

Making Math Moments That Matter
Kyle Pearce & Jon Orr
Helping you transform your K-12 math lesson plans by building confidence in effective teaching practices, guiding you to transform your math curriculum, and inspiring classroom strategies to engage all students. As a teacher are you wondering how to create K-12 math lesson plans where students don't want to stop exploring your math curriculum when the bell rings? As a mathematics coordinator or leader are you wondering how to support teachers when implementing engaging math lessons that fuel student sense making?Over the last 19 years, Kyle and Jon, the founders of MakeMathMoments.com have been engaging students, teachers, and district program leaders with effective mathematics pedagogy, accessible resources, and inspiring learning environments in K-12 math classrooms. Now, in this podcast they coach you - K-12 classroom teachers and district leaders of mathematics through a 6 step plan that cultivates and fosters your mathematics program like a strong, healthy and balanced tree.If you master the 6 parts of an effective mathematics program, the impact you have on students or teachers will grow and reach far and wide.Every week, you’ll hear insight from practicing classroom teachers and leaders in math education so you’ll get the feedback, guidance, and fresh ideas you need to stop feeling overwhelmed, gain back your confidence, and inspire the students and fellow teachers you serve to enjoy the beauty of mathematics once again. Start making math moments today by listening to Episode #139: Making Math Moments From Day 1 to 180
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 4, 2024 • 38min
How To Align Your Math Classroom Teaching Practices With Your Philosophy - A Math Mentoring Moment
Have you ever wondered how to ensure your teaching actions align seamlessly with your educational philosophies? How close is your practice with your preach? In this episode we speak with Felicia Favela, a veteran 8th grade pre-algebra teacher from Phoenix Arizona who knows that in the realm of education, consistency between what we say and what we do is pivotal but still wonders how closely she’s aligned. Stick around and you’ll hear us uncover the root cause of why Felicia feels that she’s not aligned with her philosophies, how to identify when students are primed to progress to new challenges, maximizing their learning potential, and learn to harness the power of problem-based lessons as a tool for formative assessment, enhancing your ability to cater to individual student needs.This is another Math Mentoring Moment episode where we chat with a teacher like you who is working through some problems of practice and together we brainstorm ways to overcome them. You’ll Learn: How can I make sure my actions match my words? How do I recognize when my students are ready to move to the next problem when using thin slicing from Building Thinking Classrooms; Why problem based lessons are formative assessment gold mines; How we can truly differentiate my instruction while leading a Building Thinking Classroom lesson; What clues do we look for when deciding if a student “gets it”. Resources: Assessment For Growth: A Blueprint Course For Standards Based Grading in Math ClassMake Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & UnitsDistrict Math Leaders: How are you ensuring that you support those educators who need a nudge to spark a focus on growing their pedagogical-content knowledge? What about opportunities for those who are eager and willing to elevate their practice, but do not have the support? Book a call with our District Improvement Program Team to learn how we can not only help you craft, refine and implement your district math learning goals, but also provide all of the professional learning supports your educators need to grow at the speed of their learning. Book a short conversation with our team now. Love the show? Text us your big takeaway!Are you wondering how to create K-12 math lesson plans that leave students so engaged they don’t want to stop exploring your math curriculum when the bell rings? In their podcast, Kyle Pearce and Jon Orr—founders of MakeMathMoments.com—share over 19 years of experience inspiring K-12 math students, teachers, and district leaders with effective math activities, engaging resources, and innovative math leadership strategies. Through a 6-step framework, they guide K-12 classroom teachers and district math coordinators on building a strong, balanced math program that grows student and teacher impact. Each week, gain fresh ideas, feedback, and practical strategies to feel more confident and motivate students to see the beauty in math. Start making math moments today by listening to Episode #139: "Making Math Moments From Day 1 to 180.

