Modern Math Teacher- Teaching Strategies for High School and Middle School Math Teachers

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 how I decide which parts of my curriculum have real project potential—and which ones I'm perfectly happy teaching, practicing, and moving on from.I'm sharing four things I look for when deciding whether a topic is a good fit for a project:- Does the math have a natural real-world application?- Does it give students something meaningful to reason about or decide?- Is the content meaty enough to justify the instructional time?- Can I connect it to something my students will actually care about?We'll also talk about why real-world doesn't automatically mean relevant, why forcing every standard into a project isn't the goal, and how some of the best math projects actually have procedural practice baked right into them.Because projects and practice aren't opposites. The goal is knowing when each one is the right tool for the learning.🎧 In this episode:- How I identify standards with strong project potential- Why modeling, interpreting, comparing, and decision-making are project green flags- When procedural practice really IS the better instructional choice- Why a real-world context isn't enough if students don't care about it- How my Spheres of Relevance help me evaluate project ideas- Why strong projects can—and should—include opportunities for practice- How to find one realistic place to start adding projects to your curriculum🆓 RESOURCE: Project or Practice GuideWant help figuring out where projects make sense in your math curriculum?Grab my free Project or Practice Guide. I've gone through the secondary standards to help you identify which ones lend themselves naturally to projects and which ones may be better suited for practice.👉 moorethanjustx.com/guideReady to Design Your First PBL Unit?Once you've found the right place in your curriculum, PBL Kickstart will help you turn that idea into an actual project-based learning experience.This $17 on-demand workshop walks you through planning your first PBL unit in three simple steps—without turning your entire curriculum upside down.👉Join the Kickstart: PBL KickstartUntil next time, keep it real!This podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.Connect with Kristen:Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustxJoin the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!

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 Math Teacher, we’re talking about why meaningful change happens one intentional decision at a time—and why you’re probably much closer to creating the classroom you want than you think.I’m sharing how my own classroom evolved through years of small changes in questioning, discussion, assessment, collaboration, relevance, and instructional design before project-based learning became one powerful piece of that bigger picture.And most importantly, we’re taking the pressure off becoming a “PBL teacher.”You don’t need projects everywhere.You need to find one place where students could move from knowing how to DO the mathematics to actually USING the mathematics.In this episode:Why meaningful teaching doesn’t require a complete classroom makeoverHow small instructional decisions transform classrooms over timeWhy I became an intentional instructional designer before I became a PBL teacherWhy you don’t have to become a “project-based learning teacher” to use projectsHow PBL can create real, relevant, rigorous mathematical experiencesWhy projects are one tool—not the goalThe pieces of PBL you may already be using in your classroomWhy your first project shouldn’t be your giant dream projectHow to identify one realistic place to startReady to Take Your First Step into PBL?If you love the idea of project-based learning but don’t want to completely overhaul your classroom, PBL Kickstart was created for you.Inside this $17 on-demand workshop, I’ll help you take mathematics you’re already teaching and begin turning it into a real, relevant, rigorous project-based learning experience.Sign Up for PBL KickstartYou don’t need to redesign your entire curriculum.You need one good place to start.Your Reflection QuestionWhere in your curriculum are students currently learning how to DO the math—but could have an opportunity to actually USE it?This podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.Connect with Kristen:Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustxJoin the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!

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?"We'll explore how this simple change impacts every instructional decision, why meaningful learning experiences don't have to be elaborate, and how intentional planning can make mathematics more memorable for your students.In this episode you'll learn:Why planning experiences changes everythingThe difference between activities and learning experiencesQuestions to guide intentional lesson designWhy meaningful learning doesn't require elaborate projectsHow small instructional decisions create lasting impact🎁 Free ResourceDownload the Gold Standard Project Planner:👉 https://moorethanjustx.com/projectplannerThis podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.Connect with Kristen:Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustxJoin the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!

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 becoming a Modern Math Teacher isn't a destination—it's an ongoing journey of intentional growth.In this episode you'll learn:The five beliefs that guide every instructional decision I makeWhy intentional teaching matters more than trendy teachingHow reflection fuels professional growthWhy becoming a better teacher is about asking better questionsWhat it truly means to be a Modern Math Teacher🎁 Free ResourceDownload the Gold Standard Project Planner:👉 https://moorethanjustx.com/projectplannerThis podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.Connect with Kristen:Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustxJoin the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!

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 can transform the learning experience for your students.Whether you teach Illustrative Mathematics, CPM, Reveal, Carnegie, Big Ideas, Eureka, or another curriculum entirely, this episode will help you see your role as more than someone who delivers lessons—you are the designer of your students' mathematical experience.In this episode you'll learn:Why curriculum is a tool—not your identity as a teacherSimple ways to adapt lessons without rewriting themQuestions to ask before teaching any lessonHow professional judgment improves student learningWhy two teachers can teach the same lesson and create completely different classroom experiences🎁 Free ResourceDownload the Gold Standard Project Planner: 👉 https://moorethanjustx.com/projectplannerThis podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.Connect with Kristen:Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustxJoin the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!

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, and why consistency often has a greater impact on student learning than constant novelty.In this episode, you'll learn:Why great teaching isn't about reinventing every lessonThe difference between exciting ideas and sustainable systemsHow routines create more opportunities for meaningful mathematicsWhy consistency benefits both teachers and studentsQuestions to help you design a classroom that thrives all year long🎁 Free ResourceDownload the Project or Practice Guide: 👉 https://moorethanjustx.com/guideThis podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.Connect with Kristen:Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustxJoin the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!

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 students.We'll also explore how routines like Math Wars can move beyond procedural practice by creating opportunities for students to justify, critique, compare, and defend mathematical reasoning.In this episode, you'll learn:Why rigor and difficulty aren't the same thingHow to increase thinking without increasing workloadThe difference between fluency and reasoningHow I build cognitive demand into everyday classroom routinesWhy scaffolds can increase access without reducing rigor🎁 Free ResourceDownload the Project or Practice Guide: 👉 https://moorethanjustx.com/guideThis podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.Connect with Kristen:Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustxJoin the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!

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 identities, and how we can intentionally design experiences that foster confidence, curiosity, and belonging from day one.In this episode you'll learn:Why the first week is about more than classroom proceduresHow students' mathematical identities influence learningThe connection between classroom culture and instructional designSimple questions to help you intentionally design the first weekWhy belonging is one of the most important things we teach🎁 Free ResourceDownload the Gold Standard Project Planner and start designing intentional learning experiences:👉 https://moorethanjustx.com/projectplannerThis podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.Connect with Kristen:Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustxJoin the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!

