Episodes

Let’s talk. Send me a message with your email and I’ll get back to you! What better way to celebrate 100 episodes than by keeping it 100% real? In this milestone episode, I’m looking back on 15 real, raw, and totally relatable teaching moments from the past 15 years of my math classroom. From launching tennis balls across fields (oops) to learning the hard way why some things can’t be gray (looking at you, cell phones), I’m sharing the funny fails, the powerful lessons, and the mindset shifts...

Let’s talk. Send me a message with your email and I’ll get back to you! 🤔 What are the best AI tools for teaching math? If you’ve been asking this, I have a game-changing classroom story for you! In this episode, I’m sharing my new favorite AI tool—Snorkl—and how it completely transformed my lesson on graphing trigonometric functions. I’ll take you behind the scenes of an unforgettable class period where students: ✔ Got instant feedback that deepened their understanding ✔ Naturall...

Let’s talk. Send me a message with your email and I’ll get back to you! 🥳 It’s Teacher Appreciation Week—and this episode is all about YOU. Whether you’re coasting into summer or barely hanging on (no shame), I want to say THANK YOU for the work you do every single day. In this special episode, we’re keeping things light, fun, and helpful with: ✔ Heartfelt encouragement (because you deserve it) ✔ Fun end-of-year teacher superlatives (grab your coffee and laugh along) ✔ Easy,...

Let’s talk. Send me a message with your email and I’ll get back to you! Teaching doesn’t have to be exhausting. What if small shifts could give you back your time, reduce burnout, and make learning more engaging—without adding extra stress? In this episode, I’m joined by Rae Hughart, educator, speaker, and founder of Teachers Deserve It. Rae is passionate about helping teachers set boundaries, reclaim their time, and make learning meaningful for students in a way that’s practical and sustainable...

Let’s talk. Send me a message with your email and I’ll get back to you! 🎧 What if you could take math outside and still hit your learning goals? Say goodbye to packets and hello to sunshine ☀️—because spring is the perfect time to take your math lessons outdoors without sacrificing rigor. In this episode, I’m sharing two of my favorite math projects that work perfectly outside and still cover those key standards. Whether you’re wrapping up a unit or just trying to harness that end-of-year energy...

Let’s talk. Send me a message with your email and I’ll get back to you! 🎧 What if your next math review or intro lesson didn’t feel like a worksheet… but like a real, creative challenge your students couldn’t wait to do? If spring fever has hit your classroom, it’s time to switch gears and bring in hands-on math activities that are engaging, meaningful, and standards-aligned. In this episode, I’m sharing three of my favorite hands-on math projects that work especially well this time of year. Th...

Let’s talk. Send me a message with your email and I’ll get back to you! 🎧 What if AI could save you hours of planning each week? AI can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be! In this episode, I’m sharing three easy, no-stress ways to start using AI in your math classroom right now. We’ll explore how to: ✨ Use AI to simplify lesson planning and create scaffolded materials ✨ Boost student support and error analysis using Chat AI tools like Mathway ✨ Instantly generate real-world math proble...

Let’s talk. Send me a message with your email and I’ll get back to you! 🎧 Have you ever thought about trying something new in your classroom but worried about the timing? Spring might be your perfect opportunity to experiment with project-based learning (PBL)! In this episode, I’ll show you why the final stretch of the school year is actually the best time to dip your toes into PBL—and exactly how to do it without the overwhelm. I’ll walk you through: ✨ Why spring is the sweet spot for trying P...

Let’s talk. Send me a message with your email and I’ll get back to you! Wish you had more time to personalize lessons, create engaging activities, and support all learners—without adding hours to your prep? AI might just be the tool you need. In this episode, we’re breaking down three powerful ways AI can help with lesson planning and differentiation. Whether you're brand new to AI or already testing it in your classroom, you’ll walk away with practical strategies to save time, enhance instructi...

Let’s talk. Send me a message with your email and I’ll get back to you! Feeling the mid-semester slump? You’re not alone! March is that tricky time of year when energy dips, students get distracted, and classroom routines start slipping. But the good news? A simple spring reset can help bring back structure, engagement, and momentum for the rest of the school year. 🌱 In this episode, you’ll learn: ✔️ Why spring fatigue is real and how to shake it off-- like Taylor. ✔️ Simple strategies to refr...

Let’s talk. Send me a message with your email and I’ll get back to you! AI is everywhere—but is it actually useful in math class, or just another tech buzzword? 🤔 When ChatGPT first hit the scene, I dismissed it. I thought, "This is just Mathway for English teachers." But after hearing how my colleagues were using AI in creative and time-saving ways, I decided to give it a shot—and I was blown away. So today, we’re cutting through the noise to talk about what’s hype vs. what actually helps when...

Let’s talk. Send me a message with your email and I’ll get back to you! 🏀What if your students were as engaged in math as they are in filling out their March College Basketball Madness brackets? March is one of the best times of the year to bring real-world connections into your math classroom. From buzzer-beaters to bracket predictions, major sporting events like the college basketball tournament in March to provide the perfect opportunity to hook students, spark curiosity, and make learning mo...

