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Modern Math Teacher- Teaching Strategies for High School and Middle School Math Teachers
Modern Math Teacher- Teaching Strategies for High School and Middle School Math Teachers
The Modern Math Teacher podcast helps 6-12 grade math educators make math class more engaging and relevant for students. Host Kristen Moore, a high school algebra teacher, shares quick, practical episodes on Project Based Learning, student-centered teaching strategies, AI and technology integration in lesson planning, and ways to boost student engagement without teacher burnout. New episodes are released every Tuesday, and listeners are invited to join The Modern Math Teachers Community on Facebook for further discussion and support.
Episodes
204 Math Projects Don’t Have to Replace Your Curriculum
Let’s chat—send me a text!You don’t need to find an empty week in your pacing guide to use a math project.In this episode, we’re looking at three ways projects can fit into the mathematics you’re already teaching:Investigate with math → Election Data + StatisticsMake a decision with math → Pitch ProfitPractice through a meaningful product → Stained GlassProjects don’t have to replace your instruct
203 Real isn't Relevant: What Really Matters when Teaching Math
Let’s chat—send me a text!We hear it all the time: Make math real-world.But real-world doesn’t automatically mean relevant.In this episode, I’m sharing how one of my favorite cell phone projects slowly lost its relevance—and what it taught me about choosing contexts that actually matter to the students sitting in front of us.We’ll talk about:The difference between real-world and relevant mathMy Sp
202 The Math Comes First: How to Keep PBL Rigorous
Let’s chat—send me a text!“Projects sound great…but when are students actually learning the math?”That’s a fair question—and the answer isn’t simply putting more calculations into the project.In this episode, we’re talking about how to intentionally keep deep, rigorous mathematics at the center of PBL using one of my favorite project-design tools: milestones and milestone markers.Using my Wasted S
201 No Time for PBL? How to Make Math Projects Fit Your Curriculum
Let’s chat—send me a text!You Don’t Need Three Weeks for PBL“I’d love to do more projects…but I just don’t have time.”If that sounds familiar, this episode is for you.Because somewhere along the way, we started assuming that good project-based learning has to mean a massive, multi-week project complete with research, presentations, fancy final products, and approximately 47 things for the teacher
200 Episodes Later: I’m Not the Same Math Teacher
Let’s chat—send me a text!Two hundred episodes ago, I thought I had a much clearer idea of what kind of math teacher I was.I was a project-based learning teacher.Since then, I’ve taught using the Modern Classrooms framework. I’ve embraced Building Thinking Classrooms. I’ve changed the way I think about mastery and assessment. Now I’m teaching with Illustrative Mathematics and falling in love with
199 Math Project or More Practice? Stop Making It an Either/Or
Let’s chat—send me a text!When Should You Use Math Projects? 4 Signs a Topic Is Ready for PBLNot every math standard needs a project.Yep. I said it.Sometimes students need an authentic problem to solve, decisions to make, and an opportunity to actually USE the mathematics they're learning.And sometimes? They need practice.In this episode of The Modern Math Teacher, we're talking about ho
198 You’re Probably Closer Than You Think
Let’s chat—send me a text! What if creating more meaningful learning experiences in your math classroom didn’t require completely changing the way you teach?Because when teachers hear “project-based learning,” it can feel like a complete classroom makeover.Rewrite every unit. Redesign your curriculum. Stop giving direct instruction. Turn everything into a project.Nope.In this episode of The Modern
197 Stop Planning Lessons. Start Designing Learning Experiences.
Let’s chat—send me a text!What if the biggest shift you could make this school year wasn't changing your curriculum—but changing the way you think about planning?In this episode, I share the mindset shift that has transformed my classroom. Instead of asking, "What activity should I do?" I now start with a much different question: "What experience do I want my students to have?&
