Best Mathletepearce Podcasts (2025)

1
It’s Not Either-Or: Building a Math Classroom That Has It All 24:02

Play Pause

2d ago24:02

24:02

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 e…

1
From Lofty to Laser-Focused: Unpacking One District’s Math Improvement Plan 29:50

6d ago29:50

29:50

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…

1
Building a Math Culture with Board Games: Standards for Mathematical Practice in Action 30:25

9d ago30:25

30:25

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 sha…

1
Building Coherence Between Math Coaches, Principals, and Teachers 18:32

13d ago18:32

18:32

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 h…

1
Teaching Math with the Brain in Mind: Insights from Liesl McConchie 48:31

16d ago48:31

48:31

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 c…

1
7 Math Coaching Questions That Transform Teacher Conversations 12:44

20d ago12:44

12:44

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 th…

1
Visual Patterns That Lead to Algebra: Designing Math Tasks That Surface Student Thinking 25:39

23d ago25:39

25:39

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…

1
How to Define The Right Milestones That Drive Math Improvement 26:00

27d ago26:00

26:00

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—…

1
What If the Report Card Doesn’t Match the Math You’re Seeing? 32:45

1M ago32:45

32:45

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 navigatin…

1
Turn Your Next Book Talk into a Book Do: The Shift That Changes Everything 22:27

1M ago22:27

22:27

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 betw…

1
How To Help Students Choose the Right Math Operation 23:55

1M ago23:55

23:55

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 str…

1
How Impactful Is Math Coaching? 26:23

1M ago26:23

26:23

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—…

1
When Math Curriculum Alignment Feels Like a Threat to Your Autonomy 26:09

1M ago26:09

26:09

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 …

1
How to Lead Math PD Without False Authority 25:14

2M ago25:14

25:14

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 chan…

1
The Math Screener Struggle Is Real | Why & How To Use Math Screeners With Impact 33:28

2M ago33:28

33:28

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 tri…

1
Leading Without Authority: How Coaches Can Activate Math Leadership in Schools 21:19

2M ago21:19

21:19

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—thi…

1
Boost Math Participation & Discourse with These Simple Math Routines 17:46

2M ago17:46

17:46

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 K…

1
From Passive to Powerful: Transforming the Principal's Role in Math Leadership 23:53

2M ago23:53

23:53

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 str…

1
Small Summer Shifts That Set You Up for a Better Math Focused School Year 27:15

2M ago27:15

27:15

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, restor…

1
Why Principals Must Lead School-Level Change In Mathematics 23:15

2M ago23:15

23:15

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…

1
3 Ways to Set Students Up for Summer Math Success | Your Summer Math Program 27:20

2M ago27:20

27:20

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 y…

1
How To Unpack Math Standards with Teachers: The Strategy Every Math Team Needs 39:36

3M ago39:36

39:36

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 i…

1
Why Your Fact Fluency Fix May Have Failed (So far) & What To Do Next 38:18

3M ago38:18

38:18

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 w…

1
Create End of Year Impact | Adopt, Adapt, Abandon For Your Math Program 24:03

3M ago24:03

24:03

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 …

1
When High Scores Lie: Rethinking How We Assess in Math Class 23:56

3M ago23:56

23:56

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 the…

1
What We Got Wrong (and Right) in Our Last Full-Day Math PD 25:00

3M ago25:00

25:00

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 …

1
19 Years of Advice on Teaching Through Math Tasks in 25 Minutes 29:13

3M ago29:13

29:13

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 enga…

1
Your School or District Math Improvement Plan Dashboard: A Walkthrough Guide 38:31

3M ago38:31

38:31

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 driv…

1
How We Boosted Math Scores in High School Without Homework or High-Stakes Tests 46:12

3M ago46:12

46:12

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 an…

1
How To Help Teachers Build Resilient Problem Solvers in Math - Reverse Engineering Your Goals 23:36

3M ago23:36

23:36

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 ans…

1
Three (3) Critical Math Topics To Avoid Rushing To The Algorithm 20:40

4M ago20:40

20:40

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.…

1
Why Most District Math Improvement Plans Fail (And How to Fix It) 28:16

4M ago28:16

28:16

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 …

1
Avoiding The Trap of Algorithms in Math - An Interview with Pam Harris from Math Is Figureoutable 41:12

4M ago41:12

41:12

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. Tog…

1
How To Convert Math PD Into Classroom Action 27:11

4M ago27:11

27:11

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 consist…

1
Parent Pushback: How to Teach High Quality Math Instruction Without the Backlash 29:04

4M ago29:04

29:04

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 co…

1
Transform A Compliance-Driven Math PD Calendar Into Real Change 26:17

4M ago26:17

26:17

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…

1
How to Support All Students Without ‘Watering Down’ the Math: A Look At MTSS 39:08

4M ago39:08

39:08

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…

1
You Bought a Math Curriculum Resource... Now What? 25:47

4M ago25:47

25:47

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 c…

1
My War Against Algebra Tricks - A Math Mentoring Moment 46:06

5M ago46:06

46:06

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…

1
How To Lead Effective Math PLCs 28:31

5M ago28:31

28:31

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 Loo…

1
Maximizing Your PLCs: Turning Collaboration into Real Impact 29:29

5M ago29:29

29:29

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 Loo…

1
Support or Setback? The Hidden Cost of Front-Loading Support for Math Teachers 16:59

5M ago16:59

16:59

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 Loo…

1
How To Prepare For Your Upcoming Standardized Math Test & Reduce Unwanted Pressure 29:13

5M ago29:13

29:13

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 Loo…

1
How Useful Are Pacing Guides in Math Instruction? Balancing Alignment and Autonomy 36:14

5M ago36:14

36:14

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 Loo…

1
The Real Magic Behind Math Talk Success In Your Classroom 32:27

5M ago32:27

32:27

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 Loo…

1
Instructional Recipes For Teaching Math 40:36

5M ago40:36

40:36

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 Loo…

1
The Key to Understanding Fractions and Algebraic Thinking 27:19

5M ago27:19

27:19

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 Loo…

1
Why Math Coaching Might Not Be Sticking (And What to Do About It) 27:14

6M ago27:14

27:14

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 Loo…

1
Math Rules That Expire: Rethinking Math Tricks & Shortcuts for Long-Term Understanding 33:13

6M ago33:13

33:13

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 Loo…

1
Why Your Math PD Isn't Sticking (And What to Do About It) 20:21

6M ago20:21

20:21

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 Loo…