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 relevant aren't always the same thing, how I adapt lessons from Illustrative Math without reinventing the curriculum, and why sometimes the most meaningful part of a lesson isn't the context at all—it's the mathematical thinking.In this episode, you'll learn:Why authentic lessons lose relevance over timeThe difference between real-world math and relevant mathThe planning question I ask before almost every lessonHow I adapt Illustrative Math to better connect with my studentsWhy mathematical practices can be just as meaningful as real-world contextsA classroom story using Glo Germ that led to rich mathematical discussions🎁 Free ResourceWondering whether a lesson should become a project or stay focused practice?Download my free Project or Practice Guide:👉 https://moorethanjustx.com/guideIf you enjoyed today's episode, I'd love for you to subscribe and share it with another math teacher who's passionate about creating meaningful learning experiences.This podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.Connect with Kristen:Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustxJoin the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!

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 a different approach: just-in-time intervention.And selfishly? I had questions.This year I’m teaching an Algebra 1 Pro Lab designed to help students succeed in their grade-level Algebra 1 class, so I asked Juliana to help me think through what that class could actually look like.One of my biggest takeaways was Juliana’s staircase approach to intervention.Start with the grade-level skill students need—that’s the top of the staircase. Then ask: What do they need to know immediately before they can do that? And what do they need before that?Keep stepping backward until you’ve identified the essential prerequisite skills students actually need.Instead of trying to fix every gap from the past, we can strategically build the staircase students need to reach the mathematics in front of them.We also talk about:Using the first week to learn how students actually feel about mathematics—and intentionally creating positive new math experiencesThe connection between intervention, math identity, and our recent conversation with Vanessa VakhariaUsing routines like Notice & Wonder, Same & Different, Which One Doesn’t Belong, Number Talks, and Number Strings to build confidenceHow non-math contexts (including pictures from your own life!) can help teach these routines while building communityStructuring an intervention class around the content students will encounter in their core math class 1–2 weeks laterMixing kinesthetic learning, explicit instruction, and meaningful practiceHow to use IXL as a planning and differentiation tool rather than parking students in front of a computerUsing pre-assessments to determine which "stair" each student needsCombining small groups, IXL, Math Wars, and engaging whole-group activities based on student needsBuilding foundational fluency through Number Talks, Fun Fact/Fluency Fridays, Throwback Thursdays, and intentional reviewIf you teach students who have unfinished learning, this conversation is packed with practical ways to support what they need without lowering the expectations for where they're going.Connect with JulianaLearn more about Juliana, her intervention resources, and her work with secondary math teachers at CollaboratEd with Juliana.Pick up a copy of Teaching 6–12 Math Intervention: A Practical Framework to Engage Students Who Struggle and check out the free companion resources for the book.You can also find Juliana on Instagram at @collaborated.with.juliana.This podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.Connect with Kristen:Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustxJoin the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!

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 Therapy has almost become a co-creation. The book may be published, but the work keeps evolving as teachers take these ideas, adapt them, and make them their own. It's one of the reasons we both love podcasting: our thinking doesn't have to stop just because the book—or an episode—is finished.Then Vanessa turns the tables on me as I outed myself as someone who didn’t think she had trauma but most definitely did. We unpack one of the experiences I've shared throughout this series: my infamous Honors Geometry polyhedron project and the impact that one experience had on my own mathematical identity.That leads us into a fascinating conversation about what it means to be "honors," why those labels carry so much weight, and why even experienced math teachers can feel anxious about teaching certain courses. (Hello, Honors Algebra 2.)But we don't stop with what happens inside school.We also dig into some of the cultural messages our students are receiving right now—from TikTok trends that make crying in math class part of the joke to shirts with messages like "I'm too pretty to do math."So what the heck are we supposed to do when our students walk into class carrying all of that with them?Vanessa shares practical ways we can provide the just-in-time Math Therapy our students need and gives us questions we can start asking immediately.In This EpisodeI'm not the best time keeper but you can expect these things to be basically rightAround 14 minutes, we dig into what it means to be an "honors" student—or teacher—and why those labels can create anxiety of their own.Around 18 minutes, we tackle the math stereotypes showing up in social media and pop culture and the messages they're sending our students, particularly girls.Around 22 minutes, Vanessa shares what we can do right now in our classrooms to combat those stereotypes and give students just-in-time Math Therapy.Around 24 minutes, she gives us questions we can use to start those conversations with students.And around 28 minutes, Vanessa shares her advice for teachers wondering, Okay, I've read the book. I've listened to the series. Now what do I actually DO?My Biggest TakeawayMath Therapy isn't something we "do" to students.It's an ongoing conversation.It's something students and teachers create together—and it will look different in every classroom because our students, experiences, and teaching styles are different.The goal isn't to perfectly implement someone else's version of Math Therapy.It's to notice the messages students are receiving about who gets to be good at math and intentionally create experiences that help them write a different story.Keep the Conversation GoingAfter you listen, I'd love to know:What message about math do you think your students most need help unlearning this year?Come share your biggest takeaway from my conversation with Vanessa inside The Modern Math Teacher community.Grab Math TherapyIf this is your first episode in our summer book study, you can absolutely go back and listen to the entire series—and grab your own copy of the book to read along:📖 Physical Book: https://amzn.to/42VJRl6 🎧 Audiobook: https://amzn.to/49nV55DAnd remember: you don't need to implement everything.✨LEAVE A REVIEW FOR VANESSA IF YOU HAVE GRABBED YOUR BOOK ALREADY!✨Take what resonates. Make it yours. Start somewhere.Because math is Moore than just solving for X.Keep it real.Connect with VanessaCatch Vanessa’s weekly podcast: Math Therapy on your favorite podcast player and connect with her on instagram @themathguru. Looking to connect with other teachers doing math therapy? Join her facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1FPDrA2KeN/This podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.Connect with Kristen:Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustxJoin the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!

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 helping students build healthier relationships with mathematics is a journey we'll continue taking alongside them.In This Episode✨ Why professional learning begins with believing something can improve✨ Teaching as a journey rather than a destination✨ Why every teacher's version of Math Therapy should be unique✨ How my Geometry Proficiency Lab has evolved because of this book✨ Teaching authentically and in alignment with your beliefs✨ The connection between Math Therapy and Mel Robbins' "Let Them" philosophy✨ Why one intentional change can have a lasting impactKey TakeawayYou don't have to implement every idea.You don't have to transform your classroom overnight.Choose one meaningful change.Implement it intentionally.Then continue growing alongside your students.This Week's ReflectionAsk yourself:What's one idea from this series you're excited to try?How has your thinking changed during this book study?What mathematical identity do you hope your students develop this year?What would becoming a more intentional teacher look like for you?Community ChallengeJoin us inside the Facebook group and share:✨ The one strategy you're taking into your classroom this year.✨ One way you'll intentionally help students build a healthier relationship with mathematics.Let's celebrate the beginning of a new school year together.Read Along With Us📖 Physical Book: https://amzn.to/42VJRl6🎧 Audiobook: https://amzn.to/49nV55DEven though we've reached the end of the book study, it's never too late to read Math Therapy and reflect on how these ideas can strengthen your own classroom.Next Week's Special EpisodeI'm thrilled to welcome Vanessa Vakharia to the podcast! We'll reflect on the book together, discuss the ideas that challenged me the most, answer listener questions, and explore how teachers can continue building classrooms where students develop healthier relationships with mathematics.I can't wait for you to hear our conversation.Until then, remember that math is Moore than just solving for X.This podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.Connect with Kristen:Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustxJoin the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!