196 So...What Is a Modern Math Teacher?
Let’s chat—send me a text!Being a Modern Math Teacher isn't about using the newest technology or following every educational trend.It's about intentionally designing learning experiences that help every student think deeply, feel like they belong, and see themselves as capable mathematicians.In this episode, I reflect on five beliefs that have transformed my own classroom and explain why
195 Your Curriculum Isn't the Problem
Let’s chat—send me a text!Have you ever felt like your curriculum was holding you back?You're not alone—but what if the curriculum isn't actually the problem?In this episode, I share how my perspective on curriculum has evolved and why I no longer believe great teaching comes from finding the "perfect" textbook. Instead, I explain how small, intentional instructional decisions
194 Stop Trying to Be the Pinterest Teacher
Let’s chat—send me a text!Have you ever felt like every lesson has to be bigger, better, and more engaging than the last?I know I have.In this episode, I share how I fell into the trap of trying to create extraordinary lessons every day—and why shifting my focus to sustainable teaching practices completely changed my classroom.We'll talk about routines, instructional systems, decision fatigue
193 The Biggest Lie We've Been Told About Rigor
Let’s chat—send me a text!For years, I believed rigorous math instruction meant harder problems, longer assignments, and more work.I don't believe that anymore.In this episode, I share how my definition of rigor has changed, why cognitive demand isn't the same thing as difficulty, and how I intentionally design lessons that promote deeper mathematical thinking without overwhelming studen
192 Your First Five Days Matter More Than Your Next Five Months
Let’s chat—send me a text!The first week of school isn't just about procedures, seating charts, and syllabus review. It's when students begin forming beliefs about what mathematics feels like—and who they believe they are as mathematicians.In this episode, I share how my thinking about the first week has changed over the years, why students walk into our classrooms carrying mathematical
191 When My Favorite Math Project Stopped Working
Let’s chat—send me a text!One of my favorite classroom projects completely stopped working—and it ended up becoming one of the most important lessons of my teaching career.In this episode, I share the story of a once-successful cell phone plan project that unexpectedly fell flat and how it completely changed the way I think about designing meaningful mathematics.We'll explore why real and rel
Just-in-Time Math Intervention with Juliana Tapper
Let’s chat—send me a text!What if math intervention didn’t mean going back three grade levels and trying to fill every gap a student has before they’re allowed to move forward?In this episode of The Modern Math Teacher, I’m joined by my friend and math intervention expert Juliana Tapper, author of Teaching 6–12 Math Intervention: A Practical Framework to Engage Students Who Struggle, to talk about
What Happens When the Math Teacher Needs Math Therapy? with Vanessa Vakharia
Let’s chat—send me a text!We spent the summer reading Math Therapy together—and now we’re sitting down with the author herself, Vanessa Vakharia, to talk about what happens when we take these ideas off the page and into our classrooms.And, apparently, what happens when the math teacher needs a little Math Therapy of her own.In this conversation, Vanessa and I start by talking about how Math Therap
188 You Don't Have to Become a Different Teacher
Let’s chat—send me a text!After four weeks of reading Math Therapy together, we've reached the final chapter—and it ends with a powerful reminder.You don't have to become a different teacher.You simply have to become a more intentional version of the teacher you already are.In this episode, I reflect on the biggest lessons from the book, how my own classroom plans have evolved, and why h
187 Does Your Grading System Match Your Growth Mindset?
Let’s chat—send me a text!We often tell students:"Progress matters more than perfection."But does our assessment system communicate the same message?In this episode, we're continuing our Math Therapy summer book study with Chapter 7, where Vanessa Vakharia explores the connection between assessment, growth mindset, and mathematical identity.This chapter challenged me to reflect on m
186 Rewrite the Story. Rewire the Brain.
Let’s chat—send me a text!How do students begin to see themselves differently in mathematics?In this episode, we're continuing our Math Therapy summer book study with Chapter 6: Makeover.This chapter may be the most personal one yet. It challenged me to reflect on my own math story and reminded me that students don't simply need better grades—they need opportunities to build a healthier
185 Students Aren't Asking "When Will I Use This?" They're Asking "Why Should I Care?"
Let’s chat—send me a text!What if we've been answering one of our students' most common questions the wrong way?When students ask:"When am I ever going to use this?"they're often not asking about future careers.They're asking something much deeper:"Why should I care?"In this episode, we're continuing our summer Math Therapy book study with Chapter 5: Mo
