Making Math Moments That Matter

Why is it so hard to get more students talking in math class? In this episode, the team digs into a common challenge: when just a few confident students dominate math class discussions, while others stay silent. Drawing from personal experience and real classroom coaching, we explore how small, intentional shifts—like silent signals and think time—can completely transform math classroom discourse.

Whether you’re a math teacher seeking practical moves or a coach supporting system-wide change, this episode offers a roadmap from problem-aware to solution-ready. We also unpack how ongoing support—not one-off PD—makes these shif...

Struggling to meet the needs of every math learner in a single classroom?
Many teachers feel overwhelmed when students show up with wildly different entry points—especially when they're trying to teach to grade-level standards with integrity. This episode dives into a familiar challenge: how to support diverse learners in Tier 1 math instruction without lowering expectations or relying on interventions alone. You’ll hear how one school tackled this barrier head-on by equipping teachers, building systems, and redefining what support looks like in real classrooms.

Listeners Will:

In this eye-opening episode, math researcher and educator Dr. Alex Lawson challenges one of the most common approaches to teaching multiplication: introducing it as “groups of.” Drawing on years of classroom-based research, Alex reveals why this method might actually be limiting student understanding—and how rethinking multiplication through the lens of rate, quantity, and context can transform learning outcomes.

You’ll walk away with practical insights for both math teachers and coaches, including:

You’ve made big moves in your math program—but something still feels stuck. Why?

After a full year of supporting school and district teams, we’re reflecting on the shifts that created real traction—and the patterns that quietly stalled progress. Whether you're leading math at the classroom, school, or system level, this conversation names the challenges we’ve seen most often and celebrates the bright spots where real change is taking hold. These lessons aren’t just reflections—they’re a blueprint for what’s possible in 2026.

Listeners will:

Feeling behind? Tired? Wondering if your math improvement efforts are making a difference?

In this episode released on Christmas Day, Jon Orr shares a message just for you—educators, coaches, and leaders doing the slow, often invisible work of math improvement. No training, no strategies—just honest reflection and a reminder that you are not alone.

You’ll hear a different lens on what progress looks like—one that recognizes the quiet wins:

You’re seeing growth in the data. Students are performing well. But something feels… off. Maybe they’re disengaged. Maybe they’re saying they don’t like math. Or maybe, they’re just going through the motions.

In this episode, the team explores a common but often unspoken tension: how do we balance academic achievement with student enjoyment, confidence, and sense of belonging in math? We share a story from a high-achieving school that’s beginning to ask deeper questions—not just about what students know, but how they feel about math.

Listeners Will Reflect On & Learn:

Ever watched a student solve 146 ÷ 12 by drawing 146 dots… one by one?

In this episode, the MMM team dives into a common but frustrating classroom challenge: students who cling to inefficient math strategies like counting on fingers, skip counting, or repeated subtraction—long after they’ve outgrown them. These early strategies worked, and students trust them. So how do we help them build confidence in more sophisticated approaches?

You’ll hear from our newest team member, Beth Curran, as we unpack why students get stuck, what teachers can do in the moment, and how school leaders can build...

You poured your heart into teaching a key math concept—and a student tells you they’ve never even heard of it. Sound familiar?

In this episode, hosts Yvette Lehman and Jon Orr explore one of the most frustrating challenges in math instruction: retention. Why does it feel like students forget everything they’ve learned? And more importantly, what can we actually do about it? Through the lens of a school we support, we dig into one team’s evolving plan to increase student retention—without overhauling their entire curriculum. Spoiler: it starts with strategic spiraling, cumulative assessment...

Are your teachers reluctant to move beyond the standard algorithm—even when it clearly isn’t working for their students?

In this episode, we explore a real-world example of a school trying to shift toward computational fluency—but getting stuck. The teachers agree that students need more accurate and efficient methods, but many still believe offering multiple strategies only adds confusion. Instead of pushing a solution, the school’s principal is taking a different approach: creating space for math epiphanies, building content knowledge, and shifting belief through structured staff learning.

If you're a school leader or coach...

Are your multi-language learners struggling to engage in math class? You’re not alone. Many teachers recognize the issue but feel unsure how to help—especially when language becomes a barrier to grade-level math content.

In this team episode, Yvette, Jon, and Kyle unpack a real conversation with a school team working to increase math achievement for multi-language learners. The problem was clear from the data—but the solution wasn’t. Instead of rushing to tell teachers what to do, the leadership team leaned into a dilemma protocol that brought teacher voice and system alignment to the forefron...

Why are so many districts pouring resources into math PD but seeing so little classroom change?

It’s not because teachers aren’t trying. It’s not about motivation or willingness. The real reason is this: most systems aren’t built to support true instructional transformation. In this episode, we unpack the disconnect between a district’s vision for math learning and the day-to-day realities of classroom practice—and we make the case for math coaching as the essential lever most districts are missing.

Drawing from research, real-world examples, and the common challenges we hear from distric...

You're rolling out a math resource across your district—but you’re noticing that some classrooms feel scripted and disconnected from student thinking. What’s going wrong?

In this episode, we reflect on a powerful insight from Dr. Crystal Watson’s summit presentation—one that’s still resonating with us weeks later. We dig into the difference between fidelity and integrity in math instruction, and why rigidly adhering to a curriculum as written can actually limit student thinking, teacher agency, and culturally responsive practices. Together, we explore how a shift toward integrity—teaching with purpose, understanding, and flexibility—ca...

In this episode, we share our biggest insights from the 7th annual Make Math Moments Virtual Summit. We highlight powerful sessions that explored ethical AI use, responsive planning, student motivation, and math teacher well-being.