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 my own grading practices, my experience with competency-based learning, and the conversations my department is currently having as we continue implementing our new curriculum.In This Episode✨ Why assessment communicates more than grades✨ My journey from competency-based grading to teaching within a traditional grading system✨ The difference between formative and summative assessment✨ Why reassessment should reflect new learning—not simply offer another attempt✨ Connecting "progress over perfection" to grading practices✨ SMART goals that focus on habits, confidence, and growth✨ Breaking learning into "dopamine bites"✨ A student progress tracker I'm building for Geometry Proficiency Lab✨ Helping students collect evidence of their own growthKey TakeawayAssessment isn't just about measuring what students know.It's about communicating what we believe learning looks like.When our grading practices align with our beliefs about growth, students receive a much more consistent message about what it means to learn mathematics.This Week's ReflectionAsk yourself:If students only experienced your assessment system, what would they believe about learning?Does your grading system leave room for growth?How do students measure their own progress?What evidence do students collect that shows they're becoming stronger mathematicians?Community ChallengeJoin us inside the Facebook group and share:✨ One assessment practice that helps students recognize their own progress.✨ One way you intentionally celebrate growth before the final unit assessment.Let's build a collection of ideas that help students see learning as a process rather than a single performance.Read Along With Us📖 Physical Book: https://amzn.to/42VJRl6🎧 Audiobook: https://amzn.to/49nV55DThere's still time to join our summer book study!Coming Next WeekNext week we'll continue exploring Math Therapy as we move into the final chapters and begin bringing together the big ideas we've explored throughout the series.Until then, keep reflecting, keep growing, and remember that math is Moore than just solving for X.This podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.Connect with Kristen:Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustxJoin the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!

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 mathematical identity.I also share one of my favorite implementation ideas from the book: helping students create a Math-o-GRAPHy, where they graph the highs and lows of their mathematical journey and later use those graphs as authentic mathematical data.In This Episode✨ What math identity really means✨ Why rewriting our math story helps rewire our brain✨ My personal math journey—from Mathlete to math teacher✨ How teachers shape students' mathematical identities✨ The influence of media on students' beliefs about math✨ Why I interpreted Mean Girls a little differently✨ The Math Story Makeover activity✨ Using Math-o-GRAPHy to connect SEL and authentic mathematics✨ Why identity—not ability—is often what changes mostKey TakeawayStudents don't become different mathematicians because we tell them they're capable.They become different mathematicians because they accumulate evidence that they are capable.Every reflection.Every productive struggle.Every meaningful success.Every encouraging conversation.Those experiences help students rewrite their story—and ultimately rewire how they see themselves.This Week's ReflectionAsk yourself:What's your own math story?Which teachers shaped your mathematical identity?What experiences made you the teacher you are today?If your students rewrote their math autobiography in May, what would you hope had changed?Community ChallengeJoin us inside the Facebook group and share:✨ One moment from your own math story that shaped the teacher you've become.✨ One classroom experience that helps students build a healthier relationship with mathematics.Let's collect ideas that help students rewrite their stories one experience at a time.Read Along With Us📖 Physical Book: https://amzn.to/42VJRl6🎧 Audiobook: https://amzn.to/49nV55DThere's still plenty of time to join our summer book study!Coming NextWe'll continue exploring Math Therapy and discover another practical toolkit for helping students build confidence, resilience, and lasting mathematical identities.Until then, keep reflecting, keep growing, and remember that math is Moore than just solving for X.This podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.Connect with Kristen:Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustxJoin the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!

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: Motivate, and exploring how relevance, purpose, and meaningful feedback can transform student motivation.In This Episode✨ Why motivation begins with meaning✨ The difference between real and relevant mathematics✨ Why transferable skills matter just as much as content standards✨ Redefining mathematics as reasoning, problem solving, communication, and critical thinking✨ Redefining success and failure through a growth mindset lens✨ Lessons from Meet the Robinsons and The Magic School Bus✨ Why accountability partners aren't just for students—they're for teachers too✨ How my National Board journey reshaped the way I think about student feedback✨ Why specific feedback builds self-efficacy and motivationKey TakeawayStudents don't always need another real-world application.Sometimes they simply need to understand who they're becoming because they're learning mathematics.Purpose fuels motivation.Meaning sustains perseverance.This Week's ReflectionAsk yourself:How would your students define mathematics?Would their definition match yours?What transferable skills are your students practicing this week?The next time a student asks, "When am I ever going to use this?" how might you answer the deeper question: "Why should I care?"Community ChallengeJoin us inside the Facebook group and share:✨ One way you help students discover the purpose behind mathematics.✨ One strategy you use to build intrinsic motivation without relying on rewards, points, or grades.Let's continue learning from one another as we prepare for a new school year.Read Along With Us📖 Physical Book: https://amzn.to/42VJRl6🎧 Audiobook: https://amzn.to/49nV55DIt's not too late to join our summer book study!Coming Up NextWe'll continue working through the Math Therapy framework and explore another practical toolkit for helping students build healthier, more confident relationships with mathematics.Until then, keep reflecting, keep learning, and remember that math is Moore than just solving for X.This podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.Connect with Kristen:Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustxJoin the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!

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, embarrassment, and fixed labels can prevent students from ever engaging in that struggle.I also share some of my own math stories and how they're influencing the way I'm designing my Geometry Proficiency Lab this year.In This Episode✨ The three meanings of "moderate" in the Math Therapy framework✨ Why moderating math anxiety is both proactive and reactive✨ My own experiences with math trauma in Honors Geometry and Linear Algebra✨ Why students should revisit and rewrite their math stories✨ Wrestling with the balance between cold calling and psychological safety✨ The impact of labels like "honors" and "intervention"✨ The Believe → Behave → Become framework for changing mathematical identity✨ Why teacher language matters✨ Choosing math therapy practices that fit your authentic teaching style✨ My favorite implementation idea: a Math Therapy Classroom AgreementKey TakeawayWe don't help students by lowering expectations.We help students by intentionally creating classrooms where they feel safe enough to meet high expectations.Psychological safety isn't the opposite of rigor.It's often what makes rigor possible.This Week's ReflectionAsk yourself:What labels do your students bring into your classroom?What stories have they attached to those labels?How do your classroom routines communicate safety, belonging, and high expectations?If your students rewrote their math autobiography at the end of the semester, what would you hope had changed?Community ChallengeHead over to the Facebook group and share:✨ One classroom routine you already use that helps students feel psychologically safe.✨ One idea from Chapter 4 that you're planning to implement this school year.Let's build a collection of strategies that help students experience productive struggle without unnecessary fear.Read Along With Us📖 Physical Book: https://amzn.to/42VJRl6🎧 Audiobook: https://amzn.to/49nV55DIt's never too late to jump into our summer book study!Coming Next TimeNext  we'll continue exploring the Math Therapy framework and unpack the next step in helping students build healthier relationships with mathematics.Until then, keep reflecting, keep learning, and remember that math is Moore than just solving for X.This podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.Connect with Kristen:Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustxJoin the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!