184 We Don't Need to Lower Expectations. We Need to Lower the Threat.
Let’s chat—send me a text!How do we create a classroom where students feel safe enough to struggle?In this episode, we're continuing our summer Math Therapy book study with Chapter 4: Moderate.This chapter challenged me to rethink the difference between mathematical challenge and emotional threat. Productive struggle is an essential part of learning mathematics—but unnecessary fear, embarrass
183 Mythbusting the Biggest Lies Students Believe About Math
Let’s chat—send me a text!What does it actually mean to be good at math?If you asked your students that question, what would they say?In this episode, we're continuing our summer book study of Math Therapy by Vanessa Vakharia and diving into Chapter 3: Mythbust.While growth mindset may not be the educational buzzword it once was, the ideas behind it remain incredibly important. Students canno
182 What Is Math Therapy? (And Why You're Probably Already Doing It)
Let’s chat—send me a text!Welcome back to our summer Math Therapy book study series!This week we're discussing Chapter 2 and exploring a question many teachers may be asking:What exactly is math therapy?One of the biggest takeaways from this chapter is that math therapy isn't about becoming a licensed therapist. Instead, it's about becoming more intentional about the human side of m
181 Math Trauma, Teen Talk Barbie, and the Myth of the "Math Person"
Let’s chat—send me a text!This week, we're kicking off our summer book study of Math Therapy by Vanessa Vakharia.Rather than providing a chapter-by-chapter summary, this series is designed as a conversation around the ideas that resonate most, the questions they raise, and how they might influence our classroom practices.In Chapter 1, one idea kept surfacing again and again:The stories we tel
180 Listener Q&A: PBL, Building Thinking Classrooms, Real-World Data & More!
Let’s chat—send me a text!You asked, I answered!In this special Listener Q&A episode of The Modern Math Teacher, I'm tackling some of your biggest questions about project-based learning, Building Thinking Classrooms, real-world math connections, and professional learning.Whether you're just getting started with PBL or looking for new ways to make your math classroom more engaging, th
179 Why Support Doesn't Lower Rigor in Math Class
Let’s chat—send me a text!Struggle Is Learning. Drowning Is Not.One of the biggest lessons I've learned this year is that not all struggle is productive.As math teachers, we want students to wrestle with ideas, persevere through challenges, and make sense of mathematics. But there's a fine line between productive struggle and overwhelming frustration.In this episode, we're exploring
178 Should Honors Math Be Different? Here's What I'm Wrestling With
Let’s chat—send me a text!What I'm Still Figuring Out About Teaching Honors MathAfter more than 15 years in the classroom, I'm about to do something new:Teach Honors Algebra 2 and Grade-Level Algebra 2 at the same time.And honestly?I'm still figuring out what that should look like.In this episode, I'm sharing the questions I've been wrestling with as I prepare for next yea
177 The Best Technology in Math Class Isn't Always New Technology
Let’s chat—send me a text!Are we using technology because it improves learning—or because it's available?After reflecting on student engagement, Chromebook fatigue, and intentional lesson design, I've been rethinking how technology fits into my math classroom.And the more I think about it, the more I realize:👉 The goal isn't more technology.👉 The goal is better technology.In this ep
176 The Digital Delusion: Why I'm Rethinking Technology in Math Class
Let’s chat—send me a text!Technology isn't going away.But that doesn't mean we should use it for everything.After years of integrating digital tools into my math classroom, I've found myself asking a different question:👉 Not "Should we use technology?"👉 But "When should we use technology?"In this episode, I'm reflecting on student device use, Chromebook fati
175 Why Every Math Teacher Should Study Above and Below Their Grade Level
Let’s chat—send me a text!One of the best things that ever happened to me as a math teacher was teaching multiple grade levels.Because the more I taught Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, and intervention classes together… the more I realized:👉 Math is one connected story.In this episode, we’re talking about:mathematical coherenceconceptual progressionactivating prior knowledgeand why understanding w
174 The Math Concepts I Finally Understand More Deeply as a Teacher
Let’s chat—send me a text!Can I admit something?There are math concepts I taught for years that I didn’t fully understand conceptually myself.I could teach the procedure. I could explain the steps. But true sense-making? That took time.In this episode, I’m reflecting on the math ideas I’ve come to understand more deeply as a teacher—and how that deeper understanding has completely changed my instr
