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 evidence-based education will find practical, actionable insights in this conversation.

This episode is available in video at www.youtube.com/@chalktalk-stokke

TIMESTAMPS [00:00:22] Introduction [00:03:06] Teach Like a Champion – is it about social justice? [00:05:36] Why some stress is essential for learning [00:10:38] School culture and how students respond – Asha’s story [00:16:28] How can you change school culture? [00:23:01] Why behaviour expectations are important [00:30:28] Why it’s important to be upfront about classroom policies [00:37:25] Teaching Techniques: Active Observation [00:45:36] Teaching Techniques: Cold Calling [00:53:06] The false positives of volunteer responses [00:58:36] Why having a mental model of how learning happens is critical for teachers [01:03:48] Final thoughts

RESOURCES

Teach like a Champion: https://teachlikeachampion.org/

Basketball leadership Teacher article https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7167858/2026/04/03/dusty-may-michigan-basketball-leadership-teacher/

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT https://www.annastokke.com/transcripts/ep-75-transcript

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Inside one of England’s top-performing non-selective schools with Robert Peal https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-p7uyp-1ad62d6

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MUSIC Intro & Outro: Funk Jazz Big Band - ColorFilmMusic

Website: www.annastokke.com FB: Chalk & Talk IG: @chalkandtalkpodcast Tiktok: @chalkandtalkpodcast X: @rastokke LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anna-stokke-3a1b4c Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social

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 leaders, and parents.

This episode is available in video at www.youtube.com/@chalktalk-stokke

Olivier Chabot’s Notebook LM: https://notebooklm.google.com/notebook/c97a098a-7c1f-4e80-aa02-0ff73164b8e8?addSource=true&pli=1

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:22] Introduction [00:02:42] Is too much content contributing to lack of math mastery? [00:07:11] Prioritizing critical math content [00:09:13] Common Core and issues with focussing on multiple strategies

[00:14:47] Questions about standard algorithms [00:18:19] The role of NCTM

[00:26:11] Helping teachers improve math content knowledge [00:33:23] What to focus on after math facts [00:41:38] Myths about math facts and neuroscience [00:44:17] Do calculators help with students who have IEPs? [00:50:36] Final thoughts

RESOURCES

https://www.annastokke.com/resources/ep-74-resources

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

https://www.annastokke.com/transcripts/ep-74-transcript

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https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-gar68-1a4c913

The power of explicit instruction with Anita Archer

https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-93dcw-19a3530

Ep 54. Balanced literacy didn’t work—will balanced math? with Ben Solomon

https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-usvqw-1962107

How to Build Automaticity with Math Facts: A Practical Guide (solo episode)

https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-3ny3k-17323a9

Understanding math reform ideology with Tom Loveless

https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-7ih4c-15dbf9a

MUSIC Intro & Outro: Funk Jazz Big Band - ColorFilmMusic

Website: www.annastokke.com FB: Chalk & Talk IG: @chalkandtalkpodcast Tiktok: @chalkandtalkpodcast X: @rastokke LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anna-stokke-3a1b4c Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social

In this special two-part Chalk & Talk mailbag episode, Anna Stokke is joined by Jonathan Regino, Pre-K–12 Supervisor of Math at Interboro School District, to answer questions submitted by listeners.

Together, they answer questions from teachers and parents about math resources, explicit instruction, teaching mixed ability classes, supporting advanced learners, and more. Drawing on their experience in mathematics education, Anna and Jonathan share practical, evidence-informed insights for teachers and school leaders looking to improve student outcomes.

This is Part 1 of a two-part listener Q&A special.

This episode is available in video at www.youtube.com/@chalktalk-stokke

Virtual assistant to help you get answers from past Chalk & Talk episodes: https://notebooklm.google.com/notebook/c97a098a-7c1f-4e80-aa02-0ff73164b8e8

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:22] Introduction [00:03:35] Saxon Math and Singapore Math [00:09:59] Recommended books for math teachers [00:13:28] Difference between Direct Instruction and direct instruction [00:16:10] Resources for preparing students for algebra [00:18:10] Tips for introducing evidenced-based instruction to colleagues [00:26:27] Teaching mixed ability classes [00:28:39] Teaching advanced students [00:31:14] Resources for advanced students [00:33:42] Ability grouping and mixed ability classrooms [00:36:05] Flexible ability grouping [00:39:32] Final thoughts

RESOURCES https://www.annastokke.com/resources/ep-73-resources

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT https://www.annastokke.com/transcripts/ep-73-transcript

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Math Teaching Tips with Barry Garelick and JR Wilson https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-97efn-13f9a35

MUSIC Intro & Outro: Funk Jazz Big Band - ColorFilmMusic

Website: www.annastokke.com FB: Chalk & Talk IG: @chalkandtalkpodcast Tiktok: @chalkandtalkpodcast X: @rastokke LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anna-stokke-3a1b4c Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social