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 cannot build a healthier relationship with mathematics if they continue believing unhealthy myths about themselves.This episode explores how teachers can help students challenge limiting beliefs, collect evidence of growth, and begin rewriting their mathematical identities.In This Episode✨ Why growth mindset still matters✨ The difference between telling students they can grow and helping them experience growth✨ What it really means to be good at math✨ Why productive struggle is essential for building confidence✨ How the Reticular Activating System (RAS) influences what students notice✨ The role of relevance in learning mathematics✨ Reflection, journaling, and Favorite Mistakes as tools for growth✨ Why evidence—not encouragement alone—changes beliefsKey TakeawayStudents don't develop a growth mindset because we tell them to.Students develop a growth mindset because they experience growth.Productive struggle leads to success.Success creates evidence.Evidence shapes beliefs.Beliefs influence identity.And identity drives behavior.This Week's ReflectionConsider these questions:What does it mean to be good at math?Would your students define mathematical success the same way you do?What evidence are your students collecting about themselves every day?What evidence are they noticing?Community ChallengeThis week, intentionally notice something.It could be:examples of productive strugglemoments of student growthmathematics in everyday lifeevidence of mathematical thinkingThen head into our Facebook group and share what you discovered.I'd also love to hear your answer to this question:What does it mean to be good at math?Read Along With Us📖 Physical Book: https://amzn.to/42VJRl6🎧 Audiobook: https://amzn.to/49nV55DIt's not too late to join the book study!Coming Next TimeNext week we'll explore the second of the Five Ms: Moderate and discuss how we can intentionally create classrooms that help reduce math anxiety while increasing belonging, confidence, and trust.Until then, keep reflecting, keep learning, and remember that math is Moore than just solving for X.This podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.Connect with Kristen:Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustxJoin the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!

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 mathematics.As teachers, we already help students:navigate frustrationrecover from mistakesbuild confidencedevelop resiliencechallenge limiting beliefsMath therapy simply gives us a framework for doing that work more intentionally.In This EpisodeVanessa Vakharia's journey into math therapyWhy teachers already influence students' mathematical identitiesThe Five Ms framework:MythbustModerateMotivateMakeoverMeasureThe connection between Atomic Habits and mathematical identityWhy beliefs shape identity and identity shapes habitsThe importance of bringing your whole self into mathematicsCreating classroom agreements rooted in empathy and belongingRethinking the first two weeks of schoolA Powerful QuestionWhat if the first two weeks of school weren't just about procedures and review?What if they were also about helping students build a healthier relationship with mathematics?This question is shaping much of my planning for Geometry Proficiency Lab and may be one of the most impactful ideas from the chapter.This Week's ReflectionConsider these questions:What are you already doing that supports students' mathematical well-being?How do you build belonging in your classroom?What messages do your students receive about who can be successful in math?Which of the Five Ms do your students need most?Community ChallengeJoin us inside the Facebook group and share:One thing you're already doing that aligns with math therapyOne activity you plan to use during the first two weeks of schoolWhich of the Five Ms you're most excited to learn more aboutLet's learn from each other as we prepare for a new school year.Read Along With Us📖 Physical Book: https://amzn.to/42VJRl6🎧 Audiobook: https://amzn.to/49nV55DComing Next WeekWe'll begin exploring the first of the Five Ms:MythbustWe'll discuss growth mindset, identity, math autobiographies, journaling, and how students can begin rewriting the stories they've been telling themselves about mathematics.Until then, keep reflecting, keep learning, and remember that math is Moore than just solving for X. 🎙️📐This podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.Connect with Kristen:Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustxJoin the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!

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 tell ourselves about mathematics matter.From cultural stereotypes and family messaging to our own classroom experiences, students often arrive carrying beliefs about who they are as math learners long before we ever meet them.In This EpisodeWhy the "math person" myth is so persistentThe surprising connection between Teen Talk Barbie and productive struggleThe difference between math anxiety and math traumaHow family experiences influence mathematical identityWhat intervention students have taught me about confidence and resilienceQuestions I'm beginning to explore about math trauma in honors classesThis Week's ReflectionConsider these questions:Were you told you were a math person growing up?What messages about mathematics shaped your own identity?How do stress, anxiety, and math trauma show up in your students?Does it look different in intervention classes versus advanced courses?Community ChallengeThis week, start noticing how mathematics is portrayed in everyday life.Look for examples in:TelevisionMoviesSocial mediaAdvertisementsConversations with friends and familyThen share your observations inside our Facebook group. Let's see what patterns emerge when we start paying attention to the messages surrounding mathematics.Read Along With Us📖 Physical Book: https://amzn.to/42VJRl6🎧 Audiobook: https://amzn.to/49nV55DNext TimeWe'll dive into Chapter 2 and begin exploring what math therapy actually looks like in practice—and why it might matter more than we realize.Until next time, keep reflecting, keep learning, and remember that math is Moore than just solving for X. 🎙️📐This podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.Connect with Kristen:Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustxJoin the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!

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, this episode is packed with practical ideas you can use right away.💡 In This Episode:How to get started with Project-Based Learning (without overhauling your entire curriculum)Can Project-Based Learning and Building Thinking Classrooms work together?Why I love the Gift Wrap Challenge as an anchor activityReal-world connections for rational and irrational numbersMy favorite places to find authentic data, graphs, and statistics for math lessonsBook recommendations to reignite your passion for teaching math and explore instructional best practices✨ Resources MentionedProject or Practice? Free Guide 👉 https://moorethanjustx.myflodesk.com/practiceJoin us for our July Math Therapy Book Study!📖 Physical Book https://amzn.to/42VJRl6🎧 Audiobook https://amzn.to/49nV55D🌊 Poolside PD ReflectionWhat's one question about your teaching you've been avoiding because you thought you "should already know the answer?"Sometimes the best professional growth starts with asking better questions.Until next time, keep it real.This podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.Connect with Kristen:Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustxJoin the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!

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 what productive struggle actually looks like, why support and rigor aren't opposites, and how to challenge students without leaving them stranded.Because struggle is learning.Drowning is not.💡 In This Episode:What productive struggle really means in a math classroomWhy not all struggle leads to learningHow my thinking evolved through teaching an inquiry-based curriculumWhy support structures don't reduce rigorThe difference between students who are struggling and students who are overwhelmedHow relationships help us know when to push and when to support✨ Key Takeaways✨ Productive struggle is essential for deep learning✨ Support and rigor work together—not against each other✨ Good teaching requires knowing when to step in and when to step back✨ The same task can feel very different to different students✨ Student confidence and math identity influence how struggle is experienced📥 FREE GUIDE: Project or Practice?Want help creating meaningful learning experiences that balance rigor, engagement, and student thinking?👉 Grab the free guide: https://moorethanjustx.myflodesk.com/practice📘 JULY BOOK STUDY: Math TherapyNext week, we're kicking off our July Math Therapy book study!We'll be exploring:math identityconfidenceproductive strugglemath anxietystudent mindsetemotional experiences in mathematicsGrab your copy and read along with us:📖 Physical Book: https://amzn.to/42VJRl6🎧 Audiobook: https://amzn.to/49nV55D🌊 Poolside PD ReflectionThink about a student who struggled this year.Did they need more challenge?Or did they need more support?And how do you know the difference?🎧 What's NextNext week, we begin our Math Therapy summer book study by exploring why so many students believe they're "bad at math"—and what we can do about it.Until next time, keep it real.This podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.Connect with Kristen:Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustxJoin the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!

