Episodes

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! Inside this week's episode of The Modern Math Teacher, Kristen is joined by guest Mona Iehl-- the go-to expert on teaching and learning from word problems. After years of teaching in the classroom and working as an instructional coach for elementary and middle grades, Mona is no stranger to the struggles teachers and students have with word problems. Today she shares the biggest take aways she has had for why students struggle with word problems and her go to ...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! In this lively episode, we embark on a journey to revolutionize the way we approach Project-Based Learning (PBL) in our classrooms. Inside, we explore the keys to crafting group projects that captivate and engage every student, ensuring equity and excitement. From selecting real, relevant, and rigorous topics to strategically assigning group roles, this episode provides a roadmap for educators to transform their classrooms into dynamic hubs of learning through...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! In this festive episode of "The Modern Math Teacher Podcast," we're diving headfirst into the holiday spirit while keeping math at the forefront. We're here to support those incredible secondary math teachers who want to inclusively celebrate the winter holidays in their classrooms. We discuss the importance of embracing diversity, share three fantastic strategies for inclusive holiday celebrations, and introduce two incredible resources: the "Gift Wrap Chall...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! In this episode, Kristen explores innovative teaching practices that some may find "scary" but are undeniably effective. Join us in this exciting journey of redefining teaching practices in the math classroom. It's time to leave behind what's "scary" and embrace what works. Your math education revolution starts here. From homework that's not mandated or graded to blended instruction, self-pacing, and project-based assessments, Kristen takes you on a journey t...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! Hey there, Modern Math Teacher! We all know that nagging question from students: "When am I ever going to need this?" Well, today, we're about to unveil a project that not only answers that question but also makes math an exhilarating adventure in your classroom. It's none other than the rocket project, a perennial favorite in my teaching arsenal. As we gear up for this thrilling project, pun fully intended, I'm excited to share the entire process with you. ...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! In this episode of 'The Modern Math Teacher' podcast, we're diving headfirst into the exciting world of "Projects vs. Project-Based Learning." We explore the key differences between these teaching approaches and, most importantly, when to choose one over the other. Inside the episode, you'll walk away with three practical tips for designing engaging math projects, ensuring they align with your curriculum, resonate with real-world applications, and include eff...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! In this exciting episode of The Modern Math Teacher podcast, I had the pleasure of co-hosting a captivating conversation with the brilliant Johanna Kuiper! We dove deep into strategies that span grades 6-12, building a solid foundation for math mastery. Here are the key takeaways from our enlightening discussion: 🔍 Discovery and Inquiry Activities: Johanna and I explored the power of discovery and inquiry-based activities. These engaging approaches ignite stu...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! In today's episode of "The Modern Math Teacher," we're embarking on a learning journey that blends the age-old wisdom of traditional grading scales with the groundbreaking approach of mastery-based learning. Buckle up, educators, because "Mastery-Based Grading with Traditional Grading Scales" is about to redefine how you look at assessments and grades in your classroom. Welcome to the world of mastery-based learning and traditional grading scales. In today's ...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! In this episode of "The Modern Math Teacher" podcast, we continue to embark on an exciting journey into the realm of AI in education. Inside, we explore the role of AI in the math classroom, emphasizing that it's a tool to enhance, not replace, teachers. Discover the benefits of AI-driven personalized learning, real-time assessment, and streamlined administrative tasks. Join the conversation about the future of AI in education and how it empowers math teache...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! In this episode of "Modern Math Teacher," we dive headfirst into the exciting realm of creating a Geometry Thinking Classroom. With a nod to Peter Liljedahl's groundbreaking "Building Thinking Classrooms" framework, the episode explores how to adapt these innovative teaching practices to the visual and inquiry-driven world of geometry education. From understanding the Building Thinking Classrooms framework to incorporating inquiry-based learning, we share insi...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! In this episode, we dive into the exciting world of math projects that bring real-world relevance to your classroom. We address the perennial question of when students will use math in real life and explore three fantastic projects for Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2. These projects not only make math fun but also help students see the practical applications of mathematical concepts. Today's Topics + Projects: Algebra 1: The Stained Glass Project - A hands...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! It's a birthday surprise this week! 