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  • 185 Students Aren't Asking "When Will I Use This?" They're Asking "Why Should I Care?"

    185 Students Aren't Asking "When Will I Use This?" They're Asking "Why Should I Care?"
    2026/07/16

    Let’s chat—send me a text!

    What if we've been answering one of our students' most common questions the wrong way?

    When students ask:

    "When am I ever going to use this?"

    they're often not asking about future careers.

    They're asking something much deeper:

    "Why should I care?"

    In this episode, we're continuing our summer Math Therapy book study with Chapter 5: Motivate, and exploring how relevance, purpose, and meaningful feedback can transform student motivation.


    In This Episode

    ✨ Why motivation begins with meaning

    ✨ The difference between real and relevant mathematics

    ✨ Why transferable skills matter just as much as content standards

    ✨ Redefining mathematics as reasoning, problem solving, communication, and critical thinking

    ✨ Redefining success and failure through a growth mindset lens

    ✨ Lessons from Meet the Robinsons and The Magic School Bus

    ✨ Why accountability partners aren't just for students—they're for teachers too

    ✨ How my National Board journey reshaped the way I think about student feedback

    ✨ Why specific feedback builds self-efficacy and motivation


    Key Takeaway

    Students don't always need another real-world application.

    Sometimes they simply need to understand who they're becoming because they're learning mathematics.

    Purpose fuels motivation.

    Meaning sustains perseverance.


    This Week's Reflection

    Ask yourself:

    • How would your students define mathematics?
    • Would their definition match yours?
    • What transferable skills are your students practicing this week?
    • The next time a student asks, "When am I ever going to use this?" how might you answer the deeper question: "Why should I care?"


    Community Challenge

    Join us inside the Facebook group and share:

    ✨ One way you help students discover the purpose behind mathematics.

    ✨ One strategy you use to build intrinsic motivation without relying on rewards, points, or grades.

    Let's continue learning from one another as we prepare for a new school year.


    Read Along With Us

    📖 Physical Book: https://amzn.to/42VJRl6

    🎧 Audiobook: https://amzn.to/49nV55D

    It's not too late to join our summer book study!


    Coming Up Next

    We'll continue working through the Math Therapy framework and explore another practical toolkit for helping students build healthier, more confident relationships with mathematics.

    Until then, keep reflecting, keep learning, and remember that math is Moore than just solving for X.


    This podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.

    Connect with Kristen:

    • Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustx
    • Join the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers Movement


    More About the Modern Math Teacher Podcast

    Kristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.

    Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!

    *Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!
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    10 分
  • 184 We Don't Need to Lower Expectations. We Need to Lower the Threat.

    184 We Don't Need to Lower Expectations. We Need to Lower the Threat.
    2026/07/14
    Let’s chat—send me a text!How do we create a classroom where students feel safe enough to struggle?In this episode, we're continuing our summer Math Therapy book study with Chapter 4: Moderate.This chapter challenged me to rethink the difference between mathematical challenge and emotional threat. Productive struggle is an essential part of learning mathematics—but unnecessary fear, embarrassment, and fixed labels can prevent students from ever engaging in that struggle.I also share some of my own math stories and how they're influencing the way I'm designing my Geometry Proficiency Lab this year.In This Episode✨ The three meanings of "moderate" in the Math Therapy framework✨ Why moderating math anxiety is both proactive and reactive✨ My own experiences with math trauma in Honors Geometry and Linear Algebra✨ Why students should revisit and rewrite their math stories✨ Wrestling with the balance between cold calling and psychological safety✨ The impact of labels like "honors" and "intervention"✨ The Believe → Behave → Become framework for changing mathematical identity✨ Why teacher language matters✨ Choosing math therapy practices that fit your authentic teaching style✨ My favorite implementation idea: a Math Therapy Classroom AgreementKey TakeawayWe don't help students by lowering expectations.We help students by intentionally creating classrooms where they feel safe enough to meet high expectations.Psychological safety isn't the opposite of rigor.It's often what makes rigor possible.This Week's ReflectionAsk yourself:What labels do your students bring into your classroom?What stories have they attached to those labels?How do your classroom routines communicate safety, belonging, and high expectations?If your students rewrote their math autobiography at the end of the semester, what would you hope had changed?Community ChallengeHead over to the Facebook group and share:✨ One classroom routine you already use that helps students feel psychologically safe.✨ One idea from Chapter 4 that you're planning to implement this school year.Let's build a collection of strategies that help students experience productive struggle without unnecessary fear.Read Along With Us📖 Physical Book: https://amzn.to/42VJRl6🎧 Audiobook: https://amzn.to/49nV55DIt's never too late to jump into our summer book study!Coming Next TimeNext we'll continue exploring the Math Therapy framework and unpack the next step in helping students build healthier relationships with mathematics.Until then, keep reflecting, keep learning, and remember that math is Moore than just solving for X.This podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.Connect with Kristen:Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustxJoin the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!
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    13 分
  • 183 Mythbusting the Biggest Lies Students Believe About Math

