Modern Math Teacher

Let's talk. Send me a message with your email and I'll get back to you!Is your math class unforgettable—for the right reasons? In this episode, I'm sharing a powerful story from a cross-curricular Rocket Project that completely shifted how I thought about engagement. It reminded me that students don't remember worksheets. They remember moments.Inside this episode: ✔ How I turned a standard quadratics unit into a project students couldn't stop talking about ✔ Why cross-curricular work matters more than we give it credit for ✔ A super easy way to make any word problem feel more relevant using AI

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Let's talk. Send me a message with your email and I'll get back to you!☀️Summer is almost here—and so is my Summer Series Poolside PD designed to make your teacher professional development feel more like iced coffee on the porch than a boring meeting.

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Let's talk. Send me a message with your email and I'll get back to you!✏️ Looking for free math activities for high school that are actually fun and meaningful? You're in the right place. In this episode, I'm sharing my top 3 FREE, low-prep, high-impact math activities to keep your students learning (and moving) through the end of the year.These aren't just fluff—they're rigorous, hands-on, and tied directly to key standards for Algebra 1 and Algebra 2.In this episode, you'll get: ✅ A full breakdown of my favorite freebies:✈️ Paper Airplane Math

Let's talk. Send me a message with your email and I'll get back to you!What better way to celebrate 100 episodes than by keeping it 100% real?In this milestone episode, I'm looking back on 15 real, raw, and totally relatable teaching moments from the past 15 years of my math classroom. From launching tennis balls across fields (oops) to learning the hard way why some things can't be gray (looking at you, cell phones), I'm sharing the funny fails, the powerful lessons, and the mindset shifts that helped me grow into the teacher I am today.Whether you're in year 1 or year 20, this one's for YOU. Let's celebrate the work we do—and all the messy, beautiful moments in between.

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Let's talk. Send me a message with your email and I'll get back to you!

Let's talk. Send me a message with your email and I'll get back to you!Teaching doesn't have to be exhausting. What if small shifts could give you back your time, reduce burnout, and make learning more engaging—without adding extra stress?In this episode, I'm joined by Rae Hughart, educator, speaker, and founder of Teachers Deserve It. Rae is passionate about helping teachers set boundaries, reclaim their time, and make learning meaningful for students in a way that's practical and sustainable.We're diving into simple, actionable strategies to help you take back control of your time, rethink professional development, and bring real-world connections into your classroom.In this episode, you'll learn:✔️ Time-saving strategies to lighten your workload and avoid burnout.✔️ How to make professional development work for you instead of feeling like another task.✔️ Practical ways to bring real-world connections into your lessons.✔️ The truth about flexible seating and how to design an effective classroom setup.

Let's talk. Send me a message with your email and I'll get back to you!

Let's talk. Send me a message with your email and I'll get back to you!

Let's talk. Send me a message with your email and I'll get back to you!

Let's talk. Send me a message with your email and I'll get back to you!

Let's talk. Send me a message with your email and I'll get back to you!Wish you had more time to personalize lessons, create engaging activities, and support all learners—without adding hours to your prep? AI might just be the tool you need.In this episode, we're breaking down three powerful ways AI can help with lesson planning and differentiation. Whether you're brand new to AI or already testing it in your classroom, you'll walk away with practical strategies to save time, enhance instruction, and better support students.In this episode, you'll learn:✔️ Why AI is a time-saving tool (not a shortcut!) for teachers.✔️ Three simple ways to use AI for lesson planning and differentiation.✔️ How the CRAFT Prompting Framework helps you get better AI-generated content.

Let's talk. Send me a message with your email and I'll get back to you!Feeling the mid-semester slump? You're not alone! March is that tricky time of year when energy dips, students get distracted, and classroom routines start slipping. But the good news? A simple spring reset can help bring back structure, engagement, and momentum for the rest of the school year.

Let's talk. Send me a message with your email and I'll get back to you!AI is everywhere—but is it actually useful in math class, or just another tech buzzword?

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Let's talk. Send me a message with your email and I'll get back to you!February is the month of love, and we're asking: Can you set high expectations and still be the teacher your students love and trust? Spoiler alert: You absolutely can! In this episode, we're diving into how balancing meaningful relationships with rigorous instruction leads to student engagement and success in the math classroom.In this episode, you'll learn:✔️ Why relationships are the foundation of a thriving classroom culture.✔️ How to pair rigor with care to boost engagement and help students succeed.✔️ Practical strategies to build relationships and implement meaningful, challenging tasks.

Let's talk. Send me a message with your email and I'll get back to you!Do you know the secret to starting your math class on the right foot? It's all in the warm-up! A great bell ringer not only sets the tone for the day but also engages your students and gets them thinking critically right from the start.In this episode, we'll explore:✔️ Why warm-ups are essential for focus and engagement.✔️ Five practical bell ringer ideas to energize your math class.✔️ A simple, bonus warm-up strategy you can implement tomorrow—even if you're short on prep time!

