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 #434: When Early Strategies Are No Longer Working: Helping Students & Teachers Move Toward Efficiency in Math
What do you do when students keep using the same early math strategies—even when they no longer work? In this episode, the team tackles one of the most persistent barriers to fluency: student reliance on inefficient strategies. Hear real classroom examples and learn how teachers and leaders can support more flexible, confident thinking in math.
Episode #433: I Taught It… So Why Don’t They Remember?? Tackling Retention in Math From the District Office to the Classroom
Students forgetting what they’ve learned is a common math frustration—but it doesn’t have to be inevitable. In this episode, we share how one school team tackled the retention problem by identifying high-leverage concepts, adjusting pacing, and using mixed practice and cumulative assessments. A must-listen for teachers and leaders looking to make a lasting impact.
Episode #432: Helping Teachers Move Beyond the Algorithm in Math Instruction: Resistance to Teaching Multiple Strategies in Math
Many schools want students to be fluent with math operations—but what happens when teachers resist the very strategies that build fluency? In this episode, we follow a school team working to shift instructional beliefs, use staff meetings for real learning, and create space for math epiphanies that change practice. A must-listen for any leader supporting fluency.
Episode #431: How Do We Help Our Multi-Language Learners Thrive in Math
When multi-language learners struggle in math, the issue often isn’t math ability—it’s access. In this episode, we share how one school team is confronting the equity gap head-on. You’ll hear how they’re using data, teacher voice, and a dilemma protocol to move from awareness to action. If you’re supporting instruction for MLs, this episode offers practical insight and encouragement.
Episode #430: Essential Math Coaching: The Highest Leveraged Move You Can Make For Math Improvement
Math leaders often invest heavily in professional development—but still don’t see real change in classrooms. In this episode, Jon unpacks why great PD often falls flat, and how instructional math coaching bridges the knowing-doing gap. You’ll learn what the research says about sustainable math improvement and how coaching can create the consistency and momentum districts are looking for.
Episode #429: Why “Fidelity” Might Be Hurting Your Momentum In Math Improvement
What happens when curriculum fidelity becomes a barrier to deep learning? In this episode, our team reflects on a key moment from Dr. Crystal Watson’s summit presentation—and why it’s shifting how we think about supporting math teachers. If you’re a district or school leader wrestling with the tension between curriculum guidance and teacher autonomy, this is the conversation you’ve been waiting for.
Episode #428: From AI to Joyful Math Teaching: Ideas You Can Use Tomorrow
Explore key takeaways from the 7th annual Make Math Moments Virtual Summit, where over 19,000 educators gathered to reflect on what really works in math education. This episode dives into standout sessions covering AI-enhanced lesson planning, motivation without bribes, and strategies for rebuilding joy in math classrooms.
Episode #427: From Math Overload to Alignment: A Mentoring Moment for Leaders
In this Mentoring Moment episode, a math coordinator grapples with scattered priorities, disconnected PD, and the pressure to support every school’s math needs. Listen in as we unpack how focusing on one math goal can bring clarity, alignment, and real impact across a system.
Episode #426: Inside One District’s Journey to Define Math Critical Thinking
Many districts name critical thinking in their math vision, but what does that actually look like in classrooms? In this episode, we follow one leadership team’s journey to define and foster real math thinking across their schools. Learn how shared experiences and reflection are helping them bring clarity and coherence to their vision for math teaching and learning.
Episode #425: Is Critical Thinking Just a Buzzword in Your Math Action Plans?
Many math visions prioritize critical thinking, but does everyone on your team truly understand what that looks like in the math classroom? In this episode, we unpack what focused critical thinking really means, why it’s so often misunderstood, and how one film inspired us to revisit the systems and beliefs that shape student thinking.
STAY IN THE LOOP:
JOIN THE COMMUNITY
KYLE PEARCE & JON ORR