Yvette reflects on Dr. Nicky Newton’s approach to creating AI prompts packed with best practices, while also grappling with the ethical use of tech in education. Jon unpacks Sean Nank’s strategies for addressing teacher trauma and re-centering on purpose. Kyle dives into Nat Banting’s and Jim Strachan’s masterful facilitation styles, and the way their sessions modeled the very teaching moves th...

Leading math professional learning in a large system is never simple — especially when every school wants something different. How do you support meaningful math growth without burning out or losing focus?
In this Mentoring Moment episode, you’ll hear a real coaching conversation with a math learning coordinator who’s navigating a new team, an ambitious vision, and a calendar full of math PD that feels more reactive than strategic. Together, we explore how to shift from disjointed math initiatives to a more coherent system built around one clear goal. If you're supporting math teams, planning PD, or trying...

Your math vision prioritizes critical thinking, but can everyone on your team describe what that actually looks like in classrooms?

In this episode, you’ll sit in on a real conversation between our team as we unpack a problem of practice. Yvette shares her experience coaching a large district where critical thinking appears in their math vision but isn’t yet clearly defined across their leadership team. We reflect on a district that’s working toward coherence by focusing on problem solving, discourse, and fluency. You’ll hear how shared mathematical experiences are helping leaders connect their instruct...

Do you say your math program prioritizes critical thinking, but struggle to see it in action across classrooms?

Many districts include critical thinking as part of their math vision. It is a powerful goal and one that prepares students to engage with complex ideas and make thoughtful decisions. However, teams often lack a shared and practical definition of what critical thinking looks like during math learning.

In this episode, we reflect on a powerful moment from the documentary Counted Out. Students analyze exponential growth and challenge one another’s thinking using real math. That scene le...

Is your school or district chasing improvement—but feeling like nothing sticks? You're not alone. Fragmentation and unclear goals might be the reason you're not seeing real change.

In this episode, we go beyond theory and dive into a real-world case study of a school leadership team that thought they were aligned—until a simple conversation around “fluency routines” exposed deeper issues of misalignment. We explore how schools and systems can overcome the illusion of alignment by building true coherence—from a shared purpose to consistent support structures. 

Listeners will: 

Have you ever left a team meeting feeling confident everyone was working toward the same math goal, only to realize later that each person defined success in a different way?

This episode explores how that kind of disconnect can quietly stall school improvement in mathematics. A school team set out to strengthen math fluency with clear objectives and measurable outcomes. Yet when each member was asked to describe what fluency meant, their answers revealed four different interpretations of what mathematical fluency looks and sounds like in the classroom. That moment exposed a deeper issue: the difference between...

You’ve got a strong teacher, strong strategies—and still, the innovation stalls. What gives? In this episode, we tackle what’s really behind resistance in math PD and why most implementation efforts collapse long before proficiency is even possible.

Building on our last episode, we unpack how a school we support used the five implementation stages—Non-Use, Awareness, Mechanical, Routine, and Proficient—to move real teacher practice forward in mathematics. 

You’ll hear how assumptions like “math teachers just need to buy in” or “they’re too comfortable” miss the point—and how shifting the conversation back to...

Still stuck “talking” about change, but not seeing it in action? The real roadblock to change in math may not be teacher resistance—it might be your system.

Based on Jim Knight’s powerful article in Educational Leadership, “Moving from Talk to Action in Professional Learning,” this episode reframes what looks like math pd resistance in schools. We walk through the five stages of implementation—Non-Use, Awareness, Mechanical, Routine, and Proficient—and reveal how most educators aren’t resisting change… they’re stuck in a system that makes it nearly impossible to act on it. If multiple people are resisting...

What happens to your math improvement efforts when you leave the role?

Many school and district leaders assume that lack of time or teacher buy-in is the biggest barrier to sustainable change. But the real threat? Fragility—the risk that everything falls apart when key people leave or switch roles. In this episode, we unpack the often-overlooked issue of leadership transition and how it stalls momentum, erodes trust, and resets years of progress. You’ll hear real-world case studies and actionable strategies for building an infrastructure that outlasts any single leader.

You’ll learn:

Why does your math plan feel like it resets every time someone new steps in?

You’ve seen it happen: a coordinator retires, a coach changes roles, or a principal moves on—and suddenly all the momentum in your math plan disappears. Teachers feel like they’re starting over (again), and it’s back to square one. It’s not a motivation issue. It’s not even a planning issue. The root problem? Your system depends on people, not process.This episode explores the high cost of person-driven leadership—and what to do instead.

You’ll walk away wit...

What does it really mean to be fluent in math—and are we measuring the right things in our classrooms?

Math fluency is often reduced to speed drills and memorization—but true fluency goes much deeper. In this episode, we unpack the key differences between fact fluency, computational fluency, and procedural fluency—and why it matters for both teaching and learning. Drawing on research from Jennifer Bay-Williams and John San Giovanni, we explore what fluency actually looks like in action, and how educators can spot it beyond just correct answers. Whether you're a teacher, coach, or leader, this c...

How do you know if your district’s mentoring and coaching efforts are actually making a difference?

Too often, system and instructional leaders focus on program delivery but miss the deeper question: how do we monitor and support the real impact of our math mentorship and coaching practices? In this episode, Jim Strachan returns to explore how leaders can center educator well-being, trust, and professional learning as essential foundations for student success. You'll hear practical insights on how to navigate the complexity of school systems, avoid common blind spots, and create math mentoring relationships that build independence—not...

