Middle leadership might just be the hardest job in school - not because the role itself is impossible, but because so few leaders are ever truly prepared for what it demands. In this episode, Allan sits down with Darius Samojlowicz, Executive Officer of the Mathematics Association of New South Wales, for an honest and practical conversation about what it really means to lead from the middle.

Darius unpacks why middle leaders so often feel isolated, under-resourced and caught between the vision of senior leadership and the day-to-day realities of classroom teachers. He and Allan explore how relational trust is built through small, consistent actions, like knowing your team's names, following through on commitments, and making people feel genuinely heard.

One of the most compelling ideas in this episode is Darius's belief that the best leadership thinking often happens in moments that look like doing nothing. Drawing on the calm, deliberate approach of paramedics and firefighters arriving at a scene, he makes a powerful case for pausing before acting, gathering information rather than reacting - as one of the most underrated leadership skills a middle leader can develop.

The conversation also turns practical for leaders who feel overwhelmed, offering a simple but effective framework for prioritising when everything feels urgent at once. Whether you are new to a middle leadership role or have been in one for years, this episode will help you understand your position in the school more clearly and lead within it with greater confidence.

Darius closes with a message that is both simple and deeply encouraging: you were given this role because someone recognised something in you. Back yourself.

LINKS

Explore AAMT’s resources, events, and news:
https://aamt.edu.au/

Darius Samojlowicz
https://linkedin.com/in/darius-samojlowicz-72b72217a 

Mathematical Association of NSW
https://www.mansw.nsw.edu.au/

 

Middle leadership might just be the hardest job in school - not because the role itself is impossible, but because so few leaders are ever truly prepared for what it demands. In this episode, Allan sits down with Darius Samojlowicz, Executive Officer of the Mathematics Association of New South Wales, for an honest and practical conversation about what it really means to lead from the middle.
Darius unpacks why middle leaders so often feel isolated, under-resourced and caught between the vision of senior leadership and the day-to-day realities of classroom teachers. He and Allan explore how relational trust is built through small, consistent actions, like knowing your team's names, following through on commitments, and making people feel genuinely heard.
One of the most compelling ideas in this episode is Darius's belief that the best leadership thinking often happens in moments that look like doing nothing. Drawing on the calm, deliberate approach of paramedics and firefighters arriving at a scene, he makes a powerful case for pausing before acting, gathering information rather than reacting - as one of the most underrated leadership skills a middle leader can develop.
The conversation also turns practical for leaders who feel overwhelmed, offering a simple but effective framework for prioritising when everything feels urgent at once. Whether you are new to a middle leadership role or have been in one for years, this episode will help you understand your position in the school more clearly and lead within it with greater confidence.
Darius closes with a message that is both simple and deeply encouraging: you were given this role because someone recognised something in you. Back yourself.
LINKS
Explore AAMT&rsquo;s resources, events, and news: <a href="https://aamt.edu.au/">https://aamt.edu.au/</a>
Darius Samojlowicz <a href="https://linkedin.com/in/darius-samojlowicz-72b72217a">https://linkedin.com/in/darius-samojlowicz-72b72217a</a>&nbsp;
Mathematical Association of NSW <a href="https://www.mansw.nsw.edu.au/">https://www.mansw.nsw.edu.au/</a>
&nbsp;

The Hardest Job in School: Mastering Middle Leadership, with Darius Samojlowicz

Astrophysicist and former Women in STEM Ambassador Lisa Harvey-Smith joins Allan Dougan to explore why mathematics matters more than ever — in science, education, and society.

From modelling galaxies to understanding artificial intelligence, Lisa explains how maths sits at the heart of discovery, even when scientists aren’t consciously using equations every day. She reflects on her journey into astrophysics, why real-world experiences inspire young learners, and what schools can do to make mathematics feel relevant and accessible.

The conversation tackles big issues facing maths education today: declining participation in advanced maths, the myth that maths is only for the elite, and the growing importance of mathematical literacy in an era of automation, data, and misinformation.

Lisa also shares insights from her national advocacy work on gender equity in STEM, highlighting how classroom dynamics, early expectations, and visible role models shape who feels mathematics is “for them”. She offers practical ideas for educators to broaden participation and inspire confidence in every student.

