How Impactful Is Math Coaching?

Jul 17, 2025

Explore the transformative potential of math coaching in classrooms. Discover why spreading resources too thin may lead to minimal gains. Learn about the four critical phases of teacher change and the vital role of coaching in achieving real progress. Uncover how restructuring coaching models can create a ripple effect throughout districts. Understand the importance of clear communication and setting realistic goals to enhance student outcomes. Tune in to rethink your coaching strategies for deeper, lasting impact.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Books

Transcript

Episode notes

INSIGHT

PD Hours Crucial for Teacher Shift

Teachers need between 30 to 100 hours of professional development in 6-12 months to adopt inquiry-oriented math teaching practices.
Effective PD programs average around 49 hours yearly, correlating with meaningful gains in teaching and student outcomes.

INSIGHT

Coaching Spread Thin Limits Impact

Using coaches to spread support too thin yields surface-level benefits without noticeable change.
Coaching effectiveness demands focused, sustained support to impact teacher practice.

INSIGHT

Sustained Coaching Drives Change

Four phases of teacher change culminate in sustained coaching support, which accounts for 90% of shifts in teaching practice.
Coaching fills crucial PD hours and solidifies practice transformation.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

Is your math coaching program truly transforming classroom practice—or just treading water?

Many districts wrestle with whether coaching is worth the investment or how to maximize its impact. If you've ever wondered why some schools see real progress while others stall while striving for sustainable math improvement—despite similar coaching setups—this episode unpacks the hidden reasons behind that divide. Whether you're a district leader, math coach, or teacher leader, this conversation reveals the often-overlooked factors that can make or break your coaching strategy.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

Why spreading math coaching support thin across many teachers often leads to minimal gains.
The four critical phases of teacher change—and why math coaching is essential in the final, most powerful stage.
How restructuring your math coaching model can build momentum and create a ripple effect across your district.

Press play now to rethink your approach to math coaching and unlock deeper, more sustainable impact in your math classrooms.

Not sure what matters most when designing math improvement plans? Take this assessment and get a free customized report: https://makemathmoments.com/grow/

Math coordinators and leaders – Ready to design your math improvement plan with guidance, support and using structure? Learn how to follow our 4 stage process. https://growyourmathprogram.com

Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & Units

Show Notes Page

Love the show? Text us your big takeaway!

Get a Customized Math Improvement Plan For Your District.

Are you district leader for mathematics? Take the 12 minute assessment and you’ll get a free, customized improvement plan to shape and grow the 6 parts of any strong mathematics program.

Take the assessment

Are you wondering how to create K-12 math lesson plans that leave students so engaged they don’t want to stop exploring your math curriculum when the bell rings? In their podcast, Kyle Pearce and Jon Orr—founders of MakeMathMoments.com—share over 19 years of experience inspiring K-12 math students, teachers, and district leaders with effective math activities, engaging resources, and innovative math leadership strategies. Through a 6-step framework, they guide K-12 classroom teachers and district math coordinators on building a strong, balanced math program that grows student and teacher impact. Each week, gain fresh ideas, feedback, and practical strategies to feel more confident and motivate students to see the beauty in math. Start making math moments today by listening to Episode #139: "Making Math Moments From Day 1 to 180.