“This book had me at ‘asset-based mindsets’! An invaluable resource for any leader who wants to improve math teaching and help install the joy of learning in math students.”—Dr. Jo Boaler is the Nomellini & Olivier Professor of Education at Stanford University, USA“The reality is this: most school leaders were not math teachers. Yet they are tasked with leading math teachers and raising math scores. With Empowering All Leaders to Be Math Leaders, Thomas O’Brien provides a road map for instructional leaders everywhere. This important book offers a comprehensive and systematic approach for school leaders to elevate the professional practice of their math teachers and move the needle with student learning in a meaningful way."—Danny Steele, author, speaker, and former principal“Much to my delight, in Empowering All Leaders to Be Math Leaders, an entire chapter is devoted to The Brain Science Behind Learning Math. Rather than adding to leader and teacher overcrowded plates, O’Brien informs readers how streamlining instruction can lead to student long-term retention. All leaders, whether they have a strong math background or not, will find this highly recommended book valuable.”—Patrice M. Bain, Ed.S., educator and author“As a K-8 leader of twenty-five years, I have embraced the challenge to become a math leader. Math leadership has been critical to driving the achievement of my students and developing their critical thinking skills. In his new book, Empowering all Leaders to be Math Leaders, Thomas O’Brien teaches us how to improve access to high quality and engaging math instruction. If we grow more math leaders, we will be able to transform our schools and education.”—Salome Thomas-EL, Ed.D, Award-winning Principal, Author and Chess Coach, United States“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
