Modern Math Teacher- Teaching Strategies for High School and Middle School Math Teachers

Kristen Moore- High School Algebra Teacher + AI Educator + PBL Coach
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The Modern Math Teacher helps you make math class the best part of your 6-12 students' day. Join Kristen Moore for quick, real-talk episodes on Project Based Learning, student-centered teaching strategies, AI and technology inspired lesson planning and boosting student engagement—without burning out. New episodes every Tuesday.   👉 Join the conversation inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Community Facebook Group! 

  1. 13h ago

    182 What Is Math Therapy? (And Why You're Probably Already Doing It)

    Let’s talk. Send me a message with your email and I’ll get back to you! 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 Episode Vanessa 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 school A Powerful Question What 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 Reflection Consider 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 Challenge Join 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/49nV55D Coming Next Week We'll begin exploring the first of the Five Ms: Mythbust We'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 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!

    13 min

  2. 5d ago

    181 Math Trauma, Teen Talk Barbie, and the Myth of the "Math Person"

    Let’s talk. Send me a message with your email and I’ll get back to you! 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 persistentThe surprising connection between Teen Talk Barbie and productive struggleThe difference between math anxiety and math traumaHow family experiences influence mathematical identityWhat intervention students have taught me about confidence and resilienceQuestions 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: TelevisionMoviesSocial mediaAdvertisementsConversations with friends and familyThen 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 @moorethanjustxJoin 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!

    10 min

  3. Jun 30

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

    Let’s talk. Send me a message with your email and I’ll get back to you! 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 activityReal-world connections for rational and irrational numbersMy favorite places to find authentic data, graphs, and statistics for math lessonsBook 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 @moorethanjustxJoin 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!

    15 min

  4. Jun 25

    179 Why Support Doesn't Lower Rigor in Math Class

    Let’s talk. Send me a message with your email and I’ll get back to you! 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 classroomWhy not all struggle leads to learningHow my thinking evolved through teaching an inquiry-based curriculumWhy support structures don't reduce rigorThe difference between students who are struggling and students who are overwhelmedHow 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 identityconfidenceproductive strugglemath anxietystudent mindsetemotional experiences in mathematicsGrab 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 @moorethanjustxJoin 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!

    7 min

  5. Jun 23

    178 Should Honors Math Be Different? Here's What I'm Wrestling With

    Let’s talk. Send me a message with your email and I’ll get back to you! 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 mathWhy rigor and volume are not the same thingThe procedural skills I'm reconsidering for honors studentsHow I'm thinking about pacing within the IM curriculumQuestions I have about grading, mastery, and accountabilityWhy "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 identityconfidenceproductive strugglestudent mindsetemotional experiences in mathematicsGrab 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 @moorethanjustxJoin 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!

    9 min

  6. Jun 18

    177 The Best Technology in Math Class Isn't Always New Technology

    Let’s talk. Send me a message with your email and I’ll get back to you! Are we using technology because it improves learning—or because it's available? After reflecting on student engagement, Chromebook fatigue, and intentional lesson design, I've been rethinking how technology fits into my math classroom. And the more I think about it, the more I realize: 👉 The goal isn't more technology. 👉 The goal is better technology. In this episode, I'm sharing how my thinking has evolved, the tools I'm keeping, the tools I'm rethinking, and how frameworks like TPACK and SAMR are helping me make more intentional instructional decisions. 💡 In This Episode: Why I'm not anti-tech—but I am pro-intentionalityHow TPACK and SAMR can help us evaluate technology useWhy students sometimes use devices as an avoidance strategyThe role of TI-84 graphing calculators in a modern math classroomWhy tools like ASSISTments, Snorkl, and AI are staying in my toolboxMy "Hannah Montana Model" for balancing digital and non-digital learning ✨ Key Takeaways ✨ Technology should amplify thinking—not replace it ✨ Learning goals should drive technology decisions ✨ Not every lesson needs a screen ✨ TPACK and SAMR help us ask better questions about technology use ✨ The best technology isn't always the newest technology 📥 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 on the podcast. We'll explore: math identityconfidenceproductive strugglestudent mindsetemotional experiences in mathematicsGrab your copy and read along with us: 📖 Physical Book:  https://amzn.to/42VJRl6 🎧 Audiobook:  https://amzn.to/49nV55D 🌊 Poolside PD Reflection If you removed every piece of technology from tomorrow's lesson, what learning would be lost? And what learning might actually improve? 🎧 What's Next Next up, I'm sharing what I'm still figuring out about teaching Honors Math—including rigor, procedural fluency, pacing, and how to challenge students without overwhelming 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 @moorethanjustxJoin 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!

