Making Math Moments That Matter

Kyle Pearce & Jon Orr

Helping you transform your K-12 math lesson plans by building confidence in effective teaching practices, guiding you to transform your math curriculum, and inspiring classroom strategies to engage all students.

Are you wondering how to create K-12 math lesson plans where students don't want to stop exploring your math curriculum when the bell rings?

Over the last 19 years, Kyle and Jon, the founders of MakeMathMoments.com have been engaging students, teachers, and district program leaders with effective mathematics pedagogy, accessible resources, and inspiring learning environments in K-12 math classrooms.

Now, in this podcast they coach you - K-12 classroom teachers and district leaders of mathematics  through a 6 step plan that cultivates and fosters your mathematics program like a strong, healthy and balanced tree.

If you master the 6 parts of an effective mathematics program, the impact you have on students or teachers will grow and reach far and wide.

Every week, you’ll hear insight from practicing classroom teachers and leaders in math education so you’ll get the feedback, guidance, and fresh ideas you need to stop feeling overwhelmed, gain back your confidence, and inspire the students and fellow teachers you serve to enjoy the beauty of mathematics once again.

Start making math moments today by listening to Episode #139: Making Math Moments From Day 1 to 180

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Episodes

Help! My Curriculum Resource Is Being Pulled Away. What Do I Do Now? - A Where Are They Now Math Mentoring Moment
3d ago
Help! My Curriculum Resource Is Being Pulled Away. What Do I Do Now? - A Where Are They Now Math Mentoring Moment
It can feel frustrating and overwhelming and you’ll feel like you’re forced to “go back to the drawing board” when your curriculum resource is pulled away from you. What do we consider when trying to select a new curriculum resource?Are we supposed to create our own resources from scratch? As educators, we are constantly facing the challenge of adapting our teaching methods to improve student understanding and engagement. This often involves exploring new pedagogies, such as problem-based learning, and selecting the right curriculum resources that align with our teaching goals. In this episode we speak with long-time friend of the show Katrien Vance, a middle school math teacher in Virginia. Katriene is trying to decide how to transition to a new curriculum resource and feels overwhelmed with the work ahead. Stick around and you’ll hear how together we make a plan for next steps. What you’ll learnInnovative Teaching Strategies: Discover the effectiveness of problem-based learning and how it can enhance your students' understanding of mathematics.Navigating Curriculum Transitions: Gain insights on transitioning between different curricula, managing costs, and finding the right resources for your classroom.Building Confidence in Educational Choices: Learn how to confidently communicate your curriculum choices to parents and evaluate the effectiveness of educational tools and resources for your specific teaching needs.Resources: Connected Mathematics Project from Michigan State University. Illustrative Math Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & UnitsDistrict Math Leaders: How are you ensuring that you support those educators who need a nudge to spark a focus on growing their pedagogical-content knowledge? What about opportunities for those who are eager and willing to elevate their practice, but do not have the support? Book a call with our District Improvement Program Team to learn how we can not only help you craft, refine and implement your district math learning goals, but also provide all of the professional learning supports your educators need to grow at the speed of their learning. Book a short conversation with our team now. Empower Your Students (and Teachers) Using A Professional Learning Plan That Sparks Engagement, Fuels Deep Learning, and Ignites Action!https://makemathmoments.com/make-math-moments-district-mentorship-program/  Please help new listeners find the show. Leave a rating or review on your platform.
Designing Effective Math Professional Development in 4 Stages
08-04-2024
Designing Effective Math Professional Development in 4 Stages
Each and every year, district and school mathematics leadership teams spend countless hours crafting lofty goals and monitoring plans, but struggle to state measurable improvement in effective teacher practice and student gains. If you’ve ever wondered: How can I create a pd action plan that teachers view as useful and not “just adding to their plates”?We feel like we have many of the necessary pieces, but we aren’t clear on how to put them together to form an effective math program.How can I structure my PD so that I reach more teachers on a limited budget?How can I get my educators to “buy-in” to using research based teaching methods routinely?How can I get my teachers to become lifelong learners and take more ownership in their professional development?Then this is the episode for you!In this episode you’ll learn the 4-stage process to craft pd action plans that bring alignment to fractured organizations, highlights bright spots to spread effective math teaching practices more quickly, and inspires more teachers to become lifelong learners. You’ll Learn:A clear step by step process to craft and create a unified vision for mathematics and PD action plan for your district so you can stop throwing spaghetti at the walls each year to see what sticks.A systematized approach to rolling out your action plan on a limited budget so you can hit your key results by your due dates.The most important component your PD action plan needs to include so that students can maximize their reach and how to embed that component in your action plans.Essential components of how to build a team of educators who care as much about improving their craft as you doTune into this enlightening episode now and equip yourself with the tools to make a lasting impact in your educational community!Resources: Learn the 4 Stages of Math PD For Improved Results Webinar District Math Leaders: How are you ensuring that you support those educators who need a nudge to spark a focus on growing their pedagogical-content knowledge? What about opportunities for those who are eager and willing to elevate their practice, but do not have the support? Book a call with our District Improvement Program Team to learn how we can not only help you craft, refine and implement your district math learning goals, but also provide all of the professional learning supports your educators need to grow at the speed of their learning. Book a short conversation with our team now. Empower Your Students (and Teachers) Using A Professional Learning Plan That Sparks Engagement, Fuels Deep Learning, and Ignites Action!https://makemathmoments.com/make-math-moments-district-mentorship-program/  Please help new listeners find the show. Leave a rating or review on your platform.