Let's talk. Send me a text message! Presidents' Day isn't just a time to reflect on leadership—it's a perfect opportunity to connect math to history and civic engagement! In this episode, we're diving into cross-curricular connections that bring real-world math into your classroom.In this episode, you'll learn:✔️ Why integrating math with history deepens student understanding.✔️ How my Election Project engages students with data analysis, probability, and civic themes.✔️ Simple Presidents' Day activities that tie math to real-world events—even if you don't grab the full project!

Let's talk. Send me a message with your email and I'll get back to you!AI is everywhere—but is it actually useful in math class, or just another tech buzzword?

Let's talk. Send me a text message! Are you ready to turn the NFL Championship Big Game into a math teacher's dream lesson? This episode is all about making math real, relevant, and engaging by connecting it to one of the biggest cultural events of the year!

Let's talk. Send me a text message! This week, I'm thrilled to sit down with Rob Barnett, a former teacher, co-founder of the Modern Classrooms Project (MCP), and author of the brand-new book Meet Every Learner's Needs. Rob has dedicated his career to empowering educators with practical strategies to unlock the full potential of every student.In this episode, we dive into:✨ Rob's journey into teaching and the challenges that shaped his approach.✨ The inspiring story behind the Modern Classrooms Project and its revolutionary model.✨ Key strategies from Meet Every Learner's Needs, including how to redesign lessons, courses, and instruction to engage every student.✨ How teachers can balance supporting struggling learners and challenging advanced students.✨ Practical steps for implementing the Modern Classroom model in your classroom right away.Whether you're a classroom teacher or a school leader, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you transform your teaching practice and meet the needs of all learners.Resources Mentioned:

Let's talk. Send me a text message! Want to make math feel relevant? In this episode, Kristen shares tips for connecting math lessons to students' lives and interests. Plus, learn how to use AI tools to find real-world examples and data to bring into your classroom!

Let's talk. Send me a text message! Is your classroom ready for the second semester? This episode dives into CHAMPS strategies to help you reset routines, reestablish expectations, and create a positive learning environment. Plus, discover how AI tools can make classroom management easier than ever!

Let's talk. Send me a text message! Start the new year with intentionality! In this episode, Kristen shares strategies to help teachers and students set meaningful goals for 2025. From reflecting on last semester to using AI tools for organization, this episode is packed with actionable tips.

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Let's talk. Send me a text message!

Let's talk. Send me a text message! ✨ Reflect and Reset: Preparing for a Fresh Start in JanuaryAs the year comes to a close, it's time to reflect on the semester and prepare for a fresh start in January. ✨ In this episode, Kristen shares strategies to help you and your students reflect on progress, reset your classroom for the new year, and recharge over winter break.

Let's talk. Send me a text message! ✨ Preparing for Semester Exams: Tips for Teachers and StudentsFeeling the pressure of semester exams?

Let's talk. Send me a text message! ✨ The Gift Wrap Challenge: A Hands-On Math ActivityBring holiday cheer into your math classroom with the Gift Wrap Challenge!

Let's talk. Send me a text message! ✨ Inside the Episode:With the holidays right around the corner, keeping classroom behavior on track can feel like a challenge!

Let's talk. Send me a text message! ✨ Inside the EpisodeThe winter holidays are here, and it's time to celebrate!

Let's talk. Send me a text message! ✨ Inside the Episode:With the holiday season in full swing, it can be hard to keep students engaged and focused.

Let's talk. Send me a text message! ✨The holiday season is here, and we know how hectic it can get in the classroom! In this episode of The Modern Math Teacher, I'm sharing simple classroom strategies that will help you stay on top of things and enjoy the season. From managing classroom energy to adding festive fun, these tips will keep you organized and stress-free!

Let's talk. Send me a text message! In this episode of The Modern Math Teacher, we're diving deep into one of the simplest yet most powerful tools for any math teacher: exit tickets. If you're looking for a quick, effective way to check for understanding and gather valuable insights about your students, this episode is for you. I'll walk you through why exit tickets matter, practical ways to use them, and how to leverage the data to adjust your teaching for maximum impact. Plus, I'll share how I personally combine exit tickets with self-assessment to streamline my planning and focus on the students who need extra support.What's inside:

