Knowledge for Teachers

S03E08 - Craig Barton on Becoming a Better Maths Teacher

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 whiteboards
Diagnostic questions
Intelligent Practice
Atomisation
Responsive 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!

S03E07 - Jeanette Breen on lessons learnt from high-performing schools

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 Haili 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 aProfessional 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!

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

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
Being open to powerful evidence
Using retrieval practice
Checking for understanding
Aligning curriculum and assessment,
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

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

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

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

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

S03E03 - Liana McCurry on Mathematical Practices in High Performing Countries

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
 

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

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

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

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
 

S02E23 - Dr. Zach Groshell and Brendan Lee on Effective School Leadership

In this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Dr. Zach Groshell for the third of their trilogy of conversations together. In their first episode, they unpacked the nuances of teaching effectively. In the second one, they spoke about coaching, culture and change. In today’s podcast, you will hear them discuss the complex world of school leadership! They explore the key elements that contribute to a positive and productive school culture. From going beyond superficial evaluation methods to building a diverse team that leverages everyone's strengths, they cover a range of important topics that will help school leaders create a thriving learning environment for both students and teachers.
Zach’s four points were:
Leaders need to start minimizing evaluations and start maximizing teacher performance 
Leaders should view behavior as a system that involves everyone, including them 
Leaders don’t have to be the best teachers on earth, but they do have to know something about instruction 
Leaders should move away from one-off PD as the primary means of teacher training. 
Brendan’s 4 points were:
Leaders need to have their fingers on the pulse
Clear Communication is key
Leaders need to build a diverse team
Good leaders don't care about who is right or wrong
Resources mentioned:
Zach’s newly released book: Just Tell Them: The Power of Explanations and Explicit Teaching
Viviane Robinson - Reduce change to increase improvement
Daniel Kahnemann - Thinking, Fast and Slow
Progressively Incorrect S4E10: Nathaniel Swain, Steven Capp, and Katie Roberts-Hull on Harnessing the Science of Learning
You can connect with Zach:
Twitter: @mrzachg
Podcast: Progressively Incorrect
Website: educationrickshaw.com
 
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.
 
More info
https://www.learnwithlee.net/a-systematic-and-structured-approach-to-teaching-primary-mathematics/
10% off Discount code: MATESRATES
 

S02E22 - Dr. Leslie Laud - Implementation Science Meets Writing Instruction: ThinkSRSD's Journey to Scalability and Impact

In this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Dr. Leslie Laud. She is the founding Director of ThinkSRSD, a writing program built upon Self-Regulated Strategy Development (SRSD). The discussion covers ThinkSRSD's key strategies, including mnemonics and how to apply them across different grade levels and writing genres. Furthermore, Dr. Laud addresses implementation challenges and provides advice for teachers, emphasising a gradual release of responsibility, the significance of teacher collaboration and the need for professional development that respects teachers' unique contexts.
Resources mentioned:
thinksrsd.com
Facebook Group: think SRSD "Self-Regulated Strategy Development": Releasing Writers
Facebook Group: ThinkSRSD New Zealand and Australia 
SRSD
Charles Haynes from Talking to Writing
Judith Hochman
Writing Revolution
Karen Harris
Steve Graham
Amy Thomas
Pooja Patel
Nate Hanford, Leslie Laud, and Elizabeth Rinstra: ThinkSRSD A Secondary Analysis Cohort Investigation
Carol Sue Engler
Linda Mason
Linda Darling Hammond and Anne Lieberman
Dr. Charles Haynes
Dr. Kay Wijekumar
Gemma Maddocks - GEM Literacy
You can connect with Leslie:
Twitter: @LeslieLaud
Bluesky: @leslielaud.bsky.social
Linkedin
 
You can connect with Brendan:
Twitter: @learnwithmrlee
Bluesky: @learnwithmrlee.bsky.social
Facebook: @learningwithmrlee
Website: learnwithlee.net
 
Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast: 
https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast
 
Register for my upcoming course: A Systematic and Structured Approach to Teaching Primary Mathematics
Use the code: MATESRATES for a 10% discount.