LINKS

Future You
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/future-you-australia
Instagram: https://instagram/futureyouaustralia

Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith

https://www.facebook.com/ProfLisaHarveySmith
https://instagram.com/lisaharveysmith
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-harvey-smith-845878143/

Explore AAMT’s resources, events, and news:
https://aamt.edu.au/

 

 

 

Astrophysicist and former Women in STEM Ambassador Lisa Harvey-Smith joins Allan Dougan to explore why mathematics matters more than ever &mdash; in science, education, and society.
From modelling galaxies to understanding artificial intelligence, Lisa explains how maths sits at the heart of discovery, even when scientists aren&rsquo;t consciously using equations every day. She reflects on her journey into astrophysics, why real-world experiences inspire young learners, and what schools can do to make mathematics feel relevant and accessible.
The conversation tackles big issues facing maths education today: declining participation in advanced maths, the myth that maths is only for the elite, and the growing importance of mathematical literacy in an era of automation, data, and misinformation.
Lisa also shares insights from her national advocacy work on gender equity in STEM, highlighting how classroom dynamics, early expectations, and visible role models shape who feels mathematics is &ldquo;for them&rdquo;. She offers practical ideas for educators to broaden participation and inspire confidence in every student.
LINKS
Future You LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/future-you-australia">https://www.linkedin.com/company/future-you-australia</a> Instagram: https://instagram/futureyouaustralia
Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/ProfLisaHarveySmith/">https://www.facebook.com/ProfLisaHarveySmith</a> <a href="https://instagram.com/lisaharveysmith">https://instagram.com/lisaharveysmith</a> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-harvey-smith-845878143/?originalSubdo">https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-harvey-smith-845878143/</a>
Explore AAMT&rsquo;s resources, events, and news: <a href="https://aamt.edu.au/">https://aamt.edu.au/</a>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Mathematics, Identity and Equity in STEM, with Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith  

What is mathematics education actually for?

Tom Mahoney, numeracy learning specialist, secondary mathematics educator, and PhD candidate in educational philosophy at Deakin University joins AAMT CEO Allan Dougan to explore this deceptively simple but powerful question.

Importantly, this episode is not about prescribing a “right” ideology. Instead, it encourages teachers to reflect critically on their own beliefs, the time and energy they spend on particular practices, and how these choices align with the needs of the students in front of them.

Tom introduces the concept of ideology in education, describing it as the often-unspoken beliefs and values that shape how mathematics is taught, how students are positioned, and how success is defined. Drawing on classroom experience and philosophical perspectives, the conversation unpacks how ideas about utility, beauty, assessment, and ability influence everyday teaching practice—often without teachers realising it.

LINKS

Tom Mahoney Blog: https://tommahoneyedu.wordpress.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommahoneyedu/
The Interruption, a monthly blog exploring the ideological nature of education.
https://theinterruption.substack.com/

 

Explore AAMT’s resources, events, and news:
https://aamt.edu.au/

What is mathematics education actually for?
Tom Mahoney, numeracy learning specialist, secondary mathematics educator, and PhD candidate in educational philosophy at Deakin University joins AAMT CEO Allan Dougan to explore this deceptively simple but powerful question.
Importantly, this episode is not about prescribing a &ldquo;right&rdquo; ideology. Instead, it encourages teachers to reflect critically on their own beliefs, the time and energy they spend on particular practices, and how these choices align with the needs of the students in front of them.
Tom introduces the concept of ideology in education, describing it as the often-unspoken beliefs and values that shape how mathematics is taught, how students are positioned, and how success is defined. Drawing on classroom experience and philosophical perspectives, the conversation unpacks how ideas about utility, beauty, assessment, and ability influence everyday teaching practice&mdash;often without teachers realising it.
LINKS
Tom Mahoney Blog: <a href="https://tommahoneyedu.wordpress.com/">https://tommahoneyedu.wordpress.com</a> LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommahoneyedu/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommahoneyedu/</a> The Interruption, a monthly blog exploring the ideological nature of education. <a href="https://theinterruption.substack.com/">https://theinterruption.substack.com/</a>
&nbsp;
Explore AAMT&rsquo;s resources, events, and news: <a href="https://aamt.edu.au/">https://aamt.edu.au/</a>

Unpacking Ideology in the Classroom, with Tom Mahoney

Practical advice for mathematics leaders who feel constrained by context, reminding listeners that changing practice in even one classroom matters, and that meaningful leadership often grows incrementally.