Beyond Fairy Dust: A Math Consultant's Journey to Making Impactful Change
01-04-2024
Beyond Fairy Dust: A Math Consultant's Journey to Making Impactful Change
Ever felt like you're just "sprinkling fairy dust" in your educational role without making a real impact?This Math Mentoring is for every educator leader, math coach, or math coordinator grappling with the challenge of supporting teachers making meaningful changes in their teaching methods. It delves into the real-world struggles and victories of a math consultant navigating the complexities of influencing educational practices across multiple districts.You’ll Learn:Discover practical strategies for transforming classroom experiences, focusing on student engagement and empowerment in mathematical thinking.Learn how to build teachers' confidence and competence in new pedagogical approaches, ensuring that change is not just sustainable but also embraced.Gain insights into aligning teachers' goals with administrative objectives, ensuring a cohesive and supportive environment for educational reform.Tune into this enlightening episode now and equip yourself with the tools to make a lasting impact in your educational community!Resources: Learn the 4 Stages of Math PD For Improved Results Webinar District Math Leaders: How are you ensuring that you support those educators who need a nudge to spark a focus on growing their pedagogical-content knowledge? What about opportunities for those who are eager and willing to elevate their practice, but do not have the support? Book a call with our District Improvement Program Team to learn how we can not only help you craft, refine and implement your district math learning goals, but also provide all of the professional learning supports your educators need to grow at the speed of their learning. Book a short conversation with our team now. Empower Your Students (and Teachers) Using A Professional Learning Plan That Sparks Engagement, Fuels Deep Learning, and Ignites Action!https://makemathmoments.com/make-math-moments-district-mentorship-program/
How To Give Effective Feedback In Elementary Mathematics Classrooms - A Math Mentoring Moment
25-03-2024
How To Give Effective Feedback In Elementary Mathematics Classrooms - A Math Mentoring Moment
When you shift your teaching practices from “I do, we do, you” to a problem based approach that engages students to think first you will often be led to question how you give feedback to students. In this episode we speak with Diane Hamilton, an elementary classroom teacher from Toronto Ontario. Diane has been implementing the 14 strategies from Peter Liljedahl’s book Building Thinking Classrooms and is here to dig into how to give effective feedback to her students instead of grades. Stick around and you’ll: Discover innovative self-assessment techniques that empower students to take charge of their learning in mathematics, turning passive learners into active participants.Learn how to develop and communicate effective success criteria, a crucial step in providing feedback that genuinely enhances student understanding and performance.Gain insights into structuring self-assessment and growth-focused activities into your weekly routine, ensuring consistent student progress and deeper comprehension of mathematical concepts.This is another Math Mentoring Moment episode where we chat with a teacher like you who is working through some problems of practice and together we brainstorm ways to overcome them. You’ll Learn: Practical self-assessment methods to facilitate student involvement and ownership in their mathematics learning;How can I develop success criteria and share them with students so I can give effective feedback; How can I structure self assessment and growth in mathematics into my weekly routine; Resources: Assessment For Growth: A Blueprint Course For Standards Based Grading in Math ClassMake Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & UnitsDistrict Math Leaders: How are you ensuring that you support those educators who need a nudge to spark a focus on growing their pedagogical-content knowledge? What about opportunities for those who are eager and willing to elevate their practice, but do not have the support? Book a call with our District Improvement Program Team to learn how we can not only help you craft, refine and implement your district math learning goals, but also provide all of the professional learning supports your educators need to grow at the speed of their learning. Book a short conversation with our team now. Empower Your Students (and Teachers) Using A Professional Learning Plan That Sparks Engagement, Fuels Deep Learning, and Ignites Action!https://makemathmoments.com/make-math-moments-district-mentorship-program/
Banishing Boredom: How #MathPlay Breathes Life into Dull Math Classes
18-03-2024
Banishing Boredom: How #MathPlay Breathes Life into Dull Math Classes
Ever wondered how to transform math class into every student's favorite subject? Join us in this episode as we dive into the world of #MathPlay with Libo Valencia, a passionate high school math teacher from New York and author who believes in shaping the future of mathematics through engaging and playful teaching strategies.Explore the transformative power of Math Play with Libo Valencia, where we unravel how this approach can instill a lasting love for mathematics in every student. Discover why math class should be a highlight for everyone, and learn practical ways to infuse elements of Math Play in both elementary and high school classrooms.Your journey to creating a math class that students love starts here – hit play and ignite the joy of mathematics in your classroom!You’ll Learn: Understand how Math Play can cultivate a productive disposition towards mathematics for all students.Explore the secrets behind making math every student's favorite subject through engaging #MathPlay.Gain insights into incorporating the foundational elements of a "Math Play" activity that sparks genuine student engagement and understanding.Resources: Libo’s Website: http://libovalencia.comLibo’s X: @MrValencia24Libo’s YouTube: @MrValencia24 Debate Math Podcast with Chris Luzniak and Rob BaierDistrict Math Leaders: How are you ensuring that you support those educators who need a nudge to spark a focus on growing their pedagogical-content knowledge? What about opportunities for those who are eager and willing to elevate their practice, but do not have the support? Book a call with our District Improvement Program Team to learn how we can not only help you craft, refine and implement your district math learning goals, but also provide all of the professional learning supports your educators need to grow at the speed of their learning. Book a short conversation with our team now. Empower Your Students (and Teachers) Using A Professional Learning Plan That Sparks Engagement, Fuels Deep Learning, and Ignites Action!https://makemathmoments.com/make-math-moments-district-mentorship-program/  Please help new listeners find the show. Leave a rating or review on your platform.
