Strength In Numbers

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 Samojlowiczhttps://linkedin.com/in/darius-samojlowicz-72b72217a  Mathematical Association of NSWhttps://www.mansw.nsw.edu.au/  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 YouLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/future-you-australiaInstagram: https://instagram/futureyouaustralia Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith https://www.facebook.com/ProfLisaHarveySmithhttps://instagram.com/lisaharveysmithhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-harvey-smith-845878143/ Explore AAMT’s resources, events, and news:https://aamt.edu.au/      See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.comLinkedIn: 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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.