Math: Universally Speaking

Ron Martiello
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  • Updated twice weekly

Explore inclusive math instruction through the lens of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Hosted by Ron Martiello, co-author of “Conquering Math Myths,” this podcast shares real strategies to support all learners, rethink assessments, and build equitable math classrooms. Perfect for teachers, coaches, and leaders who believe math is for everyone. Join the movement. #MathUniversallySpeaking

  1. 1 day ago

    Math, Equity, and the e² Framework with Jennie Beltramini

    Unlock high-quality, equitable, and inclusive math instruction in this episode of Math: Universally Speaking as host Ron Martiello sits down with Jennie Beltramini, Deputy Chief Program Officer for the Math Team at Student Achievement Partners. Tune in as Jennie and Ron dive deep into the newly released e2 (Essential and Evidence-Informed) Instructional Practice Framework. Discover how educators can go beyond traditional standards to build classrooms rooted in four essential pillars: rigorous grade-level instruction, joy and belonging, linguistically sustaining practices, and culturally responsive teaching. Whether you're an elementary generalist, a K–8 math teacher, or an instructional leader, this episode provides actionable, low-barrier strategies to remove learning barriers, support multilingual learners, and help every student see themselves as a capable mathematician. Key Topics Covered: Breaking down the 4 pillars of the e2 Instructional Practice Framework Defining true joy, safety, and student belonging in the math classroom Moving beyond basic ELL strategies with linguistically sustaining practices and language objectives Adapting high-quality instructional materials for cultural relevance without sacrificing rigor Practical classroom tips and learning walk tools from Learn with SAP Resources & Links Mentioned: Explore the e2 Framework & Resources: Learn with SAP Access Historical Tools & the Coherence Map: Achieve the Core Connect with the Podcast: Math Universally Speaking Love this episode? Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review Math: Universally Speaking on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so more educators can discover these transformative teaching strategies!

  2. 20 Oct

    Connecting UDL and MTSS: Proactive System Design and Math Accessibility with Fred Cochran

    How can we break down barriers in elementary math and design instruction where every student thriHow do Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) intersect to make K–12 mathematics accessible for every learner? In this episode of Math Universally Speaking, host Ronald Martiello connects with Fred Cochran—a 28-year educator, MTSS Lead, and co-founder of the California UDL Coalition. Fred shares his decade-long journey of integrating UDL into MTSS and explains how educators can shift UDL from being "one more thing" to becoming a daily teaching habit. Key Topics Covered: Systemic Alignment: Using UDL as the Tier 1 foundation within MTSS.Math Accessibility: Moving from procedural memorization to meaningful conceptual understanding.Overcoming Barriers: Shifting mindsets to ensure all students thrive in general education spaces.UDL Community: The story behind the California UDL Coalition and details on the upcoming 4th Annual UDL Summit.

  3. 29 Sept

    Unlocking Inclusive Math: Combining UDL and Elementary Instruction with Ashley Marlow

    How can we break down barriers in elementary math and design instruction where every student thrives? In this episode of Math: Universally Speaking, host Ron Martiello sits down with Ashley Marlow—elementary math coach, consultant, Director of Operations at All Learners Network, and co-author of Universal Design for Learning in Mathematics Instruction K–5. Ashley shares her journey of connecting high-quality math pedagogy with Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports (MTSS). Together, Ron and Ashley unpack: Dismantling Math Myths: Why we need to take math off its "pedestal" and shift from procedural drill to deep conceptual understanding.Proactive UDL vs. Reactive Differentiation: How anticipating learning barriers ahead of time creates accessible Tier 1 instruction for all students.High-Leverage Concepts (HLCs): Prioritizing foundational through-lines (place value, number sense, fractional reasoning) over short-term "whack-a-mole" interventions.Building Learner Agency: Empowering students to make choices, develop voice, and take ownership of their mathematical thinking.Whether you're a K–5 classroom teacher, math coach, special educator, or administrator, this episode provides actionable strategies to foster true inclusion and learner agency in your math classroom.

  4. 1 Sept

    The September Math Reset: Approaches to Engage Learners for the Year Ahead

    Whether your classroom is energized like Earth, Wind & Fire’s "September" or feeling the back-to-school fatigue of Green Day’s "Wake Me Up When September Ends," strong connections are key to a successful school year. In this episode of Math: Universally Speaking, we explore three practical Universal Design for Learning (UDL) approaches to build community, support diverse learners, and engage students from day one: Reflecting on Math Identity: Empowering students through math biographies, songs, or art (Conquering Math Myths with Universal Design).Instructional Triads: Using John SanGiovanni’s small-group framework to lower performance anxiety and support language learners.Modern Mathematicians: Showcasing inspiring real-world figures like John Urschel, Gladys West, and Lonnie Johnson so every student sees themselves in math.Learn how to cultivate agency, foster peer collaboration, and build an inclusive math environment from the start!

