BE A GUEST ON OUR SHOW!
What Is The Making Math Moments That Matter Podcast?
In a nutshell, we want The Making Math Moments That Matter Podcast to be a resource that all educators who teach mathematics can turn to in order to learn from others in the mathematics education space. Each episode typically involves Jon and I conversing about ideas in math teaching and learning, Math Mentoring Moments with teachers who join us on the show for a coaching call, and interviews with influencers in the mathematics education space.
We would love to explore your story in mathematics education, the challenges you may have experienced along the way, and the current projects you are currently working on to raise awareness of all the great things happening with our Math Moment Maker Community of listeners.
If you want to get more of a feel for the style of the show, you can listen to previous episodes right from this webpage or, take them with you by listening in on all common podcast platforms such as iTunes, Google Play, and Spotify.
Interview Structure
Each interview is intended to be a free-flowing conversation.
However, early in the call we like to help listeners get a better sense of your story. This will include these three questions early on in the conversation:
- Tell us a little about yourself. What’s your math teaching story/journey?
- What inspired you to become a math educator / researcher / involved in mathematics education?
- When you think back to your own education experience, what memorable math moment has stuck with you?
Framing how you might respond to each of those three (3) questions ahead of time can be helpful for making things flow into the next section of the chat.
We then typically send you some high-level questions related to your specific work ahead of time. The conversation will dictate which pre-planned questions we discuss in the interview as well as any new questions that might arise.
Share Your Current Work
Consider your work and what might provide value for the Math Moment Maker Community:
- Are you currently promoting a book?
- Releasing a new podcast?
- Publishing a new research paper?
- Launching a new project or tool?
- Something else?
Be ready to share details with our audience (i.e.: website url, social media handle(s), etc.) to ensure they know where they can learn more about you and your work.
If interested, we would be happy to run a contest for a copy of your new book, resource, tool, etc.
Just let us know!
Interview Logistical Details
To ensure you have what you need to connect with us for an interview, we’ve created a list of the most important details:
- The interview will be audio only conducted via a web based tool called Zencastr via a link we would send in a follow-up email.
- The total time commitment would be approximately one hour.
- Secure yourself a microphone that connects to your computer. You don’t need to buy one at all if you have earbuds with a microphone attached. (For example I use the pair of earbuds that came with my iPhone). Note that sometimes bluetooth headsets can cause problems with delay, sound quality, etc. We’d recommend getting “wired in” if you can.
- Try to avoid using a tablet or Chromebook for this call. Our recording software isn’t a big fan of them and does much better with a desktop or laptop as the audio is recorded locally in your own computer web browser.
- Ensure that at the time of the call you are connected to high speed internet and using an updated web browser like Google Chrome or Firefox. Sadly, Internet Explorer and Safari don’t play well with our recording software.
Don’t hesitate to contact us if any of this is unclear or if you have additional questions about compatible technology.
We’d love to help!
NEXT STEPS…
Are you interested in joining us for an interview?
Contact us and we’ll send on our booking calendar to reserve you a date and time that works best for you!
Listen To Our Recent Episodes:
Episode #417: Why Your Math Mentorship Model Isn’t Working — Insights from Jim Strachan
Many school and district leaders are investing in math coaching and mentorship—but struggling to see the impact. In this episode, Jim Strachan shares what’s often missing from well-intentioned support systems and how to build mentorship that’s rooted in trust, responsive feedback, and lasting growth.
Episode #416: Making Durable Decisions in Math Leadership | A Sustainable Math Practice Case Study
In this episode, we revisit the balance between fidelity and flexibility in math improvement. Learn from district examples, research, and Janice Fraser’s leadership motions how to commit deeply without slipping into rigidity.
Episode #415: When Fidelity in Math Improvement Turns Into Rigidity & How To Avoid This Costly Mistake
How can math leaders implement new practices with fidelity—without slipping into rigidity? In this episode, we explore research from Janice Fraser to show how durable decisions, flexible mindsets, and “strong beliefs, loosely held” keep math improvement focused, effective, and adaptable.
Episode #414: How to Sequence Math Tasks: Thin Slicing in BTC (Building Thinking Classrooms) Explained by Peter Liljedahl and Kyle Webb
Discover how Peter Liljedahl and Kyle Webb break down thin slicing in Building Thinking Classrooms. Learn practical strategies to better sequence tasks, engage all learners, and avoid common teaching pitfalls—whether you’re new to BTC or ready to level up.
Episode #413: When Tools Steal Thinking: Rethinking Technology Use in Math
When should calculators be used in middle school math? In this episode, we unpack when calculators are helpful accommodations and when they undermine student learning by removing cognitive demand.
Episode #412: Going Narrow in Math Improvement: A Practical Playbook from One District
Discover how one district gained traction by going narrow with math improvement— focusing resources, building bright spots, and sustaining change.
Episode #411: Fear, Pressure, and the Struggle to Truly Commit to Math Priorities
In this episode, we share the story of a district leader who identified her Bridges—mentors and department chairs—and is building their capacity in two key ways: understanding math discourse deeply and positioning them as instructional leaders.
Episode #410: Beating Initiative Fatigue: How to Filter Math PD Opportunities without Overwhelm
How can math leaders stay focused on district objectives while still embracing new PD opportunities? In this episode, we share strategies to avoid initiative fatigue while opening the door to meaningful math learning.
Episode #409: How AI Can Help Math Teachers Differentiate Instruction for Every Learner
Discover how Dr. Nicki Newton is reimagining K–8 math classrooms with AI. Learn how teachers can use AI to plan smarter lessons, support multilingual learners, analyze student work, and boost engagement.
Episode #408: Why Systemic Change in Math Fails Without the Right Bridges in Place
In this episode, we share the story of a district leader who identified her Bridges—mentors and department chairs—and is building their capacity in two key ways: understanding math discourse deeply and positioning them as instructional leaders.
STAY IN THE LOOP:
JOIN THE COMMUNITY
KYLE PEARCE & JON ORR