Fidelity matters, yet rigidity can stall growth. In this follow-up episode, we revisit the balance between fidelity and flexibility in math improvement and explore how two district partners faced this exact challenge.

You will hear how they committed to implementing with fidelity, ensuring consistency, clarity, and shared language, while avoiding the trap of rigid adherence that stifles innovation and teacher agency. Drawing from Janice Fraser’s Farther, Faster, and Far Less Drama and her leadership motions, we highlight how leaders can apply these ideas in real math contexts.

Listeners will learn how to:

Implementing with fidelity matters—whether it’s adopting a new math resource, embedding a routine like number talks, or structuring PLCs. But fidelity is not the same as rigidity. When we cling too tightly to practices, they can outlive their usefulness and prevent innovation.

In this episode, we draw from research, including Janice Fraser’s concept of making durable decisions, to unpack the balance between fidelity and rigidity in math improvement. We explore how leaders and teachers can commit deeply enough to see results without locking into approaches that may no longer serve students.

We also e...

How do you move your students from confusion to confidence—one question at a time when Building Thinking Classrooms?

If you've ever found yourself wondering how to keep every student engaged without oversimplifying your math lessons or overwhelming your class with complexity, you're not alone. Many math teachers face the challenge of designing lessons that meet all learners where they are—without sacrificing depth or progress. In this episode, Peter Liljedahl and Kyle Webb unpack thin slicing, a powerful strategy that helps you guide students through content with just the right level of challenge at every step. Whet...

In this episode, we dig into the tricky question every math teacher faces: When is a calculator a helpful tool—and when does it actually rob students of valuable mathematical thinking?

Yvette shares a personal story about a conversation with her son on whether he should use a calculator for an upcoming test. The discussion quickly expanded: is a lower score worth it if it means students are pushing their math brains harder? Jon and Kyle weigh in on the role of calculators and AI in classrooms—acknowledging that sometimes these tools provide necessary accommodations, but other time...

Math improvement plans don’t gain traction just by naming priorities—they gain traction when districts commit to going narrow. For one small district, that meant resisting the urge to spread resources across every grade and instead doubling down on a focused goal: supporting grades 3–5 teachers with the consistent use of problem strings to strengthen student fluency.

In this episode, we explore the critical leadership decisions that fueled momentum: choosing more and better over new, positioning principals as partners, and building long-term sustainability so the work doesn’t disappear if a coach or coordinator leaves.

Listener...

District math improvement plans can’t succeed if we try to do everything at once. For meaningful change to happen, leaders need to go narrow.

In this episode, we explore why narrowing focus is so difficult for districts and schools, even when everyone knows it’s the right move. We unpack the fears leaders face—picking the “wrong” focus, pressure from external demands, or the worry that one shift won’t meet everyone’s needs. We also dig into why saying “yes” to one math priority means saying “no” to others, and how failing to narrow leads to surface-level adopt...

Do you ever feel torn between staying laser-focused on your math goals and chasing all the new opportunities that come your way?

Whether it’s a conference, a webinar, or a brand-new resource, unexpected opportunities can be energizing—but without a clear filter, they can also overwhelm teachers and derail your district’s math improvement plan.

Listeners will:

How can math teachers harness AI to lighten their workload, differentiate with confidence, and boost student thinking—without losing the human touch?

The AI wave isn't coming—it's already here. In this energizing episode, Dr. Nicki Newton returns to share how AI is transforming the way elementary math educators plan, differentiate, and reflect. Whether you're an AI skeptic or already tinkering with ChatGPT, this conversation reveals how AI can empower—not replace—educators. Dr. Nicki brings practical, real-school examples from coaching sessions, lesson planning, and multilingual support that will shift how you think about your role in the clas...

What does it look like to build Bridges in real time?

In this episode, we highlight the story of a district leader who knows she can’t do the work of math improvement alone. She identified her Bridges—instructional mentors and department chairs—and committed to building their capacity in two intertwined ways:

We break down the specific moves that were made to build this capacity, including modeling math discourse strategies, using monitoring tools for growth, and creating space for Bridges to practic...

District math objectives can’t live on a slide deck. For change to happen, they need Bridges—the leaders who translate vision into action at the school and classroom level.

In this episode, we explore who the Bridges are (principals, assistant principals, instructional coaches, coordinators, and teacher-leaders) and why their role is essential to making district math objectives real. We dig into their responsibilities—guiding schools to set realistic math improvement goals, facilitating PLCs, modeling effective math practices, and supporting the use of monitoring tools as growth instruments rather than evaluation checklists.

We also unpack what B...

Are you letting daily emergencies steal time from what really matters in your role as a math leader?

From a soaked teenager's phone to the all-too-common chaos of K–12 math leadership, this episode draws a sharp parallel between personal emergency funds and the way we manage our time. For many district leads, coaches, and administrators, every day feels like putting out fires — reacting instead of leading. But without intentionally budgeting time for priorities, real change in student learning and instructional quality gets pushed aside. If your calendar feels like it’s been hijacked by last-minute requests, this conver...

In this episode, we explore why multi-digit multiplication continues to be the thorn in so many teachers’ sides. We talk about why sometimes we need to step back in order to step forward—focusing on place value, composing and decomposing numbers, and building connections between strategies.

We highlight the differences between invented strategies and the standard algorithm, and share classroom-tested approaches that support both fluency and conceptual understanding.

Whether you’re teaching upper elementary or middle school, this episode will give you strategies to strengthen multiplication foundations and help students move from procedures to true mathem...