Feb 26, 2024 • 41min
Where should we focus our district’s math PD goals for the rest of this year? Next year?
Are you struggling to turn your ambitious math educational goals into tangible results in your classroom or district? Have you been asking: Where should I focus the efforts of my district math pd plan for the remainder of this year and following years?This episode of "Making Math Moments That Matter" is crucial for educators and district leaders of mathematics who are seeking practical strategies to elevate the impact of their teaching and planning. By focusing on goal setting and planning in mathematics education, it addresses the common challenge of aligning educational objectives with measurable outcomes, ensuring that your teaching methods lead to significant, positive changes in student learning and engagement.What you’ll learn: Insight into Effective Goal-Setting: Learn how to set precise, achievable objectives in your classroom, ensuring you're not overwhelmed while still making a significant impact.Strategies for Measuring Success: Discover how to define and measure key results, equipping you with tools to gauge the effectiveness of your teaching strategies accurately.Guidance on Prioritization and Focus: Gain an understanding of how to identify and concentrate on 'rocks' or major priorities, helping you to stay focused on what matters most in your educational journey.Listen to this episode now to transform your district math goals into measurable, impactful realities and start making math moments that truly matter.Resources: Make Math Moments District Math AssessmentMake Math Moments District Improvement ProgramMake Math Moments AcademyDistrict Math Leaders: How are you ensuring that you support those educators who need a nudge to spark a focus on growing their pedagogical-content knowledge? What about opportunities for those who are eager and willing to elevate their practice, but do not have the support? Book a call with our District Improvement Program Team to learn how we can not only help you craft, refine and implement your district math learning goals, but also provide all of the professional learning supports your educators need to grow at the speed of their learning. Book a short conversation with our team now. Love the show? Text us your big takeaway!Are you wondering how to create K-12 math lesson plans that leave students so engaged they don’t want to stop exploring your math curriculum when the bell rings? In their podcast, Kyle Pearce and Jon Orr—founders of MakeMathMoments.com—share over 19 years of experience inspiring K-12 math students, teachers, and district leaders with effective math activities, engaging resources, and innovative math leadership strategies. Through a 6-step framework, they guide K-12 classroom teachers and district math coordinators on building a strong, balanced math program that grows student and teacher impact. Each week, gain fresh ideas, feedback, and practical strategies to feel more confident and motivate students to see the beauty in math. Start making math moments today by listening to Episode #139: "Making Math Moments From Day 1 to 180.

Feb 19, 2024 • 39min
Navigating the Blend: Unifying Grades in Standards-Based Grading - A Math Mentoring Moment
Explore the often unspoken struggles that even seasoned math teachers encounter when grappling with concepts in middle and high school grades. Gain insights into the power of anecdotal assessments for both understanding students and refining your own assessment practices. Discover practical approaches to implementing standards-based grading without getting lost in individual grades, and unravel the true purpose behind assigning grades. In this Mentoring Moment episode we bring back Nicholas Rhodes to continue exploring his pebbles in Standards Based Grading. This is another Math Mentoring Moment episode where we chat with a teacher like you who is working through some problems of practice and together we brainstorm ways to overcome them. You’ll Learn: How even math teachers can still struggle to conceptually understand some of the mathematics we commonly share in middle and high school grades;Why anecdotally assessing where you believe students might be can be helpful to assess your own assessment practices;What is the best approach to attempting standards based grading without getting mixed up in all of the individual “grades”The true purpose of assigning grades; How we can redesign evaluations and assessments; Resources: Assessment For Growth: A Blueprint Course For Standards Based Grading in Math ClassMake Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & UnitsDistrict Math Leaders: How are you ensuring that you support those educators who need a nudge to spark a focus on growing their pedagogical-content knowledge? What about opportunities for those who are eager and willing to elevate their practice, but do not have the support? Book a call with our District Improvement Program Team to learn how we can not only help you craft, refine and implement your district math learning goals, but also provide all of the professional learning supports your educators need to grow at the speed of their learning. Book a short conversation with our team now. Love the show? Text us your big takeaway!Are you wondering how to create K-12 math lesson plans that leave students so engaged they don’t want to stop exploring your math curriculum when the bell rings? In their podcast, Kyle Pearce and Jon Orr—founders of MakeMathMoments.com—share over 19 years of experience inspiring K-12 math students, teachers, and district leaders with effective math activities, engaging resources, and innovative math leadership strategies. Through a 6-step framework, they guide K-12 classroom teachers and district math coordinators on building a strong, balanced math program that grows student and teacher impact. Each week, gain fresh ideas, feedback, and practical strategies to feel more confident and motivate students to see the beauty in math. Start making math moments today by listening to Episode #139: "Making Math Moments From Day 1 to 180.