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 year—from rigor and procedural fluency to pacing, grading, and what should actually be different in an honors classroom.Because I don't think honors students need more work.I think they need meaningful opportunities to think more deeply.💡 In This Episode:What I'm excited (and nervous) about as I prepare to teach honors mathWhy rigor and volume are not the same thingThe procedural skills I'm reconsidering for honors studentsHow I'm thinking about pacing within the IM curriculumQuestions I have about grading, mastery, and accountabilityWhy "more work" isn't the same as "more challenge"✨ Key Takeaways✨ Honors students deserve deeper thinking—not just more assignments✨ High expectations and strong support should exist in every math classroom✨ Procedural fluency may matter differently for students on advanced math pathways✨ Some of the best professional growth comes from asking better questions✨ Being an experienced teacher doesn't mean you stop learning📥 FREE GUIDE: Project or Practice?Want help deciding when to use projects, performance tasks, or practice in your math classroom?👉 Grab the free guide: https://moorethanjustx.myflodesk.com/practice📘 JULY BOOK STUDY: Math TherapyThis July, we'll be reading Math Therapy together and discussing:math identityconfidenceproductive strugglestudent mindsetemotional experiences in mathematicsGrab your copy and read along with us:📖 Physical Book: https://amzn.to/42VJRl6🎧 Audiobook: https://amzn.to/49nV55D🌊 Poolside PD ReflectionIf you teach honors students, what should be different—and what should stay exactly the same?And if you don't teach honors?How do you challenge students without simply giving them more work?🎧 What's NextNext up, we're wrapping up our June Poolside PD series by talking about productive struggle, rigor, and how to support students without rescuing them.Until next time, keep it real.This podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.Connect with Kristen:Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustxJoin the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!

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 episode, I'm sharing how my thinking has evolved, the tools I'm keeping, the tools I'm rethinking, and how frameworks like TPACK and SAMR are helping me make more intentional instructional decisions.💡 In This Episode:Why I'm not anti-tech—but I am pro-intentionalityHow TPACK and SAMR can help us evaluate technology useWhy students sometimes use devices as an avoidance strategyThe role of TI-84 graphing calculators in a modern math classroomWhy tools like ASSISTments, Snorkl, and AI are staying in my toolboxMy "Hannah Montana Model" for balancing digital and non-digital learning✨ Key Takeaways✨ Technology should amplify thinking—not replace it✨ Learning goals should drive technology decisions✨ Not every lesson needs a screen✨ TPACK and SAMR help us ask better questions about technology use✨ The best technology isn't always the newest technology📥 FREE GUIDE: Project or Practice?Want help deciding when to use projects, performance tasks, or practice in your math classroom?👉 Grab the free guide: https://moorethanjustx.myflodesk.com/practice📘 JULY BOOK STUDY: Math TherapyThis July, we'll be reading Math Therapy together on the podcast.We'll explore:math identityconfidenceproductive strugglestudent mindsetemotional experiences in mathematicsGrab your copy and read along with us:📖 Physical Book: https://amzn.to/42VJRl6🎧 Audiobook: https://amzn.to/49nV55D🌊 Poolside PD ReflectionIf you removed every piece of technology from tomorrow's lesson, what learning would be lost?And what learning might actually improve?🎧 What's NextNext up, I'm sharing what I'm still figuring out about teaching Honors Math—including rigor, procedural fluency, pacing, and how to challenge students without overwhelming them.Until next time, keep it real.This podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.Connect with Kristen:Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustxJoin the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!

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 fatigue, productive struggle, and why I'm becoming more intentional about when—and how—technology shows up in my classroom.💡 In This Episode:Why I'm rethinking technology use in math classHow Chromebooks can become an avoidance toolLessons from The Anxious Generation and The Digital DelusionHow the TPACK and SAMR models can help us evaluate tech useWhere I still love tools like Desmos, ASSISTments, and SnorklWhy I'm exploring the role of TI-84 calculators again✨ Key Takeaways✨ Technology should support thinking—not replace it✨ More technology does not automatically create better learning✨ Productive struggle is harder when students have constant escape routes✨ The best tech decisions start with learning goals, not the tool✨ Intentional technology use is different from technology dependence📥 FREE GUIDE: Project or Practice?Want help deciding when to use projects, performance tasks, or practice in your math classroom?👉 Grab the free guide: https://moorethanjustx.myflodesk.com/practice📘 JULY BOOK STUDY: Math TherapyThis July, we'll be reading and discussing Math Therapy together on the podcast.We'll explore:math identityconfidenceproductive strugglestudent mindsetemotional experiences in mathematicsGrab your copy and read along with us:📖 Physical Book: https://amzn.to/42VJRl6🎧 Audiobook: https://amzn.to/49nV55D🎧 What’s NextNext up, we're talking about the role of calculators, AI, feedback tools, and why the best technology in math class isn't always the newest technology.Until next time, keep it real.This podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.Connect with Kristen:Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustxJoin the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!

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 where students are coming from and where they’re headed changes your instruction completely.💡 In This Episode:Why teaching multiple grade levels made me a stronger teacherHow understanding future math changes present instructionWhy conceptual progression matters in mathematicsHow studying above and below your course improves lesson designWhy math should feel connected—not isolated✨ Key Takeaways✨ Every math lesson is part of a larger mathematical story✨ Understanding future concepts changes what we emphasize now✨ Strong instruction connects prior knowledge to future learning✨ Deep content understanding leads to more intentional teaching📥 FREE GUIDE: Project or Practice?Want help creating more meaningful and intentional math experiences?👉 Grab the free guide: https://moorethanjustx.myflodesk.com/practice📘 JULY BOOK STUDY: Math TherapyWe’ll be reading Math Therapy together this July and discussing:math identityconfidenceproductive struggleand emotional experiences in math classGrab the book here:📖 Physical book: https://amzn.to/42VJRl6🎧 Audiobook: https://amzn.to/49nV55D🎧 What’s NextNext up, we’re diving into technology in the math classroom, Chromebook fatigue, and why I’m rethinking what intentional tech integration actually looks likeThis podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.Connect with Kristen:Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustxJoin the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!