Are your district's math improvement plans stuck in “waiting for perfect”? What if aiming for B+ work could unlock real progress—right now?

Too often in education, big ideas stall while we chase flawless execution. As a K–12 math coordinator, coach, or administrator, you're likely juggling district mandates, teacher support, and the pressure of results. The temptation to wait until every plan is "A+" perfect can delay change indefinitely. This episode challenges that mindset and reframes progress through a powerful question: What does B+ work look like—and how can we build momentum with it? Discover how defining r...

One of the most frequent questions we hear from district and school math leaders is:

“How do I convince math educators to shift from always using the Gradual Release model to lessons that begin with rich math tasks?”

This episode is inspired by a recent conversation with a district leader guiding a math task force. While some colleagues leaned on the Gradual Release of Responsibility model—“I do, we do, you do”—she wanted to prioritize curiosity, problem solving, and mathematical reasoning up front. The tension? Research on direct instruction, particularly Hattie’s work, is often misinter...

Too often, district math improvement planning happens “up there,” with big visions and system-wide goals that don’t trickle down into meaningful change at the school level. In this episode, we make the case for flipping that script.

We unpack why implementing the roadmap to district improvement at the school level—early and intentionally—is key to achieving system-wide math goals. If schools are ultimately responsible for meeting those goals, they need access to the tools, vision, and clarity now. The greatest impact will come from what happens inside classrooms, not in central office documents.

Tune in to...

A teacher asked us a fair question: “If direct instruction and practice are working, why change?

While presenting at a recent conference, we were approached by a teacher with a very honest question:

“I’ve been using direct instruction and structured practice with great success. My students are doing well. What reason do I have to change?”

In this episode, we unpack how we responded and why it’s not about replacing what’s working—but expanding what’s possible. We explore how a balanced approach to math instruction includes explicit teaching, purposeful practice, rich t...

In this episode, we share how one district is entering the new school year with a sharper focus in their Math District Improvement Plan. In the past, they worked from three ambitious objectives—each rooted in big ideas for strengthening math instruction. But progress unfolded more slowly than anticipated.

This year, the team decided to narrow their efforts to one math-specific objective. They designed short-term, measurable key results to monitor progress by February, rather than waiting until year-end. The result? A focused plan that aligns with instructional goals, works within the reality of competing demands, and builds mo...

Looking to build a positive math culture at the start of the school year? In this episode, we dive into why board games are more than just fun—they’re strategic tools for reinforcing mathematical thinking and the process expectations that drive meaningful learning.

This summer, Yvette Lehman’s family has been on a board game marathon, and we’re sharing our favourite picks so far. We’ll discuss how these games build fluency, encourage strategic thinking, and support key student practices like selecting strategies, communicating, and reflecting. You’ll also hear ideas for how to bring board games...

This episode is a debrief of the article Coaching for Coherence: How Instructional Coaches Lead Change in the Evaluation Era by Woulfin & Rigby (2017). We explore how math coaches can lead meaningful instructional improvement when their role is clearly defined and aligned with both evaluation systems and the goals of ambitious instruction.

You’ll hear our reflections on three core functions of math coaches—developing shared understandings, modeling instructional practices, and brokering two-way communication between classrooms and leadership. We also unpack common challenges, including the risk of coaches being perceived as evaluators, and offer recommendations to create a safe...

Are your students' math struggles rooted in what they know—or how they feel about math?

If your math learners seem disengaged, anxious, or convinced they're just “not math people,” you’re not alone—and it’s not a curriculum issue. Decades of research show that emotions drive attention, memory, and learning. That means even the best-planned lesson can fall flat if students come in carrying fear, shame, or confusion about math. In this episode, Liesl McConchie shares how understanding the brain’s emotional wiring can transform the way we teach. You’ll hear why math identity is formed earlie...

If you’ve ever walked out of a math coaching session wondering whether you made an impact, you’re not alone. Many instructional coaches step into the role because they were strong in the classroom—but math coaching teachers requires a different skillset. You’re no longer the expert in front of the room; you’re the thinking partner beside it. And that shift can be tough. This episode explores how to stop feeling pressure to have all the answers—and start guiding teachers to uncover their own.

In this practical, mindset-shifting episode, you’ll learn:

Are we underestimating what young math learners can do with algebra — just because they’re young?

If you've ever watched a student skip the reasoning and jump straight into "finding the answer," you're not alone. In this episode, Yvette Lehman shares a raw, real experience that started with a misstep and turned into a breakthrough. Through a single change in how she worded a math prompt, she unlocked deeper thinking and powerful generalizations — from 10-year-olds. Whether you're a math educator, coach, or just curious about how to get students thinking beyond procedures, this story will resonate.

You’...

In this episode, Jon Orr and Yvette Lehman unpack the difference between long-term objectives and short-term key results. Through a real coaching conversation, they explore how to define milestones that reflect real progress—even when the win is simply establishing a structure or doing what you said you’d do. Not all results have impact right away—and that’s okay.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

It’s early in the school year. You’re reviewing student math work and noticing some red flags—math concepts that should be solid just aren’t there. But when you check their file, you see As and Bs from last year. So what now?

In this episode, we unpack the tension many educators face: How do you trust your math professional judgment while navigating a system that sends mixed messages? How do you raise concerns for math progress without being seen as “the bad guy”? And how do you advocate for students without damaging trust with them—or with...

Book talks have become a popular way to spark professional learning, but in many cases, they don’t go far enough to create real change—especially in math. In this episode, we explore how to take math book talks to the next level by transforming them from simple discussions into actionable learning opportunities.