    183 Mythbusting the Biggest Lies Students Believe About Math
    2026/07/09
    Let’s chat—send me a text!What does it actually mean to be good at math?If you asked your students that question, what would they say?In this episode, we're continuing our summer book study of Math Therapy by Vanessa Vakharia and diving into Chapter 3: Mythbust.While growth mindset may not be the educational buzzword it once was, the ideas behind it remain incredibly important. Students cannot build a healthier relationship with mathematics if they continue believing unhealthy myths about themselves.This episode explores how teachers can help students challenge limiting beliefs, collect evidence of growth, and begin rewriting their mathematical identities.In This Episode✨ Why growth mindset still matters✨ The difference between telling students they can grow and helping them experience growth✨ What it really means to be good at math✨ Why productive struggle is essential for building confidence✨ How the Reticular Activating System (RAS) influences what students notice✨ The role of relevance in learning mathematics✨ Reflection, journaling, and Favorite Mistakes as tools for growth✨ Why evidence—not encouragement alone—changes beliefsKey TakeawayStudents don't develop a growth mindset because we tell them to.Students develop a growth mindset because they experience growth.Productive struggle leads to success.Success creates evidence.Evidence shapes beliefs.Beliefs influence identity.And identity drives behavior.This Week's ReflectionConsider these questions:What does it mean to be good at math?Would your students define mathematical success the same way you do?What evidence are your students collecting about themselves every day?What evidence are they noticing?Community ChallengeThis week, intentionally notice something.It could be:examples of productive strugglemoments of student growthmathematics in everyday lifeevidence of mathematical thinkingThen head into our Facebook group and share what you discovered.I'd also love to hear your answer to this question:What does it mean to be good at math?Read Along With Us📖 Physical Book: https://amzn.to/42VJRl6🎧 Audiobook: https://amzn.to/49nV55DIt's not too late to join the book study!Coming Next TimeNext week we'll explore the second of the Five Ms: Moderate and discuss how we can intentionally create classrooms that help reduce math anxiety while increasing belonging, confidence, and trust.Until then, keep reflecting, keep learning, and remember that math is Moore than just solving for X.This podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.Connect with Kristen:Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustxJoin the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!
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    12 分
  • 182 What Is Math Therapy? (And Why You're Probably Already Doing It)

    182 What Is Math Therapy? (And Why You're Probably Already Doing It)
    2026/07/07
    Let’s chat—send me a text!Welcome back to our summer Math Therapy book study series!This week we're discussing Chapter 2 and exploring a question many teachers may be asking:What exactly is math therapy?One of the biggest takeaways from this chapter is that math therapy isn't about becoming a licensed therapist. Instead, it's about becoming more intentional about the human side of mathematics.As teachers, we already help students:navigate frustrationrecover from mistakesbuild confidencedevelop resiliencechallenge limiting beliefsMath therapy simply gives us a framework for doing that work more intentionally.In This EpisodeVanessa Vakharia's journey into math therapyWhy teachers already influence students' mathematical identitiesThe Five Ms framework:MythbustModerateMotivateMakeoverMeasureThe connection between Atomic Habits and mathematical identityWhy beliefs shape identity and identity shapes habitsThe importance of bringing your whole self into mathematicsCreating classroom agreements rooted in empathy and belongingRethinking the first two weeks of schoolA Powerful QuestionWhat if the first two weeks of school weren't just about procedures and review?What if they were also about helping students build a healthier relationship with mathematics?This question is shaping much of my planning for Geometry Proficiency Lab and may be one of the most impactful ideas from the chapter.This Week's ReflectionConsider these questions:What are you already doing that supports students' mathematical well-being?How do you build belonging in your classroom?What messages do your students receive about who can be successful in math?Which of the Five Ms do your students need most?Community ChallengeJoin us inside the Facebook group and share:One thing you're already doing that aligns with math therapyOne activity you plan to use during the first two weeks of schoolWhich of the Five Ms you're most excited to learn more aboutLet's learn from each other as we prepare for a new school year.Read Along With Us📖 Physical Book: https://amzn.to/42VJRl6🎧 Audiobook: https://amzn.to/49nV55DComing Next WeekWe'll begin exploring the first of the Five Ms:MythbustWe'll discuss growth mindset, identity, math autobiographies, journaling, and how students can begin rewriting the stories they've been telling themselves about mathematics.Until then, keep reflecting, keep learning, and remember that math is Moore than just solving for X. 🎙️📐This podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.Connect with Kristen:Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustxJoin the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!
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    13 分
  • 181 Math Trauma, Teen Talk Barbie, and the Myth of the "Math Person"

    181 Math Trauma, Teen Talk Barbie, and the Myth of the "Math Person"
    2026/07/02

    Let’s chat—send me a text!

