175 Why Every Math Teacher Should Study Above and Below Their Grade Level

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One of the best things that ever happened to me as a math teacher was teaching multiple grade levels.

Because the more I taught Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, and intervention classes together… the more I realized:

👉 Math is one connected story.

In this episode, we’re talking about:

• mathematical coherence
• conceptual progression
• activating prior knowledge
• and why understanding where students are coming from and where they’re headed changes your instruction completely.

💡 In This Episode:

• Why teaching multiple grade levels made me a stronger teacher
• How understanding future math changes present instruction
• Why conceptual progression matters in mathematics
• How studying above and below your course improves lesson design
• Why math should feel connected—not isolated

✨ Key Takeaways
✨ Every math lesson is part of a larger mathematical story

✨ Understanding future concepts changes what we emphasize now

✨ Strong instruction connects prior knowledge to future learning

✨ Deep content understanding leads to more intentional teaching

📥 FREE GUIDE: Project or Practice?

Want help creating more meaningful and intentional math experiences?

👉 Grab the free guide:
https://moorethanjustx.myflodesk.com/practice

📘 JULY BOOK STUDY: Math Therapy
We’ll be reading Math Therapy together this July and discussing:

• math identity
• confidence
• productive struggle
• and emotional experiences in math class

Grab the book here:

📖 Physical book:
https://amzn.to/42VJRl6

🎧 Audiobook:
https://amzn.to/49nV55D

🎧 What’s Next

Next up, we’re diving into technology in the math classroom, Chromebook fatigue, and why I’m rethinking what intentional tech integration actually looks like

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!

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