting. In this conversation, Craig opens up about the highs and lows of teaching, the lessons he’s learned from observing thousands of classrooms, and how he’s navigated public criticism and personal growth. They dive deep into his evolving views on instruction, feedback, and what really moves the needle in student learning. The discussion covers things like: Mini whiteboardsDiagnostic questionsIntelligent PracticeAtomisationResponsive teaching We also touch upon his milestone 200th episode of the Mr. Barton Maths podcast and get a sneak peek at his upcoming "Becoming a Better Maths Teacher" tour of Australia with Ollie Lovell in June. It’s honest, reflective, and packed with insights every teacher can relate to. Resources mentioned: Books by Craig Barton: How I Wish I Taught Maths Reflect, Expect, Check, Explain Tips for Teachers Responsive Coaching by Josh Goodrich Some of Craig's Websites: mrbartonmaths.com diagnosticquestions.com variationtheory.com tipsforteachers.co.uk Podcasts: Mr Barton Maths Podcast You can connect with Craig: Twitter/X: @mrbartonmaths Linkedin You can connect with Brendan: Twitter/X: @learnwithmrlee Facebook: @learningwithmrlee Website: learnwithlee.net Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast About Craig Barton Craig Barton loves teaching, doing, speaking and thinking about mathematics. He taught maths in secondary schools for 15 years, and was TES Maths Adviser for 10 years. He is now the Head of Education at Eedi. Craig is the author of three best-selling books: How I wish I’d taught maths, Reflect, Expect, Check, Explain and Tips for Teachers, the host of the Mr Barton Maths podcast and the Tips for Teachers podcast, and the creator of far too many websites, including eedi, diagnosticquestions, tipsforteachers, mrbartonmaths, variationtheory, and ssddproblems. Craig has been lucky to teach maths and work with teachers and students worldwide. In 2020, he was appointed as a Visiting Fellow at the Mathematics Education Centre at the University of Loughborough. His two proudest achievements are convincing Kate to marry him (and stay married), and being the father to our wonderful boys, Isaac and Jacob. Becoming a Better Maths Teacher: Craig Barton’s Aussie Tour with Ollie Lovell For the first time ever, the UK’s most celebrated mathematics teacher, podcaster, and author, Craig Barton, is coming to Australia for a nationwide tour. Craig will be joined by Australia’s own Ollie Lovell for an unforgettable day of professional learning designed to transform your teaching practice. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this transformative event! Four dates, four cities: Perth: Friday, June 20, 2025 Melbourne: Monday, June 23, 2025 Sydney: Wednesday, June 25, 2025 Adelaide: Friday, June 27, 2025 Seats are limited—secure your spot today and take your mathematics teaching to the next level!
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    1 hr and 48 mins
  • S03E07 - Jeanette Breen on lessons learnt from high-performing schools

    S03E07 - Jeanette Breen on lessons learnt from high-performing schools
    Apr 26 2025
    In this episode, I’m joined by Jeanette Breen — Learning Specialist at Templestowe Heights Primary School and Head of Global Partnerships at No More Marking — to unpack insights from her recent tour of some of the highest-performing schools across the UK. From standalone primaries to schools within trusts like Ark Academy, and even the renowned Michaela Community School, where she met Katharine Birbalsingh, Jeanette explored what’s making a real impact in classrooms and leadership teams. What makes this conversation truly unique is not just Jeanette’s sharp eye for what works — it’s that you’ll also hear directly from the educators she met along the way, thanks to recordings made on-site during her journey. You’ll hear from: Andrew Percival and Jess Rennie - Stanley Road Primary School, Oldham Madeleine Roberts, David Williams, Jonathan Howlett and Ellen Clarke - Ark Curriculum team Matt Burnage - Ark Soane Claire Stoneman - 4 Dwellings Academy, Birmingham Michael Eggleton - Charles Dickens Primary Stuart Houghton - Ribbon Academy, Murton Dr Hailli Hughes - Professor of teacher coaching & mentoring, Academica University oas, Director of Education, IRIS Connect. ECF & NPQ facilitator Bruno Reddy - CEO Times Tables Rock Stars and former head of Mathematics at King Solomon Academy If you're looking to sharpen your teaching, rethink your curriculum, or get inspired by what’s working in leading schools abroad, this episode is packed with gold. Resources mentioned: Daisy Christodoulou - Seven myths in education and Making good progress The Rose report StepLab Teach Like A Champion New wave maths books The Writing Revolution TimesTable Rockstars Grattan report on multi-school organisations Think Forward Educators Core knowledge units Numeracy screener being trialed by the Center for Independent Studies (CIS) White Rose Maths What Works Series ResearchED No More Marking You can connect with Jeanette: X/Twitter: @jettybe3 Linkedin e-mail: jeanette.breen@education.vic.gov.au or jeanette@nomoremarking.com You can connect with Brendan: X/Twitter: @learnwithmrlee Linkedin: @brendan-lee-kft Facebook: @learningwithmrlee Website learnwithlee.net Substack: knowledgeforteachers.substack.com/ Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast About Jeanette Breen Jeanette is an experienced teacher, presenter, and liaison for the creation of partnerships and professional learning opportunities. In addition to her school-based role at Templestowe Heights PS Victoria, Jeanette works with UK company No More Marking as the bridge for schools using innovative writing assessment. She leads a Writing Network with Think Forward Educators and is a founding member of Sharing Best Practice. Jeanette holds a Professional Certificate in Clinical Teaching and Masters in Instructional Leadership. Becoming a Better Maths Teacher: Craig Barton’s Aussie Tour with Ollie Lovell For the first time ever, the UK’s most celebrated mathematics teacher, podcaster, and author, Craig Barton, is coming to Australia for a nationwide tour. Craig will be joined by Australia’s own Ollie Lovell for an unforgettable day of professional learning designed to transform your teaching practice. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this transformative event! Four dates, four cities: Perth: Friday, June 20, 2025 Melbourne: Monday, June 23, 2025 Sydney: Wednesday, June 25, 2025 Adelaide: Friday, June 27, 2025 Seats are limited—secure your spot today and take your mathematics teaching to the next level!
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    1 hr and 46 mins
  • S03E06 - Dr. Carl Hendrick on Five Things Every Teacher Should Do

