61: My Students Tried to Get Me Fired: A Radical Math Story | Pam Brett
Manage episode 505692659 series 3527820
Pam shares a powerful story of transformation from the front lines of education. When she stepped into a new role teaching eighth-grade math, her students were labeled the worst in the district—and within weeks, they tried to get her fired. But instead of giving up, Pam trusted a gut instinct, threw out the traditional textbooks, and leaned into a new way of teaching that prioritized discussion, exploration, and student voices. What followed was a profound shift—not just in academic engagement, but in classroom culture, student confidence, and human connection. This episode is a must-listen for educators, parents, and anyone who believes in second chances and the power of belief.
Find Pam Here:
https://www.blueglassesmath.org/
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TIMESTAMPS
00:00 – Pam's Story
06:30 – Did they end up liking math?
10:30 – Starting with the answer: a new kind of problem
15:30 – Making mistakes normal and safe
21:00 – Why math matters more than you think
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Keywords:
math education story
classroom transformation
middle school teacher story
how to teach math creatively
student engagement in math
overcoming teacher burnout
eighth grade teaching story
math mindset shift
pamela brett blue glasses math
tina’s arena podcast
Hashtags:
#MathEducation #TeacherLife #BlueGlassesMath #EducationTransformation #TinasArena #MiddleSchool #TeacherInspiration #ClassroomMagic #RealTalk #PodcastClips
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61 episodes