Blue Glasses Math

Pamela Brett
  • 4.4 (7)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Honest conversations about the messy, emotional side of learning and teaching math. You will learn how to navigate the complex interactions that show up in math classes, understand the impact of beliefs and emotions on student engagement, and discover strategies to foster a classroom where every student sees themselves as a math person.

  1. 2D AGO

    063 | How Authenticity Transforms Math Classrooms with Rob Baier | Feb 25, 2026

    This episode features Rob Baier sharing his journey through math education, emphasizing the importance of reflection, sense-making, and authentic teaching to foster better human and mathematical understanding. Discover practical strategies for teachers to improve their practice and inspire students. Connect with Pam: insta: @BlueGlassesMath bluesky: @pambrett.bsky.social linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamela-brett-23b56675/ website: https://www.blueglassesmath.org/ Connect with Rob: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-baier-math

    54 min

  2. FEB 18

    062 | Navigating Emotions in the Math Classroom | February 18, 2026

    In this episode, Pam Brett discusses the often-overlooked emotional landscape in math classrooms. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing the emotions that students bring into the learning environment, as these emotions significantly impact their beliefs and engagement in math. Pam advocates for co-creation in professional development, the necessity of autonomy in learning, and the value of allowing students to experience struggle as a part of their educational journey. She encourages teachers to create safe spaces for emotional growth and to ask deeper questions that promote critical thinking and understanding. Connect with Pam: insta: @BlueGlassesMath bluesky: @pambrett.bsky.social linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamela-brett-23b56675/ website: https://www.blueglassesmath.org/ 00:00 Exploring the Emotional Landscape in Math Class 03:20 The Importance of Co-Creation in Professional Development 06:01 Understanding Student Emotions and Beliefs in Math 09:05 The Role of Autonomy in Learning 11:52 Disrupting Negative Narratives in Math Education 14:28 Encouraging Struggle and Perseverance in Learning 17:04 Creating a Safe Space for Emotional Growth

    19 min

  3. FEB 11

    061 | Empowering Students: The Journey of Math Fact Lab with Michael Kenny | February 11, 2026

    In this episode of Blue Glasses Math, host Pam Brett welcomes Michael Kenny, the founder of Math Fact Lab, to discuss his journey in math education and the development of his innovative teaching tool. Michael shares his early experiences as a teacher, initially focusing on literacy before transitioning to math instruction. He highlights the pivotal moment when he enrolled in the Vermont Mathematics Initiative, which transformed his understanding of effective math teaching through modeling and research-based practices. This experience inspired him to create Math Fact Lab, a platform designed to enhance students' fact fluency through visual models and interactive learning. The conversation delves into the philosophy behind Math Fact Lab, emphasizing the importance of understanding over rote memorization. Michael explains how the platform encourages students to build connections between mathematical concepts, using various models to foster deeper comprehension. He also discusses the adaptability of the program for different learning paces and styles, allowing teachers to customize the experience for their students. The episode concludes with a hopeful outlook on the future of math education, focusing on creating engaging and thoughtful learning environments that instill pride in students' mathematical abilities. 00:00 Introduction to Math Fact Lab and Michael Kenny 05:33 Michael's Journey in Math Education 11:08 Transitioning to Math Fact Lab 20:30 Exploring Math Fact Lab's Features 30:37 The Teacher's Perspective and Student Engagement 33:41 Closing Thoughts and Future of Math Education 35:03 The Perspective of Being a Math Person Connect with Pam: insta: @BlueGlassesMath bluesky: @pambrett.bsky.social linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamela-brett-23b56675/ website: https://www.blueglassesmath.org/ Connect with Michael:

    35 min

  4. FEB 4

    060 | Empowering Multilingual Learners in Math Education with Dr. Rosalyn Giallanza | February 4, 2026

    In this episode of Blue Glasses Math, Pam Brett welcomes Dr. Rosalyn Giallanza, a passionate educator and researcher focused on multilingual learners in mathematics. The conversation begins with a nostalgic reflection on their early professional relationship, highlighting the challenges and growth they experienced together in the classroom. Dr. Giallanza shares her journey as a multilingual learner herself, emphasizing the importance of understanding the intersection of language and mathematics. She discusses her research on mathematical discourse and teacher beliefs, revealing how misconceptions about multilingual learners can hinder their success in math education. As the discussion unfolds, Dr. Giallanza stresses the necessity of integrating intentional language objectives into math instruction, advocating for a more inclusive approach that recognizes the diverse abilities of all students. She highlights the importance of creating a supportive classroom environment where students can engage in meaningful mathematical discourse. The episode concludes with a call to action for educators to reflect on their biases and beliefs, ultimately fostering a more equitable learning experience for multilingual learners. This insightful conversation not only sheds light on the complexities of teaching math to diverse learners but also inspires educators to embrace their roles as facilitators of language and mathematics.