173 Why Teaching the Same Lesson Five Times Never Actually Works
Let’s chat—send me a text!Ever had one class LOVE a lesson… and another class completely flop with the exact same activity?Same teacher. Same lesson. Same day.This year completely changed the way I think about differentiation, responsiveness, and what intentional teaching actually looks like in a real math classroom.In this episode, we’re talking about:class-to-class differentiationresponsive teac
172 Why I Stopped Winging It as a Math Teacher This Year
Let’s chat—send me a text!This year changed the way I think about teaching math.Between piloting a new curriculum, beginning National Board Certification, and teaching students with very different needs, I realized something important:👉 Knowing math content is not the same thing as intentionally designing mathematical experiences.In this episode, I’m reflecting on the instructional shifts that mad
171 Turn Any Math Lesson Into a Real-World Experience (In About 15 Minutes)
Let’s chat—send me a text!Ever feel like your math lessons are… fine, but not really connecting?You’re covering the content, following the curriculum—but students aren’t fully engaged.In this episode, we walk through a simple, repeatable process to turn any math lesson into a real-world experience—without starting from scratch or spending hours planning.💡 In This Episode:Why some math lessons feel
170 You Don’t Have Time for This… Or Do You? (3 Biggest Myths About Real-World Math)
Let’s chat—send me a text!Think you don’t have time for projects? Feel stuck with your curriculum? Worried your students can’t handle it?Let’s talk about it.In this episode, we’re breaking down the 3 biggest myths about real-world math and project-based learning—and why they might be the exact things holding you back.💡 In This Episode:Why “I don’t have time” isn’t actually the real problemHow to u
169 You Don’t Need a Full PBL Unit—Start With This Instead
Let’s chat—send me a text!Think you need a full project-based learning unit to bring real-world math into your classroom?You don’t.In this episode, we’re breaking down how to start with smaller, meaningful project experiences—without overhauling your entire curriculum or spending hours planning.💡 In This Episode:Why full PBL units can feel overwhelming (and what to do instead)What a “mini project”
168 Why Most Math Projects Don’t Work (And How to Fix Them
Let’s chat—send me a text!Ever tried a math project that should have worked… but didn’t?Maybe students were off task, confused, or the math just didn’t stick.👉 You’re not alone.In this episode, we’re breaking down why many math projects fall flat—and what actually makes them work in a real classroom.💡 In This Episode:Why “fun” projects don’t always lead to learningThe biggest mistakes in project-b
What Actually Makes a Math Lesson “Real-World”? (It’s Not What You Think)
Let’s chat—send me a text!Most “real-world math” problems don’t actually feel real to students.In this episode, we break down what real-world math really means—and how to make small shifts that help students actually connect to what they’re learning.In This Episode:Why most real-world math falls flatThe difference between context and connectionWhat makes math feel meaningful to studentsA simple wa
The Difference Between Fun Math and Meaningful Math
Let’s chat—send me a text!Not all engagement leads to learning.In this episode, we break down the difference between fun math and meaningful math—and how to start designing lessons that actually stick.In This Episode:Why “fun” doesn’t always equal learningThe 3-part framework: real, relevant, rigorousHow to improve your lessons without starting overA simple shift you can try right awayKey Takeaway
165 Why Students Keep Asking “When Will I Ever Use This?” (And What That’s Really Telling You)
Let’s chat—send me a text!When students ask this question, it’s not about attitude.👉 It’s about relevance.In this episode, we break down what students are really asking—and how to start making math feel more meaningful without redesigning your entire curriculum.In This Episode:Why students struggle to see the value in mathWhy common teacher responses don’t workWhat students actually need to stay e
164 You’re Not Boring—Your Math Lessons Might Be
Let’s chat—send me a text!If your students feel disengaged during math class… it’s probably not you.👉 It’s the lesson design.In this episode, we break down why students check out—and why trying to be more “fun” isn’t the fix. Instead, we’re shifting toward what actually works: real, relevant, meaningful math.In This Episode:✨ Why engagement ≠ entertainment✨ The real reason students lose interest i
