Five Phases of Implementation Every Math Leader Needs To Know To Overcome Resistance

Still stuck “talking” about change, but not seeing it in action? The real roadblock to change in math may not be teacher resistance—it might be your system.

Based on Jim Knight’s powerful article in Educational Leadership, “Moving from Talk to Action in Professional Learning,” this episode reframes what looks like math pd resistance in schools. We walk through the five stages of implementation—Non-Use, Awareness, Mechanical, Routine, and Proficient—and reveal how most educators aren’t resisting change… they’re stuck in a system that makes it nearly impossible to act on it. If multiple people are resisting, it’s not a people problem—it’s a system problem.

You’ll learn:

• What each of the five implementation stages looks like in real practice in math pd
• Why math educators appear resistant—and how fear, perfectionism, and lack of agency fuel hesitation
• How student-focused goals create momentum where strategy mandates fall flat
• Simple, leader-driven shifts that support movement in math pd from awareness to action
• What it takes to make professional learning stick, even after the workshop ends

Press play to explore Jim Knight’s findings and discover what it really takes to turn professional learning into professional practice.

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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 

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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.