Episodes

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! We're kicking off the New Year with some serious classroom mojo. In this episode, aptly titled "Connection is the Key to Student Engagement," we tackle the age-old conundrum of making math relatable and engaging for our students. We dive into the disconnect dilemma between curriculum standards and student interests, share real-life success stories, and provide actionable strategies to amp up that student engagement. Trust us, you won't want to miss these gam...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! As we head back to the classroom after break, you may be thinking your classroom management needs a bit of a reset. Listen in to hear how you can combine the CHAMPS model with Capturing Kids Hearts to create a safe and welcoming classroom environment that can manage itself! Recommended Resources: 💗 Capturing Kids Hearts- learn more about Capturing Kids Hearts here 🎧 Reflections on The Semester-- Kristen goes in to what changes she's making for the upcoming se...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! We're featuring the best episodes of 2023 and kicking off with our most listen to episode this year: AI in Math Education! And it's no surprise because AI took the world by storm this year. Catch the replay here then binge these other AI episodes and articles from Kristen: 🎙Utilizing AI as a Teaching Tool- guest interview with Dan Meyer on the Math Teachers Lounge Podcast 🎧Ep 14: Are you an AI Math Teacher?- on the Modern Math Teacher podcast 👩🏻‍💻Using Cha...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! In this lively episode of The Modern Math Teacher podcast, join Kristen Moore for a deep dive into year-end reflections and strategies to reboot your classroom for the new year. As the academic year winds down, Kristen shares her own reflections on what went well, surprising discoveries, and aspects that didn't quite hit the mark. She guides teachers through a quick three-question reflection process to facilitate easy and effective self-assessment. Moving beyo...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! Today, I'm sharing my best tips to get you ready to leave work at work so you can actually enjoy that break. Get ready to make the most of your well-deserved time off without the looming cloud of work! 🌟 1. Give yourself a Grading Day 📝💪 - Trust me, conquering that grading mountain in one swoop is the secret sauce for a worry-free holiday break. 2. No Sunday Scaries, Only Sunday Serenity" 📅✨ - Invest a bit of time now to save yourself from the Sunday scaries...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! In this episode we discuss one of my favorite teaching practices--that's the Modern Classroom Model, which consists of three big concepts: blended learning, self-pacing and mastery-based assessment. As a mentor, I work with teachers worldwide to bring this model to their classroom and today we're just scratching the surface on what the model is and why it's awesome for math class. Today's Topics: What is The Modern Classroom Model?Blending Tradition with Tech...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! In this lively episode of "The Modern Math Teacher," we tackle the age-old challenge of making math not just comprehensible but downright exciting for high school students. Unveiling the secret sauce to engagement, our host takes you on a journey through the four spheres of relevance—self, community, culture, and real-world applications. From turning quadratic equations into kendama adventures to linking math with local events like kite festivals, this episode...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! Inside this week's episode of The Modern Math Teacher, Kristen is joined by guest Mona Iehl-- the go-to expert on teaching and learning from word problems. After years of teaching in the classroom and working as an instructional coach for elementary and middle grades, Mona is no stranger to the struggles teachers and students have with word problems. Today she shares the biggest take aways she has had for why students struggle with word problems and her go to ...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! In this lively episode, we embark on a journey to revolutionize the way we approach Project-Based Learning (PBL) in our classrooms. Inside, we explore the keys to crafting group projects that captivate and engage every student, ensuring equity and excitement. From selecting real, relevant, and rigorous topics to strategically assigning group roles, this episode provides a roadmap for educators to transform their classrooms into dynamic hubs of learning through...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! In this festive episode of "The Modern Math Teacher Podcast," we're diving headfirst into the holiday spirit while keeping math at the forefront. We're here to support those incredible secondary math teachers who want to inclusively celebrate the winter holidays in their classrooms. We discuss the importance of embracing diversity, share three fantastic strategies for inclusive holiday celebrations, and introduce two incredible resources: the "Gift Wrap Chall...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! In this episode, Kristen explores innovative teaching practices that some may find "scary" but are undeniably effective. Join us in this exciting journey of redefining teaching practices in the math classroom. It's time to leave behind what's "scary" and embrace what works. Your math education revolution starts here. From homework that's not mandated or graded to blended instruction, self-pacing, and project-based assessments, Kristen takes you on a journey t...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! Hey there, Modern Math Teacher! We all know that nagging question from students: "When am I ever going to need this?" Well, today, we're about to unveil a project that not only answers that question but also makes math an exhilarating adventure in your classroom. It's none other than the rocket project, a perennial favorite in my teaching arsenal. As we gear up for this thrilling project, pun fully intended, I'm excited to share the entire process with you. ...