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Episode Summary:

Ever feel like your role as a math coordinator is more about putting out fires than making real instructional progress?

In this episode, we dive into the struggles many coordinators face when urgent distractions pull them away from their goals—helping you regain control of your time and refocus on what matters: building teacher capacity and improving student outcomes in math.

Resources:

• Assessment For Growth: A Blueprint Course For Standards Based Grading in Math Class
• Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & Units

Attention District Math Leaders:

K-12 Math Coordinators, Coaches, Directors and Math Leaders. Get Professional Development Support from Make Math Moments

Learn how you can create, coordinate, and implement an aligned school and district math action plan for improved student success. 

So that you can create long term sustainable student success in mathematics and proficiently & pedagogically strong educators.

Book a call with us 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. 

Episode Summary:

Have you ever been part of a math PD session or math coaching session where negativity takes over, and instead of engaging in productive conversation or meaningful learning, the entire meeting becomes a venting session? 

It’s a common pitfall: challenges and frustrations take center stage, and progress gets sidelined. While it’s important to acknowledge difficulties, too much focus on the negative can derail the whole purpose of the meeting.

We know that negativity breeds more negativity, but with the right approach, we can set a positive tone that maximizes mathematics learning, collaboration, and progress.

Starting on a Positive Note

A great way to avoid negativity from dominating the session is by starting on a positive note. Research shows that engaging participants early on in math PD sessions encourages active involvement, helping to prevent a passive “sit-and-get” dynamic.

To do this, prompt participants to talk right from the beginning, but with a focus on wins and celebrations. 

By shining a light on successes, participants are more likely to be inspired and motivated. This not only energizes the session but also showcases practical examples of how things can work, providing real-life evidence to others who may be struggling.

Questions to Spark Positivity

Here are a few questions to kickstart the conversation and spark positivity:

• “What has been really successful for you in the past week?”
• “Share a celebration around how you implemented this new tool.”

By getting participants to share successes, you create a space where others can see what’s possible. Hearing colleagues talk about what’s working can be the nudge needed to encourage those who might be hesitant to take that first step. Sometimes, the most convincing argument comes not from the facilitator but from peers who are seeing real results.

Framing Conversations Around Ideals

Another way to set a positive tone is by framing the conversation around ideals rather than obstacles. One effective method is the magic wand question:

“If you could wave a magic wand, what would you see happening in math classrooms consistently?”

Alternatively, you could ask:
“What would it look like or sound like if this tool or strategy was working successfully?”

These types of questions open the floor for participants to imagine best-case scenarios and help them visualize positive outcomes.

Addressing Challenges with an Asset-Based Approach

Although it’s important to acknowledge the challenges participants face, it’s helpful to approach them in a way that inspires problem-solving rather than dwelling on the negatives. Asking asset-based questions, such as “What would the ideal classroom look like?” naturally brings challenges to light, but it frames them in a forward-thinking way. This approach helps participants move from frustration to action.

Building a Positive and Collaborative Culture

At the heart of any productive mathematics PD session is a positive culture. As facilitators, it’s essential to create a learning environment that supports collaboration, trust, and positivity. When participants feel safe to share ideas, ask questions, and offer feedback, the conversation stays focused on learning and growth.

Culture is key. By establishing the right conditions for a productive and positive learning space, you’ll maximize the time spent in the session and ensure that everyone stays on track toward the shared goals. A positive, collaborative environment doesn’t just happen—it’s something that facilitators actively create by guiding the conversation in the right direction.

Shifting the Mindset of the Group

While it’s crucial to ensure that participants feel heard and that their real challenges around mathematics education are acknowledged, it’s important to prevent negativity from dominating the session. 

With thoughtful planning and a focus on positivity, facilitators of effective mathematics PD sessions can steer clear of this pitfall. 

By starting on a positive note, emphasizing what’s possible rather than what’s not, and fostering a culture of trust and collaboration, you create an environment that’s both productive and inspiring.

Shifting the group’s mindset around positivity in mathematics learning sets the stage for meaningful discussions, active engagement, and lasting progress. 

Ultimately, fostering positivity in your sessions isn’t just about creating a feel-good atmosphere—it’s about cultivating the right conditions for genuine learning and meaningful change.

FULL TRANSCRIPT

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