#163 What AI Is Revealing About Our Classrooms (And Why Students Are Using It)
Let’s chat—send me a text!Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming part of everyday classroom life—but the real conversation may be bigger than whether students should be using it.Students using AI isn’t the real story.The real story is what their use of AI is revealing about how school currently works.In this episode, I’m joined by Aron Boxer, CEO and Founder of Diversified Education Services
162 AI Feedback That Actually Reaches Students (Before It's Too Late)
Let’s chat—send me a text!You spend the time grading. You write the comments. And then students look at the grade and move on. Sound familiar?In this episode, Kristen tackles two of the biggest feedback problems math teachers face: feedback that comes too late to matter, and feedback that isn't personalized enough to actually help. She walks through the real tools she's using in her clas
161 Lesson Plan AI: What Teachers need and What We Don't
Let’s chat—send me a text!Lesson plan AI is everywhere — but is it actually helping teachers?In this episode, we explore what teachers truly need from AI lesson plan generators and why many educational technology trends miss the mark. You’ll learn how AI can support planning, differentiation, and feedback without adding more overwhelm.In this episode, we cover:Why many AI lesson plan generators fa
160 How Can AI Be Used in Education Without Killing Thinking?
Let’s chat—send me a text!How can AI be used in education without killing thinking?In this episode, we explore how teachers can use AI education tools responsibly — without replacing productive struggle or meaningful learning. You’ll learn how AI can support lesson planning, reflection, and feedback while keeping student thinking at the center.You’ll hear about:Why AI itself isn’t the problem — d
#159 What 10 Million Students + 30 Years Taught us About Math Engagement
Let’s chat—send me a text!What if 10 million students could tell us what keeps them engaged in math — and what pushes them away?In this episode, I sit down with veteran educator Sheila Robitaille (30 years in classrooms and administration across the U.S. and Canada, now with 3P Learning) to unpack what nearly two decades of World Maths Day participation reveals about math engagement, productive st
158 Effective Math Teaching Strategies: What Comes After Productive Struggle?
Let’s chat—send me a text!Productive struggle is an essential part of effective math teaching strategies, but it only works when teachers plan intentionally for what comes next.In this episode, we explore instructional teaching strategies that help students reflect, receive feedback, and formalize learning after challenging math tasks. You’ll hear examples of teaching strategies mathematics teache
157 Productive Math Struggle in Practice: A Conversation with John SanGiovanni
Let’s chat—send me a text! In this special capstone episode of The Modern Math Teacher Podcast, I’m joined by John SanGiovanni, co-author of Productive Math Struggle, for a reflective conversation on what productive struggle looks like in real classrooms—and how educators can support it intentionally.This episode wraps up our six-part Productive Math Struggle mini-series and is guided by questions
156 Student Reflection Activities That Makes Struggle Stick
Let’s chat—send me a text!Productive Math Struggle Series — Action 6: Reflecting on Productive StruggleIn the final episode of our Productive Math Struggle series, we explore the power of reflection — the often-missing piece that transforms struggle into lasting learning.Grounded in research from Phillips (1987) and Sousa (2008), this episode focuses on how intentional reflection helps students ma
155 Teaching Strategies to Support Productive Struggle in Real Time
Let’s chat—send me a text!Productive Math Struggle Series — Action 5In Part 5 of our Productive Math Struggle Series, we shift from planning to real-time classroom action: What do you actually do when students struggle?Instead of panicking, rescuing, or over-explaining (we’ve ALL been there), we walk through five high-leverage, easy-to-implement teacher moves that keep struggle productive — not pa
154 Designing Lesson Plans for Productive Struggle
Let’s chat—send me a text!Productive Math Struggle Series — Action 4: Plan a Lesson with Productive StruggleIn Part 4 of our Productive Math Struggle series, we dig into the HEART of rigorous math instruction: lesson planning that intentionally creates space for student thinking, sense-making, and meaningful struggle.If you’ve been craving practical, teacher-ready strategies for selecting or modif
153 Building Classroom Community in Your Math Class