  5. 12 May

    How to Keep Students Engaged in Math Class: Rigor, Productive Struggle, and Perseverance

    In this episode of Math: Universally Speaking, Ron Martiello explores how educators can keep students engaged during math learning by intentionally designing for rigor, productive struggle, and perseverance through the lens of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Ron clarifies the differences between three commonly misunderstood mathematics education terms—rigor, productive struggle, and perseverance—and explains why understanding these distinctions matters when designing equitable, inclusive, and engaging math instruction. Throughout the episode, listeners will discover practical ways to sustain student effort and persistence in mathematics, including: Clarifying learning goalsOptimizing challenge and supportUsing scaffolds during problem solvingFostering collaboration and mathematical discourseBuilding belonging and community in math classProviding actionable feedback that advances student thinkingRon also discusses how teachers can support students without taking away the thinking, why struggle is an important part of learning mathematics, and how classroom design can help students see themselves as capable mathematicians. This episode is valuable for K–12 teachers, instructional coaches, interventionists, special educators, administrators, and school leaders looking to strengthen student engagement in mathematics through inclusive and rigorous instructional design. Whether you teach elementary, middle, or high school mathematics, this conversation will provide practical ideas for helping students sustain effort, persist through challenges, and build deeper mathematical understanding. Listen to Math: Universally Speaking on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Castbox, or your favorite podcast platform.

  6. 14 Apr

    Dr. Juli Dixon and The Fact Tactics Fluency Program

    In this episode of Math: Universally Speaking, I am joined by Dr. Juli Dixon to discuss the framework behind The Fact Tactics Fluency Program. We explore how to move beyond rote memorization by focusing on the meaning of multiplication and the properties of operations. Juli explains how her program helps students transition from basic additive thinking to true multiplicative reasoning, ensuring they have a solid foundation for more advanced mathematics. We take a deep dive into the six specific tactics that drive the program: Grounding, Linking, Strategic Repetition, Review, Assessment, and Extension. This episode isn't just about theory—it’s about giving you high-impact strategies to build fluency while engaging students to take ownership of their own progress. Listen to the full episode now to discover Juli’s practical roadmap for transforming your approach to multiplication facts and challenging every learner in your classroom.

  7. 17 Mar

    Welcoming Interests and Identities in Math Class

    How do we truly invite students into mathematics? In this episode of Math Universally Speaking, Ron Martiello explores the connection between Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and high-quality mathematics instruction, focusing on the engagement guideline of welcoming interests and identities. When students feel invited into the learning process, they are more likely to stay engaged, persevere through challenges, and develop a strong math identity. Drawing connections to the Standards for Mathematical Practice and NCTM’s Principles to Actions, this episode explores how teachers can design math classrooms that honor learner variability while maintaining high expectations for all students. You’ll hear practical ideas for: Using multiple mathematical tools and strategies to support conceptual understanding Designing instruction that promotes choice, relevance, and authenticity in math learning Encouraging strategic thinking and problem solving rather than relying on a single algorithm Creating opportunities for joy, collaboration, and productive mathematical play Using asset-based language to nurture positive math identities for every student Ron also discusses how welcoming student identities can transform math classrooms from places of compliance into spaces where students feel valued, capable, and invited to think deeply about mathematics. This conversation connects directly to ideas explored in the book Conquering Math Myths with Universal Design: An Inclusive Approach to Instruction K–8, co-authored by Ron Martiello and Dr. Jenna Rufo. If you're passionate about inclusive math instruction, equitable teaching practices, Universal Design for Learning, and developing confident math learners, this episode will give you practical insights and inspiration for your classroom. Follow Math Universally Speaking and join the conversation using #MathUniversallySpeaking.

  8. 24 Feb

    Early Numeracy with Sheila Robitaille

    In this episode of Math Universally Speaking, Ron Martiello welcomes veteran educator and instructional leader Sheila Robitaille for a conversation on early numeracy and number sense development—two essential foundations for long-term success in mathematics learning. Together, they explore how students often experience mathematics as procedures rather than conceptual understanding, and how weak early numeracy skills can contribute to math anxiety and disengagement. Sheila shares practical elementary math strategies, including purposeful wait time, mathematical discourse, gamification, and instructional approaches aligned with Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to support all learners. The discussion highlights how play, inquiry, and low-floor/high-ceiling tasks promote equitable access while strengthening students’ mathematical identity and confidence. The episode also introduces World Maths Day, a free global mathematics event hosted by 3P Learning, connecting students worldwide through engaging live math challenges. If you’re looking to strengthen number sense, improve math engagement, and create inclusive mathematics classrooms where every student can succeed, this episode offers practical ideas you can use immediately.

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About

Explore inclusive math instruction through the lens of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Hosted by Ron Martiello, co-author of “Conquering Math Myths,” this podcast shares real strategies to support all learners, rethink assessments, and build equitable math classrooms. Perfect for teachers, coaches, and leaders who believe math is for everyone. Join the movement. #MathUniversallySpeaking

Information

  • Creator
    Ron Martiello
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    29
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Ron Martiello
  • Show Website
    Math: Universally Speaking