Making Math Moments That Matter

As a math coach, building relationships with teachers is critical to fostering meaningful growth and collaboration. But what happens when a math coaching partnership becomes stagnant or even toxic? In this episode, we tackle the delicate topic of ending a math coaching relationship when it’s no longer productive. We'll explore signs that it’s time to move on, strategies for reflecting on what went wrong, and ways to maintain professionalism and integrity during the process. Whether you’re navigating mismatched math goals or unproductive dynamics, this episode will empower you with tools to manage challenging math coaching relationships and refocus your energy on supporting teachers who are ready to growHere are a few key takeaways from the episode:The importance of building relationships: Strong, trust-based relationships with teachers are foundational to effective coaching and collaboration.Recognizing when a coaching relationship isn't working: Signs that a partnership has become stagnant or toxic include mismatched goals, lack of progress, or unproductive dynamics.Strategies for reflection: Reflect on what might have contributed to the relationship's challenges, including your own actions or approach, to learn and grow as a coach.Maintaining professionalism and integrity: When ending a coaching relationship, handle the situation with respect, clear communication, and professionalism to preserve trust and maintain the focus on supporting students.Refocusing on growth opportunities: Redirect your energy to working with teachers who are open to collaboration and growth, ensuring your efforts have the greatest impact.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 Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & UnitsShow NotesLove the show? Text us your big takeaway!Get a Customized Math Improvement Plan For Your District.Are you district leader for mathematics? Take the 12 minute assessment and you’ll get a free, customized improvement plan to shape and grow the 6 parts of any strong mathematics program.Take the assessmentAre 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.

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 Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & UnitsAre you looking for a more impactful way to assess your students so they truly understand math concepts instead of just memorizing procedures?In today’s classroom, relying solely on tests and quizzes can leave you questioning whether students are really “getting it.” We brought on Suzanne Bucaro - a math tosa from Orange County California – to help you with rethinking how assessment is woven into everyday math lessons, so you can gain a clearer picture of student understanding, boost engagement, and free yourself from grading overload.Discover a simple framework for gathering real-time insights into student thinking.See how to shift responsibility for learning onto students, so they build deeper confidence in math.Explore practical strategies for using peer and self-assessment to transform your classroom culture.Press play on this episode now to learn how to make every minute of your math block an opportunity for meaningful assessment and growth.Show Notes PageLove the show? Text us your big takeaway!Get a Customized Math Improvement Plan For Your District.Are you district leader for mathematics? Take the 12 minute assessment and you’ll get a free, customized improvement plan to shape and grow the 6 parts of any strong mathematics program.Take the assessmentAre 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.

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 Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & UnitsIts time to break free from the "helper zone" and step into your role as a thought partner. If you find yourself stuck providing quick fixes—like working with individual students or reteaching concepts—this episode is for you. Learn how to redefine your role by clearly communicating your purpose, collaborating with teachers through co-planning, facilitating learning walks, and using reverse coaching to model effective practices. You'll discover actionable strategies to build trust and empower teachers, ensuring your coaching efforts lead to sustainable instructional change.Key Takeaways:Ensure the staff understands your role as a thought partner, not just a helper.Clearly outline the services you provide and how they align with professional growth.Identify which teachers or teams are ready to shift from relying on quick fixes to engaging in collaborative problem-solving.Use strategies like co-planning, peer observations, and learning walks to build teacher capacity and foster shared ownership.Invite teachers to observe you during a training or meeting to demonstrate effective coaching practices.Focus on long-term solutions that address root causes, ensuring your impact extends beyond individual interventions.Collaborate with school leaders to reinforce your role and create systems that support your work.This episode equips you with the tools to redefine your coaching role and drive meaningful, lasting change in your school community.Show NotesLove the show? Text us your big takeaway!Get a Customized Math Improvement Plan For Your District.Are you district leader for mathematics? Take the 12 minute assessment and you’ll get a free, customized improvement plan to shape and grow the 6 parts of any strong mathematics program.Take the assessmentAre 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.

Struggling to get your math students genuinely engaged and confident—without relying on the same old worksheets?In this mentoring moment episode, you’ll discover how a fellow high school teacher will restructure her lessons and rethink classroom culture to help students conquer math anxiety and develop true problem-solving skills—so you can do the same in your own classroom.Discover specific math lesson strategies to make every student feel both supported and challenged.Learn how to flip your math lesson structure so students do the heavy thinking from the start.Explore practical ways to boost participation and spark genuine curiosity in math.Play this episode now to grab simple yet powerful shifts that will transform your support class into a thriving, confidence-building environment.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. Make Math Moments Online WorkshopAssessment For Growth: A Blueprint Course For Standards Based Grading in Math ClassMake Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & UnitsShow Notes PageLove the show? Text us your big takeaway!Get a Customized Math Improvement Plan For Your District.Are you district leader for mathematics? Take the 12 minute assessment and you’ll get a free, customized improvement plan to shape and grow the 6 parts of any strong mathematics program.Take the assessmentAre 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.

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 Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & UnitsAre your district improvement plans for mathematics creating real impact, or are you just spinning your wheels without knowing if you're getting closer to your goals?If you’re tired of waiting until the end of the year to find out whether your professional development efforts and action plans worked in the area of mathematics, this episode shows you how ongoing monitoring can transform your approach. Discover how to pivot effectively, gather meaningful evidence, and truly align your efforts with measurable outcomes.What you’ll learn:Learn the secret to creating focused, high-impact action items that drive meaningful change in your district for mathematics improvement.Discover practical strategies for gathering evidence that supports your math professional development goals throughout the year.Find out how to honour educator and stakeholder voices while building trust and accountability in your math initiatives.Tune in now to learn how to strengthen your district’s monitoring processes and ensure every effort leads to measurable success!Show NotesLove the show? Text us your big takeaway!Get a Customized Math Improvement Plan For Your District.Are you district leader for mathematics? Take the 12 minute assessment and you’ll get a free, customized improvement plan to shape and grow the 6 parts of any strong mathematics program.Take the assessmentAre 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.