Let’s talk. Send me a message with your email and I’ll get back to you! February is the month of love, and we’re asking: Can you set high expectations and still be the teacher your students love and trust? Spoiler alert: You absolutely can! In this episode, we’re diving into how balancing meaningful relationships with rigorous instruction leads to student engagement and success in the math classroom. In this episode, you’ll learn: ✔️ Why relationships are the foundation of a thriving classroom ...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! Do you know the secret to starting your math class on the right foot? It’s all in the warm-up! A great bell ringer not only sets the tone for the day but also engages your students and gets them thinking critically right from the start. In this episode, we’ll explore: ✔️ Why warm-ups are essential for focus and engagement. ✔️ Five practical bell ringer ideas to energize your math class. ✔️ A simple, bonus warm-up strategy you can implement tomorrow—even if yo...

Let’s talk. Send me a message with your email and I’ll get back to you! AI is everywhere—but is it actually useful in math class, or just another tech buzzword? 🤔 When ChatGPT first hit the scene, I dismissed it. I thought, "This is just Mathway for English teachers." But after hearing how my colleagues were using AI in creative and time-saving ways, I decided to give it a shot—and I was blown away. So today, we’re cutting through the noise to talk about what’s hype vs. what actually helps when ...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! Presidents’ Day isn’t just a time to reflect on leadership—it’s a perfect opportunity to connect math to history and civic engagement! In this episode, we’re diving into cross-curricular connections that bring real-world math into your classroom. In this episode, you’ll learn: ✔️ Why integrating math with history deepens student understanding. ✔️ How my Election Project engages students with data analysis, probability, and civic themes. ✔️ Simple Presidents’ ...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! Are you ready to turn the NFL Championship Big Game into a math teacher’s dream lesson? This episode is all about making math real, relevant, and engaging by connecting it to one of the biggest cultural events of the year! 🙌 In this episode, we’ll cover: ✔️ Why real-world math matters and how it transforms engagement in your classroom. ✔️ How sports-themed lessons (like the Super Bowl Project) tie into math concepts like probability, stats, and graphing. ✔️ A...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! This week, I’m thrilled to sit down with Rob Barnett, a former teacher, co-founder of the Modern Classrooms Project (MCP), and author of the brand-new book Meet Every Learner’s Needs. Rob has dedicated his career to empowering educators with practical strategies to unlock the full potential of every student. In this episode, we dive into: ✨ Rob’s journey into teaching and the challenges that shaped his approach. ✨ The inspiring story behind the Modern Classr...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! Want to make math feel relevant? In this episode, Kristen shares tips for connecting math lessons to students’ lives and interests. Plus, learn how to use AI tools to find real-world examples and data to bring into your classroom! 💡 What You’ll Learn: Why real-world connections boost student engagement How to use AI to create relevant lessons Examples of real-world math projects 🔗 Links: Super Bowl Math Activity 🤓Read More with this week's Blog Post: Thi...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! Is your classroom ready for the second semester? This episode dives into CHAMPS strategies to help you reset routines, reestablish expectations, and create a positive learning environment. Plus, discover how AI tools can make classroom management easier than ever! 💡 What You’ll Learn: How to reset your classroom routines after winter break A step-by-step guide to using CHAMPS strategies AI tools to track and improve classroom behavior Engaging ways to invo...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! Start the new year with intentionality! In this episode, Kristen shares strategies to help teachers and students set meaningful goals for 2025. From reflecting on last semester to using AI tools for organization, this episode is packed with actionable tips. 💡 What You’ll Learn: How to reflect on last semester to guide your goal-setting Teacher-friendly goal-setting strategies (with AI support!) Engaging activities to help students create and track their own...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! 🎉 Most Listened to in 2024! Replay of Ep 51: (Re)Building Thinking Classrooms: Consolidating + Note-Taking 🎉 Back by popular demand, this episode blew up in 2024, and we’re bringing it back to give you all the tools to level up your Thinking Classroom! Whether you’re diving into Building Thinking Classrooms for the first time or refining your strategies, this episode is a must-listen. 🌟 What Makes This Episode a Fan Favorite: Master the art of consolidation:...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! 🎉 Most Listened to in 2024! Replay of Ep 58: Unlock Classroom Routine: Essential Math Class Structure Tips 🎉 We’re bringing back one of your absolute favorites from 2024! This episode topped the charts because you loved the actionable strategies and clear structure ideas to make your math classroom run like a dream. 🚀 👩‍🏫 What to Listen For: Why routines matter: Find out how consistency reduces student anxiety and sets the tone for a calm, productive classro...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! ✨ Reflect and Reset: Preparing for a Fresh Start in January As the year comes to a close, it’s time to reflect on the semester and prepare for a fresh start in January. ✨ In this episode, Kristen shares strategies to help you and your students reflect on progress, reset your classroom for the new year, and recharge over winter break. 💡 What You’ll Learn: Reflection activities to help students analyze their growth and set goals Tips for resetting your classro...