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 instruction.💡 In This Episode:Why procedural fluency is not the same as conceptual understandingThe math concepts that challenged me as a teacherWhy horizontal transformations feel “backwards”How studying math more deeply changed my instructionWhy every math teacher should study above and below their grade level✨ Key Takeaways✨ Memorizing procedures is not the same as making sense of mathematics✨ Deep conceptual understanding changes the way we teach✨ Students struggle with abstract concepts because they are abstract✨ Seeing the “big picture” of mathematics makes instruction more intentional📥 FREE GUIDE: Project or Practice?Want help creating more meaningful math experiences in your classroom?👉 Grab the free guide: https://moorethanjustx.myflodesk.com/practice📘 JULY BOOK STUDY: Math TherapyWe’ll be reading Math Therapy together this July and discussing:math identityconfidenceproductive struggleand emotional experiences in math classGrab the book here:📖 Physical book: https://amzn.to/42VJRl6🎧 Audiobook: https://amzn.to/49nV55DThis podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.Connect with Kristen:Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustxJoin the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!

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 teachingstudent dynamicsand why consistency does not mean every class should look identical💡 In This Episode:Why every class period needs something slightly differentHow my understanding of differentiation evolved this yearWhat responsive teaching actually looks like in practiceWhy student behavior is often connected to confidence and overwhelmHow this connects to math identity and emotional experiences in math class✨ Key Takeaways✨ Consistency does not mean sameness✨ Responsive teaching is not lowering expectations✨ Different classes need different supports, pacing, and structures✨ Student engagement is deeply connected to confidence and belonging📥 FREE GUIDE: Project or Practice?Want help deciding when to use projects, performance tasks, or practice in your math classroom?👉 Grab the free guide: https://moorethanjustx.myflodesk.com/practice📘 JULY BOOK STUDY: Math TherapyWe’ll be reading Math Therapy together in July and discussing how math identity, confidence, and emotional experiences shape learning.Grab the book here:📖 Physical book: https://amzn.to/42VJRl6🎧 Audiobook: https://amzn.to/49nV55D🎧 What’s NextNext up, we’re talking about the math concepts I finally understand more deeply as a teacher—and how deepening my own conceptual understanding changed my instruction.Until next time, keep it real.This podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.Connect with Kristen:Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustxJoin the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!

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 made the biggest difference in my classroom this year—and why becoming more intentional transformed the way I teach.💡 In This Episode:Why I stopped “winging” lessons even after years of teachingWhat teaching an inquiry-based curriculum taught meHow my understanding of differentiation changed this yearWhy rigor and support need to exist togetherThe math concepts I finally understand more deeply as a teacher✨ Key Takeaways✨ Intentional teaching is about designing student experiences—not just delivering content✨ Differentiation can happen class-to-class, not just student-to-student✨ Strong math instruction balances rigor with support✨ Deepening your own conceptual understanding changes how you teach📥 FREE GUIDE: Project or Practice?Trying to think more intentionally about when to use projects, performance tasks, or practice in your math classroom?👉 Grab the free guide: https://moorethanjustx.myflodesk.com/practice🎧 What’s NextNext up, we’re diving into why teaching the same lesson five times never actually works—and what responsive teaching can look like in a real math classroom.Until next time, keep it real.This podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.Connect with Kristen:Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustxJoin the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!

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 flat (even when they’re “good”)A simple 4-step process to redesign your lessonsHow to make math more real, relevant, and rigorousA practical example you can apply right away✨ Key Takeaways✨ You don’t need to start over—you can modify what you already have✨ Strong lessons are real, relevant, and rigorous✨ Small design shifts can dramatically improve engagement✨ You can redesign a lesson in about 15 minutes with a clear process📥 FREE GUIDE: Project or Practice?Not sure when to use projects vs. practice in your math classroom?👉 Grab the free guide: https://moorethanjustx.myflodesk.com/practiceA simple way to make confident instructional decisions—without adding more to your plate.This podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.Connect with Kristen:Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustxJoin the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!

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 use your curriculum as a backbone—not a limitationWhy your students can handle meaningful math tasksSimple ways to start without overhauling your entire class✨ Key Takeaways✨ You don’t need more time—you need a more intentional approach✨ Your curriculum can support real-world math (you don’t have to replace it)✨ Students rise to the level of the opportunities you give them✨ Start small—15–20 minutes at a time is enough to begin📥 FREE GUIDE: Project or Practice?Not sure when to use projects vs. practice in your math classroom?👉 Grab the free guide: https://moorethanjustx.myflodesk.com/practiceA simple way to make confident instructional decisions—without adding more to your plate.This podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.Connect with Kristen:Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustxJoin the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!

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” or performance task actually looks likeA simple process to redesign your lessons in less timeReal classroom examples you can start using right away✨ Key Takeaways✨ You don’t need a full PBL unit to create meaningful math experiences✨ Small, well-designed project pieces can be just as powerful✨ Strong tasks are real, relevant, and rigorous✨ Start with the math, then build the experience around it📥 FREE GUIDE: Project or Practice?Not sure when to use a project vs. when to stick with practice?👉 Grab the free guide: https://moorethanjustx.myflodesk.com/practiceThis will help you make intentional decisions without adding more to your plate.This podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.Connect with Kristen:Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustxJoin the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!

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-based learning for mathWhat students actually need to stay engagedA simple way to redesign projects without starting from scratch✨ Key Takeaways✨ Engagement isn’t about making projects more fun—it’s about making the thinking more meaningful✨ Not all projects are worth your time (and that’s okay to admit)✨ Strong projects are real, relevant, and rigorous✨ Start with the math, then build the experience around it📥 FREE GUIDE: Project or Practice?Not sure when to use a project vs. when to stick with practice?👉 Grab the free guide: https://moorethanjustx.myflodesk.com/practiceThis will help you make intentional decisions without adding more to your already full plateThis podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.Connect with Kristen:Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustxJoin the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!

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 way to improve your lessons✨ Key Takeaway: Real-world math isn’t about the story—it’s about the connection.💌 Free Guide: Project or Practice?Download here:https://moorethanjustx.myflodesk.com/practiceThis podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.Connect with Kristen:Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustxJoin the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!

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: Meaningful math = real + relevant + rigorous.Free Guide: Project or Practice?Download here:https://moorethanjustx.myflodesk.com/practiceThis podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.Connect with Kristen:Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustxJoin the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!

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 engagedA simple shift to make your lessons more relevantKey Takeaway: Students engage when math feels useful—not just important.💌Free Guide: Project or Practice?Not sure when to use real-world projects vs. skill-based practice?Download here: https://moorethanjustx.myflodesk.com/practiceThis podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.Connect with Kristen:Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustxJoin the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!

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 in math✨ The difference between fun vs. meaningful lessons✨ One simple shift to try right awayEngagement comes from meaning, not energy.Start by asking:👉 “Why would my students care about this?”📥 FREE GUIDE: Project or Practice?Not sure when to use real-world projects vs. skill-based practice?👉 Grab the free guide: https://moorethanjustx.myflodesk.com/practiceA simple way to start making your math lessons more engaging—without adding more to your plate.This podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.Connect with Kristen:Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustxJoin the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!