What if we could transform how students—and even adults—view mathematics, turning graphs and data into a thrilling, creative superpower?For many educators, engaging students in math feels like a struggle, especially when it comes to making abstract concepts like data and graphs relatable. In this episode, author Cole Nussbaumer-Knaflic shares how her passion for storytelling with data bridges the gap between abstract math and real-world understanding, inspiring both kids and educators to see math as a tool for discovery and empowerment.Learn how to use storytelling and graphing activities to spark curiosity and creativity in your students.Discover simple strategies to help students and teachers feel more confident with data, graphs, and problem-solving.Gain access to practical, classroom-ready tools and ideas designed to align with standards and foster deep, meaningful engagement with math.Don’t miss this episode—hit play now and discover how to make math moments that inspire lifelong skills and confidence!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 Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & UnitsShow Notes PageLove the show? Text us your big takeaway!Get a Customized Math Improvement Plan For Your District.Are you district leader for mathematics? Take the 12 minute assessment and you’ll get a free, customized improvement plan to shape and grow the 6 parts of any strong mathematics program.Take the assessmentAre 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.

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 Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & UnitsAs a math coach, coordinator, consultant how do you make your math lesson modeling sessions impactful and truly beneficial for teachers?As a math coach or coordinator, effectively modeling lessons can be a game-changer in helping teachers build pedagogical skills and mathematical content knowledge. But without proper planning and clarity, these sessions can miss the mark, leaving both teachers and students unengaged. This episode tackles the common pitfalls of lesson modeling and provides actionable strategies to ensure your coaching creates meaningful teacher growth and student success.What you’ll learn:Discover how to prepare for modeling lessons that set teachers and students up for success.Learn the importance of clarity around goals, roles, and math look-fors to maximize teacher participation.Explore tips for building trust, observing math classrooms, and creating reciprocal coaching relationships for long-term impact in the area of mathematics. Tune in now to transform the way you model math lessons and elevate teacher capacity—your math classroom impact starts today!Show Notes Page Love the show? Text us your big takeaway!Get a Customized Math Improvement Plan For Your District.Are you district leader for mathematics? Take the 12 minute assessment and you’ll get a free, customized improvement plan to shape and grow the 6 parts of any strong mathematics program.Take the assessmentAre 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.

Are you struggling to manage a math classroom with students learning at different paces while still creating engaging, equitable experiences for everyone?In this episode, we tackle the challenge of teaching split classes with staggered student groups—something many educators face in today's flexible and evolving classroom models. Whether you teach mixed-ability classes, blended learning environments, or block schedules, the strategies shared here can help you ensure no student gets left behind.What you’ll learn:Learn how to balance structured group activities with independent, self-paced work.Discover an innovative "flip-flop" strategy to provide rich problem-solving opportunities for all students.Gain actionable ideas for fostering collaboration and creating advocates within your classroom.Tune in now to learn practical approaches for managing split classrooms and ensuring every student gets the math moments they deserve!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 Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & UnitsShow Notes PageLove the show? Text us your big takeaway!Get a Customized Math Improvement Plan For Your District.Are you district leader for mathematics? Take the 12 minute assessment and you’ll get a free, customized improvement plan to shape and grow the 6 parts of any strong mathematics program.Take the assessmentAre 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.

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 Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & UnitsAre roadblocks in your math program preventing the meaningful change you hoped to see this year as you support teachers with mathematics?If you’re a district leader, coach, or educator supporting mathematics, it’s easy to get stuck when unexpected challenges—like lack of alignment, limited resources, or time constraints—throw your plans off track. But what if there were practical ways and a framework to push through and create real, measurable impact?In this episode, you'll discover:Why striving for the "greatest good for the greatest number" can sometimes hold you back.How targeted, in-classroom support can create lasting, meaningful change—even when big plans falter.A simple “5-5-5” framework to refocus your priorities and take action now on your most impactful work.Tune in to learn how to turn barriers into opportunities and reignite progress in your math program this year—starting in the next 5 days!Show Notes PageLove the show? Text us your big takeaway!Get a Customized Math Improvement Plan For Your District.Are you district leader for mathematics? Take the 12 minute assessment and you’ll get a free, customized improvement plan to shape and grow the 6 parts of any strong mathematics program.Take the assessmentAre 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.

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 Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & UnitsAre you maximizing the strengths of your background when teaching mathematics, or could collaborating with educators who think differently unlock new possibilities for your math classroom?Math instruction often falls into two camps —conceptual or procedural (The Math Wars). But what if the secret to reaching every student lies in combining these perspectives? This episode dives into how diverse teaching experiences can transform math education.Understand how connecting conceptual understanding to procedural fluency creates lasting math retention for students.Gain insights into the power of collaboration between educators with differing math backgrounds.Learn how to value and validate all students’ mathematical thinking while fostering equitable learning experiences.Press play now to discover how embracing diverse teaching approaches can inspire growth for you and your students!Show Notes PageLove the show? Text us your big takeaway!Get a Customized Math Improvement Plan For Your District.Are you district leader for mathematics? Take the 12 minute assessment and you’ll get a free, customized improvement plan to shape and grow the 6 parts of any strong mathematics program.Take the assessmentAre 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.