How Can I Battle My Insecurities When Teaching Through Tasks & Problem Based Math Lessons - A Math Mentoring Moment
11-03-2024
How Can I Battle My Insecurities When Teaching Through Tasks & Problem Based Math Lessons - A Math Mentoring Moment
How can you transform your middle school classroom with problem-based lessons while overcoming personal insecurities and teaching doubts?In this mentoring moment episode we speak with Joanne Ward, a middle school teacher from Taipei Taiwan who is tackling a common challenge faced by educators: the uncertainty and lack of confidence in implementing problem-based lessons. Stick around and you’ll learn practical strategies to boost confidence in teaching with problem-based lessons. You’ll also learn a comprehensive understanding of the “real flipped classroom” concept, enabling structured and effective problem-based learning that captivates and educates your students.This is another Math Mentoring Moment episode where we chat with a teacher like you who is working through some problems of practice and together we brainstorm ways to overcome them. You’ll Learn: How to feel more confident when teaching with problem based lessons; How to battle my own insecurities when stepping into my middle school classroom; How often I should be teaching with problem based lessons;How can I teach problem based lessons in a structured way; and,How to teach the “real flipped classroom”.Resources: Chocolate Mania Lesson on Volume & ProportionsPeek Into Jon’s Class and see 30 Days in 30 MinutesAssessment For Growth: A Blueprint Course For Standards Based Grading in Math ClassMake Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & UnitsDistrict Math Leaders: How are you ensuring that you support those educators who need a nudge to spark a focus on growing their pedagogical-content knowledge? What about opportunities for those who are eager and willing to elevate their practice, but do not have the support? Book a call with our District Improvement Program Team to learn how we can not only help you craft, refine and implement your district math learning goals, but also provide all of the professional learning supports your educators need to grow at the speed of their learning. Book a short conversation with our team now. Empower Your Students (and Teachers) Using A Professional Learning Plan That Sparks Engagement, Fuels Deep Learning, and Ignites Action!https://makemathmoments.com/make-math-moments-district-mentorship-program/  Please help new listeners find the show. Leave a rating or review on your platform.
How To Align Your Math Classroom Teaching Practices With Your Philosophy - A Math Mentoring Moment
04-03-2024
How To Align Your Math Classroom Teaching Practices With Your Philosophy - A Math Mentoring Moment
Have you ever wondered how to ensure your teaching actions align seamlessly with your educational philosophies? How close is your practice with your preach? In this episode we speak with Felicia Favela, a veteran 8th grade pre-algebra teacher from Phoenix Arizona who knows that in the realm of education, consistency between what we say and what we do is pivotal but still wonders how closely she’s aligned. Stick around and you’ll hear us uncover the root cause of why Felicia feels that she’s not aligned with her philosophies, how to identify when students are primed to progress to new challenges, maximizing their learning potential, and learn to harness the power of problem-based lessons as a tool for formative assessment, enhancing your ability to cater to individual student needs.This is another Math Mentoring Moment episode where we chat with a teacher like you who is working through some problems of practice and together we brainstorm ways to overcome them. You’ll Learn: How can I make sure my actions match my words? How do I recognize when my students are ready to move to the next problem when using thin slicing from Building Thinking Classrooms; Why problem based lessons are formative assessment gold mines; How we can truly differentiate my instruction while leading a Building Thinking Classroom lesson; What clues do we look for when deciding if a student “gets it”. Resources: Assessment For Growth: A Blueprint Course For Standards Based Grading in Math ClassMake Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & UnitsDistrict Math Leaders: How are you ensuring that you support those educators who need a nudge to spark a focus on growing their pedagogical-content knowledge? What about opportunities for those who are eager and willing to elevate their practice, but do not have the support? Book a call with our District Improvement Program Team to learn how we can not only help you craft, refine and implement your district math learning goals, but also provide all of the professional learning supports your educators need to grow at the speed of their learning. Book a short conversation with our team now. Empower Your Students (and Teachers) Using A Professional Learning Plan That Sparks Engagement, Fuels Deep Learning, and Ignites Action!https://makemathmoments.com/make-math-moments-district-mentorship-program/  Please help new listeners find the show. Leave a rating or review on your platform.