AAMT CEO, Allan Dougan discusses with Matt how to model leadership in schools, and whether leadership should focus on changing practice rather than changing people.

This episode is a thoughtful and affirming exploration of the complexity, importance and impact of mathematics leadership — and a timely reminder that the work mathematics leaders do every day truly matters.

Dr Matt Sexton is Senior Lecturer in Mathematics Education at the Australian Catholic University and Director of the Mathematics Teaching and Learning Centre (Melbourne campus).

He is a widely respected voice in mathematics education leadership, and in this conversation he unpacks what effective school-based mathematics leadership looks like in a time of rapid curriculum reform, shifting policy mandates, and increasing pressure on teachers.

LINKS
LEaDME: A blog about mathematics leadership activity in primary schools by Matt Sexton https://www.leadmemaths.com
Dr Matt Sexton on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-matt-sexton-125760231/

Explore AAMT’s resources, events, and news:
https://aamt.edu.au/

Practical advice for mathematics leaders who feel constrained by context, reminding listeners that changing practice in even one classroom matters, and that meaningful leadership often grows incrementally.
AAMT CEO, Allan Dougan discusses with Matt how to model leadership in schools, and whether leadership should focus on changing practice rather than changing people.
This episode is a thoughtful and affirming exploration of the complexity, importance and impact of mathematics leadership &mdash; and a timely reminder that the work mathematics leaders do every day truly matters.
Dr Matt Sexton is Senior Lecturer in Mathematics Education at the Australian Catholic University and Director of the Mathematics Teaching and Learning Centre (Melbourne campus).
He is a widely respected voice in mathematics education leadership, and in this conversation he unpacks what effective school-based mathematics leadership looks like in a time of rapid curriculum reform, shifting policy mandates, and increasing pressure on teachers.
LINKS
<ul>
<li>LEaDME: A blog about mathematics leadership activity in primary schools by Matt Sexton <a href="https://www.leadmemaths.com">https://www.leadmemaths.com</a></li>
<li>Dr Matt Sexton on LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-matt-sexton-125760231/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-matt-sexton-125760231/</a></li>
</ul>
Explore AAMT&rsquo;s resources, events, and news: <a href="https://aamt.edu.au/">https://aamt.edu.au/</a>

Mathematics Leadership in Times of Change, with Dr Matt Sexton

Kylie Stone is a WA primary teacher whose passion for mathematics teaching has been shaped through almost two decades of working across regional and metropolitan schools. Kylie shares how she builds confident, flexible mathematicians by focusing on journey over destination, prioritising strategy selection, and creating a warm, engaging environment where every student can access maths meaningfully.

Kylie explains her classroom Maths Toolbox system - an approach where students learn, practise and select from a wide range of mathematical strategies. Rather than chasing the correct answer, they explain how they got there. Tools include arrays, place value breakdowns, algorithms, manipulatives, mental strategies, and even student-invented approaches.

Our host, AAMT CEO Allan Dougan discusses with Kylie why she feels that multiple strategies matter and how teaching only one method restricts students. She argues for developing flexibility, efficiency and adaptive reasoning—especially as numbers get larger and problems become more complex. Students gradually learn which strategy is most efficient for a given task.

Explore AAMT’s resources, events, and news:
https://aamt.edu.au/

Kylie Stone is a WA primary teacher&nbsp;whose passion for mathematics teaching has been shaped through almost two decades of working across regional and metropolitan schools. Kylie shares how she builds confident, flexible mathematicians by focusing on journey over destination, prioritising strategy selection, and creating a warm, engaging environment where every student can access maths meaningfully.
Kylie explains her classroom Maths Toolbox system - an approach where students learn, practise and select from a wide range of mathematical strategies. Rather than chasing the correct answer, they explain&nbsp;how they got there. Tools include arrays, place value breakdowns, algorithms, manipulatives, mental strategies, and even student-invented approaches.
Our host, AAMT CEO Allan Dougan discusses with Kylie why she feels that&nbsp;multiple strategies matter and how teaching only one method restricts students. She argues for developing flexibility, efficiency and adaptive reasoning&mdash;especially as numbers get larger and problems become more complex. Students gradually learn which strategy is most efficient for a given task. Explore AAMT&rsquo;s resources, events, and news: <a href="https://aamt.edu.au/">https://aamt.edu.au/</a>

Inside the Maths Toolbox: How Choice Builds Confidence in the Primary Classroom

Challenges teaching at a culturally diverse and economically disadvantaged school, building an action plan, gathering quality data, and overcoming the language barrier with a universal language: mathematics.