    13 min

  7. Jun 16

    176 The Digital Delusion: Why I'm Rethinking Technology in Math Class

    Let’s talk. Send me a message with your email and I’ll get back to you! Technology isn't going away. But that doesn't mean we should use it for everything. After years of integrating digital tools into my math classroom, I've found myself asking a different question: 👉 Not "Should we use technology?" 👉 But "When should we use technology?" In this episode, I'm reflecting on student device use, Chromebook fatigue, productive struggle, and why I'm becoming more intentional about when—and how—technology shows up in my classroom. 💡 In This Episode: Why I'm rethinking technology use in math classHow Chromebooks can become an avoidance toolLessons from The Anxious Generation and The Digital DelusionHow the TPACK and SAMR models can help us evaluate tech useWhere I still love tools like Desmos, ASSISTments, and SnorklWhy I'm exploring the role of TI-84 calculators again ✨ Key Takeaways ✨ Technology should support thinking—not replace it ✨ More technology does not automatically create better learning ✨ Productive struggle is harder when students have constant escape routes ✨ The best tech decisions start with learning goals, not the tool ✨ Intentional technology use is different from technology dependence 📥 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 and discussing Math Therapy together on the podcast. We'll explore: math identityconfidenceproductive strugglestudent mindsetemotional experiences in mathematicsGrab your copy and read along with us: 📖 Physical Book:  https://amzn.to/42VJRl6 🎧 Audiobook:  https://amzn.to/49nV55D 🎧 What’s Next Next up, we're talking about the role of calculators, AI, feedback tools, and why the best technology in math class isn't always the newest technology. 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 @moorethanjustxJoin 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!

    11 min

  8. Jun 11

    175 Why Every Math Teacher Should Study Above and Below Their Grade Level

    Let’s talk. Send me a message with your email and I’ll get back to you! One of the best things that ever happened to me as a math teacher was teaching multiple grade levels. Because the more I taught Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, and intervention classes together… the more I realized: 👉 Math is one connected story. In this episode, we’re talking about: mathematical coherenceconceptual progressionactivating prior knowledgeand why understanding where students are coming from and where they’re headed changes your instruction completely. 💡 In This Episode: Why teaching multiple grade levels made me a stronger teacherHow understanding future math changes present instructionWhy conceptual progression matters in mathematicsHow studying above and below your course improves lesson designWhy math should feel connected—not isolated ✨ Key Takeaways ✨ Every math lesson is part of a larger mathematical story ✨ Understanding future concepts changes what we emphasize now ✨ Strong instruction connects prior knowledge to future learning ✨ Deep content understanding leads to more intentional teaching 📥 FREE GUIDE: Project or Practice? Want help creating more meaningful and intentional math experiences? 👉 Grab the free guide:  https://moorethanjustx.myflodesk.com/practice 📘 JULY BOOK STUDY: Math Therapy We’ll be reading Math Therapy together this July and discussing: math identityconfidenceproductive struggleand emotional experiences in math classGrab the book here: 📖 Physical book:  https://amzn.to/42VJRl6 🎧 Audiobook:  https://amzn.to/49nV55D 🎧 What’s Next Next up, we’re diving into technology in the math classroom, Chromebook fatigue, and why I’m rethinking what intentional tech integration actually looks like 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 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!

    10 min
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The Modern Math Teacher helps you make math class the best part of your 6-12 students' day. Join Kristen Moore for quick, real-talk episodes on Project Based Learning, student-centered teaching strategies, AI and technology inspired lesson planning and boosting student engagement—without burning out. New episodes every Tuesday.   👉 Join the conversation inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Community Facebook Group! 

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