Where should we focus our district’s math PD goals for the rest of this year? Next year?
26-02-2024
Where should we focus our district’s math PD goals for the rest of this year? Next year?
Are you struggling to turn your ambitious math educational goals into tangible results in your classroom or district? Have you been asking: Where should I focus the efforts of my district math pd plan for the remainder of this year and following years?This episode of "Making Math Moments That Matter" is crucial for educators and district leaders of mathematics who are seeking practical strategies to elevate the impact of their teaching and planning. By focusing on goal setting and planning in mathematics education, it addresses the common challenge of aligning educational objectives with measurable outcomes, ensuring that your teaching methods lead to significant, positive changes in student learning and engagement.What you’ll learn: Insight into Effective Goal-Setting: Learn how to set precise, achievable objectives in your classroom, ensuring you're not overwhelmed while still making a significant impact.Strategies for Measuring Success: Discover how to define and measure key results, equipping you with tools to gauge the effectiveness of your teaching strategies accurately.Guidance on Prioritization and Focus: Gain an understanding of how to identify and concentrate on 'rocks' or major priorities, helping you to stay focused on what matters most in your educational journey.Listen to this episode now to transform your district math goals into measurable, impactful realities and start making math moments that truly matter.Resources: Make Math Moments District Math AssessmentMake Math Moments District Improvement ProgramMake Math Moments AcademyDistrict Math Leaders: How are you ensuring that you support those educators who need a nudge to spark a focus on growing their pedagogical-content knowledge? What about opportunities for those who are eager and willing to elevate their practice, but do not have the support? Book a call with our District Improvement Program Team to learn how we can not only help you craft, refine and implement your district math learning goals, but also provide all of the professional learning supports your educators need to grow at the speed of their learning. Book a short conversation with our team now. Empower Your Students (and Teachers) Using A Professional Learning Plan That Sparks Engagement, Fuels Deep Learning, and Ignites Action!https://makemathmoments.com/make-math-moments-district-mentorship-program/  Please help new listeners find the show. Leave a rating or review on your platform.
Navigating the Blend: Unifying Grades in Standards-Based Grading - A Math Mentoring Moment
19-02-2024
Navigating the Blend: Unifying Grades in Standards-Based Grading - A Math Mentoring Moment
Explore the often unspoken struggles that even seasoned math teachers encounter when grappling with concepts in middle and high school grades. Gain insights into the power of anecdotal assessments for both understanding students and refining your own assessment practices. Discover practical approaches to implementing standards-based grading without getting lost in individual grades, and unravel the true purpose behind assigning grades. In this Mentoring Moment episode we bring back Nicholas Rhodes to continue exploring his pebbles in Standards Based Grading. This is another Math Mentoring Moment episode where we chat with a teacher like you who is working through some problems of practice and together we brainstorm ways to overcome them. You’ll Learn: How even math teachers can still struggle to conceptually understand some of the mathematics we commonly share in middle and high school grades;Why anecdotally assessing where you believe students might be can be helpful to assess your own assessment practices;What is the best approach to attempting standards based grading without getting mixed up in all of the individual “grades”The true purpose of assigning grades; How we can redesign evaluations and assessments; Resources: Assessment For Growth: A Blueprint Course For Standards Based Grading in Math ClassMake Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & UnitsDistrict Math Leaders: How are you ensuring that you support those educators who need a nudge to spark a focus on growing their pedagogical-content knowledge? What about opportunities for those who are eager and willing to elevate their practice, but do not have the support? Book a call with our District Improvement Program Team to learn how we can not only help you craft, refine and implement your district math learning goals, but also provide all of the professional learning supports your educators need to grow at the speed of their learning. Book a short conversation with our team now. Empower Your Students (and Teachers) Using A Professional Learning Plan That Sparks Engagement, Fuels Deep Learning, and Ignites Action!https://makemathmoments.com/make-math-moments-district-mentorship-program/  Please help new listeners find the show. Leave a rating or review on your platform.
