PODCAST · education
Blue Glasses Math
by Pamela Brett
Honest conversations about the messy, emotional side of learning and teaching math. You will learn how to navigate the complex interactions that show up in math classes, understand the impact of beliefs and emotions on student engagement, and discover strategies to foster a classroom where every student sees themselves as a math person.
Episodes
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080 | Recovering Traditionalist: Building Our Own Math Minds First with Christina Tondevold | October 14, 2026
A straight-A math teacher who couldn't figure the tip, a phrase from a Boise State professor, and why the procedure will always be there to fall back on. Christina Tondevold of Build Math Minds joins Pam. Full description: Christina Tondevold, founder of Build Math Minds and the Virtual Math...
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079 | 60% Prepared: Teaching Math in the Age of AI with Chris Ippolito | October 7, 2026
Pam sits down with longtime friend Chris Ippolito, Emerging Technology Coordinator at Singapore American School, to ask what's left to teach in math class now that AI can handle the computation. They land on cognitive residue, courage, and the belief that a student can figure it out. Full episode...
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078 | What Times What: Rebuilding Math Confidence One Fact at a Time with Chris Roberts | September 30, 2026
Short description: A tenth grade algebra classroom, a stack of blank stares, and the free tool one teacher built when he couldn't wait for a fix to arrive. Full description: Chris Roberts spent thirty years in IT before a year teaching remedial algebra changed the direction of his work. When he...
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077 | Integrity Over Fidelity: Let’s stop pretending there is only one way to get there with Cheryl Fricchione | September 23, 2026
Cheryl Fricchione, past president of the Association of Mathematics Teachers of New Jersey, joins Pam to talk about what actually changes math teaching. Standards as a North Star, listening to what kids really say, and why a correct answer can hide broken reasoning. Full episode description…
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076 | Boredom Is Where Deep Thinking Starts | Dwight S. Williams | September 16, 2026
Dwight S. Williams learned math on license plates because he was bored. He makes the case that boredom is what deep thinking needs, and that our classrooms may have engineered it away. Full description: Dwight S. Williams is a math instructional leadership coach who helps schools move from...
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075 | Get Out of Their Way: Rescuing Less, Leading More with Vince Galea | September 9, 2026
Pam sits down with Vince Galea, "The Friendly Principal," a K-8 principal in Ontario, Canada, whose leadership content has grown to over 14,000 followers in under a year. They talk about why rescuing people out of love still robs them of the chance to grow, and what it really takes to lead with...
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074 | Why We Rescue Students From Struggle (And What It Costs Them) | September 2, 2026
Welcome back to Blue Glasses Math for the 2026-2027 school year. Pam kicks off the new season solo, reflecting on the summer's most-discussed social post and the classroom story that inspired it. Early in her career, Pam walked into a new school, a new grade level, and a stack of shrink-wrapped...
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073 | Why Your Nervous System Might Be Sabotaging Your Teaching (And How Breathwork Holds the Key) with Ashlee Livingstone | June 3, 2026
What if the missing piece in math education isn't a strategy — it's regulation? Breathwork coach Ashlee Livingstone joins Pam Brett for a conversation about what happens when teachers and students show up depleted — and what becomes possible when we don't. Ashlee shares her own complicated math...
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072 | Welcoming the Magic: Building a Connected Math Journey with Ann Elise Record | May 20, 2026
What does it really mean to build a connected math journey — for students and for teachers? In this episode, Pam sits down with Ann Elise Record, elementary math consultant, coach, and co-author of Fluency Doesn't Just Happen series, for a conversation that is equal parts inspiring, honest, and...
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071 | The Watercolor Brain: Transforming Math Learning Through Neuroplasticity with Liesl McConchie | May 13, 2026
Discover how emotions influence learning in math classrooms through the lens of cognitive neuroscience. In this episode, Liesl McConchie shares groundbreaking insights on the emotional messages students carry, the importance of teachers understanding these emotional "watercolors," and practical...
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070 | The Future of Math Education: Adapting Standards for a Changing World with Robert Kaplinsky | May 6, 2026
In this engaging interview, Robert Kaplinsky shares his journey into math education, the power of open middle problems, and the importance of evolving teaching standards to match the rapid changes in society and technology. Discover insights on professional development, student engagement, and…
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069 | Strategies for Educators with Dr. Lauren Fullmer | Apr 29, 2026
In this episode, Dr. Lauren Fullmer discusses the intersection of social-emotional learning, equity, and mathematics education. She shares her personal math journey, insights on dyscalculia, and strategies for supporting diverse learners to foster a positive math identity. Connect with Dr. Pam...
