Episodes

Let’s talk. Send me a message with your email and I’ll get back to you! AI is everywhere—but is it actually useful in math class, or just another tech buzzword? 🤔 When ChatGPT first hit the scene, I dismissed it. I thought, "This is just Mathway for English teachers." But after hearing how my colleagues were using AI in creative and time-saving ways, I decided to give it a shot—and I was blown away. So today, we’re cutting through the noise to talk about what’s hype vs. what actually helps when ...

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

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! Are you ready to turn the NFL Championship Big Game into a math teacher’s dream lesson? This episode is all about making math real, relevant, and engaging by connecting it to one of the biggest cultural events of the year! 🙌 In this episode, we’ll cover: ✔️ Why real-world math matters and how it transforms engagement in your classroom. ✔️ How sports-themed lessons (like the Super Bowl Project) tie into math concepts like probability, stats, and graphing. ✔️ A...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! This week, I’m thrilled to sit down with Rob Barnett, a former teacher, co-founder of the Modern Classrooms Project (MCP), and author of the brand-new book Meet Every Learner’s Needs. Rob has dedicated his career to empowering educators with practical strategies to unlock the full potential of every student. In this episode, we dive into: ✨ Rob’s journey into teaching and the challenges that shaped his approach. ✨ The inspiring story behind the Modern Classr...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! Want to make math feel relevant? In this episode, Kristen shares tips for connecting math lessons to students’ lives and interests. Plus, learn how to use AI tools to find real-world examples and data to bring into your classroom! 💡 What You’ll Learn: Why real-world connections boost student engagement How to use AI to create relevant lessons Examples of real-world math projects 🔗 Links: Super Bowl Math Activity 🤓Read More with this week's Blog Post: Thi...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! Is your classroom ready for the second semester? This episode dives into CHAMPS strategies to help you reset routines, reestablish expectations, and create a positive learning environment. Plus, discover how AI tools can make classroom management easier than ever! 💡 What You’ll Learn: How to reset your classroom routines after winter break A step-by-step guide to using CHAMPS strategies AI tools to track and improve classroom behavior Engaging ways to invo...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! Start the new year with intentionality! In this episode, Kristen shares strategies to help teachers and students set meaningful goals for 2025. From reflecting on last semester to using AI tools for organization, this episode is packed with actionable tips. 💡 What You’ll Learn: How to reflect on last semester to guide your goal-setting Teacher-friendly goal-setting strategies (with AI support!) Engaging activities to help students create and track their own...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! 🎉 Most Listened to in 2024! Replay of Ep 51: (Re)Building Thinking Classrooms: Consolidating + Note-Taking 🎉 Back by popular demand, this episode blew up in 2024, and we’re bringing it back to give you all the tools to level up your Thinking Classroom! Whether you’re diving into Building Thinking Classrooms for the first time or refining your strategies, this episode is a must-listen. 🌟 What Makes This Episode a Fan Favorite: Master the art of consolidation:...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! 🎉 Most Listened to in 2024! Replay of Ep 58: Unlock Classroom Routine: Essential Math Class Structure Tips 🎉 We’re bringing back one of your absolute favorites from 2024! This episode topped the charts because you loved the actionable strategies and clear structure ideas to make your math classroom run like a dream. 🚀 👩‍🏫 What to Listen For: Why routines matter: Find out how consistency reduces student anxiety and sets the tone for a calm, productive classro...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! ✨ Reflect and Reset: Preparing for a Fresh Start in January As the year comes to a close, it’s time to reflect on the semester and prepare for a fresh start in January. ✨ In this episode, Kristen shares strategies to help you and your students reflect on progress, reset your classroom for the new year, and recharge over winter break. 💡 What You’ll Learn: Reflection activities to help students analyze their growth and set goals Tips for resetting your classro...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! ✨ Preparing for Semester Exams: Tips for Teachers and Students Feeling the pressure of semester exams? 📝 In this episode, Kristen shares her favorite tips to help teachers and students prepare for exams with confidence and less stress. Learn how to run effective review sessions, support students with test anxiety, and streamline your grading process so you can head into winter break feeling accomplished! 🎄 💡 What You’ll Learn: Effective strategies for running...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! ✨ The Gift Wrap Challenge: A Hands-On Math Activity Bring holiday cheer into your math classroom with the Gift Wrap Challenge! 🎁 In this episode, Kristen shares how this hands-on activity engages students with real-world math during the holiday season. Learn how to use this fun challenge to teach geometry, algebra, and problem-solving—all while keeping students excited about math! 💡 What You’ll Learn: What the Gift Wrap Challenge is and how it works. Why stu...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! ✨ Inside the Episode: With the holidays right around the corner, keeping classroom behavior on track can feel like a challenge! 🎄 In this episode, Kristen shares practical strategies to manage classroom energy and maintain a positive learning environment during the busiest time of the year. From brain breaks to flexible seating, you’ll learn how to channel holiday excitement into productive learning. Plus, discover how her CHAMPS posters and Social Contract ca...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! ✨ Inside the Episode The winter holidays are here, and it’s time to celebrate! 🎄 But how can we bring the holiday spirit into our math classrooms in a way that’s inclusive and respectful of all students? In this episode of The Modern Math Teacher, Kristen shares practical strategies for celebrating the holidays inclusively and engagingly in your classroom. Plus, discover two amazing resources—the Gift Wrap Challenge 🎁 and Holidays Around the World 🌍—to help yo...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! ✨ Inside the Episode: With the holiday season in full swing, it can be hard to keep students engaged and focused. 🎄 In this episode of The Modern Math Teacher, Kristen shares easy real-world math applications that require minimal prep but keep students learning! From budgeting for Thanksgiving 🦃 to analyzing Black Friday sales 🛍️, these quick activities will connect math to your students' lives and help you lighten the load during this busy time. 💡 What You’l...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! ✨The holiday season is here, and we know how hectic it can get in the classroom! In this episode of The Modern Math Teacher, I’m sharing simple classroom strategies that will help you stay on top of things and enjoy the season. From managing classroom energy to adding festive fun, these tips will keep you organized and stress-free! 🎄✏️ 💡 What You’ll Learn: 📋 Streamline Grading & Planning: Tips to make your grading and planning more manageable during the busy ...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! In this episode of The Modern Math Teacher, we’re diving deep into one of the simplest yet most powerful tools for any math teacher: exit tickets. If you’re looking for a quick, effective way to check for understanding and gather valuable insights about your students, this episode is for you. I’ll walk you through why exit tickets matter, practical ways to use them, and how to leverage the data to adjust your teaching for maximum impact. Plus, I’ll share how I...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! In this episode of The Modern Math Teacher, we’re talking about how you can make math relevant and exciting by integrating election data into your algebra lessons. With the upcoming 2024 election, there’s no better time to show students how mathematical concepts can be used to analyze voter turnout trends and make predictions. I’ll walk you through the Election 2024 Math Project—a project-based learning experience that gets students working with real data, cal...