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 and a former special education teacher and executive functioning specialist. Aron has more than 15 years of experience working with students and families and brings a relationship-based perspective to how students learn and develop.Together, we explore what the rise of AI in education may actually be revealing about our current system.Instead of focusing only on the technology itself, we dig into deeper questions:Why has student AI use accelerated so quickly?What does that trend tell us about the way students experience school?What does meaningful human development look like in a world where information is no longer scarce?For math teachers and classroom educators, this conversation also raises an important challenge: if technology can generate answers instantly, how do we design learning experiences that still prioritize reasoning, problem solving, and human connection?This episode offers a thoughtful perspective on the future of learning and the skills students need most in an AI-driven world.In This Episode We Discuss✔ Why students are rapidly adopting AI tools ✔ The difference between cheating and adaptation ✔ How AI may be exposing deeper shortcomings in our education system ✔ Why banning AI may not solve the real problem ✔ The skills schools should prioritize when information is no longer scarce ✔ How teachers can preserve human connection and authentic thinking in AI-rich classroomsAbout Our GuestAron Boxer is the CEO and Founder of Diversified Education Services. A former special education teacher and Director of Special Services, Aron specializes in executive functioning and learning differences. With more than 15 years of experience working directly with students and families, he focuses on a holistic, relationship-based approach to learning and development.Connect with Aron:https://www.instagram.com/aron_boxer_official_des/https://www.linkedin.com/in/aronboxer/This podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.Connect with Kristen:Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustxJoin the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!

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 classroom to solve both — so your judgment as a teacher can reach every student, faster.Tools mentioned:ChatGPT / Claude (feedback prompt template included in episode)Snorkl — instant AI feedback on student math explanationsKiddom — AI feedback built into your LMSBrisk — rubric-based personalized feedbackThis week's challenge: Pick one tool and try it on your next assignment.📲 Share what you tried: @moorethanjustx on Instagram 🌐 moorethanjustx.comSign up for Kristen's LAST AI in Math Education session with the Bureau of Educational Research: APRIL 1st! https://www.ber.org/seminars/course/MAD/Using-AI-to-Increase-MATH-Learning-and-Increase-Teacher-Productivity-Grades-6-12The Modern Math Teacher Podcast is part of the Teach Better Podcast Network.This podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.Connect with Kristen:Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustxJoin the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!

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 fall shortWhat teachers actually need from lesson plan AIHow teaching with technology can protect teacher energyPractical ways AI can support instructional decision-making🎟️ Join me for a hands-on AI training with BER (March or April) where teachers actively create lessons and materials. https://www.ber.org/seminars/course/MAD/Using-AI-to-Increase-MATH-Learning-and-Increase-Teacher-Productivity-Grades-6-12 🎁 Can’t attend live? Download the Ultimate AI Tools for Math Teachers Guide instead. https://moorethanjustx.myflodesk.com/aiguideThis podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.Connect with Kristen:Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustxJoin the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!

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 — design isHow AI literacy helps teachers use tools responsiblyPractical ways AI can support teacher planningWhat responsible AI use actually looks like in math classrooms🎟️ Join me for a hands-on AI training with BER (March or April) where teachers actively create lessons and materials. https://www.ber.org/seminars/course/MAD/Using-AI-to-Increase-MATH-Learning-and-Increase-Teacher-Productivity-Grades-6-12 🎁 Can’t attend live? Download the Ultimate AI Tools for Math Teachers Guide instead. https://moorethanjustx.myflodesk.com/aiguideThis podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.Connect with Kristen:Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustxJoin the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!

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 struggle, and that critical middle school-to-Algebra transition.This conversation isn’t just about a contest. It’s about what happens to students’ confidence when abstraction increases — and how we can protect curiosity while raising rigor.In This Episode, We Discuss:🔄 The Middle School ShiftWhy math suddenly feels more abstractHow pacing and performance pressure impact confidenceWhat happens to math identity during this transition➗ Why We Lose Students in AlgebraWhen procedure replaces thinkingThe unintended effects of “right answer” cultureHow speed and comparison increase anxiety🌍 A Global Perspective on Productive Struggle + EngagementTwo questions you must ask yourself as a teacherEstablishing a class culture to support struggleHow to create struggle that feels safe and purposefulEvery person can be a math person🌍World Maths Day with MathleticsThrough global participation in World Maths Day, educators have observed:Students lean in when challenge feels accessibleImmediate feedback increases persistenceParticipation motivates more than rankingConnect with Sheila: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheila-robitaille-8823864b🌍Sign Up for World Maths Day: https://www.3plearning.com/world-maths-day/This podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.Connect with Kristen:Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustxJoin the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!

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 teachers use to turn struggle into lasting understanding.Topics include:Teaching strategies that support reflection after struggleHow feedback differs from fixing student thinkingWhy formalizing learning matters in math instructionIf you want your math lessons to lead to deeper understanding—not just effort—this episode will help you close the gap.This podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.Connect with Kristen:Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustxJoin the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!

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 shared directly from teachers I’ve been working with across my district and county. Together, we reflect on the impact of this work, common challenges teachers face, and practical ways to support student thinking, perseverance, and confidence in math.💡 In This Episode, We Discuss:Why productive struggle matters now more than everHow to recognize productive vs. unproductive struggleWhen to step in during struggle—and when to hold backSmall instructional shifts that make a big impactSupporting productive struggle at the classroom and system level📘 About the GuestJohn SanGiovanni is a best-selling author and nationally recognized leader in mathematics education. He works as a mathematics coordinator in Maryland, leading curriculum and assessment development, professional learning, intervention, and school improvement planning. He is the author of more than two dozen mathematics education books, an international consultant, and a former board member of both the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics.🔗 Connect with JohnWebsite: sangiomath.comSocial: @JohnSanGiovanniThis podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.Connect with Kristen:Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustxJoin the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!

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 make meaning of both what they learned and how they learned it. We share simple, flexible reflection routines that reinforce productive struggle, strengthen math identity, and build habits of perseverance.🔑Key TakeawaysReflection increases retention and meaning-makingLearning includes experience, not just contentReflection reinforces that struggle is valuedVariety in reflection activities mattersReflection should be routine, not constantTeacher reflection improves future instructionCelebration should be thoughtful and student-centered📝Mini Move of the Week👉 Add ONE reflection prompt focused on struggle to lesson closure.📚Read along with UsProductive Struggle in Math: A 6 Point Action Plan for Fostering Perseverance🔗 Listen & Connect🎧 Listen here: https://modernmathteacher.buzzsprout.com/share📸 Instagram: @moorethanjustx🧑‍💻Join the free FB group: The Modern Math Teacher Community👩🏻‍🏫Become a Modern Math Teacher Member💛 Explore more resources: www.moorethanjustx.comThis podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.Connect with Kristen:Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustxJoin the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!

