Matrix of Math podcast: Josh boots on d.c.’s math momentum

In the premiere episode of the Matrix of Math podcast, Lasana Tunica-El, Senior Deputy Director of Campaigns at Educators for Excellence–New York, sits down with Josh Boots, Founder and Executive Director of EmpowerK12.

This new podcast spotlights high-impact math curriculum efforts from districts across the country—highlighting where student outcomes and teacher experiences are improving—to help inform New York City’s approach to math education.

Josh brings over two decades of experience in Washington, D.C.’s education landscape. He’s taught 7th grade math in DC Public Schools, led KIPP DC’s data team as its first Data Director, and contributed to the Office of the State Superintendent of Education’s (OSSE) assessment and accountability work.

Most recently, the Education Recovery Scorecard revealed that D.C. students made the largest learning gains in the nation between 2022 and 2024. Tune in to hear what’s driving that progress, and what NYC can learn from it.