Chalk & Talk

Everyone wants to see children and young adults succeed in math, but it can be difficult to sort myths from facts in education. Join math professor, Anna Stokke, for conversations with leading educators about the importance of math, effective teaching methods, and debunking common myths about math and teaching. Chalk & Talk is a podcast for anyone interested in education, including educators, parents and students.

Chalk & Talk is a education podcast hosted by Anna Stokke, with 78 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Anna Stokke hosts Chalk & Talk, a education show with 78 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

• 

  Episode #78

  The Science and Craft of Great Teaching with Nidhi Sachdeva and Paul Kirschner (Ep 78)

  Aug 14, 20261h 13m

  In this episode, Anna is joined by returning guests Dr. Nidhi Sachdeva and Dr. Paul Kirschner, authors of the upcoming book Becoming an Expert Teacher: Deliberate Practice for Effective Teaching. They explore what makes an expert teacher and how teaching expertise can be deliberately developed. They discuss the importance of deep subject knowledge, mental models, deliberate practice, and reflection, while explaining the difference between the science and the craft of teaching. They also examine how teaching expertise can be measured and why striving to become an expert teacher is both a professional responsibility and an equity issue. This episode is available in video at www.youtube.com/@chalktalk-stokke TIMESTAMPS [00:00:22] Introduction [00:03:26] What makes an expert teacher? [00:12:09] Why teacher content knowledge matters [00:13:24] Why content knowledge isn’t enough [00:16:00] Schemas & pattern recognition explained [00:18:04] How expert teachers think [00:22:55] Deliberate practice to develop teaching expertise [00:30:31] The challenge and importance of deliberate practice [00:38:31] The importance of reflection in teaching [00:40:51] The science and craft of teaching [00:47:57] A reflection on teacher education preparedness [00:55:21] Can teaching expertise be measured ?[00:01:07] The responsibility to become an expert teacher [01:11:40] Final thoughts RESOURCES Becoming an Expert Teacher: Deliberate Practice for Effective Teaching https://www.routledge.com/Becoming-an-Expert-Teacher-Deliberate-Practice-for-Effective-Teaching/SachdevaKirschner/p/book/9781041107453 Code to get 20% off: 26AFLY2 EPISODE TRANSCRIPT https://www.annastokke.com/transcripts/ep-78-transcript RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES We know more about teaching than ever ¬– so why is change so slow? With Joanna Barbousas https://chalkandtalkpodcast.podbean.com/e/we-know-more-about-teaching-than-ever––so-why-is-change-so-slow-with-joanna-barbousas-ep-69/ Rebuilding teacher training through cognitive science with Jonas Linderoth https://chalkandtalkpodcast.podbean.com/e/rebuilding-teacher-training-through-cognitive-science-with-jonas-linderoth-ep-60/ How we learn: Naive, purposeful, and deliberate practice with Stephen Chew https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-mrwn2-18adce0 How advocacy is changing reading instruction with Jamie Metsala https://chalkandtalkpodcast.podbean.com/e/how-advocacy-is-changing-reading-instruction-with-jamie-metsala/ Exploring evidence for equitable education with Nidhi Sachdeva and Jim Hewitt https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-fjdnt-1685615 Using evidence in education with Pamela Snow https://chalkandtalkpodcast.podbean.com/e/using-evidence-in-education-with-pamela-snow-ep-27/ 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

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #77

  Five math myths that are holding students back (Ep 77)