    S03E06 - Dr. Carl Hendrick on Five Things Every Teacher Should Do
    Mar 22 2025

    In this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Dr. Carl Hendrick, a leading voice in education and co-author of What Does It Look Like in the Classroom?, How Learning Happens, and How Teaching Happens. Carl has been instrumental in helping teachers bridge the gap between research and practice, addressing the key question: That all sounds great, but what does it mean for me?

    Together, they explore five essential things every teacher should do

    1. Being open to powerful evidence
    2. Using retrieval practice
    3. Checking for understanding
    4. Aligning curriculum and assessment,
    5. Embracing the illusion of instruction.

    This episode is packed with actionable insights to support and enhance teaching practice.

    Resources mentioned:

    • What Does It Look Like in the Classroom, How Learning Happens, How Teaching Happens, and Illusions of Instruction (forthcoming, co-authored with Paul Kirschner and Jim Heal)
    • Dan Willingham’s Ask the Psychologist pieces for the AFT
    • Research by Paul Kirschner
    • ResearchEd, founded by Tom Bennett
    • Work by Tom Bennett and Daisy Christodoulou
    • Ignaz Semmelweis’ paper on puerperal fever
    • A 2021 EF review on cognitive science in the classroom by Thomas Perry
    • Research on working memory by George Miller and Nelson Cowan
    • The 1960s Follow Through study on direct instruction
    • Barak Rosenshine’s principles of instruction
    • David Ausubel on the importance of prior knowledge
    • Madeline Hunter on checking for understanding
    • Engelmann and Carnine on Explicit Direct Instruction (EDI)
    • Peps McCrea’s Evidence Snacks newsletter
    • Robert and Elizabeth Bjork on desirable difficulties
    • The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande
    • John Biggs on constructive alignment
    • Christine Counsell on curriculum as a narrative
    • The How Learning and Teaching Happens eLearning course through Academica
    • No More Marking, where Jeanette Breen works

    You can connect with Dr. Carl Hendrick:

    Twitter/X: @C_Hendrick

    Linkedin

    Websites: https://carlhendrick.substack.com/ and https://carlhendrick.com/

    You can connect with Brendan:

    Twitter/X: @learnwithmrlee

    Facebook: @learningwithmrlee

    Website: learnwithlee.net

    Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast:

    https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast
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    1 hr and 33 mins
  • S03E05 - The ABCs of Effective Behaviour Management: A Practical Guide for Teachers with Dr. Brandi Simonsen

    S03E05 - The ABCs of Effective Behaviour Management: A Practical Guide for Teachers with Dr. Brandi Simonsen
    Mar 8 2025

    In this episode, we're focusing on a key element of successful schools: understanding and supporting positive student behaviour. Brendan Lee speaks with Dr. Brandi Simonsen, a professor of special education at the University of Connecticut and co-director of the National Center on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS).