🎉 Host, Kristen Moore, is joined by two amazing Math Education experts who happen to all have September 4/5 birthday! Listen is as Kristen, along with Mona Iehl @hellomonamath and Julianna Tapper @Collaborated.with.julianna discuss what it really means to be "good" at math, how we can support our students at all ages with developing that positive math mindset and give advice to teachers on how to foster this in the classroo...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! Get ready to revolutionize your classroom grading practices! In this episode of Modern Math Teacher, we're diving headfirst into the world of mastery-based grading. Say goodbye to traditional point systems and hello to a more meaningful way of assessing student learning. Join us as we uncover the secrets of mastery-based grading, explore its benefits for both teachers and students, and learn how to introduce this game-changing approach to your eager learners. ...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! The secret to classroom management isn’t a secret at all–it’s clarity and respect. How can you ensure everyone is crystal clear on expectations and that mutual respect drives the classroom? Simple–use the Classroom Management Dynamic Duo– CHAMPS + CKH. Inside this episode, I break down each component of my favorite classroom management strategies and detail how I use them in a high school classroom. Need help with either of these? I’ve got you covered with t...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! In this episode, we're diving into the world of classroom routines – not just for elementary classrooms, but for high school as well. Routines provide the backbone of a well-functioning classroom, offering clarity, consistency, and comfort. Join us as we explore insights from two education giants, Harry Wong and Angela Watson, and learn how to establish effective routines that make your high school math classroom run like a well-oiled machine. Inside we cover...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! It's back to school season and inn this episode, we're diving into the three big pillars that lay the foundation for success in a modern math classroom. Get ready to learn how to engage your students in authentic learning experiences, establish classroom norms, and implement equitable grading practices all in the first week! Today we discuss strategies to use the first week of class to share with students.... How what we do in a modern math class is different...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! Hey there, modern math teachers! Welcome to an exciting new episode of our podcast, where we're all about shaking up the traditional classroom and unleashing the power of self-pacing in our classrooms!! Get ready to fasten your seatbelts as we embark on a journey to ignite student ownership and skyrocket engagement. In this episode, we'll unveil the secrets to structuring a self-paced math classroom–that even works with PBL!--crafting mind-blowing blended les...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! Are your students forgetting important skills just a couple of units later? In this episode, we dive into the world of anchor activities to solve this problem. Anchor activities are the secret sauce to making lessons stick with your students. They create memorable and engaging experiences that connect prior knowledge with new concepts. Our guest speaker shares examples of anchor activities and reveals the key principles for designing effective ones. Get ready ...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! The Power of Connection: Making Learning Real, Relevant, and Rigorous for Student Engagement In this episode, we explore the power of connection in making learning real, relevant, and rigorous for student engagement. We discuss the challenges of students falling behind and the limitations of a boxed curriculum designed for on-pace learners. Discover how taking a project-based approach and giving lessons a reality check can hook students into the learning proc...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! In this episode of Modern Math Teacher, we dive deep into the world of grading practices and challenge ourselves to answer the question: Are our grading practices truly equitable? We're going to get real as we reflect on our current grading systems, and begin to explore some of the transformative ideas from Joe Feldman's book "Grading for Equity." Plus we'll chat about some practical strategies to create a more fair and student-centered grading approach, inclu...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! Welcome to an exciting episode that will transform your math classroom! Join us as we explore my favorite topic discussing the power of project-based learning (PBL) and why now is the perfect time to dive in. In the first part, we dive into the benefits of PBL, from increased student engagement to the development of critical thinking skills. Discover how PBL connects math to real-world relevance, answering the age-old question of "when am I ever going to need...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! Get ready, math teachers, because we're about to embark on a journey that will revolutionize your lesson planning process. In this episode, we'll uncover the incredible potential of AI, specifically chatGPT, to streamline and simplify your math lesson planning endeavors. Trust me, this isn't just another Photomath equivalent for English teachers. It's a game-changer for math education, and once you dive in, there's no turning back. We'll start by setting our ...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! Welcome to the Modern Math Teacher podcast, the podcast that will help you use today's best teaching strategies to ignite and excite your students in math class and maybe even make it the best part of their day. It's no wonder why a lot of math teachers struggle with engagement, using resources that are outdated and focus on procedures over problem solving, with real world applications that are anything but to the students they teach. But you? You’re a Moder...