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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 #407: Why Math Improvement Efforts Stall Without Clear Bridges
Without Bridges—principals, coaches, and teacher-leaders—math improvement goals risk staying abstract. In this episode, we unpack who the Bridges are, what support they need, and how to equip them to bring district objectives to life at the school level.
Episode #406: How Time Debt Is Derailing Your Math Leadership Goals
Feeling stuck in constant crisis mode as a math leader? Discover how to shift from reactive to strategic using the “priority fund” mindset, the rocks-in-the-jar method, and the If-Then-How planning framework to protect time for what truly drives impact.
Episode #405: How To Teach Multi-Digit Multiplication
Multiplication is one of the biggest stumbling blocks for teachers and students alike—especially with 2- and 3-digit numbers. In this episode, we unpack why it’s such a challenge and share strategies that build deep understanding through composing, decomposing, and models like arrays.
Episode #404: Making Math Progress Visible: The B+ Approach to School Math Improvement
Discover why aiming for B+ work—not perfection—can accelerate math improvement in schools. Learn how to define realistic goals, build progress continuums, and create real momentum district-wide.
Episode #403: Rich Tasks vs. Gradual Release: Do We Have to Choose?
In this episode, we unpack a common tension in math instruction: should lessons begin with direct instruction, or with student sense-making? We explore the research, address misconceptions about explicit teaching, and share why problem-based learning unlocks deeper mathematical understanding
Episode #402: Why District Math Plans Fall Flat Without School-Level Action
In this episode, we explore why bringing the roadmap for district math improvement down to the school level—sooner rather than later—is critical for lasting math success. It’s time to align big-picture system goals with school-level action.
Episode #401: It’s Not Either-Or: Building a Math Classroom That Has It All
A teacher asked us a fair question: “If direct instruction and practice are working, why change?” In this episode, we unpack how purposeful practice, rich tasks, and number talks can work together—not compete—in a balanced math program.
Episode #400: From Lofty to Laser-Focused: Unpacking One District’s Math Improvement Plan
In this episode, we unpack how one district is setting themselves up for success this year by focusing their math improvement plan. Learn how they moved from three broad objectives to one clear math priority, with short-term goals that keep progress measurable and manageable.
Episode #399: Building a Math Culture with Board Games: Standards for Mathematical Practice in Action
In this episode, we explore how board games can be a powerful tool for developing mathematical thinking, strengthening foundational skills, and reinforcing the process expectations—from problem solving to reflecting and communicating. Plus, hear which games Yvette’s family is loving during their summer board game marathon!
Episode #398: Building Coherence Between Math Coaches, Principals, and Teachers
In this episode, we debrief the article Coaching for Coherence: How Instructional Coaches Lead Change in the Evaluation Era by Woulfin & Rigby (2017) and explore how districts can position math coaching as a trusted tool for growth—not compliance.
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KYLE PEARCE & JON ORR
