Making Math Moments That Matter

Kyle Pearce & Jon Orr
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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

  1. 3d ago

    Stop Waiting for Math Test Scores: A Better Way to Measure Improvement

    If you’ve ever wondered what to actually do during small group time in math, this episode will give you a clear and practical way to support students without lowering expectations. We built a simple Math Coherence Compass to help district and school leaders make aligned decisions around math—without adding another initiative. Get your free copy and training here https://makemathmoments.com/coherence-compass/ 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 & Units  Description: Many school systems measure success in math education by one thing: math test scores. But what if waiting for scores to improve is actually slowing down meaningful change? Math test scores are often treated as proof that math professional development, initiatives, or instructional changes are working. But the reality is, they’re lagging indicators—they tell us what already happened, not what’s happening right now. When math leaders focus only on math test scores and outcomes, they risk missing the daily classroom experiences that actually produce those outcomes. Sustainable improvement doesn’t come from chasing math test scores. It comes from redesigning the systems, structures, and instructional experiences that shape student learning every day. In this episode, you’ll explore: Why math test scores are lagging indicators in math improvementThe difference between activity and actual impactWhat math leaders should measure instead of waiting for outcomesHow classroom experiences shape long-term achievementWhy systems—not individuals—drive resultsWhat it means to “change the change” in math education If you’re feeling pressure to prove improvement through math test scores alone, this episode will help you rethink what meaningful progress actually looks like—and how to build systems that create lasting change. Show Notes Page Love the show? Text us your big takeaway! Empower Your Students (and Teachers) Using A Professional Learning PlanThat Sparks Engagement, Fuels Deep Learning, and Ignites Action! Book a time to chat with our team to see how we can help you achieve your math goals! https://makemathmoments.com/plan/ 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.

    13 min

  2. Jun 8

    How to Design Math Improvement That Survives Staff Turnover

    If you’ve ever wondered what to actually do during small group time in math, this episode will give you a clear and practical way to support students without lowering expectations. We built a simple Math Coherence Compass to help district and school leaders make aligned decisions around math—without adding another initiative. Get your free copy and training here https://makemathmoments.com/coherence-compass/ 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 & Units  Description: Every school system wants sustainable improvement in math instruction. But in education, there’s one reality we can’t ignore: people are constantly stepping on and off the system. Teachers change roles, leaders move positions, and new staff enter every year. So how do you build improvement efforts that actually last? For years, many educators have thought about improvement through the idea of a flywheel—something that takes significant effort to get moving, but gains momentum over time. But what if education systems are less like flywheels and more like Ferris wheels? In a Ferris wheel system, people are always coming and going. And that means improvement can’t live only inside individuals—it has to live within the system itself. Sustainable change requires structures that preserve learning, distribute leadership, and continuously support people as they enter and move through the system. In this episode, you’ll explore: Why sustainable improvement can’t depend on individual people aloneThe role of hubs, networks, and distributed leadership in math improvementWhat it means to “learn fast and implement slow”How systems can preserve and share learning over timeWhy continuous improvement must be built into the system itself If you’re leading math improvement in a classroom, school, or district, this episode will challenge you to think differently about sustainability—and help you design systems that continue to grow even as people come and go. Show Notes Page Love the show? Text us your big takeaway! Empower Your Students (and Teachers) Using A Professional Learning PlanThat Sparks Engagement, Fuels Deep Learning, and Ignites Action! Book a time to chat with our team to see how we can help you achieve your math goals! https://makemathmoments.com/plan/ 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.

    34 min

  3. Jun 1

    How to Design High Quality Low Floor High Ceiling Math Tasks

    If you’ve ever wondered what to actually do during small group time in math, this episode will give you a clear and practical way to support students without lowering expectations. We built a simple Math Coherence Compass to help district and school leaders make aligned decisions around math—without adding another initiative. Get your free copy and training here https://makemathmoments.com/coherence-compass/ 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 & Units  Description: Not all math tasks are created equal. Some lead to deep thinking, rich discussion, and meaningful learning—while others fall flat. So what actually makes a math task effective? It’s easy to assume that a “good” task is just one that students can complete. But truly powerful mathematical experiences go beyond that. They provide access for all learners while still offering meaningful challenge. They invite multiple strategies and solutions, encouraging students to think, question, and engage with the math in different ways. And they require careful design—not just of the task itself, but of how it’s facilitated in the classroom. In this episode, you’ll explore: The key criteria of a high-quality math taskWhat “low floor, high ceiling” really means in practiceWhy multiple strategies and solutions matterHow teacher moves impact the effectiveness of a taskThe role of high-quality instructional materialsHow to reflect on and improve the tasks you’re already usingIf you want to create more engaging and meaningful math experiences for your students, this episode will give you a clear lens for evaluating and improving the tasks in your classroom. Show Notes Page Love the show? Text us your big takeaway! Empower Your Students (and Teachers) Using A Professional Learning PlanThat Sparks Engagement, Fuels Deep Learning, and Ignites Action! Book a time to chat with our team to see how we can help you achieve your math goals! https://makemathmoments.com/plan/ 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.