Let's talk. Send me a text message! In this episode of The Modern Math Teacher, we're talking about how you can make math relevant and exciting by integrating election data into your algebra lessons. With the upcoming 2024 election, there's no better time to show students how mathematical concepts can be used to analyze voter turnout trends and make predictions. I'll walk you through the Election 2024 Math Project—a project-based learning experience that gets students working with real data, calculating statistics, and modeling outcomes. By the end of this episode, you'll have the tools and strategies to engage your students in critical thinking about the math behind elections, all while hitting key Common Core standards.Key Takeaways:Why Election Data Matters in Math Class: Learn how incorporating election data into your lessons makes math relevant and cross-curricular.Using Statistics to Explore Voter Turnout: Explore how students can calculate voter turnout trends by age group and other demographics, using mean, median, standard deviation, and more.Modeling Data for Future Predictions: Discover how students can use real data to predict future election outcomes using normal distribution and other algebraic concepts.Ready-to-Use Resources: Learn about the student handouts, step-by-step instructions, and data analysis tools included in the Election 2024 Math Project.Tech Tools to Support the Project: Tips on using Google Sheets, Desmos, and other tools to help students model and visualize their data.Resources Mentioned:

Let's talk. Send me a text message! In this exciting episode of The Modern Math Teacher, we dive into some of the most debated topics in math education with Juliana Tapper, author of the upcoming book Teaching 6-12 Math Intervention. Juliana shares her insights on when direct instruction is not just effective—but essential--yup you heard that right!—for struggling students. We also tackle the controversial practice of cold calling, how it can actually boost engagement, and why it's misunderstood in today's classrooms.

Let's talk. Send me a text message! Are you ready to make the most of parent-teacher conferences and open house this fall?

Let's talk. Send me a text message! Are you ready to foster a growth mindset in your math classroom?

Let's talk. Send me a text message! Welcome to The Modern Math Teacher! In today's episode, we're breaking down how to bring the 8 Mathematical Practices into your everyday math lessons. These practices are the key to helping students think like mathematicians, and we've got practical tips to make them a seamless part of your instruction.In This Episode, You'll Learn:A quick review of all 8 Mathematical Practices and their purpose.How to integrate these practices with simple, everyday strategies like open-ended problems and real-world modeling.Ways to encourage precision, strategic tool use, and mathematical discourse in your classroom.Resources Mentioned:8 Math Practices Posters Resource: Download this printable to display in your classroom and help students engage with these key practices!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 @moorethanjustx Join the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers Movement More About the Modern Math Teacher Podcast Kristen 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 talk. Send me a text message! In today's episode, we're diving into a powerful strategy for increasing student engagement: mathematical discourse. If you've ever struggled to get your students talking about math, this episode is for you! I'll be sharing practical tips on how to use the 5 Practices for Orchestrating Productive Mathematical Discussions to encourage deeper understanding and active participation in your classroom.

Let's talk. Send me a text message! Today, we're tackling a topic that can truly transform your classroom—Project-Based Learning (PBL). If the idea of PBL feels daunting, don't worry! In this episode, I'm breaking it down into simple, manageable steps so you can start incorporating PBL into your lessons without feeling overwhelmed.

Let's talk. Send me a text message!  Today we're diving into a topic that's near and dear to every math teacher's heart—engaging students with real-world math applications. We've all heard the classic, “When am I ever going to need this?” question, and today, I'm here to give you the tools to answer that in a way that not only satisfies your students but also sparks their interest in math.In This Episode, We'll Cover:Why Connecting Math to the Real World Matters: How real-world applications can transform even the most disengaged students into active learners.Resources to Support You: From free problem-solving tasks by Math Medic to AI tools like ChatGPT and Khanmigo, we'll explore ways to quickly integrate real-world math into your lessons.Practical Examples: Easy-to-implement activities like “Budgeting for a Trip” and sports statistics analysis that bring math to life.Tips to Get Started: How to start small, connect to current events, and involve your students in the learning process.Resources Mentioned:Math MedicChatGPTKhanmigoProject Based Algebra Teachers Membership

Let's talk. Send me a text message!  In today's episode, Kristen Moore breaks down the essentials of creating a positive classroom culture. From setting clear expectations to co-creating norms and establishing a social contract, this episode is packed with tips to help you foster a supportive, respectful, and collaborative environment in your classroom.

Let's talk. Send me a text message! In this episode, we continue our back-to-school series with a focus on effective classroom management strategies. We'll explore how to set up clear classroom rules, routines, and procedures to ensure a productive and positive learning environment. Drawing insights from renowned educators Harry Wong and Angela Watson, we delve into must-have routines that will help you start your school year on the right foot.Today's Topics:Classroom Management Overview:Importance of clear classroom rules, routines, and proceduresInsights from Harry Wong and Angela WatsonMust-Have Routines:Beginning  + Ending Class Routines:Greeting students and entry routineVisual flow and daily agendaExit routinesMiddle of Class Routines: Routines for Group Work and a Thinking Classroom:Group work expectationsProblem-solving routinesVNPS routinesHandling Technology Responsibly:Phone pockets vs. out-of-sight approachTechnology trades and phone charging bankRelated Resources:Harry Wong's The First Days of SchoolAngela Watson's 40 Hour Teacher WorkweekEdTomorrow's First 5Peter Liljedahl's Building Thinking ClassroomsWith the Project Based Algebra Membership, you get full access to all the best real-world resources carefully crafted to align with the interests of today's teenagers. We're talking activities and projects that REAL and RELEVANT. Standards aligned resources that are RIGOROUS and engaging. Join today to lock in Founding Pricing for LIFE!

