1st Edition
Empowering All Leaders to be Math Leaders Actionable Strategies and Tools
Foreword (by T.J. Vari)
Preface
Introduction
Chapter 1: High Quality Tasks and Standards Alignment
Chapter 2: The Brain Science Behind Learning Math
Chapter 3: Independent Practice, Independent Thinkers
Chapter 4: Forming Your Math Team
Chapter 5: Using Observations to Improve Math Instruction
Chapter 6: Coaching for First Period Readiness
Chapter 7: Selecting Technology for the Classroom
Chapter 8: Effective Use of Technology in the Classroom
Chapter 9: First There Were Calculators, Now We Have AI
Chapter 10: Increasing Engagement by Planning Discourse
Chapter 11: Precise Language Leads to Mastery
Chapter 12: Integrating Financial Literacy
Chapter 13: Building a School-Wide Culture of Math Achievement
Chapter 14: The Empowered Math Leader Action Plan
Chapter 15: Unobstructed
Appendices
Biography
Thomas O’Brien partners with schools, districts, and after-school programs nationwide to turn data and practice into college and career opportunities. An award-winning math teacher and former nationally recognized high school principal, he brings deep instructional-leadership experience and a passion for continuous improvement to his work.
“Empowering All Leaders to Be Math Leaders is a practical, action-oriented guide for school leaders who want stronger math instruction—without needing to be the math expert. Organized as a clear leadership playbook, it translates complex challenges into concrete, doable moves using protocols, rubrics, scripts, and observation tools that leaders can implement immediately. Grounded in real classrooms and real constraints, it helps leaders coach teachers, improve instruction, and build a school wide culture of mathematical thinking that expands opportunity for every student.”
Dr. John Almarode, Professor of Education in the College of Education at James Madison University, USA
“Thomas O’Brien has created a resource that every school and district leader needs. Empowering All Leaders to Be Math Leaders removes the intimidation factor from math instruction and replaces it with clarity. This book shows leaders exactly what to look for in classrooms, how to respond with meaningful feedback, and—most importantly—what intentional next steps will move instruction forward. You don’t have to be a mathematician to lead math well. You just need the right framework. This book provides it.”
Kim Gameroz, Founder & CEO, Teaching Inside Out, Author of Becoming the BISON, USA
“Improving math outcomes starts with leadership. In Empowering All Leaders to Be Math Leaders, Thomas O’Brien challenges the idea that math leadership belongs only to specialists and shows how all leaders can create the conditions for strong math instruction to thrive. With a focus on clarity, alignment, and shared responsibility, this book offers practical guidance for building collective efficacy and lasting momentum in mathematics teaching and learning.”
Mitch Weathers, Founder and CEO of Organized Binder, USA
“Thomas O'Brien's Empowering All Leaders to Be Math Leaders is a game-changer for school leaders who are tired of watching math instruction remain stuck in outdated practices while student achievement continues to decline. This isn't another theoretical framework that looks impressive on paper but falls flat in practice. Instead, Thomas delivers exactly what principals and instructional leaders need most: actionable, Monday-ready strategies that create immediate impact in math classrooms. His Five Levers to Improve Math Instruction and the RAPID Pre-Lesson Practice Protocol are brilliant in their simplicity and profound in their impact, transforming how leaders develop teachers through daily, focused coaching rather than ineffective weekly meetings. What sets this book apart is Thomas's refusal to sugarcoat the crisis we're facing in math education while providing a clear and practical roadmap forward. His asset-based approach to leadership honors what teachers do well, while systematically building their capacity in the areas that matter most for student learning. If you're a school leader committed to dramatically improving math instruction and unwilling to accept another year of stagnant results, this book provides the tactical guidance you've been searching for.”
Joshua Stamper, author, speaker, and leadership coach