    Brandi shares her practical insights into PBIS, exploring the crucial links between behaviour, attendance, and academic success. We delve into the ABCs of behavior and uncover effective, evidence-based strategies for creating positive classroom environments, from setting clear expectations to the power of specific praise.

    Whether you're new to teaching or looking to enhance your practice, this episode offers valuable knowledge and actionable takeaways on implementing Positive Behaviour Interventions and Supports.

    Resources mentioned:

    • Brandi Simonsen and Diane Myers: Classwide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports: A Guide to Proactive Classroom Management
    • Diane Myers, Brandi Simonsen and Jennifer Freeman: Implementing Classwide PBIS: A Guide to Supporting Teachers, which I highly recommend.
    • National Center on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)

    You can connect with Brandi:

    Linkedin

    You can connect with Brendan:

    Twitter: @learnwithmrlee

    Facebook: @learningwithmrlee

    Website: learnwithlee.net

    Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast:

    https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast
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    1 hr and 26 mins
  • S03E04 - Dr. Matthew Burns on Effective Assessment: Using Data to Drive Reading & Maths Intervention

    S03E04 - Dr. Matthew Burns on Effective Assessment: Using Data to Drive Reading & Maths Intervention
    Feb 22 2025

    In this episode, get ready to dive deep into the world of assessments with Dr. Matthew Burns, as we explore the different categories of assessments, their intended purposes, and how they can be used to inform instruction. Dr. Burns, a researcher with extensive experience in the effective use of assessment data and interventions, shares his expertise on bridging the gap in understanding assessments.

    The conversation highlights the significance of the instructional hierarchy in understanding student learning phases, as well as the differences between curriculum-based measurements (CBM) and curriculum-based assessments (CBA). Dr. Burns stresses the necessity of aligning data with educational goals and ensuring teachers are equipped with appropriate frameworks to use assessments effectively. He offers practical advice on reducing unnecessary screening, using data to drive instructional decisions, and implementing effective interventions in reading and maths.

    Resources mentioned:

    • UFLI Foundations
    • Spring Math
    • PALS (Peer Assisted Learning Strategies)
    • Science of Math: including both the Facebook group and website (thescienceofmath.com).
    • National Center on Intensive Intervention:(intensiveintervention.org).
    • Evidence Advocacy Center (evidenceadvocacycenter.org).
    • Hasbrook and Tyndall fluency norms

    You can connect with Matthew:

    Twitter: @burnsmk1

    Email: burnsm1@coe.ufl.edu

    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0ad1ei6p_HOHHhc-T-JnZg

    You can connect with Brendan:

    Twitter: @learnwithmrlee

    Facebook: @learningwithmrlee

    Website: learnwithlee.net

    Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast:

    https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast
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    1 hr and 16 mins
  • S03E03 - Liana McCurry on Mathematical Practices in High Performing Countries

    S03E03 - Liana McCurry on Mathematical Practices in High Performing Countries
    Feb 8 2025

    In this episode of Knowledge for Teachers, Brendan Lee speaks with Liana McCurry, a passionate advocate for primary school maths education. Fresh from her Churchill Fellowship, Liana shares findings from her research into mathematical practices across six countries.

    Listeners will gain insights into the systemic issues contributing to Australia's declining maths performance and discover how to bridge the research-to-practice gap. Liana delves into key topics, including:

    • Mathematical modelling and its surprisingly misunderstood place in the curriculum.
    • The power of multisensory approaches to unlock conceptual understanding.
    • Why fluency in maths is a foundational skill that needs renewed focus.

    Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that equips educators with practical knowledge and strategies to transform maths education in their classrooms.

    Resources mentioned:

    • Books:
        • Explicit Direct Instruction by Hollingsworth and Ybarra.
        • Explicit Instruction by Anita Archer and Charles Hughes
        • Harnessing the Science of Learning by Nathaniel Swain.
        • Direct Instruction Mathematics by Stein et al
      • Websites:
        • Ochre
        • Science of Math website.
        • Thinking Forward Educators,
        • Brian Poncy's MIND
        • Steve Wyborney's Esti Mysteries
      • Podcasts:
        • Knowledge for Teachers.
        • Dyscastia, hosted by Bill Hansberry and Michael Shanahan.
        • Craig Barton podcast.
        • Progressively Incorrect, hosted by Zach Groshell
        • Chalk and Talk, hosted by Anna Stokke
    • Training and Conferences:
      • Sharing Best Practice conferences.
      • What Works series in Geelong.
      • Orton Gillingham Math, Multisensory Maths training

    You can connect with Liana:

    Linkedin

    Email: liana@sol-education.net

    Website: sol-education.net

    You can connect with Brendan:

    Twitter: @learnwithmrlee

    Facebook: @learningwithmrlee

    Website: learnwithlee.net

    Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast:

    https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast

    A Systematic and Structured Approach to Teaching Primary Mathematics - 10 hr Online (Live) Course While there’s been strong momentum for the science of reading, what about maths? In this course, I will explore what the research reveals about effective maths instruction, highlighting the importance of aligning teaching with how learning happens. Across these sessions, I will go beyond summarising research and delve into practical implications, showing teachers how to bring these concepts to life in the classroom. Highly interactive, the sessions will offer plenty of opportunities for teachers to engage, practice, and respond. REGISTER HERE
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • S03E02 - Shaping the Future: Murat Dizdar on His Vision for NSW Public Education

    S03E02 - Shaping the Future: Murat Dizdar on His Vision for NSW Public Education
    Jan 25 2025

    This episode features a compelling conversation with Murat Dizdar, the head of the New South Wales Department of Education. Murat shares his inspiring journey from being the son of Turkish immigrants to leading Australia’s largest education system. He discusses the experiences that shaped his vision for public education, his deep passion for the teaching profession, and the key initiatives he’s championing to drive meaningful change. This episode offers valuable insights and inspiration for anyone interested in education and leadership.

    Resources mentioned:

    • NSW Department of Education Resource Hub
    • Explicit Teaching Statement
    • High Potential and Gifted Education Policy
    • AERO (Australian Education Research Organisation)
    • Grattan Institute: Ending the lesson lottery

    You can connect with Murat:

    Twitter/X: @dizdarm

    You can connect with Brendan:

    Twitter/X: @learnwithmrlee

    Facebook: @learningwithmrlee

    Website: learnwithlee.net

    Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast:

    https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast

    A Systematic and Structured Approach to Teaching Primary Mathematics - 10 hr Online (Live) Course While there’s been strong momentum for the science of reading, what about maths? In this course, I will explore what the research reveals about effective maths instruction, highlighting the importance of aligning teaching with how learning happens. Across these sessions, I will go beyond summarising research and delve into practical implications, showing teachers how to bring these concepts to life in the classroom. Highly interactive, the sessions will offer plenty of opportunities for teachers to engage, practice, and respond. More info https://www.learnwithlee.net/a-systematic-and-structured-approach-to-teaching-primary-mathematics/ 10% off Discount code: MATESRATES
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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • S03E01 - Nick Hart on Leading with Responsiveness: A School Leader's Journey

    S03E01 - Nick Hart on Leading with Responsiveness: A School Leader's Journey
    Jan 11 2025

    In this episode of the Knowledge for Teachers podcast, Nick Hart takes us on an inspiring journey from his beginnings in sports science to becoming a school leader in Dubai. A respected voice in educational leadership, Nick shares insights from his blog and books, delving into the evolution of his leadership style. He discusses the critical role of context in decision-making, introduces the concept of the school year’s rhythm for structured improvement and highlights the importance of trust in fostering strong school communities. Tune in for practical advice and thought-provoking ideas on navigating the complexities of educational leadership.

    Resources mentioned:

    • Nick Hart’s books:
      • Creating a strong culture and a positive climate in schools
      • Impact: a five part framework for making a difference in schools
    • Nick Hart’s blog posts discussed in this episode:
      • Leadership handbook 5.0
      • School improvement: Rhythm of the year
      • Culture setting | More than words
      • A model for school improvement
    • Vivianne Robinson
    • Mary Kennedy
    • Dr. Neil Gilbride
    • Bryk and Schneider
    • Ambition Institute - The persistent problems of school leadership
    • AERO

    You can connect with Nick:

    Twitter: @MrNickHart

    Linkedin

    Website: mrnickhart.wordpress.com

    You can connect with Brendan:

    Twitter: @learnwithmrlee

    Facebook: @learningwithmrlee

    Linkedin: @brendan-lee-kft

    Website: learnwithlee.net

    Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast:

    https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast

    A Systematic and Structured Approach to Teaching Primary Mathematics - 10 hr Online (Live) Course While there’s been strong momentum for the science of reading, what about maths? In this course, I will explore what the research reveals about effective maths instruction, highlighting the importance of aligning teaching with how learning happens. Across these sessions, I will go beyond summarising research and delve into practical implications, showing teachers how to bring these concepts to life in the classroom. Highly interactive, the sessions will offer plenty of opportunities for teachers to engage, practice, and respond. More info https://www.learnwithlee.net/a-systematic-and-structured-approach-to-teaching-primary-mathematics/ 10% off Discount code: MATESRATES

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    1 hr and 25 mins
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