    46 min

  4. May 25

    A Better Approach to Small Group Tier 2 Math Intervention

    If you’ve ever wondered what to actually do during small group time in math, this episode will give you a clear and practical way to support students without lowering expectations. We built a simple Math Coherence Compass to help district and school leaders make aligned decisions around math—without adding another initiative. Get your free copy and training here https://makemathmoments.com/compass/ 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 & Units  Description: Small group instruction is a common part of math classrooms—but when it comes time to actually sit down with a group of students, many teachers are left wondering what they should be doing. Should you reteach the lesson? Provide more practice? Or try something completely different? The answer isn’t about creating a whole new lesson. Instead, effective tier 2 instruction is about helping students access the same rigorous math as their peers—but with the right supports in place. By using formative assessment to understand where students are along the concrete, representational, and abstract continuum, teachers can provide targeted scaffolds that move students forward. The key is not lowering expectations, but removing barriers so every student can engage with the learning. In this episode, you’ll explore: What tier 2 math instruction should (and shouldn’t) look likeWhy small group time isn’t about reteaching the same lessonHow to use the CRA (concrete, representational, abstract) model effectivelyWhat it means to provide “access” to grade-level mathHow to decide when students are ready to move onThe role of high-quality instructional materials and manipulatives Show Notes Page Love the show? Text us your big takeaway! Empower Your Students (and Teachers) Using A Professional Learning PlanThat Sparks Engagement, Fuels Deep Learning, and Ignites Action! Book a time to chat with our team to see how we can help you achieve your math goals! https://makemathmoments.com/plan/ 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.

    30 min

  5. May 18

    Improved Math Achievement: Here’s What It Actually Takes!

    Improving math instruction and student achievement is something every school and system wants. But despite that desire, real, lasting change often feels out of reach. Not because educators don’t care—but because the work required to get there is harder than expected. It’s easy to want the outcome: stronger math programs, more confident teachers, improved student results. But those outcomes depend on a set of consistent, intentional inputs—time, focus, and sustained effort. And that’s where many systems struggle. The reality is, meaningful improvement isn’t about finding a quick fix. It’s about committing to the long-term work, even when progress feels slow and the process is challenging. Like any complex skill, the results only come when the required effort is sustained over time. In this episode, you’ll explore: Why improving math instruction requires more than good intentionsThe difference between wanting results and committing to the workWhat “inputs vs outputs” really means in educationWhy sustainable improvement takes time and consistencyHow systems can think more intentionally about long-term changeWhat it means to “choose your hard” in math improvementIf you’re working to improve math instruction in your classroom, school, or system, this episode will challenge you to think differently about the commitment required—and help you decide what path forward you’re ready to take. We built a simple Math Coherence Compass to help district and school leaders make aligned decisions around math—without adding another initiative. Get your free copy and training here https://makemathmoments.com/compass/ 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 & Units  Show Notes Page Love the show? Text us your big takeaway! Empower Your Students (and Teachers) Using A Professional Learning PlanThat Sparks Engagement, Fuels Deep Learning, and Ignites Action! Book a time to chat with our team to see how we can help you achieve your math goals! https://makemathmoments.com/plan/ 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.

