In this special episode of Math Universally Speaking, Ron reconnects with his former colleague and friend, Kate Small—an experienced educator, consultant, and passionate advocate for inclusive education. Kate’s background spans teaching in both general and special education, serving as an instructional coach, and working in administration before moving into national consulting. Now, she supports teachers and leaders across the U.S. in building stronger instructional practices, with a focus on co-teaching strategies, equity in math classrooms, and meeting the needs of diverse learners. Her experiences in and beyond the classroom give her a unique perspective on what it truly takes to make co-teaching partnerships successful.

Whether you’re a new teacher exploring how to co-teach effectively, a veteran looking to strengthen collaboration in the classroom, or an administrator supporting teacher teams, this conversation offers both practical co-teaching tips and professional inspiration. Ron and Kate highlight the heart of co-teaching: building trust, sharing ownership, and ensuring that all students—especially those with learning differences—have access to rigorous, student-centered math instruction. From co-planning strategies to leveraging each educator’s strengths, this episode is filled with insights to help you and your teaching partner create classrooms where every student can succeed.

Connect with Kate:
Instagram: @choosinginclusion
Empowered School Solutions: Website