Let’s chat—send me a text!Productive Math Struggle Series — Action 3: Build Community for Productive StruggleIn Part 3 of our Productive Math Struggle series, we’re diving into what may be the single most important ingredient of productive struggle: Community is not a “nice-to-have.”👉 It’s the foundation that makes productive struggle possible.A math classroom community is a living, breathing ecos
152 Math Identity Matters: You ARE a Math Person
Let’s chat—send me a text!Productive Math Struggle Series — Action 2: Foster an Identity for Productive StruggleIn Part 2 of our Productive Math Struggle series, we dive into one of the most powerful — and overlooked — components of rigorous math learning: math identity.This episode explores the roots of math identity, how trauma and early experiences shape student beliefs, and the practical tools
151 Why Productive Struggle Matters
Let’s chat—send me a text!Part 1 of 6 in the Productive Math Struggle SeriesToday we kick off our 6-part series inspired by Productive Math Struggle by John SanGiovanni, Susie Katt, and Kevin Dykema. In this episode, we unpack Action 1: VALUE the Productive Struggle — and explore why getting stuck is one of the most powerful things that can happen in your math classroom. If you’re ready to shift f
Best of 2025: Boosting Student Discourse with Active Teaching
Let’s chat—send me a text!Ready to jump start classroom discourse in your math class in 2026? Get your students eagerly discussing math with these active teaching strategies!Enjoy this replay of: Episode #133 Active Teaching Strategies That Actually Spark Student Discussion to find out the best teaching strategies to engage your students in mathematical discourse!Inside you'll learn: ✅ Why pa
Best of 2025: Classroom Routines + Procedures
Let’s chat—send me a text!Middle and high school math classes benefit from classroom routines and procedures just as much as our elementary counterparts!Do your classroom routines need a reset as we head into the second half of the school year? Enjoy Episode #130- 3 Must-Have Classroom Routines That Actually Work in Secondary Math.✅ In this episode:Why routines work better than rules3 plug-and-pla
Best of 2025: Student Centered Teaching Strategies
Let’s chat—send me a text!Making the shift from teacher-led to student-centered teaching practices doesn't have to be a struggle. And you don't have to make the change to your instructional strategies alone!Enjoy Episode 132:Student-Centered Teaching in Math Class-- your favorite episode this year on creating a student-centered classroom!You’ll learn: ✅ What student-centered really means
Best of 2025: The Best Student Engagement Strategies
Let’s chat—send me a text!What does student engagement really look like in a math classroom?Enjoy this replay of Episode 129: Student Engagement Strategies That Actually Work in Math Class-- your favorite episode on boosting student engagement this year!✅ In this episode:Why boring math isn’t your fault—and why you’re not stuck thereWhat I learned from seeing problem-based math instruction in acti
Best of 2025: Making Math Relevant
Let’s chat—send me a text!Let's make math class relevant-- and spoiler alert it's more than just adding in a few real-world math problems to your worksheet or doing a once a year hands on math project.Enjoy this replay of Episode 126: What Makes Math Feel Relevant? Isn’t it just Practical Examples of Real World Math? It's your TOP downloaded episode this year all about making math r
144- Low-Prep Math Activities to Survive the Holiday Chaos (Without Losing Rigor 🎄)
Let’s chat—send me a text!The holidays are hectic—but learning doesn’t have to be. Kristen shares six classroom-tested, low-prep activities that keep math engaging when attention spans are short.You’ll learn how to: ✅ Use real-world data in a Holiday Data Challenge ✅ Turn review into a game with Rapid Review Showdown ✅ Get students moving with a Math Scavenger Hunt ✅ Launch a one-day Holiday Mini-
143- Rethinking Assessment: What Finals Prep Can Teach Us About What (and How) We Measure
Let’s chat—send me a text!Finals week doesn’t have to be a panic button. In this episode, Kristen redefines assessment as feedback, not judgment—and shares five active teaching strategies that make review week engaging, equitable, and meaningful.You’ll learn how to: ✅ Turn review into reasoning with the 3-Round Review ✅ Use an Error Hunt to target misconceptions ✅ Celebrate growth with a Final Sho
142 My National Board Journey—Redefining What Effective Math Teaching Looks Like
Let’s chat—send me a text!In this episode, Kristen shares why she decided to pursue National Board Certification now—and how that lens is already reshaping daily teaching moves. You’ll hear concrete strategies you can use this week (with or without NBC):You’ll learn how to…✅ Plan one “evidence moment” per lesson to capture real mathematical thinking✅ Orchestrate discussions with 5 Practices (selec
141- 5 Easy Ways to Make Math Lessons Relevant (without a project!)