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068 | Are We Over-Engineering Education? | April 22, 2026
In this episode, Pam Brett explores the challenges and realities of digital learning, student motivation, and over-engineering education. She emphasizes the importance of curiosity, meaningful engagement, and simple, effective teaching strategies to foster genuine learning and connection.Connect...
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067 | Reimagining Math: From Mechanics to Ideas with Ted Dintersmith | April 15, 2026
Ted Dintersmith shares his extensive journey through math, highlighting the importance of understanding mathematical ideas over mechanics, and advocating for relevance and creativity in math education. Ted Dintersmith focuses on the urgent need to equip humans with competencies to lead purposeful...
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066 | Dr. Nicki Newton's journey from a reluctant math student to educator | Mar 25, 2026
In this engaging interview, Dr. Nicki Newton shares her inspiring journey from a reluctant math learner to a passionate educator and advocate for joyful, inquiry-based math teaching. Discover her insights on fostering curiosity, the power of vulnerability in teaching, and the transformative...
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065 | AI Proof Education, a conversation with Marsha Familaro Enright | Mar 18, 2026
In this engaging interview, Marsha Familaro Enright shares her insights on Montessori education, innovative programs for young adults, and the importance of fostering reasoning, creativity, and love of learning in children and students. Discover how her programs are shaping future thinkers and…
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064 | How Assessment Holds Learning Captive and What to Do About It with Melissa Dean | March 4, 2026
In this insightful interview, Melissa Dean, a high school teacher and author, shares her journey of reimagining assessment and learning in math classrooms. Discover how shifting assessment practices can transform student engagement, foster deeper understanding, and build a growth mindset. Connect...
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063 | How Authenticity Transforms Math Classrooms with Rob Baier | Feb 25, 2026
This episode features Rob Baier sharing his journey through math education, emphasizing the importance of reflection, sense-making, and authentic teaching to foster better human and mathematical understanding. Discover practical strategies for teachers to improve their practice and inspire...
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062 | Navigating Emotions in the Math Classroom | February 18, 2026
In this episode, Pam Brett discusses the often-overlooked emotional landscape in math classrooms. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing the emotions that students bring into the learning environment, as these emotions significantly impact their beliefs and engagement in…
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061 | Empowering Students: The Journey of Math Fact Lab with Michael Kenny | February 11, 2026
In this episode of Blue Glasses Math, host Pam Brett welcomes Michael Kenny, the founder of Math Fact Lab, to discuss his journey in math education and the development of his innovative teaching tool. Michael shares his early experiences as a teacher, initially focusing on literacy before...
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060 | Empowering Multilingual Learners in Math Education with Dr. Rosalyn Giallanza | February 4, 2026
In this episode of Blue Glasses Math, Pam Brett welcomes Dr. Rosalyn Giallanza, a passionate educator and researcher focused on multilingual learners in mathematics. The conversation begins with a nostalgic reflection on their early professional relationship, highlighting the challenges and…
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059 | Making Math Beautiful, One Tile at a Time with Alex Romero | Jan 29, 2026
In this engaging conversation, Alex Romero shares his journey in math education, influenced by his family's background in mathematics. He discusses the development of Tile Farm, a platform designed to make math beautiful and enjoyable for learners of all ages. The conversation explores the...
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058 | The Accidental Math Teacher's Journey with Alison Mello | January 21, 2026
In this episode of the Blue Glasses Math podcast, Pam Brett and Alison Mello discuss the influence of self-perception on math teaching and learning. They explore Alison's journey as an 'accidental math teacher,' the importance of vulnerability in education, and the need for a supportive math...
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057 | A Peek Behind the Scenes of Blue Glasses Math with Kate Rolland | Jan 14, 2026
In this conversation, Pam Brett and Kate Rolland discuss the behind-the-scenes aspects of podcasting, the importance of support in business, and the transition to more efficient tools. They explore how AI can enhance social media management, the significance of building trust in collaboration…
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056: A Year Ago, I Ghosted Dan Meyer! Revisiting our conversation from last year. | January 7, 2026
In this engaging conversation, Pam Brett and Dan Meyer explore the transformative landscape of math education, reflecting on Dan's influential TED Talk, 'Math Class Needs a Makeover.' They discuss the importance of shifting perspectives on math, building student confidence, and the role of...