How To Consolidate & Close Your Building Thinking Classroom Lesson [Part 2]
12-02-2024
How To Consolidate & Close Your Building Thinking Classroom Lesson [Part 2]
As educators of mathematics around the world embrace the ideas shared in Building Thinking Classrooms, more and more students are being positioned to think collaboratively during math class instead of simply mimicking steps, rules, and procedures. While this shift in mathematics teaching practice is a massive leap in the right direction, our work does not stop once students solve the thinking task at hand. Rather, the real work for the facilitator now begins. Join Peter Liljedahl, Jon Orr, and Kyle Pearce from the opening session of the 2023 Make Math Moments Virtual Summit as they discuss one of the most important, yet often overlooked parts of an effective problem based mathematics lesson: the closing.This is part 2 of the hour-long Keynote session from this past year’s Virtual Summit in November. What You’ll Learn: Practical Strategies for Dynamic Teaching: Learn how to adapt your teaching style to meet the evolving needs of your students, ensuring that each lesson is as effective as possible.Deep Dive into Consolidation Techniques: Gain insights into powerful consolidation methods, such as gallery walks and group discussions, that can enhance student understanding of complex concepts.Innovative Note-Taking Approach: Discover a structured note-taking method that not only aids in student learning but also encourages active participation and reflection.Resources: 2023 Make Math Moments Virtual SummitMake Math Moments AcademyDistrict Math Leaders: How are you ensuring that you support those educators who need a nudge to spark a focus on growing their pedagogical-content knowledge? What about opportunities for those who are eager and willing to elevate their practice, but do not have the support? Book a call with our District Improvement Program Team to learn how we can not only help you craft, refine and implement your district math learning goals, but also provide all of the professional learning supports your educators need to grow at the speed of their learning. Book a short conversation with our team now. Empower Your Students (and Teachers) Using A Professional Learning Plan That Sparks Engagement, Fuels Deep Learning, and Ignites Action!https://makemathmoments.com/make-math-moments-district-mentorship-program/
The Crucial Role of Educational Leadership in Math - An Interview with Rob Baier
05-02-2024
The Crucial Role of Educational Leadership in Math - An Interview with Rob Baier
Curious about the transformative power of leadership in mathematics education? Ever felt the challenge of aligning your strategic plan when it seems like you're constantly putting out fires? Join us in this episode where we unravel the critical importance of seeking support in leadership roles and dive into a conversation with Rob Baier, Executive Director of Mathematics and STEM at Pittsburgh Public Schools.If you're an educator navigating the complexities of coaching, consulting, or directing, this episode is your guide. Rob Baier, co-host of the Debate Math Podcast, shares insights on staying aligned to your strategic plan amidst chaos, the significance of andragogy in leading mathematics educators, and the key to optimizing coaching and professional learning models.Gain a profound understanding of why seeking appropriate support is crucial for educators stepping into leadership roles.Discover the transformative potential of andragogy in leading mathematics educators, offering a fresh perspective for educational leaders.Uncover actionable insights on reviewing coaching models, ensuring they optimally serve educators, and staying aligned with district vision and strategic plans.Ready to elevate your leadership game in mathematics education? Click now to listen and lead with newfound passion and impact. Don't miss this chance to reshape your approach and empower both educators and students in your district!You’ll Learn: Why it is important for mathematics educators to seek out the appropriate support to take on leadership roles such as coaching, consulting, supervising, directing, etc.;Why mathematics leaders should consider studying and practicing andragogy in order to lead mathematics educators in their district; How reviewing your coaching and professional learning model on a regular basis will ensure it is optimally serving educators;How reviewing your curriculum resource and ensuring it supports the teaching of mathematics in a way that aligns with your district vision is critically important;How to stay aligned to your strategic plan for mathematics when you always feel like you’re putting out fires; and, As a leader how do we balance supporting teachers directly in a coaching role and trying to build capacity at scale in a district. Resources: Find Rob on X: @rob_baier Debate Math Podcast with Chris Luzniak and Rob BaierDistrict Math Leaders: How are you ensuring that you support those educators who need a nudge to spark a focus on growing their pedagogical-content knowledge? What about opportunities for those who are eager and willing to elevate their practice, but do not have the support? Book a call with our District Improvement Program Team to learn how we can not only help you craft, refine and implement your district math learning goals, but also provide all of the professional learning supports your educators need to grow at the speed of their learning. Book a short conversation with our team now. Empower Your Students (and Teachers) Using A Professional Learning Plan That Sparks Engagement, Fuels Deep Learning, and Ignites Action!https://makemathmoments.com/make-math-moments-district-mentorship-program/  Please help new listeners find the show. Leave a rating or review on your platform.
How To Consolidate & Close Your Building Thinking Classroom Lesson [Part 1]
29-01-2024
How To Consolidate & Close Your Building Thinking Classroom Lesson [Part 1]
As educators of mathematics around the world embrace the ideas shared in Building Thinking Classrooms, more and more students are being positioned to think collaboratively during math class instead of simply mimicking steps, rules, and procedures. While this shift in mathematics teaching practice is a massive leap in the right direction, our work does not stop once students solve the thinking task at hand. Rather, the real work for the facilitator now begins. Join Peter Liljedahl, Jon Orr, and Kyle Pearce from the opening session of the 2023 Make Math Moments Virtual Summit as they discuss one of the most important, yet often overlooked parts of an effective problem based mathematics lesson: the closing.This is part 1 of the hour-long Keynote session from this past year’s Virtual Summit in November. Look for part 2 in two weeks. What You’ll Learn: Gain insights into reevaluating traditional teaching methods and discover why "leveling to the top" might be holding back student engagement.Explore the power of the "Consolidating from the Bottom" strategy – a teaching approach designed to make lesson closure inclusive and effective for all students.Learn the art of responsive teaching, fostering flexibility in your lesson plans to create a dynamic, student-centered learning environment.Resources: 2023 Make Math Moments Virtual SummitMake Math Moments AcademyDistrict Math Leaders: How are you ensuring that you support those educators who need a nudge to spark a focus on growing their pedagogical-content knowledge? What about opportunities for those who are eager and willing to elevate their practice, but do not have the support? Book a call with our District Improvement Program Team to learn how we can not only help you craft, refine and implement your district math learning goals, but also provide all of the professional learning supports your educators need to grow at the speed of their learning. Book a short conversation with our team now. Empower Your Students (and Teachers) Using A Professional Learning Plan That Sparks Engagement, Fuels Deep Learning, and Ignites Action!https://makemathmoments.com/make-math-moments-district-mentorship-program/
Creating Safe and Equitable Math Classrooms - A Math Mentoring Moment
22-01-2024
Creating Safe and Equitable Math Classrooms - A Math Mentoring Moment
Have you ever wondered why creating a safe space for students in mathematics class is crucial? This episode of The Making Math Moments That Matter Podcast explores this question and unveils insights that will reshape the way you think about math education.In a world where educational equity is a pressing concern, ensuring that schools are safe places for students becomes paramount. This episode delves into the critical role of a safe environment, especially in mathematics classes. Discover how breaking free from over-generalizations can pave the way for equitable math lessons and why helping teachers build their math proficiency is key to fostering an inclusive classroom. Join us as we unravel the intricacies of these concepts and their real-world implications.Unlock the secrets to creating a safe and equitable math classroom by listening to the latest Make Math Moments episode now. Transform your approach to math education and contribute to fostering a positive and inclusive learning space for all students. Press play and embark on a journey to reshape math education today!You’ll Learn: Gain insights into why creating a safe space in math class is not just desirable but essential for student success and well-being.Learn practical strategies to help teachers break free from over-generalizations, creating math lessons that cater to diverse learning needs and backgrounds.Discover the importance of teachers' math proficiency and how empowering educators in this aspect can lead to a more equitable and supportive learning environment.Resources: Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & UnitsDistrict Math Leaders: How are you ensuring that you support those educators who need a nudge to spark a focus on growing their pedagogical-content knowledge? What about opportunities for those who are eager and willing to elevate their practice, but do not have the support? Book a call with our District Improvement Program Team to learn how we can not only help you craft, refine and implement your district math learning goals, but also provide all of the professional learning supports your educators need to grow at the speed of their learning. Book a short conversation with our team now. Empower Your Students (and Teachers) Using A Professional Learning Plan That Sparks Engagement, Fuels Deep Learning, and Ignites Action!https://makemathmoments.com/make-math-moments-district-mentorship-program/  Please help new listeners find the show. Leave a rating or review on your platform.
Can We Build A Thinking Classroom & Still Maintain Rigor - A Math Mentoring Moment
15-01-2024
Can We Build A Thinking Classroom & Still Maintain Rigor - A Math Mentoring Moment
Today we speak with Michael Finley, the academic dean for math and science at a K-12 independent school. Michael's staff is questioning their work in building thinking classrooms and how it serves high achieving students. Listen in as we brainstorm strategies to uncover micro moves and macro plans to build a classroom culture that allows a thinking classroom to emerge.  This is another Math Mentoring Moment episode where we chat with a teacher like you who is working through some problems of practice and together we brainstorm ways to overcome them. You’ll Learn: How to move quickly on a new initiative while ensuring all educators are coming along for the ride;Why facilitating a Thinking Classroom in mathematics effectively involves a significant amount of nuance;Why intentionality is even more important when facilitating a Thinking Classroom than it was when leading a gradual release of responsibility lesson;What is the true definition of rigor? Resources: Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & UnitsDistrict Math Leaders: How are you ensuring that you support those educators who need a nudge to spark a focus on growing their pedagogical-content knowledge? What about opportunities for those who are eager and willing to elevate their practice, but do not have the support? Book a call with our District Improvement Program Team to learn how we can not only help you craft, refine and implement your district math learning goals, but also provide all of the professional learning supports your educators need to grow at the speed of their learning. Book a short conversation with our team now. Empower Your Students (and Teachers) Using A Professional Learning Plan That Sparks Engagement, Fuels Deep Learning, and Ignites Action!https://makemathmoments.com/make-math-moments-district-mentorship-program/  Please help new listeners find the show. Leave a rating or review on your platform.