Let’s chat—send me a text!Tired of hearing “When am I ever gonna use this?” 😩 This week, Kristen shares easy, low-prep ways to make your math lessons feel relevant and real—without turning every unit into a full-blown project.You’ll learn how to: ✅ Add real-world context to existing lessons ✅ Use AI tools to brainstorm examples and scenarios fast ✅ Let students personalize problems to increase buy
#140: Reclaim Confidence, Creativity, and Joy in Math Class with the Rockstar Mindset 🤘
Let’s chat—send me a text! Feeling stuck, bored, or burned out with traditional teaching? This episode will help you reclaim your spark with the PBL Rockstar Mindset—a powerful mindset shift that makes project based learning feel possible, empowering, and fun again.The PBL Rockstar Mindset: Reclaim Confidence, Creativity, and Joy in Math Class It’s time to stop playing small and start teaching mat
#139: Tis the Season Real-World Math Students Actually Care About (Seasonal Edition 🍁❄️)
Let’s chat—send me a text! Want to boost engagement during the fall slump or pre-holiday chaos? This episode shares real world math activities and projects that actually grab student interest—including seasonal ideas for fall and winter.This episode dives into real world math applications that connect to seasonal events like football, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and the Winter Olympics.🎯 You’ll learn
#138: What Mastery Based Looks Like in a Modern Math Class
Let’s chat—send me a text! Want to try mastery based grading but stuck with a traditional grading scale? In this episode, Kristen breaks down how to bring mastery into your classroom without overhauling your entire system.You’ll learn: ✅ What mastery really means (hint: it’s not perfection) ✅ How to use a 4-point rubric—even in a 100-point gradebook ✅ How to implement mastery checks and retakes wi
#137 AI Tools That Save Math Teachers 5+ Hours a Week (Especially During Progress Report Season)
Let’s chat—send me a text!Ready to reclaim your time and sanity this grading season? In this episode, Kristen shares her top AI tools for math teachers—including the ones she uses to write progress report comments, create rubrics, and plan faster.You’ll learn:✅ Which AI education tools are worth your time✅ How to use an AI lesson plan generator the right way ✅ Tools for feedback, differentiation,
#136 AI Classroom Policy: Should You Create One for Your Math Class?
