Mailbag I: Choosing math resources and handling mixed classes with Jon Regino

More from Chalk & Talk All episodes →

1. 

   E78 · 14 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 13 min

   The Science and Craft of Great Teaching with Nidhi Sachdeva and Paul Kirschner (Ep 78)

   In this episode, Anna is joined by returning guests Dr. Nidhi Sachdeva and Dr. Paul Kirschner, authors of the upcoming book Becoming an Expert Teacher: Deliberate Practice for Effective Teaching. They explore what makes an expert teacher and how teaching expertise can be deliberately developed. They discuss the importance of deep subject knowledge, mental models, deliberate practice, and reflection, while explaining the difference between the science and the craft of teaching. They also examine how teaching expertise can be measured and why striving to become an expert teacher is both a…

2. 

   E77 · 31 Jul 2026 · 22 min

   Five math myths that are holding students back (Ep 77)

   In this solo episode, Anna Stokke explores five common misconceptions in math education that may sound convincing but aren’t supported by high-quality evidence. Based on a chapter she wrote for an essay collection by the American Enterprise Institute and researchED, Anna explains how these ideas can hinder student learning and create lasting gaps in mathematical understanding. She examines misconceptions such as teaching multiple strategies to new learners, relying on technology instead of facts and procedures, and the belief that conceptual understanding must always come before procedural…

3. 

   E76 · 17 Jul 2026 · 1 hr

   The Story Behind Mississippi’s Education Turnaround with Rachel Canter (Ep 76)

   In this episode, Anna Stokke is joined by Rachel Canter, Director of Education Policy for the Reinventing America’s Schools Project and author of the report Inside the Mississippi Marathon. They explore how Mississippi transformed from one of the lowest-performing states in fourth grade reading and math to one of the highest-performing in the U.S., despite Mississippi being one of the poorest states. They discuss the policies behind the turnaround, including growth-based accountability, early literacy initiatives, higher expectations for students, evidence-based instruction, and being…

4. 

   E75 · 3 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 5 min

   How high expectations drive student achievement with Doug Lemov (Ep 75)

   In this episode, Anna Stokke is joined by Doug Lemov, author of Teach Like a Champion and one of the most influential voices on effective teaching practice. They discuss educational equity and why strong teaching, clear behaviour routines, high expectations, and academic rigor are essential for helping every student succeed. They also discuss practical classroom strategies, including how to use cold calling effectively, active observation in math class, and building a culture where students are engaged and accountable for learning. Teachers, school leaders, and anyone interested in…

5. 

   E74 · 19 Jun 2026 · 53 min

   Mailbag II: Math standards, teacher content knowledge, and more with Jonathan Regino (Ep 74)

   In this special two-part Chalk & Talk mailbag series, Anna Stokke is joined by Jonathan Regino, Pre-K–12 Supervisor of Math at Interboro School District, to answer questions submitted by listeners. In Part 2, Anna and Jonathan tackle topics such as calculators in IEPs, math fact fluency, teacher content knowledge, the importance of mastering fractions, the role of NCTM in math education, and what evidence-informed math instruction looks like in classrooms. Drawing on their extensive experience in mathematics education, they provide practical, research-informed insights for teachers, school…

6. 

   E72 · 29 May 2026 · 1 hr 3 min

   Inside one of England’s top-performing non-selective schools with Robert Peal (Ep 72)

   In this episode, Anna Stokke is joined by Robert Peal, joint head teacher of West London Free School, one of England’s highest-performing non-selective schools. Robert is also the author of Progressively Worse and co-author, with Nick Gibb, of Reforming Lessons: Why English Schools Have Improved Since 2010 and How This Was Achieved. Anna visited West London Free School recently and invited Robert to join the podcast to share what makes the school so successful. They discuss the school’s approach to behaviour, school culture, high expectations, and a knowledge-rich curriculum. They also talk…

7. 

   E71 · 15 May 2026 · 1 hr 3 min

   Conviction vs. evidence: What’s driving math education’s worst policies with Thomas Briggs and David Shuck (Ep 71)

   In this episode, Anna Stokke continues the conversation from the previous episode on what happens when requests for evidence are dismissed with the phrase “research shows.” She is joined by Thomas Briggs and David Shuck from the Center for Educational Progress to explore why ineffective or unsupported practices persist in education. Thomas and David introduce an important distinction between misunderstanding and conviction: sometimes educators genuinely believe they are following best practices, while other times evidence is ignored or dismissed due to ideology. They discuss examples…

8. 

   E70 · 1 May 2026 · 23 min

   What to do when “Research Shows” shuts you down: A guide for parents and teachers (Ep 70)

   In this episode, Anna Stokke explores what to do when a math program or education initiative doesn’t seem to work, but you’re told ”research shows” that it does. Drawing on her personal experience as both a parent and educator navigating “research shows” claims, Anna explains how parents, teachers, and advocates can ask for evidence, evaluate what counts as credible research, and respond when weak claims are presented with confidence. This episode is based on a presentation she gave at researchED Toronto in 2025. Anna unpacks common tactics used to shut these conversations down, including…

9. 

   E69 · 17 Apr 2026 · 1 hr 2 min

   We know more about teaching than ever—so why is change so slow? with Joanna Barbousas (Ep 69)

   In this episode, Anna is joined by Professor Joanna Barbousas, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Education, Impact and Innovation, and Dean of the School of Education at La Trobe University in Australia. Early in her career, Joanna noticed that many capable students struggled to access the curriculum due to gaps in foundational reading and language skills—an insight that has shaped her work ever since. Now, she is focused on transforming teacher education to better prepare educators using evidence-based practices. Joanna shares how she led major changes at La Trobe University–redesigning programs to…

10. 

    E68 · 3 Apr 2026 · 1 hr 9 min

    The Finland myth, East Asia’s rise, and what makes education systems work with Montserrat Gomendio (Ep 68)

    In this episode, Anna is joined by Dr. Montserrat (Montse) Gomendio, a former Secretary of State for Education in Spain. Montse is also a former Deputy Director of Education for the OECD, the international organization that administers the PISA test. Drawing on global data, including from PISA, Montse explains why some education systems consistently perform well while others struggle to improve. Montse discusses the three key drivers of effective education systems: teacher quality, a knowledge-rich curriculum, and strong assessments aligned with that curriculum. Anna and Montse discuss what…