Are You Cleaning Up Messes That Haven't Happened Yet? - A Math Mentoring Moment
08-01-2024
Are You Cleaning Up Messes That Haven't Happened Yet? - A Math Mentoring Moment
Today we speak with Diana Worthen, a 10th grade math teacher from Denver Colorado. In our discussion we help to shake out a common pebble in an educator's shoes: How to keep students engaged during practice time. Stick around and you’ll hear why students tend to “shut down” after a teacher led lesson; how to be more targeted with your 1 on 1 support with your students; and how to structure your lessons to maximize engagement during your entire math block. This is another Math Mentoring Moment episode where we chat with a teacher like you who is working through some problems of practice and together we brainstorm ways to overcome them. You’ll Learn: Why students tend to “shut down” after a teacher led lesson;How to be more targeted with your 1 on 1 support with your students; and, How to structure your lessons to maximize engagement during your entire math block. Resources: Episode #158: Don’t Ditch Your Lesson Model; Reverse It! – A Math Mentoring Moment EpisodeEpisode #141: The Transition From Gradual Release to Problem Based LearningMake Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & UnitsDistrict Math Leaders: How are you ensuring that you support those educators who need a nudge to spark a focus on growing their pedagogical-content knowledge? What about opportunities for those who are eager and willing to elevate their practice, but do not have the support? Book a call with our District Improvement Program Team to learn how we can not only help you craft, refine and implement your district math learning goals, but also provide all of the professional learning supports your educators need to grow at the speed of their learning. Book a short conversation with our team now. Empower Your Students (and Teachers) Using A Professional Learning Plan That Sparks Engagement, Fuels Deep Learning, and Ignites Action!https://makemathmoments.com/make-math-moments-district-mentorship-program/  Please help new listeners find the show. Leave a rating or review on your platform.
The Pathway To Higher Achievement: A Conversation with Mike Lipnos
01-01-2024
The Pathway To Higher Achievement: A Conversation with Mike Lipnos
Join us for an uplifting conversation with Mike Lipnos, a middle school teacher and math coach from Ohio. In this episode Mike shares his experience and insights on helping teachers build ownership and agency for students in their mathematics classrooms. We discuss how some teacher moves ultimately shut the door on students seeking higher levels of mathematics, and how young people are thinking beings and are capable of doing high level thinking, even if a data point may say they are "low" and how having agency as a mathematician is going to be more impactful on humanizing mathematical experiences than the traditional “I do, we do, you do” model of math teaching.You’ll Learn: How some approaches to teaching mathematics can ultimately shut the door on students to seeking out higher levels of mathematics;Once you see student strategies and developmental approaches, you can’t unsee them;Why we need to be intentional about positioning ourselves as a co-learner instead of the expert in math class; and,How to teach the practice standards through content and not vice versa.Resources: Rethinking the gradual release model - An article from Tim McCaffrey.Mike Lipnos on X @mlipnos Mike Lipnos Email: mikelipnos.kidscan@gmail.comIllustrative MathematicsDistrict Math Leaders: How are you ensuring that you support those educators who need a nudge to spark a focus on growing their pedagogical-content knowledge? What about opportunities for those who are eager and willing to elevate their practice, but do not have the support? Book a call with our District Improvement Program Team to learn how we can not only help you craft, refine and implement your district math learning goals, but also provide all of the professional learning supports your educators need to grow at the speed of their learning. Book a short conversation with our team now. Empower Your Students (and Teachers) Using A Professional Learning Plan That Sparks Engagement, Fuels Deep Learning, and Ignites Action!https://makemathmoments.com/make-math-moments-district-mentorship-program/  Please help new listeners find the show. Leave a rating or review on your platform.
Storytelling and Conceptual Mastery in Mathematics Education with Shayla Heavner
25-12-2023
Storytelling and Conceptual Mastery in Mathematics Education with Shayla Heavner
Join us in the latest episode as we dive into the world of mathematics education with Shayla Heavner, the visionary founder of MathBait™. With over a decade of experience and a prestigious Sarah D. Barder Fellowship Award for teaching excellence under her belt, Shayla has been on a mission to revolutionize math education.As a certified online teacher and master reviewer for Quality Matters, Shayla shares insights on the significance of quality, highly engaging material that is accessible to all students. She explores the power of storytelling as a versatile tool across all levels of math education, shedding light on how it can not only captivate students but also serve as a gateway to deeper conceptual exploration.You’ll Learn: Why teaching for conceptual understanding first is critical to ensure students are empowered to reason and prove;Why storytelling is a powerful tool for all levels of mathematics education;Why there must be quality, Highly Engaging Material Accessible to ALL students;How can we use storytelling in an effective way to not only engage but lower the floor to dig into mathematics conceptually;Resources: www.MathBait.comhttps://bit.ly/numbervillehttps://www.facebook.com/mathbaithttps://www.instagram.com/mathbait/https://twitter.com/MathBait District Math Leaders: How are you ensuring that you support those educators who need a nudge to spark a focus on growing their pedagogical-content knowledge? What about opportunities for those who are eager and willing to elevate their practice, but do not have the support? Book a call with our District Improvement Program Team to learn how we can not only help you craft, refine and implement your district math learning goals, but also provide all of the professional learning supports your educators need to grow at the speed of their learning. Book a short conversation with our team now. Empower Your Students (and Teachers) Using A Professional Learning Plan That Sparks Engagement, Fuels Deep Learning, and Ignites Action!https://makemathmoments.com/make-math-moments-district-mentorship-program/
