Best Mrorrgeek Podcasts (2025)

1
How to Build a Math Plan That Survives Leadership Changes 20:23

Play Pause

25m ago20:23

20:23

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 is…

1
The Biggest Threat To Sustainable Math Improvement - Your Guess Will Be Wrong! 8:39

3d ago8:39

8:39

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 eve…

1
Math Fluency in Action: Observing What Proficient Students Actually Do 54:50

7d ago54:50

54:50

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 teachi…

1
Why Your Math Coaching Model Isn’t Working — Insights from Jim Strachan 29:12

10d ago29:12

29:12

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 lead…

1
Making Durable Decisions in Math Leadership | A Sustainable Math Practice Case Study 18:57

14d ago18:57

18:57

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 t…

1
When Fidelity in Math Improvement Turns Into Rigidity & How To Avoid This Costly Mistake 26:26

17d ago26:26

26:26

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 concep…

1
How to Sequence Math Tasks: Thin Slicing in Building Thinking Classrooms Explained by Peter Liljedahl and Kyle Webb 37:34

21d ago37:34

37:34

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 less…

1
When Tools Steal Thinking: Rethinking Technology Use in Math 37:12

24d ago37:12

37:12

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 lo…

1
Going Narrow in Math Improvement: A Practical Playbook from One District 20:33

28d ago20:33

20:33

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 strength…

1
Fear, Pressure, and the Struggle to Truly Commit to Math Priorities 22:45

1M ago22:45

22:45

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 fr…

1
Beating Initiative Fatigue: How to Filter Math PD Opportunities without Overwhelm 18:24

1M ago18:24

18:24

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. List…

1
How AI Can Help Math Teachers Differentiate Instruction for Every Learner 30:50

1M ago30:50

30:50

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. Whe…

1
Why Systemic Change in Math Fails Without the Right Bridges in Place 18:10

1M ago18:10

18:10

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: Deeply internalizing the district’s mat…

1
Why Math Improvement Efforts Stall Without Clear Bridges 26:52

2M ago26:52

26:52

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 m…

1
How Time Debt Is Derailing Your Math Leadership Goals 12:03

2M ago12:03

12:03

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 …

1
How To Teach Multi-Digit Multiplication 30:30

2M ago30:30

30:30

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 a…

1
Making Math Progress Visible: The B+ Approach to School Math Improvement 14:11

2M ago14:11

14:11

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 res…

1
Rich Tasks vs. Gradual Release: Do We Have to Choose? 25:13

2M ago25:13

25:13

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 t…

1
Why District Math Plans Fall Flat Without School-Level Action 24:51

2M ago24:51

24:51

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 …

1
It’s Not Either-Or: Building a Math Classroom That Has It All 20:50

2M ago20:50

20:50

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 28:28

2M ago28:28

28:28

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 29:04

2M ago29:04

29:04

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 15:20

3M ago15:20

15:20

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 47:10

3M ago47:10

47:10

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 9:32

3M ago9:32

9:32

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 22:27

3M ago22:27

22:27

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 22:48

3M ago22:48

22:48

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—…

51
What If the Report Card Doesn’t Match the Math You’re Seeing? 31:23

3M ago31:23

31:23

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…

51
Turn Your Next Book Talk into a Book Do: The Shift That Changes Everything 19:14

3M ago19:14

19:14

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…

51
How To Help Students Choose the Right Math Operation 20:43

3M ago20:43

20:43

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…

51
How Impactful Is Math Coaching? 25:01

4M ago25:01

25:01

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—…

51
When Math Curriculum Alignment Feels Like a Threat to Your Autonomy 22:57

4M ago22:57

22:57

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 …

51
How to Lead Math PD Without False Authority 22:01

4M ago22:01

22:01

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…

51
The Math Screener Struggle Is Real | Why & How To Use Math Screeners With Impact 32:07

4M ago32:07

32:07

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…

51
Leading Without Authority: How Coaches Can Activate Math Leadership in Schools 18:06

4M ago18:06

18:06

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…

51
Boost Math Participation & Discourse with These Simple Math Routines 14:34

4M ago14:34

14:34

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…

51
From Passive to Powerful: Transforming the Principal's Role in Math Leadership 20:41

4M ago20:41

20:41

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…

51
Small Summer Shifts That Set You Up for a Better Math Focused School Year 25:53

4M ago25:53

25:53

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…

51
Why Principals Must Lead School-Level Change In Mathematics 20:03

4M ago20:03

20:03

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…

51
3 Ways to Set Students Up for Summer Math Success | Your Summer Math Program 25:58

5M ago25:58

25:58

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…

51
How To Unpack Math Standards with Teachers: The Strategy Every Math Team Needs 38:15

5M ago38:15

38:15

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…

51
Why Your Fact Fluency Fix May Have Failed (So far) & What To Do Next 36:56

5M ago36:56

36:56

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 20:51

5M ago20:51

20:51

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 …

51
When High Scores Lie: Rethinking How We Assess in Math Class 20:44

5M ago20:44

20:44

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…

51
What We Got Wrong (and Right) in Our Last Full-Day Math PD 21:48

5M ago21:48

21:48

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 …

51
19 Years of Advice on Teaching Through Math Tasks in 25 Minutes 27:51

5M ago27:51

27:51

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 37:09

5M ago37:09

37:09

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 44:51

5M ago44:51

44:51

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 20:24

6M ago20:24

20:24

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 17:28

6M ago17:28

17:28

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.…