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! In this episode of 'The Modern Math Teacher' podcast, we're diving headfirst into the exciting world of "Projects vs. Project-Based Learning." We explore the key differences between these teaching approaches and, most importantly, when to choose one over the other. Inside the episode, you'll walk away with three practical tips for designing engaging math projects, ensuring they align with your curriculum, resonate with real-world applications, and include eff...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! In this exciting episode of The Modern Math Teacher podcast, I had the pleasure of co-hosting a captivating conversation with the brilliant Johanna Kuiper! We dove deep into strategies that span grades 6-12, building a solid foundation for math mastery. Here are the key takeaways from our enlightening discussion: 🔍 Discovery and Inquiry Activities: Johanna and I explored the power of discovery and inquiry-based activities. These engaging approaches ignite stu...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! In today's episode of "The Modern Math Teacher," we're embarking on a learning journey that blends the age-old wisdom of traditional grading scales with the groundbreaking approach of mastery-based learning. Buckle up, educators, because "Mastery-Based Grading with Traditional Grading Scales" is about to redefine how you look at assessments and grades in your classroom. Welcome to the world of mastery-based learning and traditional grading scales. In today's ...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! In this episode of "The Modern Math Teacher" podcast, we continue to embark on an exciting journey into the realm of AI in education. Inside, we explore the role of AI in the math classroom, emphasizing that it's a tool to enhance, not replace, teachers. Discover the benefits of AI-driven personalized learning, real-time assessment, and streamlined administrative tasks. Join the conversation about the future of AI in education and how it empowers math teache...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! In this episode of "Modern Math Teacher," we dive headfirst into the exciting realm of creating a Geometry Thinking Classroom. With a nod to Peter Liljedahl's groundbreaking "Building Thinking Classrooms" framework, the episode explores how to adapt these innovative teaching practices to the visual and inquiry-driven world of geometry education. From understanding the Building Thinking Classrooms framework to incorporating inquiry-based learning, we share insi...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! In this episode, we dive into the exciting world of math projects that bring real-world relevance to your classroom. We address the perennial question of when students will use math in real life and explore three fantastic projects for Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2. These projects not only make math fun but also help students see the practical applications of mathematical concepts. Today's Topics + Projects: Algebra 1: The Stained Glass Project - A hands...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! It's a birthday surprise this week! 🎉 Host, Kristen Moore, is joined by two amazing Math Education experts who happen to all have September 4/5 birthday! Listen is as Kristen, along with Mona Iehl @hellomonamath and Julianna Tapper @Collaborated.with.julianna discuss what it really means to be "good" at math, how we can support our students at all ages with developing that positive math mindset and give advice to teachers on how to foster this in the classroo...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! Get ready to revolutionize your classroom grading practices! In this episode of Modern Math Teacher, we're diving headfirst into the world of mastery-based grading. Say goodbye to traditional point systems and hello to a more meaningful way of assessing student learning. Join us as we uncover the secrets of mastery-based grading, explore its benefits for both teachers and students, and learn how to introduce this game-changing approach to your eager learners. ...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! The secret to classroom management isn’t a secret at all–it’s clarity and respect. How can you ensure everyone is crystal clear on expectations and that mutual respect drives the classroom? Simple–use the Classroom Management Dynamic Duo– CHAMPS + CKH. Inside this episode, I break down each component of my favorite classroom management strategies and detail how I use them in a high school classroom. Need help with either of these? I’ve got you covered with t...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! In this episode, we're diving into the world of classroom routines – not just for elementary classrooms, but for high school as well. Routines provide the backbone of a well-functioning classroom, offering clarity, consistency, and comfort. Join us as we explore insights from two education giants, Harry Wong and Angela Watson, and learn how to establish effective routines that make your high school math classroom run like a well-oiled machine. Inside we cover...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! It's back to school season and inn this episode, we're diving into the three big pillars that lay the foundation for success in a modern math classroom. Get ready to learn how to engage your students in authentic learning experiences, establish classroom norms, and implement equitable grading practices all in the first week! Today we discuss strategies to use the first week of class to share with students.... How what we do in a modern math class is different...

Let’s talk. Send me a text message! Hey there, modern math teachers! Welcome to an exciting new episode of our podcast, where we're all about shaking up the traditional classroom and unleashing the power of self-pacing in our classrooms!! Get ready to fasten your seatbelts as we embark on a journey to ignite student ownership and skyrocket engagement. In this episode, we'll unveil the secrets to structuring a self-paced math classroom–that even works with PBL!--crafting mind-blowing blended les...