Let's talk. Send me a text message! In today's episode, we're breaking down the essential strategies you need to set your students up for success during the first week of school. From setting clear expectations and practicing routines to easing into math content with low-floor tasks, we've got you covered.I'll share actionable tips for how to make the most of those crucial first days, including what I'm doing in my classroom to build a positive, math-focused environment. Whether you're looking for new ideas or just want to refine your approach, this episode is packed with insights to help you start the school year strong.

Let's talk. Send me a text message! In this week's episode, we kick off our back-to-school series by focusing on setting up your classroom for success. Join Kristen Moore as she shares essential tips on organizing your teacher workspace, arranging student desks, and creating an engaging overall classroom feel. Whether you're a seasoned educator or a new teacher, these practical tips will help you create a productive and welcoming math classroom.Today's Topics:Teacher Workspace: Discover how to keep your desk organized and clutter-free using practical storage solutions and digital tools. Learn about the Teacher Friday Workbox from Organize 365 and its benefits.Student Workspace: Explore different desk arrangements to enhance student interaction and learning. Tips on organizing student supplies and creating designated turn-in areas.Overall Classroom Feel: Learn how to create a calm and focused classroom environment using a cohesive color scheme, flexible furniture arrangements, and effective lighting and music. Get inspired with our classroom decor bundles available on TpT.Links Mentioned:Classroom Decor Bundle- BrightsClassroom Decor Bundle- PastelsClassroom Decor Bundle- Neutral + Earth TonesWith the Project Based Algebra Membership, you get full access to all the best real-world resources carefully crafted to align with the interests of today's teenagers. We're talking activities and projects that REAL and RELEVANT. Standards aligned resources that are RIGOROUS and engaging. Join today to lock in Founding Pricing for LIFE!

Let's talk. Send me a text message! Discover how a consistent class structure can transform your teaching and reduce student anxiety.Welcome to another episode of The Modern Math Teacher podcast! In today's episode, Kristen Moore dives into the importance of consistency in classroom cadence and how it can transform your teaching and benefit your students.Today's Topics:Why establishing a routine is crucial for maintaining expectations and reducing student anxiety.How a predictable classroom structure can create a safe and secure learning environment.Sample cadences for both 50-minute and 80-minute class periods, including entry routines, active problem-solving tasks, mini-lessons, in-class practice opportunities, and exit tickets.Sample Classroom Cadences Covered:50-Minute Class Period:Entry Routine/Warm-Up (5 minutes)Active Problem Solving or Thinking Task (15 minutes)Mini Lesson/Consolidation/Notes (10 minutes)In-Class Practice Opportunities (15 minutes)Exit Ticket/End of Class Routine (5 minutes)80-Minute Class Period:Entry Routine/Warm-Up (10 minutes)Active Problem Solving or Thinking Task (20 minutes)Mini Lesson/Consolidation/Notes (15 minutes)In-Class Practice Opportunities (25 minutes)Exit Ticket/End of Class Routine (10 minutes)Resources Mentioned:EdTomorrow's First FiveWith the Project Based Algebra Membership, you get full access to all the best real-world resources carefully crafted to align with the interests of today's teenagers. We're talking activities and projects that REAL and RELEVANT. Standards aligned resources that are RIGOROUS and engaging. Join today to lock in Founding Pricing for LIFE!

Let's talk. Send me a text message! Don't let overwhelm stop you from integrating new innovative and effective teaching practices in your math classroom. In this episode, we're tackling the challenge of "fitting it all in" when it comes to integrating various effective teaching practices in your classroom. We understand that it can be overwhelming to incorporate new methods, but we're here to help you find balance without overloading yourself or your students.Today's Topics:Blended Instruction and Mastery-Based Assessment:Integrating these approaches with other instructional methods for personalized, flexible learning.Thinking Classroom Tasks and Project-Based Learning:How thinking classroom tasks foster critical thinking and inquiry.The comprehensive nature of project-based learning units and their embedded inquiry opportunities. Combining Methods:Using blended instruction and mastery-based assessment with thinking classroom tasks.Enhancing project-based learning with digital tools and mastery assessment.Balancing Act:Tips for integrating these effective practices gradually.Ensuring your lessons remain dynamic and engaging.