We’ll break down the difference between a book talk and a book do, share what we’ve seen work in districts across North America. If you want your next math book study to inspire more than just conversation, this one’s for you.

In th...

It’s a familiar challenge— when it comes to deciding which math operation to use, students get stuck. In this episode, we explore one of the often overlooked reasons: a lack of understanding around mathematical structure and behaviour.

We dive into what’s really needed for students to confidently choose the appropriate operator, with a focus on structure—not only strategies or models. Using division and subtraction as examples, we highlight the different images, actions, and interpretations that shape how students approach problems—and why recognizing these distinctions is essential for meaningful math learning.

In this episo...

Is your math coaching program truly transforming classroom practice—or just treading water?

Many districts wrestle with whether coaching is worth the investment or how to maximize its impact. If you've ever wondered why some schools see real progress while others stall while striving for sustainable math improvement—despite similar coaching setups—this episode unpacks the hidden reasons behind that divide. Whether you're a district leader, math coach, or teacher leader, this conversation reveals the often-overlooked factors that can make or break your coaching strategy.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

Is it possible for teachers to have both autonomy in their math classroom and alignment with district goals? In this episode, we challenge the idea that autonomy and alignment are opposing forces. Instead, we explore how they can work together to create strong, consistent math programs while still honouring professional judgement and instructional creativity.

From pacing guides to new resources, we reflect on how district structures can feel restrictive—but don't have to be. When done well, alignment provides clarity, consistency, and support, without sacrificing a teacher’s voice or expertise.

In this episode, you’ll dis...

In this episode, we reflect on a challenge many math leaders face: the risk of presenting ourselves with false authority. Whether we’re facilitating professional learning, supporting instructional coaches, or engaging in school- or district-wide math conversations, strong convictions can easily be mistaken for certainty.

But leading meaningful change in mathematics education requires something different—humility, curiosity, and a deep commitment to learning. We unpack what it means to hold space for growth (both for ourselves and those we support), how to notice when we may be signaling certainty instead of inquiry, and why leading in math from...

Math Screeners… Diagnostics… Assessments… It’s easy to get lost in the language of math data. In this episode, we unpack the similarities and differences between math screeners and diagnostics, share where we stand on the topic, and offer insights from real classroom experiences.

We’ll talk about the benefits we’ve seen, the challenges that can trip up implementation, and how to use these tools to support—not overwhelm—math instruction. Most importantly, we want to hear from you! What’s been your experience with math screeners and diagnostics? The good, the bad, and the ugly—we’re here for all o...

We know school administrators play a crucial role in driving long-term math improvement—but what happens when you're a coach or teacher leader trying to create change without formal authority?

In this episode, we dive into the practical side of leading from the middle. If you're trying to build a team, clarify roles, and move math goals forward—this conversation is for you. You’ll hear actionable ideas for engaging principals in the work, building shared ownership, and creating momentum even when it feels like the responsibility falls on your shoulders.

Because here's the truth: sustai...

Fresh from the 2025 NCTE-NCTM conference in Chicago, our team reflects on one powerful math instructional routine that stood out—an approach that sparked ideas for both classroom practice and professional learning design. In this episode, we highlight a key move from Annie Forest’s session, rooted in the cooperative learning strategies of Spencer Kagan, that helped create a clear balance between doing the math and taking away something concrete to implement tomorrow.

You’ll hear how this routine can help get more students engaged in meaningful math conversations—and how our team is now planning to use it in fu...

We know principals are busy—constantly managing urgent issues and putting out fires. But we also know this: school-level change is the most powerful lever we have for improving student learning in math. So the real question is: are we setting school leaders up for success?

In this episode, we help you reflect on your current systems and support structures using a simple leadership audit:

The end of the school year can feel like a whirlwind—agitated students, hot classrooms, and a growing list of to-dos. But before rushing into summer, we need to pause, reflect, and make space for restoration and inspiration.

In this episode, we help you reframe the homestretch—not as something to survive, but as a chance to celebrate growth, restore your energy, and set intentions for the summer and beyond. Whether you're crawling to the finish line or closing out with joy, this is your reminder to celebrate what went well, breathe, and give yourself permission to rese...

We know principals are busy—constantly managing urgent issues and putting out fires. But we also know this: school-level change is the most powerful lever we have for improving student learning in math. So the real question is: are we setting school leaders up for math success?

In this episode, we help schools and districts reflect on their current systems and support structures using a simple leadership audit:

Summer learning loss in math is real—and it doesn’t affect all students equally. In this episode, we explore how the summer slide disproportionately impacts historically marginalized students and what teachers can do now to change that trajectory for mathematics. From family partnerships to incentive programs and low-effort prep ideas, we’ll walk you through practical ways to support continued learning for math over the summer months. Whether you're a classroom teacher or a school leader, this episode will leave you with actionable takeaways that are simple to implement—and powerful in impact.

In this episode, you’ll d...

Math curriculums and standards are more ambitious than ever—often asking teachers to cover more than a year's worth of learning in less than 10 months. Many districts have wisely taken the first step by identifying priority math standards. But the real magic happens in what comes next: unpacking those standards.

In this episode, we dive into what it really means to unpack a math standard. We’ll model the process using an example focused on exponents and powers to make this abstract concept concrete. Whether you're a classroom teacher, coach, or system leader, you’ll leave with action...

We were told to move away from flashcards, multiplication drills, and timed tests in math class—and for good reason. These practices didn’t support mathematical reasoning and often damaged student confidence and identity. But in our well-intentioned shift, many educators were left asking: What do we do instead? 