    18 min

  6. May 11

    3 Barriers to Improving Math Instruction and Student Achievement

    Improving student achievement in mathematics is a goal shared by schools, districts, and systems everywhere. Yet despite years of effort, many classrooms still aren’t seeing the shifts in instruction or outcomes that we’re aiming for. If the goal is clear, why does progress feel so inconsistent? The challenge isn’t a lack of effort. Teachers are working hard, and schools are investing time into professional learning and new initiatives. But even with well-established teaching practices and research-backed strategies, something isn’t sticking. In many cases, the issue lies not in the practices themselves, but in the systems designed to support them. Without clarity, alignment, and the right focus, it becomes difficult to create meaningful and lasting change in math instruction. In this episode, you’ll explore: Why math achievement hasn’t improved despite years of effortThe three key barriers preventing instructional changeHow a lack of clarity and coherence impacts teacher practiceWhy measuring the wrong things leads to stalled progressWhat it means to focus narrowly for greater impactWhy building teachers’ math understanding—not just pedagogy—is essentialIf you’re trying to improve math instruction in your classroom, school, or system, this episode will help you rethink your approach and focus on the changes that truly move the needle. We built a simple Math Coherence Compass to help district and school leaders make aligned decisions around math—without adding another initiative. Get your free copy and training here https://makemathmoments.com/compass/ 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 & Units  Show Notes Page Love the show? Text us your big takeaway! Empower Your Students (and Teachers) Using A Professional Learning PlanThat Sparks Engagement, Fuels Deep Learning, and Ignites Action! Book a time to chat with our team to see how we can help you achieve your math goals! https://makemathmoments.com/plan/ 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.

    31 min

  7. May 4

    How to Unpack Standards for Better Lesson Planning in K-12 Mathematics

    In math education, there are a lot of terms that get used interchangeably—unpacking standards, planning units, designing lessons. But for many teachers, it’s not always clear how these pieces fit together. Are they all the same thing, or is there an important difference that impacts how we teach? At first glance, it might seem like lesson planning is simply following a resource or turning the page in a curriculum. But without a clear understanding of the standard—the destination we’re aiming for—it becomes difficult to make intentional decisions during instruction. When teachers aren’t clear on what success actually looks like, it limits their ability to question effectively, give meaningful feedback, and gather evidence of student understanding. Whether you’re using a high-quality resource or building lessons from scratch, clarity around the standard is what connects everything together. In this episode, you’ll explore: The difference between unpacking a standard, planning a unit, and designing a lessonWhy standards should be viewed as the destination for learningHow teacher clarity impacts student successWhat it really means to “unpack” a standardHow to define success criteria and identify evidence of learningWhy collaboration is key to strengthening this workIf you’ve ever wondered whether you’re truly planning with purpose—or just following a resource—this episode will help you rethink your approach and bring more clarity to your math instruction. 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 & Units  Show Notes Page Love the show? Text us your big takeaway! Empower Your Students (and Teachers) Using A Professional Learning PlanThat Sparks Engagement, Fuels Deep Learning, and Ignites Action! Book a time to chat with our team to see how we can help you achieve your math goals! https://makemathmoments.com/plan/ 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.

    23 min

  8. Apr 30

    Initiative Fatigue is Real! Learn How to Avoid it in Math Education

    In schools today, it can feel like there’s always something new being introduced. A new initiative, a new priority, a new expectation. And for many teachers, especially in math classrooms, it raises a familiar question: why this, and why now? After years of seeing initiatives come and go, it’s easy to feel skeptical about whether the next one will actually make a lasting impact. But what if the issue isn’t the initiative itself—but the number of initiatives being introduced at once? When time, energy, and resources stay the same (or even decrease), every new priority competes for attention. And over time, that leads to what’s known as initiative fatigue. Without clear communication, shared decision-making, and visible evidence of impact, it becomes harder for teachers to invest in new work. The challenge isn’t just choosing the right initiative—it’s knowing what to prioritize, what to let go of, and how to create the conditions for meaningful change. In this episode, you’ll explore: What initiative fatigue is and why it happens in schoolsHow competing priorities impact teachers’ time and energyWhy transparency and teacher involvement matter in decision-making in mathematicsHow to determine when it’s the right time to move on from a math initiativeThe importance of identifying clear success indicators in mathematicsWhat teachers and math leaders can do to better manage competing demandsIf you’re feeling overwhelmed by constant change—or trying to lead improvement without overloading your team—this episode will help you think more strategically about priorities, capacity, and sustainable progress. 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 & Units  Show Notes Page Love the show? Text us your big takeaway! Empower Your Students (and Teachers) Using A Professional Learning PlanThat Sparks Engagement, Fuels Deep Learning, and Ignites Action! Book a time to chat with our team to see how we can help you achieve your math goals! https://makemathmoments.com/plan/ 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.

    27 min
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About

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

Information

  • Creator
    Kyle Pearce & Jon Orr
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    480
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Making Math Moments That Matter
  • Show Website
    Making Math Moments That Matter

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