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 painful. Using insights from Warschauer (2014), Smith & Stein’s 5 Practices, Mona Iehl, and practical classroom experience, this episode gives you the exact moves to support student thinking without stealing the learning.🔑 Key TakeawaysNot all struggle looks the same — knowing the type of struggle helps you respond effectively.Supporting struggle ≠ rescuing answers. The real goal is rescuing thinking.Small teacher moves have big impact on student confidence, perseverance, and identity.Catch-and-Release is one of the most powerful whole-class strategies for addressing common challenges.Referrals, graphic organizers, and anchor charts can build independence and reduce learned helplessness.Metacognitive micro-questions help students become self-directed learners.Honoring mistakes builds trust, reduces math anxiety, and strengthens classroom community.Strategic nudging helps prevent spiraling frustration without removing the challenge.✏️ Mini Move of the Week👉 When a student gets stuck, don’t explain. Ask ONE metacognitive micro-question. Just one. Watch what happens.📚Read along with UsProductive Struggle in Math: A 6 Point Action Plan for Fostering Perseverance🔗 Listen & Connect🎧 Listen here: https://modernmathteacher.buzzsprout.com/share📸 Instagram: @moorethanjustx🧑‍💻Join the free FB group: The Modern Math Teacher Community👩🏻‍🏫Become a Modern Math Teacher Member💛 Explore more resources: www.moorethanjustx.comThis podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.Connect with Kristen:Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustxJoin the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!

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 modifying tasks, anticipating student thinking, and balancing conceptual understanding, fluency, and application — this is your masterclass. 🎓✨🔑 Key TakeawaysStrong lesson design includes a clear math goal, intentional task selection, anticipatory planning, and reflection.Mathematical language should be amplified, not simplified (Van de Walle).High-quality tasks are essential for rigor — they reveal misconceptions and promote meaningful discussion.Rigor = conceptual understanding + procedural fluency + application (CCSSO, 2019).Doing the task yourself uncovers biases, reveals complexity, and improves instruction.Anticipation is one of the highest-impact teacher practices (Smith & Stein’s 5 Practices).Inquiry-first sequences (You Do → We Share → I Connect) create deeper learning and stronger reasoning.Grouping, routines, and community-building are essential parts of planning for struggle.You don’t have to overhaul everything at once — start with one lesson a week.✏️ Mini Move of the Week👉 Choose any math task and modify it using ONE strategy from today’s episode. Tiny task shifts → big thinking gains.📚Read along with UsProductive Struggle in Math: A 6 Point Action Plan for Fostering Perseverance🔗 Listen & Connect🎧 Listen here: https://modernmathteacher.buzzsprout.com/share📸 Instagram: @moorethanjustx🧑‍💻Join the free FB group: The Modern Math Teacher Community👩🏻‍🏫Become a Modern Math Teacher Member💛 Explore more resources: www.moorethanjustx.comThis podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.Connect with Kristen:Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustxJoin the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!

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 ecosystem where students feel safe, valued, and supported enough to take academic risks. And when students are asked to think deeply, share ideas, make mistakes, and try again? That community becomes the backbone that makes productive struggle possible.🔑 Key TakeawaysA productive math community is built on trust, safety, respect, and belonging.Community is not a “Week 1” event — it must be maintained intentionally all year long.Middle school and high school students face unique barriers that make community-building even more critical.Students must co-create norms to feel ownership and accountability.Community is strengthened by shared understanding of productive struggle, mistakes, and the learning process.Teachers must periodically “take the temperature” of the class to reinforce norms and address disconnects.Learning is deepest when students engage, discuss, debate, and reflect, not just work quietly. (Boaler, 2013; NCTM, 2014)✏️ Mini Move of the Week👉 Have students co-create a “Good Group / Bad Group” sort and build class norms from their ideas. Shared ownership = shared responsibility.📚Read along with UsProductive Struggle in Math: A 6 Point Action Plan for Fostering Perseverance🔗 Listen & Connect🎧 Listen here: https://modernmathteacher.buzzsprout.com/share📸 Instagram: @moorethanjustx🧑‍💻Join the free FB group: The Modern Math Teacher Community👩🏻‍🏫Become a Modern Math Teacher Member💛 Explore more resources: www.moorethanjustx.comThis podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.Connect with Kristen:Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustxJoin the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!

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 teachers can use to help every student believe, “I am a math person.”🔑 Key TakeawaysMath identity = beliefs + emotions + experiences + messages.Students’ math identities are shaped long before they enter our classrooms.Family beliefs, media messaging (“math is tough”), stereotypes, and past classroom experiences all contribute.Math trauma plays a major role in identity formation (Vanessa Vakharia).Teachers’ OWN math identities influence how they respond to struggle, mistakes, and student thinking.Identity predicts whether students will lean into struggle or run from it.Building identity requires intentional reflection, celebration, and countering negative beliefs.Self-efficacy (Hattie, 2019) is one of the highest-impact influences on achievement.Productive struggle cannot happen without a strong and positive math identity.✏️ Mini Move of the Week👉 Have students complete a mini math autobiography.Just six simple prompts can give you BIG insights into how they see themselves.📚Read along with UsProductive Struggle in Math: A 6 Point Action Plan for Fostering Perseverance🔗 Listen & Connect🎧 Listen here: https://modernmathteacher.buzzsprout.com/share📸 Instagram: @moorethanjustx🧑‍💻Join the free FB group: The Modern Math Teacher Community👩🏻‍🏫Become a Modern Math Teacher Member💛 Explore more resources: www.moorethanjustx.comThis podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.Connect with Kristen:Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustxJoin the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!

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 from “right answer math” to “thinking-first math,” this is your episode. 🧠✨🔑 Key TakeawaysProductive struggle is one of NCTM’s eight essential mathematics teaching practices.You cannot value productive struggle if you only value right answers Giving students the first crack at making meaning (before explicit instruction) is an equity move.High expectations are a prerequisite for meaningful struggle — students rise (or fall) to the bar we set.Productive struggle builds confidence, identity, perseverance, and agency.Unproductive struggle can signal math trauma, shutdown, or avoidance behaviors.Behavior is communication — and often a signal that students need support, not rescue.A real growth mindset must be lived, not laminated.✏️ Mini Move of the Week👉 Name productive struggle out loud every time you see it.Students need to know when they’re doing something powerful.📚Read along with UsProductive Struggle in Math: A 6 Point Action Plan for Fostering Perseverance🔗 Listen & Connect🎧 Listen here: https://modernmathteacher.buzzsprout.com/share📸 Instagram: @moorethanjustx🧑‍💻Join the free FB group: The Modern Math Teacher Community👩🏻‍🏫Become a Modern Math Teacher Member💛 Explore more resources: www.moorethanjustx.comThis podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.Connect with Kristen:Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustxJoin the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!

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 passive instruction is killing engagement ✅ 3 go-to talk strategies you can use tomorrow ✅ Cooperative teaching strategies that build confidence and collaboration ✅ What NOT to do if you want students to participateThis podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.Connect with Kristen:Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustxJoin the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!