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

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! Are you ready to make the most of parent-teacher conferences and open house this fall? 🍁 In this episode of The Modern Math Teacher, I’m sharing my top tips to help you feel prepared and confident! 🔑 Learn how to use a pre-conference reflection form to keep conferences focused and meaningful (you can grab it for free in this week’s email!). I’ll also share strategies for explaining the value of project-based learning and real-world math to parents, so they un...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! Are you ready to foster a growth mindset in your math classroom? 🎯 In this episode, we break down Jo Boaler’s top strategies for encouraging students to embrace challenges, learn from mistakes, and develop effective problem-solving skills. 🧠✨ What you'll learn: The true meaning of a growth mindset (and common misconceptions) How to normalize mistakes and make challenges exciting Practical classroom strategies like "low floor, high ceiling" tasks and process...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! Welcome to The Modern Math Teacher! In today’s episode, we’re breaking down how to bring the 8 Mathematical Practices into your everyday math lessons. These practices are the key to helping students think like mathematicians, and we’ve got practical tips to make them a seamless part of your instruction. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: A quick review of all 8 Mathematical Practices and their purpose. How to integrate these practices with simple, everyday strat...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! In today’s episode, we’re diving into a powerful strategy for increasing student engagement: mathematical discourse. If you’ve ever struggled to get your students talking about math, this episode is for you! I’ll be sharing practical tips on how to use the 5 Practices for Orchestrating Productive Mathematical Discussions to encourage deeper understanding and active participation in your classroom. 💡In This Episode, We’ll Cover: The Power of Math Discourse: Wh...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! Today, we’re tackling a topic that can truly transform your classroom—Project-Based Learning (PBL). If the idea of PBL feels daunting, don’t worry! In this episode, I’m breaking it down into simple, manageable steps so you can start incorporating PBL into your lessons without feeling overwhelmed. 💡In This Episode, We’ll Cover: What PBL Really Is: A straightforward introduction to Project-Based Learning and why it’s more than just another teaching trend. Gett...