    This week, we're kicking off our summer book study of Math Therapy by Vanessa Vakharia.

    Rather than providing a chapter-by-chapter summary, this series is designed as a conversation around the ideas that resonate most, the questions they raise, and how they might influence our classroom practices.

    In Chapter 1, one idea kept surfacing again and again:

    The stories we tell ourselves about mathematics matter.

    From cultural stereotypes and family messaging to our own classroom experiences, students often arrive carrying beliefs about who they are as math learners long before we ever meet them.


    In This Episode

    • Why the "math person" myth is so persistent
    • The surprising connection between Teen Talk Barbie and productive struggle
    • The difference between math anxiety and math trauma
    • How family experiences influence mathematical identity
    • What intervention students have taught me about confidence and resilience
    • Questions I'm beginning to explore about math trauma in honors classes


    This Week's Reflection

    Consider these questions:

    • Were you told you were a math person growing up?
    • What messages about mathematics shaped your own identity?
    • How do stress, anxiety, and math trauma show up in your students?
    • Does it look different in intervention classes versus advanced courses?


    Community Challenge

    This week, start noticing how mathematics is portrayed in everyday life.

    Look for examples in:

    • Television
    • Movies
    • Social media
    • Advertisements
    • Conversations with friends and family

    Then share your observations inside our Facebook group. Let's see what patterns emerge when we start paying attention to the messages surrounding mathematics.


    Read Along With Us

    📖 Physical Book: https://amzn.to/42VJRl6

    🎧 Audiobook: https://amzn.to/49nV55D


    Next Time

    We'll dive into Chapter 2 and begin exploring what math therapy actually looks like in practice—and why it might matter more than we realize.

    Until next time, keep reflecting, keep learning, and remember that math is Moore than just solving for X. 🎙️📐


    This podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.

    Connect with Kristen:

    • Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustx
    • Join the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers Movement


    More About the Modern Math Teacher Podcast

    Kristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.

    Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!

    *Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!
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    10 分
  • 180 Listener Q&A: PBL, Building Thinking Classrooms, Real-World Data & More!

    180 Listener Q&A: PBL, Building Thinking Classrooms, Real-World Data & More!
    2026/06/30

    Let’s chat—send me a text!

    You asked, I answered!

    In this special Listener Q&A episode of The Modern Math Teacher, I'm tackling some of your biggest questions about project-based learning, Building Thinking Classrooms, real-world math connections, and professional learning.

    Whether you're just getting started with PBL or looking for new ways to make your math classroom more engaging, this episode is packed with practical ideas you can use right away.


    💡 In This Episode:

    • How to get started with Project-Based Learning (without overhauling your entire curriculum)
    • Can Project-Based Learning and Building Thinking Classrooms work together?
    • Why I love the Gift Wrap Challenge as an anchor activity
    • Real-world connections for rational and irrational numbers
    • My favorite places to find authentic data, graphs, and statistics for math lessons
    • Book recommendations to reignite your passion for teaching math and explore instructional best practices


    ✨ Resources Mentioned
    Project or Practice? Free Guide
    👉 https://moorethanjustx.myflodesk.com/practice

    Join us for our July Math Therapy Book Study!

    📖 Physical Book
    https://amzn.to/42VJRl6

    🎧 Audiobook
    https://amzn.to/49nV55D


    🌊 Poolside PD Reflection

    What's one question about your teaching you've been avoiding because you thought you "should already know the answer?"

    Sometimes the best professional growth starts with asking better questions.

    Until next time, keep it real.


    This podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.

    Connect with Kristen:

    • Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustx
    • Join the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers Movement


    More About the Modern Math Teacher Podcast

    Kristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.

    Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!

    *Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!
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    15 分
  • 179 Why Support Doesn't Lower Rigor in Math Class

    179 Why Support Doesn't Lower Rigor in Math Class
    2026/06/25

    Let’s chat—send me a text!

    Struggle Is Learning. Drowning Is Not.

    One of the biggest lessons I've learned this year is that not all struggle is productive.

    As math teachers, we want students to wrestle with ideas, persevere through challenges, and make sense of mathematics. But there's a fine line between productive struggle and overwhelming frustration.