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055 | Rethinking Math Education with Courtney Flessner | December 17, 2025
Talking with Courtney Flessner feels like an invitation to rethink what math education is for. In this episode, we explore why teaching math can’t be reduced to getting the right answers—and why understanding the “why” behind the math matters just as much as the “how.” Courtney pushes us to ask...
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054 | Exploring Math Stories with Christopher Danielson | Dec 10, 2025
Christopher Danielson has a way of making math feel more human, more joyful, and more deeply connected to the curiosity we all carry. In this episode, we talk about the math stories that shaped us, the importance of teachers doing real math, and what it means to truly listen to children’s…
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053 | The Unseen Impact of Teaching with Shelby Strong
I instantly knew I wanted to be Shelby's friend when I met her in Atlanta this Fall at the NCSM Annual Meeting. Not only does she seem to know everyone in math education, she carries herself with a warmth and wholeheartedness that’s impossible to miss. Shelby is the kind of educator who leads…
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052: The Joy of Active Learning in Math: A Conversation with Kristen Acosta
What’s your math story? In this episode, Kristen Acosta brings us into hers—and invites us to reimagine math as a subject filled with movement, conversation, and curiosity. Known for her innovative use of clothesline math, Kristen shares how she makes learning visual, kinesthetic, and joyfully...
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051: Feel those feelings in math class!
In this episode, I delve into the importance of emotions in math education. Teaching math isn't just about facts and procedures; it's about how students feel when grappling with mathematical ideas. I emphasize the need for students to experience emotions like grappling and perseverance, which are...
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050: "All the Maths", All the Humans: Reclaiming Joy, Wonder, and Story in Math Class
What’s your math story? That’s where we begin this episode with the brilliant minds behind Smart With It, Jill Diniz and James Tanton. Together, they share powerful personal journeys—how emotions, curiosity, and frustration shaped their beliefs about mathematics and, ultimately, their purpose as...
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049: The Role of Encouragement in Math Education with Jen Dalton
In this episode of Blue Glasses Math, I welcome Jen Dalton, Math Department Chair at New England Innovation Academy. We discuss the importance of building trust with students, and innovative teaching methods that integrate real-world applications and cross-disciplinary skills. Takeways Building...
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047: The Inquiry Math Classroom | A conversation with William Polan
In this episode, I engage in a thought-provoking conversation with William Polan, an international school educator and math coach based in Thailand. We explore the transformative power of inquiry-based learning in math education, discussing how it fosters student confidence, creativity, and...
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045: The Math Narrative Project | September 24, 2025
In this episode of Blue Glasses Math, I sit down with four incredible math education leaders to explore the Math Narrative Project—a powerful initiative reshaping the way we think and talk about math teaching and learning. Please welcome Dionne Aminata, Deborah Peart Crayton, Adrienne Baytops…
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044: Math Workshop with Jennifer Lempp
In this episode, I’m joined by Jennifer Lempp—math coach, author, and advocate for empowering students through the Math Workshop model. Jennifer opens up about her own struggles with math, and how those early experiences shaped her passion for helping every student see themselves as a math…
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043: Math is Figureoutable: A Conversation with Pam Harris
In this power-packed Pam² episode of Blue Glasses Math, I sit down with Pam Harris!! Pam Harris is shifting the way we view and teach mathematics. She is a mom, former high school math teacher, university lecturer, author and the Founder of Math is Figureoutable. Math teachers around the world…
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042: The Power of 'Math-ish': A Conversation with Jo Boaler
What’s your math story? In this deeply inspiring episode of Blue Glasses Math, I sit down with the one and only Jo Boaler—mathematics education researcher, author of Math-ish, and founder of YouCubed. We talk about shifting math culture from correctness to curiosity, and from isolation to...
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Episode 041: Every Drop Counts: The Power of Teacher–Student Interactions
In this episode of Blue Glasses Math, I talk about the importance of understanding the beliefs we each carry about teaching and learning math—and how those beliefs impact both us as teachers and our students. I share why it’s so powerful to reflect on our own math stories, and how the stories our...
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040: Am I a Psychological Math Doctor? YES...that is exactly what I am.
In this solo episode, I reconnect with the Blue Glasses Math community, reflecting on the deeper purpose of teaching mathematics. I emphasize the importance of humanizing math education, focusing on the emotional experiences of students, and the virtues that mathematics can cultivate. Through...