Let’s chat—send me a text!AI is already here—are your students using it responsibly? In this episode, Kristen breaks down how to write a simple but effective AI classroom policy that works in a secondary math setting.You’ll learn: ✅ What every policy should include (even if your school doesn’t have one) ✅ How to teach AI literacy without going full-on computer science ✅ Practical examples of using
#135- Project-Based Learning Lesson Plan Ideas for Any Secondary Math Class
Let’s chat—send me a text! Want to bring more relevance into your math class without reinventing the wheel? This episode breaks down project-based learning lesson plan ideas you can use right now—aligned to standards and built for real-world engagement.You’ll learn: ✅ What PBL really looks like in a math class ✅ Examples of PBL lessons for linear, quadratic, exponential, and logarithmic functions
#134 Real-World Math Applications: Make Math Feel Relevant Again
Let’s chat—send me a text!Listen in as we reveal the secret to using Real-World Math Applications to Make Core Content Feel Relevant Again.Let’s face it—students want to know when they’ll actually use the math they’re learning. In this episode, Kristen shares how to make your lessons more meaningful with real world math applications—even if you’re stuck with a strict pacing guide.Inside you'l
#133 Active Teaching Strategies That Actually Spark Student Discussion
Let’s chat—send me a text!Are you looking for active Teaching Strategies That Actually Spark Student Discussion in math class?Tired of asking a question and hearing crickets? In this episode, Kristen shares active teaching strategies that actually get students talking.Inside you'll learn: ✅ Why passive instruction is killing engagement ✅ 3 go-to talk strategies you can use tomorrow ✅ Cooperat
#132 Student-Centered Teaching in Math Class
Let’s chat—send me a text!Let's dive into Student-Centered Teaching: How to Build Autonomy Without Losing Control in your Math Class!Ready to shift your math class from teacher-led to student-driven? In this episode, we’re breaking down exactly what student-centered teaching looks like—and how to create autonomy without chaos.You’ll learn: ✅ What student-centered really means in a math class
#131 Real-World Math Projects Your Students Will Actually Care About
Let’s chat—send me a text!Not all real-world math is created equal.In this episode, I’m breaking down what makes a math project actually relevant to your students—and how to make math feel meaningful without needing a full curriculum rewrite. You’ll learn what students really care about, how to design your first spark of engagement, and how to use AI tools to help personalize your next project in
#130- 3 Must-Have Classroom Routines That Actually Work in Secondary Math
Let’s chat—send me a text!Ready to stop managing behavior and start supporting student thinking?In this episode, we’re breaking down the three essential classroom routines every secondary math teacher needs—especially if you're trying to run a student-centered classroom without constant chaos.You’ll learn how to start class with purpose, build student talk into your everyday structure, and su
#129- Student Engagement Strategies That Actually Work in Math Class
Let’s chat—send me a text!What does student engagement really look like in a math classroom?Spoiler: it’s not quiet rows, silent worksheets, or step-by-step compliance.In this episode, I’m sharing the story of my Holt student teaching placement—the moment I realized math class could be so much more—and walking through real engagement strategies you can use right now. You’ll also hear how AI can he
#128 My First Real-World Math Project Was a Mess—What I’d Do Differently Now (with AI Support)
Let’s chat—send me a text!Ever launch a project you were sure would be a hit… only for it to totally flop?In this episode, I’m sharing the behind-the-scenes of my first real-world math project—a polished, professionally-designed activity that completely fell apart in the classroom. But that failure? It led to one of my most powerful, student-centered projects yet: Change My Mind.You’ll hear what w
#127 The First 5 Minutes Can Transform Student Engagement in Your Math Class
Let’s chat—send me a text!What if the most powerful way to shift your math class didn’t take a new curriculum—just the first 5 minutes?In this episode, we’re exploring how to kick off your class period with warm-ups that build relevance, confidence, and classroom culture. You’ll learn how to use thinking routines and real-world tasks to engage students before the lesson even begins—and how to stru
#126 What Makes Math Feel Relevant? Isn’t it just Practical Examples of Real World Math?
Let’s chat—send me a text!We all want our students to feel like math matters—but what does “relevant” even mean in the classroom? Is it just practical math examples? Spoiler: It’s not just about adding real-world word math problems to a worksheet or doing a budget project once a year.In this episode, we’re breaking down what relevance really looks like, why it’s critical to student engagement, and
#125 Start Small, Finish Strong: The Power of a Mini Real World Math Project
Let’s chat—send me a text!Big shifts don’t require big overhauls. If you’ve been craving a way to make math more meaningful without throwing out your whole curriculum, this episode is for you.✅ Whether you joined the Bootcamp or not, this is your reminder that bite-sized, student-centered changes—like a mini project—can create real momentum. ✅ You’ll hear exactly how small actions this week are al
#124 You’re Not Boring, But Your Math Curriculum Might Be
Let’s chat—send me a text!If you’ve ever walked out of your math classroom thinking, “Why don’t they care? What am I doing wrong?”—this episode is for you. Spoiler alert: You’re not the problem. The system is.In this episode, we’re digging into: ✅ Why even the best teachers struggle to engage students with scripted, one-size-fits-all math curriculum ✅ What real student engagement actually looks li
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