We welcome Lisa Marentette onto the podcast to discuss how to transition from 9 years in the Kindergarten classroom environment into the grade 2 classroom.

After so many years in the Kindergarten classroom, she wonders what changes she needs to make to the structure of her mathematics program to “fit” the grade 2 classroom environment and how she can ensure that all students leave her class well-positioned to tackle the math challenges that lay before them in grade 3.

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. If you have a math class “pebble in your shoe” you’d like to work through, take less than 2 minutes to book a Math Mentoring Moment Call with us and before you know it, you’ll be on a call with us to chat all things math!

In this episode we bring back on the podcast for the third time the godfather of the Thinking Classroom Peter Liljedahl. We spoke with Peter way back on episode 21 of the podcast about how he built the components of the thinking classroom, episode 98 on group work and how to choose tasks, and in this episode Peter breaks down the three components of closing your lessons so students walk away feeling confident and connected to the learning that took place.

In our latest episode, we dive into a topic of utmost importance: maintaining a harmonious equilibrium between achieving success and nurturing your well being as an educator. Join us as we explore invaluable insights that equip you with the tools to avoid burnout while making strides in your teaching journey.
Discover the art of sustaining the energy required to be an effective math teacher. We unravel practical strategies to strike a balance between the demands of teaching and preserving your own vitality, ensuring a sustainable and fulfilling career.
Learn the liberating lesson of acknowledging that you don’t have to do everything at all times. We delve into the power of setting realistic expectations and making peace with prioritization, freeing you from the burden of unnecessary stress.
Fuel your motivation to aim higher by forging a support network that uplifts you. Uncover the transformative influence of surrounding yourself with like-minded peers who share your ambitions, providing a nurturing environment to nurture your teaching fire.

This week, California high school mathematics teacher leader Giovanni Patalano returns to continue where we left off last time. While his goal is still clear in that he strives to assist in pushing practice forward in his school and across the district, today we dig into where that work might begin to ensure that there is enough alignment across his team.
Should Gio and his colleagues dig into filling the gap in the canopy of their mathematics program tree by investigating a common curriculum resource or might they begin in the branches, tinkering with different pedagogical practices to seek out small wins?
This is another Math Mentoring Moment Episode where we speak with a member of the Math Moment Maker Community where together we brainstorm strategies and next steps for teachers to overcome pebbles they have in their shoe by growing all six parts of their Mathematics Program.

Today you’ll hear from Yvette Lehman, an elementary educator from Windsor, Ontario. Yvette is a Primary and Junior Division Teacher Consultant for the Greater Essex County Board of Education and if the name seems familiar then you’re right, we have referenced Yvette’s work numerous times here on the podcast as she’s also a colleague of Kyle’s and a fantastic part of the Make Math Moments curriculum writing team and presented numerous times at the annual Make Math Moments Virtual Summit.
Our conversation kicks off by unraveling the essential qualities of district leaders of mathematics. Discover why being bold, focused, and mathematically proficient is crucial for driving transformative change in math instruction across districts. You’ll gain valuable strategies and perspectives that position leaders to create a lasting impact on math education.
Yvette shares how recognizing the challenges teachers face is vital to supporting their growth. We delve into how educators can identify when they are feeling overwhelmed and drowning in their responsibilities and we uncover effective ways leaders can offer assistance and resources, ensuring teachers feel supported and empowered to navigate their teaching journey successfully.
Let’s get ready to dive in.

This week we spoke with Lauren Sawyer, a middle school math teacher from the Chicago area. Lauren has been implementing Peter Lilijedahl’s work Building Thinking Classrooms and is trying to find the right balance between collaborative work and individual think time.

In this episode we help Lauren limit the illusion of understanding students may get when students are working in groups, determining the right time to schedule individual think time in her lessons, and how she can truly assess her 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. If you have a math class “pebble in your shoe” you’d like to work through, take less than 2 minutes to book a Math Mentoring Moment Call with us and before you know it, you’ll be on a call with us to chat all things math!

In this “Where are they now” Math Mentoring Moment Episode, we bring back Jeremy Sarzana, a high school math teacher at a Vocational High School in Boston, Massachusetts.

Jeremy shares concerns over how to keep “flow” in his math classes when many of his students are engaging at varying levels.

Stick around to hear Jeremey realize how to plan beyond the lesson of the day to ensure he’s meeting the needs of all his 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.

Today we’re releasing a replay episode where we spoke with Nick Rhodes who has been teaching online in one of the largest cyber schools in America. Nick shares his story from transforming from a rock band front man to working in accounting to teaching math to being a founding member of our Make Math Moments Academy to becoming a rockstar online teacher! Nick wonders how to adjust his assessment practices so they line up with his problem based approach to teaching.

This is another Math Mentoring Moment episode where we talk with a member of the Math Moment Maker Community who is working through struggles and together we brainstorm possible next steps and strategies to overcome them.

In this “Where Are They Now?” episode, we reconnect with Tom Marker, a dedicated 6th grade teacher from Ohio, who continues to inspire us with his dedication to improving his teaching strategies.
We dive into another conversation with Tom where we tackle:
Helping Students Break Away from Calculator Reliance: Tom explores effective strategies to liberate students from overreliance on calculators. Discover how he empowers his students to develop mental math skills, fostering a deep understanding of numerical concepts and building confidence in their own mathematical abilities.
Nurturing Curiosity for Lifelong Learning: As educators, it is crucial to cultivate and sustain students’ natural curiosity for learning. Tom shares his insights on how to keep that flame alive, ensuring students remain engaged, motivated, and eager to explore the fascinating world of mathematics.
Embracing Flexibility for Strengthened Number Sense: By encouraging students to embrace flexibility in their problem-solving approaches, Tom unveils the transformative power of fostering a strong number sense. Explore how this flexibility enhances students’ mathematical reasoning, adaptability, and overall problem-solving skills.
Building Confidence through Problem Strings: Tom takes us on a journey into the world of problem strings—a powerful tool he employs to boost students’ confidence in mathematics. Learn how problem strings can provide students with a supportive and structured environment, allowing them to tackle progressively challenging problems while fostering a growth mindset.
With each passing episode, Tom Marker continues to inspire educators, parents, and learners alike, offering practical advice and unique perspectives on mathematics education. Join us as we delve deeper into his ongoing successes, challenges, and the transformative impact he continues to have in his classroom and beyond.
Tune in to this engaging follow-up episode as we embark on a riveting conversation with Tom Marker, dedicated to unleashing the full potential of our students through innovative math education strategies.

This is another Math Mentoring Moment episode where we talk with a member of the Math Moment Maker Community who is working through problems of practice and together we brainstorm possible next steps and strategies to overcome them.

Join us in our latest podcast episode as we dive into an important discussion about improving mathematics instruction and ensuring accessibility for all students. In this episode, we reflect on the common tendency to focus solely on students who are struggling or behind in math, neglecting those who are “lost in the middle” or above grade level but lacking appropriate support and differentiation.
We explore how we can broaden our definition of differentiation to encompass all students, regardless of their current level of achievement. We also delve into the concept of low floor, high ceiling lessons and how they can effectively serve all learners. Additionally, we address the importance of supporting motivated students in grades 6 to 12 who often find themselves navigating their learning independently.