In this episode, we reflect on what we got right and where we missed the mark in our approach to teaching basic math fact fluency. We unpack what true fact fluency looks like and offer practical, evidence-based strategies that promote understanding, flexibility, and confidence. If you're a teacher looki...

As the school year winds down, it’s time to reflect—not react on your math impact. In this episode, we dive into one of the most important (and often skipped) parts of sustainable change for math programs: reflection and intentional decision-making.

Using the Adopt, Adapt, Abandon protocol, we’ll guide you through how to evaluate what worked, what can be improved, and what truly needs to go in your school or district math program. Plus, we’ll share key insights and cautionary tales from the districts we support across North America.

Our biggest advice? Don’t to...

On a recent coaching call, we spoke with a new teacher who was feeling great about a math quiz her students had just aced—until she wasn’t. The quiz focused on using the array model for multiplication, and students were awarded points for drawing the array and getting the right product. But when we looked deeper, something didn’t sit right: Did these scores truly reflect her students’ understanding and grade-level expectations? 

In this episode, we unpack what was missing from the math assessment and why simply getting the “right answer” isn't enough. We explore the importance of...

Planning a full-day professional development session for math can feel like a golden opportunity—and a daunting challenge. How do you make the most of extended time with educators while keeping energy high, engagement strong, and math learning impactful? 

In this episode, we reflect on our most recent full-day math PD session and unpack the choices we made—what paid off and what we’d do differently next time. From structuring the day to managing pacing, promoting interaction, and avoiding afternoon burnout, we share the small and big moves that helped (or hindered) the experience. Whether you're a math...

In this reflective and candid episode, we dive into the lessons we’ve learned since shifting to a task-based approach to teaching math. With over 19 years (combined) of experience experimenting, adjusting, and growing, we each share one key insight we wish we had known earlier. From choosing the right math task to setting up your classroom for engagement and productive struggle, we unpack the subtle (and not-so-subtle) shifts that have made a lasting impact on our math instruction. We’ll also touch on the role of direct instruction—how our stance has evolved and what we now believe about its pl...

How do you know if your district’s math improvement plan is truly making an impact—and can you prove it before the test scores roll in?

If you're a district math leader overwhelmed by fragmented documents, unclear goals, and scattered PD efforts, this episode will feel like a reset button. Too often, school systems lack a cohesive strategy for driving measurable, sustainable math gains. This walkthrough episode introduces a powerful dashboard tool designed to align your vision, track real progress, and ensure your team’s efforts are coordinated across all levels—from PD sessions to classroom walkthro...

What happens when two math teachers throw out homework, redefine grading and assessment, and make student growth the heart of every math lesson?

Too many classrooms are dominated by points, pressure, and compliance. But what if your students actually chased learning—without sacrificing test scores or accountability? In this episode, Keenan Clark and Jake Towers join Jon Orr to reveal how they transformed their math classrooms by replacing traditional grading and homework with a feedback-rich, skills-based assessment system. The result? More engagement, better relationships, and soaring standardized test results.

Listen in to discover:

In this case study episode, we dive into a common but concerning classroom reality: students passively waiting for instructions while teachers carry the cognitive load. This learned helplessness undermines students’ mathematical thinking and independence. So, what can you do as an instructional leader to shift the culture? How can you move from answer-getting to genuine resilient problem sovlers and productive struggle? Join us as we unpack both short- and long-term leadership moves that can create the conditions for high cognitive demand and student agency in math classrooms. Whether you're a coach, principal, or system leader, this episode offers a cl...

In the push to cover content and keep pace, it's easy to jump straight to the algorithm. But what if that focus on efficiency is doing more harm than good? In this episode, we explore how rushing to procedures can rob students of opportunities to reason, make connections, and develop true mathematical understanding in three(3) critical math topics. Together, we’ll unpack what’s really at stake—and how a shift in mindset can help you cultivate curious, confident math thinkers. Slowing down might just be the most powerful move you make.

Key Takeaways:

District improvement efforts often stall—not because of a lack of intention, but because of misaligned objectives, vague goals, or a failure to track meaningful progress. In this episode, we dig into the foundational question: What are we really trying to achieve? You'll learn how to craft clear, lofty district-wide objectives that serve as a true north year over year, while also committing to short-term key results that are specific, time-bound, and attainable. Most importantly, we discuss how to build the monitoring systems that ensure your actions translate to outcomes. Whether you're a district leader, school administrator, or instructional co...

Are we teaching students fake math — and missing the chance to build real mathematical thinkers?

If you've ever felt frustrated that your students are following procedures without true understanding — or wondered why some students seem "mathy" while others struggle — this conversation with math is figureoutable’s Pam Harris will open your eyes. Together with Jon Orr, Pam Harris uncovers the hidden traps in traditional math teaching that reinforce shallow learning, and she shares how rethinking what mathing really means can transform both teachers and students.

By tuning into this episode, you'll discover:

As a K-12 math coordinator, coach, leader are you constantly collecting resources, leading PD, and chasing the next big idea—only to wonder if any of it is actually changing classroom practice?

If you're a math coach, coordinator, or administrator who feels stuck in a loop of sharing best practices without seeing those practices transferred consistently into the classroom, this episode dives into the heart of that struggle. Kyle Pearce, Yvette Lehman, and Jon Orr confront a challenge many leaders face: how to balance continuous learning with focused implementation. When every new initiative feels urgent, how do yo...

How can we bridge the gap between modern math classrooms and the way our generation learned math?