Dandenong Primary’s Assistant Principal, Terri Truscott, and AAMT’s Education Specialist, Denise Halliday, explore lessons learned in the process of implementing concepts from Peter Liljedahl’s fantastic ‘Building Thinking Classrooms’, metacognition, inspiring rich mathematics dialogue, using pre- and post-assessments, selectively responding to student questions, and more.

Key Links:
Check out Dandenong Primary School:
https://www.dandenongps.vic.edu.au/

Contact Terri Truscott:
Terri.Truscott@education.vic.gov.au

Challenges teaching at a culturally diverse and economically disadvantaged school, building an action plan, gathering quality data, and overcoming the language barrier with a universal language: mathematics.
Dandenong Primary&rsquo;s Assistant Principal, Terri Truscott, and AAMT&rsquo;s Education Specialist, Denise Halliday, explore lessons learned in the process of implementing concepts from Peter Liljedahl&rsquo;s fantastic &lsquo;Building Thinking Classrooms&rsquo;, metacognition, inspiring rich mathematics dialogue, using pre- and post-assessments, selectively responding to student questions, and more.
Key Links: Check out Dandenong Primary School: <a href="https://www.dandenongps.vic.edu.au/">https://www.dandenongps.vic.edu.au/</a>
Contact Terri Truscott: <a href="mailto:Terri.Truscott@education.vic.gov.au">Terri.Truscott@education.vic.gov.au</a>

Supporting Disadvantaged Students: Lessons From Liljedahl’s Work

Guest host Denise Halliday speaks with Leanne West and Vicky Schavoni, two passionate maths educators who joined the AAMT’s 2024 North American Study Tour. Together, they reflect on what they learned visiting classrooms in Chicago and Calgary, attending the NCTM Conference, and connecting with teachers and leaders across the continent.

From building thinking classrooms and vertical whiteboards to number talks and challenging problems, Leanne and Vicky share practical strategies that have transformed their teaching back home. They also discuss how strong school leadership, a spirit of collaboration, and international professional learning can reignite passion for maths education.

Guest host&nbsp;Denise Halliday speaks with Leanne West and Vicky Schavoni, two passionate maths educators who joined the AAMT&rsquo;s 2024 North American Study Tour. Together, they reflect on what they learned visiting classrooms in Chicago and Calgary, attending the NCTM Conference, and connecting with teachers and leaders across the continent.
From building thinking classrooms and vertical whiteboards to number talks and challenging problems, Leanne and Vicky share practical strategies that have transformed their teaching back home. They also discuss how strong school leadership, a spirit of collaboration, and international professional learning can reignite passion for maths education.

Lessons from Abroad: What Australian Teachers Can Learn from North America

For Sam Ayre, mathematics isn’t just about numbers—it’s a language for thinking, reasoning and communicating. In this lively discussion with Allan Dougan, Sam describes how he helps students find confidence and voice in maths through classroom talk, group problem-solving, and conceptual understanding. He also offers advice for teachers wanting to make small, sustainable changes and highlights the power of collaboration through Tasmania’s Focus on Maths initiative.

Key Links
Pedagogy in Mathematics
https://aamt.edu.au/resources/pedagogy-in-mathematics

“Focus on Maths” Initiative
Project details and related resources are available via AAMT:
https://aamt.edu.au/projects/focus-on-maths

Peter Liljedahl – Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics (Grades K–12)
Official site and resources: https://www.buildingthinkingclassrooms.com/

 

For Sam Ayre, mathematics isn&rsquo;t just about numbers&mdash;it&rsquo;s a language for thinking, reasoning and communicating. In this lively discussion with Allan Dougan, Sam describes how he helps students find confidence and voice in maths through classroom talk, group problem-solving, and conceptual understanding. He also offers advice for teachers wanting to make small, sustainable changes and highlights the power of collaboration through Tasmania&rsquo;s Focus on Maths initiative.
Key Links Pedagogy in Mathematics <a href="https://aamt.edu.au/resources/pedagogy-in-mathematics">https://aamt.edu.au/resources/pedagogy-in-mathematics</a><a data-start="1142" data-end="1252"></a>
&ldquo;Focus on Maths&rdquo; Initiative Project details and related resources are available via AAMT: <a href="https://aamt.edu.au/projects/focus-on-maths">https://aamt.edu.au/projects/focus-on-maths</a><a data-start="867" data-end="957"></a>
Peter Liljedahl &ndash; Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics (Grades K&ndash;12) Official site and resources: <a href="https://www.buildingthinkingclassrooms.com/">https://www.buildingthinkingclassrooms.com/</a>
&nbsp;

Keeping Maths Human: Conversations, Curiosity and Classroom Change

Maths enrichment, identifying student progress, the YMSA competition, and early career challenges.