Feb 12, 2024 • 30min
How To Consolidate & Close Your Building Thinking Classroom Lesson [Part 2]
Discover practical strategies for dynamic teaching, dive into consolidation techniques, explore innovative note-taking methods, and enhance student collaboration through random grouping cards in this insightful podcast episode.

Feb 5, 2024 • 48min
The Crucial Role of Educational Leadership in Math - An Interview with Rob Baier
Curious about the transformative power of leadership in mathematics education? Ever felt the challenge of aligning your strategic plan when it seems like you're constantly putting out fires? Join us in this episode where we unravel the critical importance of seeking support in leadership roles and dive into a conversation with Rob Baier, Executive Director of Mathematics and STEM at Pittsburgh Public Schools.If you're an educator navigating the complexities of coaching, consulting, or directing, this episode is your guide. Rob Baier, co-host of the Debate Math Podcast, shares insights on staying aligned to your strategic plan amidst chaos, the significance of andragogy in leading mathematics educators, and the key to optimizing coaching and professional learning models.Gain a profound understanding of why seeking appropriate support is crucial for educators stepping into leadership roles.Discover the transformative potential of andragogy in leading mathematics educators, offering a fresh perspective for educational leaders.Uncover actionable insights on reviewing coaching models, ensuring they optimally serve educators, and staying aligned with district vision and strategic plans.Ready to elevate your leadership game in mathematics education? Click now to listen and lead with newfound passion and impact. Don't miss this chance to reshape your approach and empower both educators and students in your district!You’ll Learn: Why it is important for mathematics educators to seek out the appropriate support to take on leadership roles such as coaching, consulting, supervising, directing, etc.;Why mathematics leaders should consider studying and practicing andragogy in order to lead mathematics educators in their district; How reviewing your coaching and professional learning model on a regular basis will ensure it is optimally serving educators;How reviewing your curriculum resource and ensuring it supports the teaching of mathematics in a way that aligns with your district vision is critically important;How to stay aligned to your strategic plan for mathematics when you always feel like you’re putting out fires; and, As a leader how do we balance supporting teachers directly in a coaching role and trying to build capacity at scale in a district. Resources: Find Rob on X: @rob_baier Debate Math Podcast with Chris Luzniak and Rob BaierDistrict Math Leaders: How are you ensuring that you support those educators who need a nudge to spark a focus on growing their pedagogical-content knowledge? What about opportunities for those who are eager and willing to elevate their practice, but do not have the support? Love the show? Text us your big takeaway!Are you wondering how to create K-12 math lesson plans that leave students so engaged they don’t want to stop exploring your math curriculum when the bell rings? In their podcast, Kyle Pearce and Jon Orr—founders of MakeMathMoments.com—share over 19 years of experience inspiring K-12 math students, teachers, and district leaders with effective math activities, engaging resources, and innovative math leadership strategies. Through a 6-step framework, they guide K-12 classroom teachers and district math coordinators on building a strong, balanced math program that grows student and teacher impact. Each week, gain fresh ideas, feedback, and practical strategies to feel more confident and motivate students to see the beauty in math. Start making math moments today by listening to Episode #139: "Making Math Moments From Day 1 to 180.

15 snips
Jan 29, 2024 • 34min
How To Consolidate & Close Your Building Thinking Classroom Lesson [Part 1]
Educators discuss the importance of closing off math lessons effectively, promoting collaborative thinking over rote memorization and fostering a thinking classroom environment. They explore strategies for structuring ideas, utilizing consolidation, and enhancing classroom collaboration through random grouping cards.

