We equip teachers and embolden leaders to empower students through mathematics
Our Approach
True to our name, Concentric approaches the work of transformation at the various levels and layers in our education system while remaining centered in equity and social justice.
Services
Professional Learning
In-person and virtual training
Formative assessment strategies, math discourse, and cooperative learning
Culturally and linguistically responsive practices
Instructional and Leadership Coaching
Observations and Planning
Student Work Analysis and Task Development
Facilitation of communities of practice
Strategic Planning
Data Analysis
Department, School, and District Alignment
Continuous improvement Processes
Humanize
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Contextualize
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Customize
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Humanize • Contextualize • Customize •
“Kentaro is a national resource when it comes to leading for mathematical equity. How many people in the country have the mix of deep content knowledge in math, facility with systems thinking and organizational change, and just the right touch–nuance–to bring together different stakeholders and get them moving? He is so humble, respectful, and curious, a highly skilled equity leader. I’ve had so many great conversations with him over the years.”
Jal Mehta, Professor, Harvard Graduate School of Education and author of In Search of Deeper Learning
“Kentaro facilitated a District Leadership Math Vision Group and a Math Teacher Working Group that examined policies, structures, and practices from an equity lens. His work led to greater articulation in 6-12th grade math and a proposed change in student placement guidelines in math. He coached and supported the math department in a pilot of new math curriculum at the high school level and led effective virtual and in-person professional learning for math teachers that was well received. He partners well with leaders and teachers to bring about change towards more equitable outcomes and experiences for students.”
Mary Skipper, Superintendent, Boston Public Schools (Massachusetts)
“Partnering with Dr. Iwasaki was one of the most impactful decisions our district has ever made. Our district had the privilege of learning from Dr. Iwasaki as we endeavored to remove systemic barriers within our mathematics programming. Dr. Iwasaki has a deep knowledge about the instructional core, vast experience in leadership and coaching, and an unwavering commitment to equity. Dr. Iwasaki’s coaching and thought partnership not only supported the development of our administrators and educators, but also made tremendous progress towards the equity priorities within our district. Two years after our partnership, our district is still centering the work that we did with Dr. Iwasaki to drive structural changes to our math program. Beyond all of this, Dr. Iwasaki is a true pleasure to work with. He leads with warmth, flexibility, and an understanding of how to connect with children and adults engaging in difficult work. Dr. Iwasaki is an exceptional leader, a strategic thinker, and a wealth of knowledge. Our district is a better place for our students because of our work with him.”
Dr. Jessica Boston Davis, Assistant Superintendent of Academics, Somerville Public Schools (Massachusetts)
“Kentaro led engaging, meaningful training that transformed how I teach. He provided strategies that give students, especially English Learners and Multilingual Learners, opportunities to engage in rich conversations which creates an effective, collaborative classroom. His charismatic way of leading training is like no professional development I have ever experienced. Through my work with Kentaro, my passion for teaching has been reignited. Working with him has single handedly had the greatest impact on my teaching practice--I could not recommend him more!”
Amanda Rosales, Math Teacher, Colton Joint Unified School District (California)
School districts Concentric staff have worked with
See it now
The interview and classroom footage of 8th grade math teacher Amanda Rosales from Colton Joint Unified (California) after one week of training on math formative assessment strategies, discourse, and cooperative learning approaches for multilingual learners. Kentaro facilitated and led this training while at ConnectED.
Clip of teacher interview (1 min)
Clip of classroom interaction (1 min)
Get in Touch
Concentric’s work focuses on making math more collaborative, particularly in the middle and high school grades (6th-12th).
Concentric seeks to build capacity among teachers and leaders to lead the work in their settings.