    48 min

  5. JAN 30

    059 | Making Math Beautiful, One Tile at a Time with Alex Romero | Jan 29, 2026

    In this engaging conversation, Alex Romero shares his journey in math education, influenced by his family's background in mathematics. He discusses the development of Tile Farm, a platform designed to make math beautiful and enjoyable for learners of all ages. The conversation explores the importance of joy in math education, the role of family in fostering a positive math environment, and the innovative features of Tile Farm that encourage creativity and engagement in math learning. Alex emphasizes the need for a cultural shift in math education, where asking questions is celebrated and learning is a joyful experience. 00:00 Introduction and First Impressions 03:12 Alex's Math Journey and Influences 06:04 The Role of Family in Math Education 08:35 The Birth of Tile Farm 11:10 Creating Beautiful Math Experiences 13:56 Tile Farm's Educational Impact 16:36 Engaging with the Community 19:12 The Future of Tile Farm 24:51 The Light Bulb Moment: New Jersey's Historical Significance 25:38 Exploring Patterns: A Deep Dive into Geometry 27:42 Interactive Learning: Engaging with Tile Farm Studio 29:40 Daily Visual Math Prompts: Encouraging Inquiry 30:45 Numeracy Content: Analyzing Patterns for Deeper Understanding 35:44 Creating a Safe Space for Questions in Math 38:48 Transforming Beliefs About Math: Joy and Engagement 42:41 Hope for the Future: Shifting Paradigms in Math Education 44:15 The Perspective of Being a Math Person Connect with Pam: insta: @BlueGlassesMath bluesky: @pambrett.bsky.social linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamela-brett-23b56675/ website: https://www.blueglassesmath.org/ Connect with Alex: insta: @tilefarm @tilefarmer bluesky: @tilefarmer website: https://tilefarm.com/

    45 min

  6. JAN 21

    058 | The Accidental Math Teacher's Journey with Alison Mello | January 21, 2026

    In this episode of the Blue Glasses Math podcast, Pam Brett and Alison Mello discuss the influence of self-perception on math teaching and learning. They explore Alison's journey as an 'accidental math teacher,' the importance of vulnerability in education, and the need for a supportive math environment. The conversation emphasizes the significance of using visuals and manipulatives in teaching, creating engaging contexts for students, and fostering hope within the math education community. They also highlight the upcoming conference aimed at celebrating and empowering teachers. Connect with Pam: @BlueGlassesMath https://www.blueglassesmath.org/ Connect with Allison: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-j-mello-ed-d-2b326960/ @alisonmellomathconsulting @alisonmellomath

    38 min

  7. JAN 14

    057 | A Peek Behind the Scenes of Blue Glasses Math with Kate Rolland | Jan 14, 2026

    In this conversation, Pam Brett and Kate Rolland discuss the behind-the-scenes aspects of podcasting, the importance of support in business, and the transition to more efficient tools. They explore how AI can enhance social media management, the significance of building trust in collaboration, and the holistic approach to web design and business support. Kate shares insights on understanding client needs and the reset process for overwhelmed business owners, culminating in a discussion about New Year resolutions and personal growth.Connect with Pam:@BlueGlassesMathhttps://www.blueglassesmath.org/Connect with Kate:@katerolland.indrukhttps://www.indrukdesign.com

    23 min

  8. JAN 7

    056: A Year Ago, I Ghosted Dan Meyer! Revisiting our conversation from last year. | January 7, 2026

    In this engaging conversation, Pam Brett and Dan Meyer explore the transformative landscape of math education, reflecting on Dan's influential TED Talk, 'Math Class Needs a Makeover.' They discuss the importance of shifting perspectives on math, building student confidence, and the role of technology in the classroom. Dan emphasizes the need for teachers to allow students to explore and engage with math on a human level. The conversation also touches on the impact of AI in education and the necessity of nurturing teachers to foster meaningful connections in the learning environment. Find Dan Meyer Online 📍 https://danmeyer.substack.com/

    44 min
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4.4
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Honest conversations about the messy, emotional side of learning and teaching math. You will learn how to navigate the complex interactions that show up in math classes, understand the impact of beliefs and emotions on student engagement, and discover strategies to foster a classroom where every student sees themselves as a math person.

Information

  • Creator
    Pamela Brett
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    61
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Pamela Brett
  • Show Website
    Blue Glasses Math