Jan 22, 2024 • 47min
Creating Safe and Equitable Math Classrooms - A Math Mentoring Moment
Have you ever wondered why creating a safe space for students in mathematics class is crucial? This episode of The Making Math Moments That Matter Podcast explores this question and unveils insights that will reshape the way you think about math education.In a world where educational equity is a pressing concern, ensuring that schools are safe places for students becomes paramount. This episode delves into the critical role of a safe environment, especially in mathematics classes. Discover how breaking free from over-generalizations can pave the way for equitable math lessons and why helping teachers build their math proficiency is key to fostering an inclusive classroom. Join us as we unravel the intricacies of these concepts and their real-world implications.Unlock the secrets to creating a safe and equitable math classroom by listening to the latest Make Math Moments episode now. Transform your approach to math education and contribute to fostering a positive and inclusive learning space for all students. Press play and embark on a journey to reshape math education today!You’ll Learn: Gain insights into why creating a safe space in math class is not just desirable but essential for student success and well-being.Learn practical strategies to help teachers break free from over-generalizations, creating math lessons that cater to diverse learning needs and backgrounds.Discover the importance of teachers' math proficiency and how empowering educators in this aspect can lead to a more equitable and supportive learning environment.Resources: Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & UnitsDistrict Math Leaders: How are you ensuring that you support those educators who need a nudge to spark a focus on growing their pedagogical-content knowledge? What about opportunities for those who are eager and willing to elevate their practice, but do not have the support? Book a call with our District Improvement Program Team to learn how we can not only help you craft, refine and implement your district math learning goals, but also provide all of the professional learning supports your educators need to grow at the speed of their learning. Book a short conversation with our team now. Love the show? Text us your big takeaway!Are you wondering how to create K-12 math lesson plans that leave students so engaged they don’t want to stop exploring your math curriculum when the bell rings? In their podcast, Kyle Pearce and Jon Orr—founders of MakeMathMoments.com—share over 19 years of experience inspiring K-12 math students, teachers, and district leaders with effective math activities, engaging resources, and innovative math leadership strategies. Through a 6-step framework, they guide K-12 classroom teachers and district math coordinators on building a strong, balanced math program that grows student and teacher impact. Each week, gain fresh ideas, feedback, and practical strategies to feel more confident and motivate students to see the beauty in math. Start making math moments today by listening to Episode #139: "Making Math Moments From Day 1 to 180.

Jan 15, 2024 • 51min
Can We Build A Thinking Classroom & Still Maintain Rigor - A Math Mentoring Moment
Today we speak with Michael Finley, the academic dean for math and science at a K-12 independent school. Michael's staff is questioning their work in building thinking classrooms and how it serves high achieving students. Listen in as we brainstorm strategies to uncover micro moves and macro plans to build a classroom culture that allows a thinking classroom to emerge. This is another Math Mentoring Moment episode where we chat with a teacher like you who is working through some problems of practice and together we brainstorm ways to overcome them. You’ll Learn: How to move quickly on a new initiative while ensuring all educators are coming along for the ride;Why facilitating a Thinking Classroom in mathematics effectively involves a significant amount of nuance;Why intentionality is even more important when facilitating a Thinking Classroom than it was when leading a gradual release of responsibility lesson;What is the true definition of rigor? Resources: Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & UnitsDistrict Math Leaders: How are you ensuring that you support those educators who need a nudge to spark a focus on growing their pedagogical-content knowledge? What about opportunities for those who are eager and willing to elevate their practice, but do not have the support? Book a call with our District Improvement Program Team to learn how we can not only help you craft, refine and implement your district math learning goals, but also provide all of the professional learning supports your educators need to grow at the speed of their learning. Book a short conversation with our team now. Love the show? Text us your big takeaway!Are you wondering how to create K-12 math lesson plans that leave students so engaged they don’t want to stop exploring your math curriculum when the bell rings? In their podcast, Kyle Pearce and Jon Orr—founders of MakeMathMoments.com—share over 19 years of experience inspiring K-12 math students, teachers, and district leaders with effective math activities, engaging resources, and innovative math leadership strategies. Through a 6-step framework, they guide K-12 classroom teachers and district math coordinators on building a strong, balanced math program that grows student and teacher impact. Each week, gain fresh ideas, feedback, and practical strategies to feel more confident and motivate students to see the beauty in math. Start making math moments today by listening to Episode #139: "Making Math Moments From Day 1 to 180.

