Designing and Sustaining Relevant Math Instruction for Every Student ft. Dan Meyer | Lessons Learned | Ep 8

Episode 20 of the Lessons Learned podcast, hosted by BetterLesson, titled "Designing and Sustaining Relevant Math Instruction for Every Student ft. Dan Meyer | Lessons Learned | Ep 8" was published on July 24, 2025 and runs 37 minutes.

July 24, 2025 ·37m · Lessons Learned

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Summary

How can we make math instruction more engaging and relevant for every student?“Kids need fewer commercials for math's power in their jobs later and more actual, tangible experiences of math's power now in their education.” -Dan MeyerIn this episode of Lessons Learned, Season 2, host Matt is joined by Dan Meyer, former high school math teacher and current VP of User Growth at Amplify, widely known for his groundbreaking work with Desmos.Dan shares his personal journey from teaching ninth grade to helping transform math instruction at scale. With a deep passion for student-centered learning, he unpacks the systems approach required to make math instruction more meaningful, experiential, and empowering.Together, we explore key topics such as:Why building subject relevance relies on experiential learning and authentic connectionThe most exciting uses—and limitations—of generative AI for improving teaching and learningHow even the most “mathematically challenged” instructional leaders can support educatorsThe importance of sustained, job-embedded PD in rolling out high-quality curriculumWhether you're a classroom teacher, curriculum leader, or innovator in education, this episode offers fresh perspectives and actionable strategies for making math more connected to students’ lives and futures.Connect with our guest:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-meyer-02922a109/ Website: http://www.amplify.com Ways to tune in:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4bzi3DLY1fCuBknsxWySw6 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/lessons-learned/id1714296987 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c715776e-3d77-4a8b-806b-207e01b861af YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@betterlesson4313

Episode Description

How can we make math instruction more engaging and relevant for every student?

“Kids need fewer commercials for math's power in their jobs later and more actual, tangible experiences of math's power now in their education.” -Dan Meyer

In this episode of Lessons Learned, Season 2, host Matt is joined by Dan Meyer, former high school math teacher and current VP of User Growth at Amplify, widely known for his groundbreaking work with Desmos.

Dan shares his personal journey from teaching ninth grade to helping transform math instruction at scale. With a deep passion for student-centered learning, he unpacks the systems approach required to make math instruction more meaningful, experiential, and empowering.

Together, we explore key topics such as:

Why building subject relevance relies on experiential learning and authentic connection
The most exciting uses—and limitations—of generative AI for improving teaching and learning
How even the most “mathematically challenged” instructional leaders can support educators
The importance of sustained, job-embedded PD in rolling out high-quality curriculum

Whether you're a classroom teacher, curriculum leader, or innovator in education, this episode offers fresh perspectives and actionable strategies for making math more connected to students’ lives and futures.

Connect with our guest: