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Oct 15, 2025 21 min

Why Exposure Matters More Than Mastery

from Tier 1 Interventions Hosted by Jonily Zupancic and Cheri Dotterer

In this live Tier 1 Interventions session, Cheri Dotterer and Jonily Zupancic take you inside a Level 2 Mastery Math Method class as they explore the classic Locker Problem — one of the “Dirty Dozen” reference tasks students revisit year after year. Jonily demonstrates how these timeless math tasks deepen logic, number sense, and symbolic understanding, while Cheri highlights how process time and conceptual exposure create space for authentic learning. Discover why exposure before mastery can transform math instruction, how to nurture student vulnerability, and what happens when teachers stop rushing to confirm or deny answers. 🎧 Perfect for math educators, OTs, and interventionists ready to “uplevel” their practice and create classrooms where curiosity thrives. 💬 Drop your thoughts and experiences in the comments—start the conversation and build the movement because every student deserves to feel like a mathematician. 🔔 Subscribe for more Tier 1 math interventions, strategies, and training. 📅 Join the next Masterclass → https://disabilitylabs.com/calendar 💬 COMMENT BELOW: What’s YOUR take on starting with division? ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – Welcome with Cheri & Jonily 01:00 – Level 2: Connecting the Dirty Dozen math tasks 03:00 – The Locker Problem explained 04:30 – Exposure vs. Mastery in learning 06:00 – Four categories of mathematical thinking (Number • Symbol • Shape • Logic) 07:30 – Moving from acting out to symbolic notation 11:00 – “What do you see? What do you notice?” discussion prompts 14:00 – Teaching through the crickets: embracing silence and vulnerability 16:00 – Building soft skills through math experiences 17:30 – Why students need more process time 18:30 – The sitcom trap of math instruction 19:30 – Letting the brain linger: the power of unconfirmed questions 20:30 – Reclaiming curiosity and authentic learning 21:00 – Next episode teaser: Pixar and the Power of Story in Math 🎯 Ready to Change Math Outcomes in 10 Days? 👉 Join our FREE Masterclass for school leaders, teachers, and OTs: https://disabilitylabs.com/calendar 🎧 Prefer to Listen On the Go? Spotify Apple Podcasts Amazon/Audible 🔗 Stay Connected 🌐 Website: https://disabilitylabs.com/courses/mastery-math-bundle 📧 Disability Labs Community: https://disabilitylabs.com/community/3d-learning-lounge-1 🎙️ Credits: Host: Cheri Dotterer Co-Host: Jonily Zupancic Production: Disability Labs Podcast Network 🧠 Resources Mentioned: Mastery Math Method Level One (Lifetime Access): https://disabilitylabs.com/courses/mastery-math-bundle Mastery Math Method Level Two (Annual Subscription): https://disabilitylabs.com/courses/mastery-math-method-group-coaching ⚠️ Disclaimer: The content shared in this video is for educational purposes only and does not replace your district’s policies or individualized education plans. Always consult with your instructional team before implementing new strategies. 🏷️ Hashtags #Tier1Interventions #MathIntervention #MasteryMathMethod #TeachingStrategies #SpecialEducation #MTSS #NeurodiverseLearning #Jonily #Cheri #MathEducation #TeacherLife #MasteryMath #Dysgraphia #Tier1Interventions #MathCoaching

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Why Exposure Matters More Than Mastery

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This episode is 21 minutes long.

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This episode was published on October 15, 2025.

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