Trinity Grammar’s Mathematics Specialist, Jessica Zhu, joins AAMT’s Education Specialist, Denise Halliday, to discuss all things maths enrichment: open vs closed ended tasks, fighting against the forgetting curve, engendering maths creativity in students, the YMSA competition, Pi Day, and more.

Key Links:
Check out the YMSA competition:
https://www.mathsthroughstories.org/competitions.html

And explore AAMT’s resources, events, and news:
https://aamt.edu.au/

Maths enrichment, identifying student progress, the YMSA competition, and early career challenges.
Trinity Grammar&rsquo;s Mathematics Specialist, Jessica Zhu, joins AAMT&rsquo;s Education Specialist, Denise Halliday, to discuss all things maths enrichment: open vs closed ended tasks, fighting against the forgetting curve, engendering maths creativity in students, the YMSA competition, Pi Day, and more.
Key Links: Check out the YMSA competition: <a href="https://www.mathsthroughstories.org/competitions.html">https://www.mathsthroughstories.org/competitions.html</a>
And explore AAMT&rsquo;s resources, events, and news: <a href="https://aamt.edu.au/">https://aamt.edu.au/</a>

Maths Enrichment: Helping Students See the Bigger Picture

The power of mini whiteboards, call and respond, quality multiple choice diagnostic questions, and other tools to gather reliable data from the classroom quickly.

Host of the 'Mr Barton Maths' podcast, Head of Education at Eedi, author of 'How I Wish I'd Taught Maths', and creator of countless mathematics teaching websites, Craig Barton, joins Strength in Numbers to discuss effective ways to develop and grow as a teacher, his excitement over the ‘pre-test effect’, atomization, how to craft a good multiple choice question, the importance of common wrong answers, and so much more.

Key Links:
Explore countless resources, tools, research, and CPD:
https://www.mrbartonmaths.com/topics/

https://tipsforteachers.co.uk/

And learn more about how AAMT can help you as a teacher:
https://aamt.edu.au/

The power of mini whiteboards, call and respond, quality multiple choice diagnostic questions, and other tools to gather reliable data from the classroom quickly.
Host of the 'Mr Barton Maths' podcast, Head of Education at Eedi, author of 'How I Wish I'd Taught Maths', and creator of countless mathematics teaching websites, Craig Barton, joins Strength in Numbers to discuss effective ways to develop and grow as a teacher, his excitement over the &lsquo;pre-test effect&rsquo;, atomization, how to craft a good multiple choice question, the importance of common wrong answers, and so much more.
Key Links: Explore countless resources, tools, research, and CPD: <a href="https://www.mrbartonmaths.com/topics/">https://www.mrbartonmaths.com/topics/</a>
<a href="https://tipsforteachers.co.uk/">https://tipsforteachers.co.uk/</a>
And learn more about how AAMT can help you as a teacher: <a href="https://aamt.edu.au/">https://aamt.edu.au/</a>

Becoming a Responsive Teacher: Lessons Learned, with Mr. Barton Maths

The fascinating world of mathematics education. We explore innovative teaching pedagogies, classroom success stories, and unravel the mysteries behind those 'Aha!' moments.

Whether you're a maths enthusiast or just looking to improve your teaching skills in mathematics, this podcast brought to you by AAMT is your go-to resource for engaging, sometimes light-hearted, and informative discussions on all things maths education related!

The fascinating world of mathematics education. We explore innovative teaching pedagogies, classroom success stories, and unravel the mysteries behind those 'Aha!' moments.
Whether you're a maths enthusiast or just looking to improve your teaching skills in mathematics, this podcast brought to you by AAMT is your go-to resource for engaging, sometimes light-hearted, and informative discussions on all things maths education related!

Strength In Numbers

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