Today’s classrooms look nothing like they did 20 years ago—by design. But while educators are embracing student-centered math that fosters deep understanding, many parents are left confused or concerned. Kelly Green, an experienced educator and math consultant, joins the show to tackle one of education’s most overlooked challenges: bringing parents along in the math transformation. Whether you’re a teacher, coach, admin, or parent, this episode reveals what’s needed to turn resistance into partnership.

Here’s what you’l...

Math professional development is everywhere—but is it actually helping teachers grow? In this episode, we explore Jim Knight’s Outside-In and Inside-Out models of professional learning, diving into why traditional top-down math PD often fails to make an impact and what happens when teachers take the lead in their own learning. Learn how math PD can shift from being a checkbox to a catalyst for real change by aligning with the everyday challenges math teachers face and the students they serve. Whether you lead math PD or participate in it, this conversation will reshape how you think about grow...

Why Your Struggling Students Aren’t Catching Up—Even With Extra Help

In this episode, we take a closer look at MTSS—Multi-Tiered System of Supports—through the lens of mathematics. While many schools have a clearer vision of what MTSS looks like in literacy, applying the same structure in math can be more complex. We unpack what Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 supports mean in a math context, examine the differences between math and literacy intervention models, and explore what current research says about effective practices. From the importance of strong core instruction to the challenges of designin...

School districts often invest significant time and money into purchasing new math curriculum resources, but all too often, those materials end up collecting dust—or worse, being implemented in ways that dilute their impact. In this episode, we unpack what comes after the purchase. How do you move from adoption to actual transformation in the math classroom? 

We explore what the research says about effective math curriculum implementation, the common pitfalls that undermine high-quality math tasks, and actionable steps districts can take to ensure materials are used as intended—supporting deeper learning and equitable access for all stude...

Have you been relying on endless algebra flowcharts to nowhere?
Are your students relying on tricks and shortcuts instead of truly understanding math? Are they seeing math as a set of disconnected procedures to apply and success comes when you figure out which procedure applies given a set of inputs? 

Whether you teach elementary or high school, the tension between teaching for deep understanding and preparing students to "just get the answer" is real. In this episode, veteran math educator Maryann Greenholt shares her candid journey of grappling with how to move beyond procedural teaching—especially in...

Not sure what matters most when designing math improvement plans? Take this assessment and get a free customized report: https://makemathmoments.com/grow/ 

Math coordinators and leaders – Ready to design your math improvement plan with guidance, support and using structure? Learn how to follow our 4 stage process. https://growyourmathprogram.com 

Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & Units

As a school leader, how can you ensure that teacher collaboration time for math instruction time is truly impactful—not just an extra prep or inform...

Not sure what matters most when designing math improvement plans? Take this assessment and get a free customized report: https://makemathmoments.com/grow/ 

Math coordinators and leaders – Ready to design your math improvement plan with guidance, support and using structure? Learn how to follow our 4 stage process. https://growyourmathprogram.com 

Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & Units

Are your Math PLCs (Professional Learning Communities) or teacher collaboration meetings feeling unproductive? Do they often turn into extra prep time or casual check-ins rather than...

Not sure what matters most when designing math improvement plans? Take this assessment and get a free customized report: https://makemathmoments.com/grow/ 

Math coordinators and leaders – Ready to design your math improvement plan with guidance, support and using structure? Learn how to follow our 4 stage process. https://growyourmathprogram.com 

Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & Units

Teachers are stretched thin, and sometimes they just want clear, actionable guidance. But when does simply downloading information help, and when does it hinder real unde...

Not sure what matters most when designing math improvement plans? Take this assessment and get a free customized report: https://makemathmoments.com/grow/ 

Math coordinators and leaders – Ready to design your math improvement plan with guidance, support and using structure? Learn how to follow our 4 stage process. https://growyourmathprogram.com 

Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & Units

As standardized math testing season approaches, many teachers feel the pressure of covering content while ensuring students are prepared. Whether it's state assessments or EQAO in O...

Not sure what matters most when designing math improvement plans? Take this assessment and get a free customized report: https://makemathmoments.com/grow/ 

Math coordinators and leaders – Ready to design your math improvement plan with guidance, support and using structure? Learn how to follow our 4 stage process. https://growyourmathprogram.com 

Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & Units

Can schools create consistency in math instruction while still allowing teachers the freedom to meet the unique needs of t...

Not sure what matters most when designing math improvement plans? Take this assessment and get a free customized report: https://makemathmoments.com/grow/ 

Math coordinators and leaders – Ready to design your math improvement plan with guidance, support and using structure? Learn how to follow our 4 stage process. https://growyourmathprogram.com 

Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & Units

In this episode, we explore how math talks have transformed over time to maximize student learning. What started as a quiet, teacher-led process with random stud...

Not sure what matters most when designing math improvement plans? Take this assessment and get a free customized report: https://makemathmoments.com/grow/ 

Math coordinators and leaders – Ready to design your math improvement plan with guidance, support and using structure? Learn how to follow our 4 stage process. https://growyourmathprogram.com 

Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & Units

Have you ever wished for a simple yet effective way to improve math instruction without overwhelming teac...

Not sure what matters most when designing math improvement plans? Take this assessment and get a free customized report: https://makemathmoments.com/grow/ 

Math coordinators and leaders – Ready to design your math improvement plan with guidance, support and using structure? Learn how to follow our 4 stage process. https://growyourmathprogram.com 

Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & Units

 comparison is a crucial yet often overlooked concept in elementary mathematics. Many students in gr...