Jan 8, 2024 • 37min
Are You Cleaning Up Messes That Haven't Happened Yet? - A Math Mentoring Moment
Today we speak with Diana Worthen, a 10th grade math teacher from Denver Colorado. In our discussion we help to shake out a common pebble in an educator's shoes: How to keep students engaged during practice time. Stick around and you’ll hear why students tend to “shut down” after a teacher led lesson; how to be more targeted with your 1 on 1 support with your students; and how to structure your lessons to maximize engagement during your entire math block. This is another Math Mentoring Moment episode where we chat with a teacher like you who is working through some problems of practice and together we brainstorm ways to overcome them. You’ll Learn: Why students tend to “shut down” after a teacher led lesson;How to be more targeted with your 1 on 1 support with your students; and, How to structure your lessons to maximize engagement during your entire math block. Resources: Episode #158: Don’t Ditch Your Lesson Model; Reverse It! – A Math Mentoring Moment EpisodeEpisode #141: The Transition From Gradual Release to Problem Based LearningMake Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & UnitsDistrict Math Leaders: How are you ensuring that you support those educators who need a nudge to spark a focus on growing their pedagogical-content knowledge? What about opportunities for those who are eager and willing to elevate their practice, but do not have the support? Book a call with our District Improvement Program Team to learn how we can not only help you craft, refine and implement your district math learning goals, but also provide all of the professional learning supports your educators need to grow at the speed of their learning. Book a short conversation with our team now. Love the show? Text us your big takeaway!Are you wondering how to create K-12 math lesson plans that leave students so engaged they don’t want to stop exploring your math curriculum when the bell rings? In their podcast, Kyle Pearce and Jon Orr—founders of MakeMathMoments.com—share over 19 years of experience inspiring K-12 math students, teachers, and district leaders with effective math activities, engaging resources, and innovative math leadership strategies. Through a 6-step framework, they guide K-12 classroom teachers and district math coordinators on building a strong, balanced math program that grows student and teacher impact. Each week, gain fresh ideas, feedback, and practical strategies to feel more confident and motivate students to see the beauty in math. Start making math moments today by listening to Episode #139: "Making Math Moments From Day 1 to 180.

Jan 1, 2024 • 41min
The Pathway To Higher Achievement: A Conversation with Mike Lipnos
Join us for an uplifting conversation with Mike Lipnos, a middle school teacher and math coach from Ohio. In this episode Mike shares his experience and insights on helping teachers build ownership and agency for students in their mathematics classrooms. We discuss how some teacher moves ultimately shut the door on students seeking higher levels of mathematics, and how young people are thinking beings and are capable of doing high level thinking, even if a data point may say they are "low" and how having agency as a mathematician is going to be more impactful on humanizing mathematical experiences than the traditional “I do, we do, you do” model of math teaching.You’ll Learn: How some approaches to teaching mathematics can ultimately shut the door on students to seeking out higher levels of mathematics;Once you see student strategies and developmental approaches, you can’t unsee them;Why we need to be intentional about positioning ourselves as a co-learner instead of the expert in math class; and,How to teach the practice standards through content and not vice versa.Resources: Rethinking the gradual release model - An article from Tim McCaffrey.Mike Lipnos on X @mlipnos Mike Lipnos Email: mikelipnos.kidscan@gmail.comIllustrative MathematicsDistrict Math Leaders: How are you ensuring that you support those educators who need a nudge to spark a focus on growing their pedagogical-content knowledge? What about opportunities for those who are eager and willing to elevate their practice, but do not have the support? Book a call with our District Improvement Program Team to learn how we can not only help you craft, refine and implement your district math learning goals, but also provide all of the professional learning supports your educators need to grow at the speed of their learning. Book a short conversation with our team now. Love the show? Text us your big takeaway!Are you wondering how to create K-12 math lesson plans that leave students so engaged they don’t want to stop exploring your math curriculum when the bell rings? In their podcast, Kyle Pearce and Jon Orr—founders of MakeMathMoments.com—share over 19 years of experience inspiring K-12 math students, teachers, and district leaders with effective math activities, engaging resources, and innovative math leadership strategies. Through a 6-step framework, they guide K-12 classroom teachers and district math coordinators on building a strong, balanced math program that grows student and teacher impact. Each week, gain fresh ideas, feedback, and practical strategies to feel more confident and motivate students to see the beauty in math. Start making math moments today by listening to Episode #139: "Making Math Moments From Day 1 to 180.