    In this episode, we're exploring what productive struggle actually looks like, why support and rigor aren't opposites, and how to challenge students without leaving them stranded.

    Because struggle is learning.

    Drowning is not.


    💡 In This Episode:

    • What productive struggle really means in a math classroom
    • Why not all struggle leads to learning
    • How my thinking evolved through teaching an inquiry-based curriculum
    • Why support structures don't reduce rigor
    • The difference between students who are struggling and students who are overwhelmed
    • How relationships help us know when to push and when to support


    ✨ Key Takeaways

    ✨ Productive struggle is essential for deep learning

    ✨ Support and rigor work together—not against each other

    ✨ Good teaching requires knowing when to step in and when to step back

    ✨ The same task can feel very different to different students

    ✨ Student confidence and math identity influence how struggle is experienced


    📥 FREE GUIDE: Project or Practice?

    Want help creating meaningful learning experiences that balance rigor, engagement, and student thinking?

    👉 Grab the free guide:
     https://moorethanjustx.myflodesk.com/practice


    📘 JULY BOOK STUDY:     Math Therapy

    Next week, we're kicking off our July Math Therapy book study!

    We'll be exploring:

    • math identity
    • confidence
    • productive struggle
    • math anxiety
    • student mindset
    • emotional experiences in mathematics

    Grab your copy and read along with us:

    📖 Physical Book:
     https://amzn.to/42VJRl6

    🎧 Audiobook:
     https://amzn.to/49nV55D


    🌊 Poolside PD Reflection

    Think about a student who struggled this year.

    Did they need more challenge?

    Or did they need more support?

    And how do you know the difference?


    🎧 What's Next

    Next week, we begin our Math Therapy summer book study by exploring why so many students believe they're "bad at math"—and what we can do about it.

    Until next time, keep it real.


    This podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.

    Connect with Kristen:

    • Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustx
    • Join the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers Movement


    More About the Modern Math Teacher Podcast

    Kristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.

    Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!

    *Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!
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    7 分
  • 178 Should Honors Math Be Different? Here's What I'm Wrestling With

    178 Should Honors Math Be Different? Here's What I'm Wrestling With
    2026/06/23

    Let’s chat—send me a text!


    What I'm Still Figuring Out About Teaching Honors Math

    After more than 15 years in the classroom, I'm about to do something new:

    Teach Honors Algebra 2 and Grade-Level Algebra 2 at the same time.

    And honestly?

    I'm still figuring out what that should look like.

    In this episode, I'm sharing the questions I've been wrestling with as I prepare for next year—from rigor and procedural fluency to pacing, grading, and what should actually be different in an honors classroom.

    Because I don't think honors students need more work.

    I think they need meaningful opportunities to think more deeply.


    💡 In This Episode:

    • What I'm excited (and nervous) about as I prepare to teach honors math
    • Why rigor and volume are not the same thing
    • The procedural skills I'm reconsidering for honors students
    • How I'm thinking about pacing within the IM curriculum
    • Questions I have about grading, mastery, and accountability
    • Why "more work" isn't the same as "more challenge"


    ✨ Key Takeaways

    ✨ Honors students deserve deeper thinking—not just more assignments

    ✨ High expectations and strong support should exist in every math classroom

    ✨ Procedural fluency may matter differently for students on advanced math pathways

    ✨ Some of the best professional growth comes from asking better questions

    ✨ Being an experienced teacher doesn't mean you stop learning


    📥 FREE GUIDE: Project or Practice?

    Want help deciding when to use projects, performance tasks, or practice in your math classroom?

    👉 Grab the free guide:
     https://moorethanjustx.myflodesk.com/practice


    📘 JULY BOOK STUDY:     Math Therapy

    This July, we'll be reading Math Therapy together and discussing:

    • math identity
    • confidence
    • productive struggle
    • student mindset
    • emotional experiences in mathematics

    Grab your copy and read along with us:

    📖 Physical Book:
     https://amzn.to/42VJRl6

    🎧 Audiobook:
     https://amzn.to/49nV55D


    🌊 Poolside PD Reflection

    If you teach honors students, what should be different—and what should stay exactly the same?

    And if you don't teach honors?

    How do you challenge students without simply giving them more work?


    🎧 What's Next

    Next up, we're wrapping up our June Poolside PD series by talking about productive struggle, rigor, and how to support students without rescuing them.

    Until next time, keep it real.


    This podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.

    Connect with Kristen:

    • Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustx
    • Join the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers Movement


    More About the Modern Math Teacher Podcast

    Kristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.

    Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!

    *Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!
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    9 分