Modern Math Teacher

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

When students ask this question, it's not about attitude.

If your students feel disengaged during math class… it's probably not you.

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

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.

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

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

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:

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

 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.”

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.

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

Middle and high school math classes benefit from classroom routines and procedures just as much as our elementary counterparts!Do your classroom routines need a reset as we head into the second half of the school year? Enjoy Episode #130- 3 Must-Have Classroom Routines That Actually Work in Secondary Math.✅ In this episode:Why routines work better than rules3 plug-and-play routines for entry, discourse, and group workTips for launching these routines in the first weeks of schoolHow to use AI to scaffold structure and save your energyA free planning guide to help you get started 

Making the shift from teacher-led to student-centered teaching practices doesn't have to be a struggle. And you don't have to make the change to your instructional strategies alone!Enjoy Episode 132:Student-Centered Teaching in Math Class-- your favorite episode this year on creating a student-centered classroom!You'll learn: ✅ What student-centered really means in a math class ✅ 3 small shifts to get started (no overhaul required) ✅ How structure and autonomy can coexist ✅ Why this shift leads to deeper student engagementLet's talk. Send me a message with your email and I'll get back to you!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!

What does student engagement really look like in a math classroom?Enjoy this replay of Episode 129: Student Engagement Strategies That Actually Work in Math Class-- your favorite episode on boosting student engagement this year!✅ In this episode:Why boring math isn't your fault—and why you're not stuck thereWhat I learned from seeing problem-based math instruction in actionThe small shifts that lead to big engagement winsHow AI can help you plan student-centered lessons fasterA free guide to help you start making math more meaningful 

Let's make math class relevant-- and spoiler alert it's more than just adding in a few real-world math problems to your worksheet or doing a once a year hands on math project.Enjoy this replay of Episode 126: What Makes Math Feel Relevant? Isn't it just Practical Examples of Real World Math? It's your TOP downloaded episode this year all about making math relevant!Let's talk. Send me a message with your email and I'll get back to you!Join me for the January 2026 Book Study of Productive Math Struggle!Grab your copy from Amazon or your favorite book store and be ready to explore the 6 point framework with me in January!*Affiliate Link at no extra cost to you! 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!

The holidays are hectic—but learning doesn't have to be. Kristen shares six classroom-tested, low-prep activities that keep math engaging when attention spans are short.You'll learn how to: ✅ Use real-world data in a Holiday Data Challenge ✅ Turn review into a game with Rapid Review Showdown ✅ Get students moving with a Math Scavenger Hunt ✅ Launch a one-day Holiday Mini-Project ✅ Create excitement with a Math Escape Room ✅ Let students design their own questions for review 

Finals week doesn't have to be a panic button. In this episode, Kristen redefines assessment as feedback, not judgment—and shares five active teaching strategies that make review week engaging, equitable, and meaningful.You'll learn how to: ✅ Turn review into reasoning with the 3-Round Review ✅ Use an Error Hunt to target misconceptions ✅ Celebrate growth with a Final Show-and-Tell ✅ Run a Station Rotation for multiple representations ✅ Let students lead with a Teach-Back Tournament 

In this episode, Kristen shares why she decided to pursue National Board Certification now—and how that lens is already reshaping daily teaching moves. You'll hear concrete strategies you can use this week (with or without NBC):You'll learn how to…✅ Plan one “evidence moment” per lesson to capture real mathematical thinking✅ Orchestrate discussions with 5 Practices (selecting & sequencing who shares)✅ Create safe math spaces that elevate status and reduce math trauma✅ Move from concept → vocabulary so terms actually stick✅ Design finals review that pushes reasoning, not just recallMentioned:

Tired of hearing “When am I ever gonna use this?”

 Feeling stuck, bored, or burned out with traditional teaching? This episode will help you reclaim your spark with the PBL Rockstar Mindset—a powerful mindset shift that makes project based learning feel possible, empowering, and fun again.The PBL Rockstar Mindset: Reclaim Confidence, Creativity, and Joy in Math Class It's time to stop playing small and start teaching math in a way that lights you up.This episode shares what it means to have the PBL Rockstar Mindset—and how to bring project based learning to life in your math class without stress or perfection.

 Want to boost engagement during the fall slump or pre-holiday chaos? This episode shares real world math activities and projects that actually grab student interest—including seasonal ideas for fall and winter.This episode dives into real world math applications that connect to seasonal events like football, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and the Winter Olympics.

 Want to try mastery based grading but stuck with a traditional grading scale? In this episode, Kristen breaks down how to bring mastery into your classroom without overhauling your entire system.You'll learn: ✅ What mastery really means (hint: it's not perfection) ✅ How to use a 4-point rubric—even in a 100-point gradebook ✅ How to implement mastery checks and retakes without chaos ✅ Realistic, sustainable grading practices for secondary math teachers

Ready to reclaim your time and sanity this grading season? In this episode, Kristen shares her top AI tools for math teachers—including the ones she uses to write progress report comments, create rubrics, and plan faster.You'll learn:✅ Which AI education tools are worth your time✅ How to use an AI lesson plan generator the right way ✅ Tools for feedback, differentiation, and progress reports ✅ When to trust AI—and when to take back control

AI is already here—are your students using it responsibly? In this episode, Kristen breaks down how to write a simple but effective AI classroom policy that works in a secondary math setting.You'll learn: ✅ What every policy should include (even if your school doesn't have one) ✅ How to teach AI literacy without going full-on computer science ✅ Practical examples of using AI tools with students, not against them ✅ A framework for setting boundaries around AI use in your class

 Want to bring more relevance into your math class without reinventing the wheel? This episode breaks down project-based learning lesson plan ideas you can use right now—aligned to standards and built for real-world engagement.You'll learn: ✅ What PBL really looks like in a math class ✅ Examples of PBL lessons for linear, quadratic, exponential, and logarithmic functions ✅ How to scaffold projects for student success ✅ Easy strategies for grading and reflection