The fascinating world of mathematics education. We explore innovative teaching pedagogies, classroom success stories, and unravel the mysteries behind those 'Aha!' moments.
Whether you're a maths enthusiast or just looking to improve your teaching skills in mathematics, this podcast brought to you by AAMT is your go-to resource for engaging, sometimes light-hearted, and informative discussions on all things maths education related!
The Hardest Job in School: Mastering Middle Leadership, with Darius Samojlowicz
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/ (https://aamt.edu.au/)
Darius Samojlowicz
https://linkedin.com/in/darius-samojlowicz-72b72217a (https://linkedin.com/in/darius-samojlowicz-72b72217a)
Mathematical Association of NSW
https://www.mansw.nsw.edu.au/ (https://www.mansw.nsw.edu.au/)
See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
22 Feb 2026
Mathematics, Identity and Equity in STEM, with Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith
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 You
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/future-you-australia (https://www.linkedin.com/company/future-you-australia)
Instagram: https://instagram/futureyouaustralia
Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith
https://www.facebook.com/ProfLisaHarveySmith (https://www.facebook.com/ProfLisaHarveySmith/)
https://instagram.com/lisaharveysmith (https://instagram.com/lisaharveysmith)
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-harvey-smith-845878143/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-harvey-smith-845878143/?originalSubdo)
Explore AAMT’s resources, events, and news:
https://aamt.edu.au/ (https://aamt.edu.au/)
See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
15 Feb 2026
Unpacking Ideology in the Classroom, with Tom Mahoney
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.com (https://tommahoneyedu.wordpress.com/)
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommahoneyedu/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommahoneyedu/)
The Interruption, a monthly blog exploring the ideological nature of education.
https://theinterruption.substack.com/ (https://theinterruption.substack.com/)
Explore AAMT’s resources, events, and news:
https://aamt.edu.au/ (https://aamt.edu.au/)
See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
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