  Jul 31, 202622 min

  In this solo episode, Anna Stokke explores five common misconceptions in math education that may sound convincing but aren't supported by high-quality evidence. This episode is based on a chapter she wrote for The Practice Project, which is a joint initiative of the American Enterprise Institute and researchED, dedicated to improving classroom practice through research-informed professional knowledge. She tackles five common misconceptions about math instruction: teaching multiple strategies to new learners, relying on technology instead of learning facts and procedures, believing that conceptual understanding must precede procedures, using problem solving as the primary method of instruction, and thinking that practice turns kids off math. She concludes the episode by discussing evidence-based approaches that better support student success in mathematics. This episode is available in video at www.youtube.com/@chalktalk-stokke The Practice Project article can be read here: https://www.aei.org/research-products/report/five-math-education-misconceptions-that-are-holding-students-back/ TIMESTAMPS [00:00:00] Introduction [00:02:16] Myth #1: New learners should learn multiple math strategies [00:05:41] What to do instead [00:06:04] Myth #2: Technology makes facts and procedures unnecessary [00:09:31] Myth #3: Conceptual understanding must come before procedural skill [00:13:50] Myth #4: Problem solving is the best way to teach mathematics [00:15:09] The instructional hierarchy guides instructional methods [00:16:29] Myth #5: Practice turns kids off math [00:18:41] What the evidence says about effective math instruction [00:20:06] Final thoughts: takeaways for teachers and parents RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES Cognitive load theory and learning math with John Sweller https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-s2zyd-1a717d6 Rosenshine's Principles of Instruction with Tom Sherrington https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-hmh6w-1a3a5b0 Techniques for Building Fluency with Math Facts https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-3ny3k-17323a9 Cognitive load theory with Greg Ashman https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-thbad-13cea56 Evidence-based teaching strategies with Paul Kirschner https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-thbad-13cea56 EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.annastokke.com/resources/ep-77-resources EPISODE TRANSCRIPT https://www.annastokke.com/transcripts/ep-77-transcript 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

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #76

  The Story Behind Mississippi’s Education Turnaround with Rachel Canter (Ep 76)

  Jul 17, 20261 hour

  In this episode, Anna Stokke is joined by Rachel Canter, Director of Education Policy for the Reinventing America's Schools Project and author of the report Inside the Mississippi Marathon. They explore how Mississippi transformed from one of the lowest-performing states in fourth grade reading and math to one of the highest-performing in the U.S., despite Mississippi being one of the poorest states. They discuss the policies behind the turnaround, including growth-based accountability, early literacy initiatives, higher expectations for students, evidence-based instruction, and being transparent with parents. They also discuss how Mississippi improved education outcomes for some of the most marginalized students and what other jurisdictions can take away from Mississippi’s success. This episode is a must listen for educators, school leaders, policymakers, parents, and anyone interested in learning how sustained, evidence-based reform can improve student outcomes. This episode is available in video at www.youtube.com/@chalktalk-stokke TIMESTAMPS [00:00:22] Introduction [00:04:51] Mississippi’s education system in the 90s [00:10:57] Holding underperforming schools accountable [00:14:25] Transforming accountability through A–F school grades [00:20:16] The Literacy-Based Promotion Act and the Science of Reading [00:28:07] Being honest with parents about student performance [00:32:09] Third-grade retention: The controversy and the impact [00:39:44] The three Ps of reform: Policy, People, and Persistence [00:41:33] Mississippi's gains in reading and math [00:49:41] Why accountability is difficult but important [00:52:24] The political will behind Mississippi's turnaround [00:55:39] Can other places replicate Mississippi's success? [00:58:26] Final thoughts RESOURCES Inside the Mississippi Marathon by Rachel Canter: https://www.progressivepolicy.org/inside-the-mississippi-marathon/ EPISODE TRANSCRIPT https://www.annastokke.com/transcripts/ep-76-transcript RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES The Finland myth, East Asia’s rise, & what makes education systems work with Montse Gomendio https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-7k52u-1a8a731 From decline to top rankings: How England transformed education with Nick Gibb https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-zps9p-18c1e97 Reading and math: parallels and pitfalls with Matthew Burns https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-8aj3f-1508af6 The Science of Math with Amanda VanDerHeyden https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-bksbz-13c732d 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

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #75

  How high expectations drive student achievement with Doug Lemov (Ep 75)

  Jul 3, 20261h 5m

  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 RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES Inside one of England’s top-performing non-selective schools with Robert Peal https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-p7uyp-1ad62d6 The case for practice and the power of Math Corps with Alex Kontorovich https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-d8bef-1916f6d Educational leadership: Improving math and literacy with Scott Hill https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-vpzf8-16d0c17 Stress and learning with Dan Rosen https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-94vv4-147a254 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

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #74

  Mailbag II: Math standards, teacher content knowledge, and more with Jonathan Regino (Ep 74)

  Jun 19, 202653 min

  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 RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES Science of Math: The movement everyone's talking about with Sarah Powell (65) 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

  ListenShow Notes

Recent guests on Chalk & Talk. Study who booked and why before you pitch.

Based on semantic analysis of episode topics and host coverage, this show is a strong guest fit for executives in:

Industry fit is computed by PitchCentric using vector embeddings of the show's episode catalog.