S2E04 w/ Cathy Williams: A Math Leader’s Journey to Youcubed and Beyond

In this episode we have the pleasure of hearing from Cathy Williams. Along with Jo Boaler, Cathy co-founded Youcubed, an organization within Stanford University that is dedicated to inspiring mathematics success for all students through growth mindsets and innovative teaching. I think of Cathy as being the silent partner to Jo, but trust me, she’s anything but silent! Cathy has a long history of excellence in mathematics - from high school math teacher to Director of K-12 Math at Vista Unified School District, to professor at Stanford University. 

Cathy walks us through her pathway as a math expert as well as the evolution she is seeing in teaching and learning in math. We learn about Youcubed - its origins and its future in supporting math instruction. She then dives into data science - a passion shared by both Cathy and Jo. Cathy describes how data science can inspire all students to be engaged in learning math to solve real world problems, not only in the math class but across subject areas and in an interdisciplinary approach to learning. We are inspired by the examples of best practices Cathy has observed in schools and districts.

For more opportunities to learn from Cathy and other thought leaders in education and beyond, check out the Knowledgehook Signature Leadership Portal at www.knowledgehook.com/leadership.