Evolving as an Educator: Journey to Demonstrating Mathematical Thinking - A Math Mentoring Moment
18-12-2023
Evolving as an Educator: Journey to Demonstrating Mathematical Thinking - A Math Mentoring Moment
In this where are they now mentoring moment episode we speak again with Adam Love; Adam joined us back on episode 120 when he was as first year teacher from Myrtle Beach South Carolina. 3 years later and a wealth of ideas, teaching strategies, and many lessons learned Adam is here to discuss how to help students show their thinking in multiple ways. This is another Math Mentoring Moment episode where we chat with a teacher like you who is working through some problems of practice and together we brainstorm ways to overcome them. You’ll Learn: How do I help students use models and strategies over the algorithms? How do I keep students on task when I’m working in small groups?Why you need to be crystal clear with expectations around demonstrating understanding.Resources: Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & UnitsDistrict Math Leaders: How are you ensuring that you support those educators who need a nudge to spark a focus on growing their pedagogical-content knowledge? What about opportunities for those who are eager and willing to elevate their practice, but do not have the support? Book a call with our District Improvement Program Team to learn how we can not only help you craft, refine and implement your district math learning goals, but also provide all of the professional learning supports your educators need to grow at the speed of their learning. Book a short conversation with our team now. Empower Your Students (and Teachers) Using A Professional Learning Plan That Sparks Engagement, Fuels Deep Learning, and Ignites Action!https://makemathmoments.com/make-math-moments-district-mentorship-program/  Please help new listeners find the show. Leave a rating or review on your platform.
When Calling Parents Isn’t Your Calling - An Interview With Crystal Frommert
11-12-2023
When Calling Parents Isn’t Your Calling - An Interview With Crystal Frommert
Get ready Math Moment Makers for a great “call” with Crystal Frommert, who will be sharing some great tips and strategies that we can put to use to promote productive conversations with parents - especially when the news isn’t necessarily positive. We’ve all been there before: a student is experiencing struggles in our math class and the time has come where we must make that informative call to ensure parents are in the know. Let’s reframe how we look at conversations with parents by leveraging some of the ideas that Crystal shares in her book, When Calling Parents Isn’t Your Calling. You’ll Learn: Why the first conversation you have with parents is an opportunity to ensure they know you have their child’s best interests in mind;What language swaps should educators being using to create a welcoming vibe; How to communicate a student’s mathematical progress to a parent/caregiver with clarity, empathy, and hope.Resources: Illustrative Mathematicshttps://twitter.com/mrs_frommert https://www.CrystalFrommert.com  District Math Leaders: How are you ensuring that you support those educators who need a nudge to spark a focus on growing their pedagogical-content knowledge? What about opportunities for those who are eager and willing to elevate their practice, but do not have the support? Book a call with our District Improvement Program Team to learn how we can not only help you craft, refine and implement your district math learning goals, but also provide all of the professional learning supports your educators need to grow at the speed of their learning. Book a short conversation with our team now. Empower Your Students (and Teachers) Using A Professional Learning Plan That Sparks Engagement, Fuels Deep Learning, and Ignites Action!https://makemathmoments.com/make-math-moments-district-mentorship-program/
Setting & Changing Your Goals - Discover What Matters Most!
04-12-2023
Setting & Changing Your Goals - Discover What Matters Most!
Are you on track to hit the goals you set out for yourself, your school, your district? It’s December, which often marks the half-way point of the school year and also a great time to check your progress on your program’s action plan. It’s quite likely that the busy-ness of school has taken you away from your intended focus on what really matters in your school or district’s math program. In this episode Kyle and Jon share why we need to define our objectives (Rocks) and how to stay focused when there are so many distractions that seem urgent so that when the end of the year comes we can look back to our progress and know that we’re moving toward our targets.You’ll Learn: Why we need to define what our “rocks” are and what matters most in our math programs;How to know when you’re focussing on the wrong things;  What we can do today to pivot and focus on the right things in our math classrooms; Why the biggest thing is to make the biggest thing the biggest thing. Resources: What Matters Most in a Successful Math Program - Workbook & WebinarTake the Make Math Moments Math Program Assessment Tool [Classroom Teacher & Leader Versions]Join the Academy - Free for 30 DaysDistrict Leader Resources:Take the Make Math Moments Math Program Assessment Tool The Make Math Moments District Planning Workbook [First 3 pages] Learn About Our District Improvement ProgramAre you a district mathematics leader interested in crafting a mathematics professional learning plan that will transform your district mathematics program forever? Book a time to chat with us!Other Useful Resources and Supports: Make Math Moments Framework [Blog Article]Make Math Moments Problem-Based Lessons & UnitsEmpower Your Students (and Teachers) Using A Professional Learning Plan That Sparks Engagement, Fuels Deep Learning, and Ignites Action!https://makemathmoments.com/make-math-moments-district-mentorship-program/