Not sure what matters most when designing math improvement plans? Take this assessment and get a free customized report: https://makemathmoments.com/grow/ 

Math coordinators and leaders – Ready to design your math improvement plan with guidance, support and using structure? Learn how to follow our 4 stage process. https://growyourmathprogram.com 

Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & Units

As an instructional math coach, walking into a classroom means balancing observation with intentional support. But what...

Not sure what matters most when designing math improvement plans? Take this assessment and get a free customized report: https://makemathmoments.com/grow/ 

Math coordinators and leaders – Ready to design your math improvement plan with guidance, support and using structure? Learn how to follow our 4 stage process. https://growyourmathprogram.com 

Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & Units

This episode explores the concept of “expired math rules or math tricks”—rules, tricks, and shortcuts commonly t...

Not sure what matters most when designing math improvement plans? Take this assessment and get a free customized report: https://makemathmoments.com/grow/ 

Math coordinators and leaders – Ready to design your math improvement plan with guidance, support and using structure? Learn how to follow our 4 stage process. https://growyourmathprogram.com 

Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & Units

Many math leaders face a common challenge: after delivering PD and putting support in place, only a sm...

Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & Units

Not sure what matters most when designing math improvement plans? Take this assessment and get a free customized report: https://makemathmoments.com/grow/ 

Math coordinators and leaders – Ready to design your math improvement plan with guidance, support and using structure? Learn how to follow our 4 stage process. https://growyourmathprogram.com 

Building Thinking Classrooms is praised for promoting engagement and rich discourse, but is there such a thin...

Not sure what matters most when designing math improvement plans? Take this assessment and get a free customized report: https://makemathmoments.com/grow/ 

Math coordinators and leaders – Ready to design your math improvement plan with guidance, support and using structure? Learn how to follow our 4 stage process. https://growyourmathprogram.com 

Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & Units

In this episode, we dive into the key conditions that make large-scale, pull-out math professional development sessions worthwhile. We’ll discuss when it mak...

Not sure what matters most when designing math improvement plans? Take this assessment and get a free customized report: https://makemathmoments.com/grow/ 

Math coordinators and leaders – Ready to design your math improvement plan with guidance, support and using structure? Learn how to follow our 4 stage process. https://growyourmathprogram.com 

Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & Units

Discover practical instructional routines from Shannon McCaw’s 2025 NCTM Spring Conference session to elevate meaningful mathematical discou...

Not sure what matters most when designing math improvement plans? Take this assessment and get a free customized report: https://makemathmoments.com/grow/ 

Math coordinators and leaders – Ready to design your math improvement plan with guidance, support and using structure? Learn how to follow our 4 stage process. https://growyourmathprogram.com 

Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & Units

How can you create a clear and measurable vision for mathematics instruction that drives real change across your dist...

Not sure what matters most when designing math improvement plans? Take this assessment and get a free customized report: https://makemathmoments.com/grow/ 

Math coordinators and leaders – Ready to design your math improvement plan with guidance, support and using structure? Learn how to follow our 4 stage process. https://growyourmathprogram.com 

Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & Units

Should students be grouped by similar abilities in math class, or is it better to mix them...

Are you a math leader struggling to create meaningful math improvement plans that actually make a difference in your schools?

In this episode of the Making Math Moments That Matter podcast, we sit down with Blaine McInosh, a Divisional Mathematics Support Teacher from the Winnipeg School Division who has partnered with our District Improvement Program. We unpack Blaine’s journey to uncover how to move beyond surface-level plans and create authentic, sustainable growth in math classrooms. 

Whether you're a math coach, math coordinator, or principal, if you've ever felt overwhelmed by improvement goals or unsure whe...

Not sure what matters most when designing math improvement plans? Take this assessment and get a free customized report: https://makemathmoments.com/grow/ 

Math coordinators and leaders – Ready to design your math improvement plan with guidance, support and using structure? Learn how to follow our 4 stage process. https://growyourmathprogram.com 

Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & Units

A new trimester or semester brings the perfect opportunity to reflect, reset, and reignite your classroom culture. In this episode, we explore how...

Schools are caught between too much pressure (think: endless monitoring, weaponized data, and stressed-out teachers) and too much support with zero urgency (a.k.a. “We’ll get to it someday”). And let’s be real—sometimes, it feels like there’s neither pressure nor support, just a vague hope that things will magically improve.

In this episode, we explore the critical balance between pressure and support when implementing sustainable math improvement plans. 

Achieving widespread change and full adoption of strategies or resources requires skilled facilitation and clear role definition. We discuss how to ensure every stakeho...

Are you struggling to help students who seem years behind their classmates catch up in math?

This episode dives into a practical, step-by-step approach for using targeted, small-group instruction to close gaps quickly guided by formative assessment—so you can ensure every student feels confident and capable in your math classroom.

We speak with Jacqueline Williams-Wedner, a dedicated math educator with nearly 30 years of experience teaching 3rd through 5th grade in Brooklyn and Farmingdale and coaching educators by exploring math concepts. 

What you’ll learn: 

Are you a K-12 math coordinator looking for ways to spark genuine, productive discourse among students and teachers instead of just “covering” the curriculum?

If you’re eager to move beyond the checklists and pacing guides and ensure your teachers truly embrace strategies like student-to-student discussions, this episode will help you strengthen your role as an instructional leader and coach.

You’ll learn:

Not sure what matters most when designing math improvement plans? Take this assessment and get a free customized report: https://makemathmoments.com/grow/ 

Math coordinators and leaders – Ready to design your math improvement plan with guidance, support and using structure? Learn how to follow our 4 stage process. https://growyourmathprogram.com 

Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & Units

Parent-teacher interviews are an opportunity to strengthen the partnership between home and school, but they can also feel over...