388. Empowering School Leaders to Be Math Leaders: Featuring Thomas O’Brien

Why is it still so common for people to say, “I’m not a math person,” and how can school leaders help change that narrative? In this week's episode of Aspire to Lead, Joshua Stamper sits down with Thomas O’Brien to explore why leaders are uniquely positioned to shape math culture, support stronger instruction, and create environments where both teachers and students see themselves as capable math learners. Thomas also shares why leading math instruction does not require a math background, and how the best coaches are not always the best players. Together, they discuss what leaders and coaches should actually look for when walking into a math classroom, how to support teachers in meaningful ways, and what it means to assist with math projects and instructional coaching at a high level. Thomas also highlights his upcoming book, Empowering All Leaders to Be Math Leaders, releasing August 14, 2026 from Routledge with a foreword by Dr. T.J. Vari, and his weekly writing on How Math Saves the World on Substack, where he continues to share practical ideas for math instruction and school leadership. About Thomas O’Brien Thomas O’Brien partners with schools, districts, and after-school programs nationwide to turndata and practice into college and career opportunities. An award-winning math teacher andformer nationally recognized high school principal, he brings deep instructional-leadership experience and a passion for continuous improvement to his work. Follow his writing on substack about education, math instruction, and school leadership. His book Empowering All Leaders to be Math Leaders comes out in August. Follow Thomas O’Brien Website:www.thomasobrien.xyzTwitter (X): thomas_g_obrienLinkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/obrien-thomas/Substack:https://howmathsavestheworld.substack.com/ https://www.amazon.com/dp/1041171897?lv=shuf&amp;crid=3JF28KOE0DQAZ&amp;keywords=empowering+all+leaders+to+be+math+leaders&amp;sprefix=empowering+all+leaders+to+be+math+leaders%2Caps%2C82&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.bAds_C6GrwPh3dUMA3TNTMoyo3oiGl56uxabxp4cDv622158nHDm1npdzikEhxuFO9fghFp-CRgUPBhsWHDEbA.XYlnjJiHCJiw7WXedrNHL-5adU8QI23jYjWElv7LRfk&amp;qid=1784294931&amp;sr=8-1&amp;channelId=500&amp;plpRedirect=mhFallback&amp;linkCode=ll2&amp;tag=aspirewebsite-20&amp;linkId=e8d0b730654dab3eb4aa87b8d07df70c&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl — #1 New Release, "The Language of Behavior" is NOW Available! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DVT32KQ1?&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=aspirewebsite-20&amp;linkId=d18e5a44a6582a22d15ee23193af7bb8&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl The Language of Behavior is an essential guide for school leaders committed to transforming their school culture and addressing student behavior through a more compassionate, effective approach. Drawing on their extensive experience in education, Charle Peck and Joshua Stamper challenge outdated disciplinary practices and offer a clear, trauma-informed framework that empowers educators to interpret student behavior as a form of communication. Through three core tenets—Consider the Environment, Explore the Root Causes of Behavior, and Respond with Intentionality—this book equips leaders with actionable strategies to foster positive behavior, build stronger relationships, and cultivate a more supportive school climate. Packed with real-world case studies, evidence-based practices, and insights into the lasting effects of childhood trauma, The Language of Behavior provides school leaders with the tools to create lasting, meaningful change. It offers a roadmap to reduce behavior issues, re-engage students and staff, and establish a culture of accountability and empathy. This book is not just a reference—it's a call to lead with vision and transform how we approach discipline, ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive. Bulk Orders: https://www.connectedd.org/bulk-orders — Need a Presenter for a conference or school PD? Contact Brad Waid to book Joshua Stamper for your next event on Improving Student Behavior, Impacting School Mental Health, or Creating healthy habits. Follow the Host, Joshua Stamper: Contact:<a href="https://joshstamper.com/contact/" target="_