Modern Math Teacher

Let's put aside standards and curriculum for a moment.Let's talk about the actual humans in your classroom. Because chances are, you've felt it too:“They deserve more than just what the textbook gives them.”✅ They deserve to see math as meaningful. ✅ They deserve to feel confident and curious — not just compliant. ✅ They deserve your best, even when the system doesn't make it easy.

We've all been there: 

You've seen all the cool Pinterest projects and Instagram reels that make real-world math look effortless. But when you try it in your classroom? 

What if transforming your math classroom didn't require a complete overhaul—just a roadmap?In today's episode, I'm walking you through the 5-stage success path at the heart of the Modern Math Teacher Membership. Whether you're stuck in survival mode or starting to explore project-based learning and real-world applications, this episode will help you see exactly where you are—and what to focus on next.

What if summer wasn't just a break… but a bold reset? In this episode of The Modern Math Teacher Podcast, we're ditching the survival mindset and using summer as a launchpad for a lighter, more aligned school year. Whether you're sipping coffee on the porch or finally clearing out your inbox, this is your invitation to pause—and reimagine.We'll walk through:

Feel like you're the only one in your school trying to make math meaningful?In this episode, I'm getting real about what it's like to teach differently—and the loneliness that can come with it. From being the only math teacher at a brand-new charter school to building a classroom from scratch, I've lived the “lone wolf” life. And if you're there right now, this one's for you.✅ In this episode, we'll talk about:Why teaching differently can feel isolatingMy “lone wolf” story from the charter school daysThe power of shared language, support, and PLCsWhat we're creating inside the Modern Math Teacher MembershipHow to start building your own support system today

Ever feel like lesson planning takes forever—and still falls flat with students?In this episode, I'm sharing the Reality Check, my go-to lesson design framework that helps you quickly build lessons that are real, relevant, and rigorous. Whether you're designing a warm-up, full lesson, or project milestone, this hack saves time and boosts student buy-in.✅ In this episode, you'll learn:How I created the Reality Check after a project flop with MazerTagWhat it actually means to make math real, relevant, and rigorousA quick example using quadratic graphingHow to use AI + the CRAFT framework to streamline planningOne small action step to improve any lesson this week

What if your classroom didn't need more resources—but a better rhythm?In this episode, I'm sharing the one shift that changed everything for me as a math teacher: designing with rhythm. From launching units with anchor activities to structuring daily warm-ups and routines, I'll show you how simple systems lead to better engagement, deeper understanding, and more peace—for you and your students.✅ In this episode, we'll explore:Why teaching is like choreography—and how rhythm creates calmHow I start each unit with an anchor activity students rememberWhat makes warm-ups actually workThe biggest mistake teachers make with structureOne rhythm shift you can try this week

Have you been listening to these episodes thinking, “Yes! This is the kind of math class I want—but I can't do it alone”? Then this episode is for you.Today I'm giving you an inside look at the Modern Math Teacher Membership—what it is, who it's for, and how you can get in early as a founding member. I'll also share the story that inspired it all—the moment everything clicked in my own classroom, when my students took ownership of a project and finally believed that math mattered.In this episode, we'll explore:

You want to do PBL, but every time you think about it… you panic. What if it flops? What if it's chaos? Been there. Done that. In this episode, I'm sharing how I went from panicked to confidently using project-based learning in my classroom—without the mess.Inside this episode: ✔ Why PBL feels chaotic (and why it doesn't have to be) ✔ The biggest mistake teachers make when starting project-based learning ✔ How project milestones create structure and boost learning

Ever feel like your class is full of students… but no one is really there with you? The crickets. The side conversations. The phone scrolling. If that sounds familiar, you're not failing—you're ready.Inside this episode: ✔ 3 red flags that your current teaching approach isn't working (and what they really mean) ✔ The mindset shift that saved my sanity (and my students' engagement) ✔ Why it's not about ditching standards—it's about connecting them to your kids

If you're tired of hearing your students ask, “When are we ever gonna use this?”—this episode is for you. Today I'm breaking down the 3 R's that have reshaped my math class: Real, Relevant, and Rigorous. And no, these aren't just buzzwords.Inside this episode: ✔ What it really means to design math that's real, relevant, and rigorous ✔ A behind-the-scenes look at my Save for Success Project ✔ The litmus test I use to decide if a lesson is worth teaching

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

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!☀️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.

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!✏️ 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.

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!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?

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!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.

Let's talk. Send me a text message!

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.