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039: Mike Flynn and Zak Champagne: Math Playdates and the Gift of Vulnerability
What do you get when two deeply reflective educators who love math — and love teachers — show up with vulnerability, humor, and a whole lot of heart? In this episode, Zak Champagne (Chief Content Officer at Flynn Education and co-author of enVision Mathematics) and Dr. Mike Flynn (former...
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038: Conquering Math Myths: A Universal Approach with Ron Martiello
In this engaging episode, Ron Martiello shares his deeply personal and evolving journey with mathematics. From proudly wearing Smurf stickers in elementary school after winning fast-fact games to becoming a passionate math coach and author, Ron reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped his...
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037: Authenticity and Vulnerability in Teaching with Zak Champagne
Summary In this engaging conversation, Zach Champagne shares his journey in math education, emphasizing the importance of authentic questioning, fostering curiosity, and creating safe spaces for students to express their ideas. The discussion highlights the need for teachers to model…
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036: Embracing Mistakes: A Conversation with Marc Seigel
In this episode of Blue Glasses Math, I sit down with Marc Seigel—STEM educator and high school chemistry and design teacher—to talk about the power of mistake-making in learning. From flaming Doritos to balloon experiments that didn’t go quite as planned, Marc shares how he creates hands-on…
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035: Relationships, Relevance & Rethinking Math Class: A conversation with Paul Battaglia
What happens when someone who studied actuarial science and worked in corporate consulting walks away to teach high school math? In this episode, I sit down with Paul Battaglia—a powerful voice in math education who brings passion, intentionality, and deep belief in students to every lesson he...
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034: Letting Students Lead: The Math Research Elective That Changed the Game
What if the best way to help students to see themselves as math people...is to let them lead the way? In this episode, I sit down with Anne Paoletti-Bayna - award winning educator and creator of a groundbreaking math research elective designed to tap into high school students' curiosity. Anne...
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033: When Sneakers Meet Standards: How Dr. Kris Childs Unlocks Math Brilliance
What happens when we stop treating math like a checklist and start seeing it as a living, breathing human experience? In this powerful conversation, Dr. Kris Childs shares how centering student interests — starting with a group of sneaker-obsessed teens — unlocked a classroom full of powerful...
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032: Nurturing Curiosity in Math Education with Chepina Rumsey and Jody Guarino
In this episode of Blue Glasses Math, I sit down with Dr. Chepina Rumsey and Dr. Jody Guarino, authors of Nurturing Math Curiosity with Learners in Grades K–2. They unpack the power of student-driven inquiry in early math classrooms—and how curiosity, when nurtured, becomes the gateway to...
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031: Discovering Joy at MoMath!
What if math felt like a playground instead of a test? In this episode, I sit down with Cindy Lawrence, executive director and CEO of the National Museum of Mathematics (MoMath) in New York City and one of its visionary founders. We explore Cindy’s math story, from second-grade struggles to...
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030: Where are the Mathers? A conversation with Deborah Peart
Deborah Peart brings her perspective of what it feels like to be a student in a classroom whose mathematical ideas are not valued. Deborah uses her experiences as a student of math to help teachers understand that all students can learn math AND that all people who do math - are Mathers. Deborah…
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029: Inviting Students in to the Conversation - with Dan Meyer (in his blue glasses!)
"Always bet on people" - Dan Meyer In this episode of Blue Glasses Math, I sit down with Dan Meyer, a passionate advocate for better math instruction that truly supports both teachers and students. You may know him from his viral TED Talk, Math Class Needs a Makeover, or his work as Chief…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Honest conversations about the messy, emotional side of learning and teaching math. You will learn how to navigate the complex interactions that show up in math classes, understand the impact of beliefs and emotions on student engagement, and discover strategies to foster a classroom where every student sees themselves as a math person.
HOSTED BY
Pamela Brett
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Blue Glasses Math have?
Blue Glasses Math currently has 78 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Blue Glasses Math about?
Honest conversations about the messy, emotional side of learning and teaching math. You will learn how to navigate the complex interactions that show up in math classes, understand the impact of beliefs and emotions on student engagement, and discover strategies to foster a classroom where every...
How often does Blue Glasses Math release new episodes?
Blue Glasses Math has 78 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Blue Glasses Math?
You can listen to Blue Glasses Math on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Blue Glasses Math?
Blue Glasses Math is created and hosted by Pamela Brett.
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