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. 5d ago

    198 You’re Probably Closer Than You Think

    Let’s chat—send me a text!  What if creating more meaningful learning experiences in your math classroom didn’t require completely changing the way you teach? Because when teachers hear “project-based learning,” it can feel like a complete classroom makeover. Rewrite every unit. Redesign your curriculum. Stop giving direct instruction. Turn everything into a project. Nope. In this episode of The Modern Math Teacher, we’re talking about why meaningful change happens one intentional decision at a time—and why you’re probably much closer to creating the classroom you want than you think. I’m sharing how my own classroom evolved through years of small changes in questioning, discussion, assessment, collaboration, relevance, and instructional design before project-based learning became one powerful piece of that bigger picture. And most importantly, we’re taking the pressure off becoming a “PBL teacher.” You don’t need projects everywhere. You need to find one place where students could move from knowing how to DO the mathematics to actually USING the mathematics. In this episode: Why meaningful teaching doesn’t require a complete classroom makeoverHow small instructional decisions transform classrooms over timeWhy I became an intentional instructional designer before I became a PBL teacherWhy you don’t have to become a “project-based learning teacher” to use projectsHow PBL can create real, relevant, rigorous mathematical experiencesWhy projects are one tool—not the goalThe pieces of PBL you may already be using in your classroomWhy your first project shouldn’t be your giant dream projectHow to identify one realistic place to start Ready to Take Your First Step into PBL? If you love the idea of project-based learning but don’t want to completely overhaul your classroom, PBL Kickstart was created for you. Inside this $17 on-demand workshop, I’ll help you take mathematics you’re already teaching and begin turning it into a real, relevant, rigorous project-based learning experience. Sign Up for PBL Kickstart You don’t need to redesign your entire curriculum. You need one good place to start. Your Reflection Question Where in your curriculum are students currently learning how to DO the math—but could have an opportunity to actually USE it? 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!

  2. Aug 27

    197 Stop Planning Lessons. Start Designing Learning Experiences.

    Let’s chat—send me a text! What if the biggest shift you could make this school year wasn't changing your curriculum—but changing the way you think about planning? In this episode, I share the mindset shift that has transformed my classroom. Instead of asking, "What activity should I do?" I now start with a much different question: "What experience do I want my students to have?" We'll explore how this simple change impacts every instructional decision, why meaningful learning experiences don't have to be elaborate, and how intentional planning can make mathematics more memorable for your students. In this episode you'll learn: Why planning experiences changes everythingThe difference between activities and learning experiencesQuestions to guide intentional lesson designWhy meaningful learning doesn't require elaborate projectsHow small instructional decisions create lasting impact🎁 Free Resource Download the Gold Standard Project Planner: 👉 https://moorethanjustx.com/projectplanner 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!

  3. Aug 25

    196 So...What Is a Modern Math Teacher?

    Let’s chat—send me a text! Being a Modern Math Teacher isn't about using the newest technology or following every educational trend. It's about intentionally designing learning experiences that help every student think deeply, feel like they belong, and see themselves as capable mathematicians. In this episode, I reflect on five beliefs that have transformed my own classroom and explain why becoming a Modern Math Teacher isn't a destination—it's an ongoing journey of intentional growth. In this episode you'll learn: The five beliefs that guide every instructional decision I makeWhy intentional teaching matters more than trendy teachingHow reflection fuels professional growthWhy becoming a better teacher is about asking better questionsWhat it truly means to be a Modern Math Teacher🎁 Free Resource Download the Gold Standard Project Planner: 👉 https://moorethanjustx.com/projectplanner 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!

  4. Aug 20

    195 Your Curriculum Isn't the Problem

    Let’s chat—send me a text! Have you ever felt like your curriculum was holding you back? You're not alone—but what if the curriculum isn't actually the problem? In this episode, I share how my perspective on curriculum has evolved and why I no longer believe great teaching comes from finding the "perfect" textbook. Instead, I explain how small, intentional instructional decisions can transform the learning experience for your students. Whether you teach Illustrative Mathematics, CPM, Reveal, Carnegie, Big Ideas, Eureka, or another curriculum entirely, this episode will help you see your role as more than someone who delivers lessons—you are the designer of your students' mathematical experience. In this episode you'll learn: Why curriculum is a tool—not your identity as a teacherSimple ways to adapt lessons without rewriting themQuestions to ask before teaching any lessonHow professional judgment improves student learningWhy two teachers can teach the same lesson and create completely different classroom experiences🎁 Free Resource Download the Gold Standard Project Planner:  👉 https://moorethanjustx.com/projectplanner 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!

  5. Aug 18

    194 Stop Trying to Be the Pinterest Teacher

    Let’s chat—send me a text! Have you ever felt like every lesson has to be bigger, better, and more engaging than the last? I know I have. In this episode, I share how I fell into the trap of trying to create extraordinary lessons every day—and why shifting my focus to sustainable teaching practices completely changed my classroom. We'll talk about routines, instructional systems, decision fatigue, and why consistency often has a greater impact on student learning than constant novelty. In this episode, you'll learn: Why great teaching isn't about reinventing every lessonThe difference between exciting ideas and sustainable systemsHow routines create more opportunities for meaningful mathematicsWhy consistency benefits both teachers and studentsQuestions to help you design a classroom that thrives all year long🎁 Free Resource Download the Project or Practice Guide: 👉 https://moorethanjustx.com/guide 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!

  6. Aug 13

    193 The Biggest Lie We've Been Told About Rigor

    Let’s chat—send me a text! For years, I believed rigorous math instruction meant harder problems, longer assignments, and more work. I don't believe that anymore. In this episode, I share how my definition of rigor has changed, why cognitive demand isn't the same thing as difficulty, and how I intentionally design lessons that promote deeper mathematical thinking without overwhelming students. We'll also explore how routines like Math Wars can move beyond procedural practice by creating opportunities for students to justify, critique, compare, and defend mathematical reasoning. In this episode, you'll learn: Why rigor and difficulty aren't the same thingHow to increase thinking without increasing workloadThe difference between fluency and reasoningHow I build cognitive demand into everyday classroom routinesWhy scaffolds can increase access without reducing rigor🎁 Free Resource Download the Project or Practice Guide: 👉 https://moorethanjustx.com/guide 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. Aug 11

    192 Your First Five Days Matter More Than Your Next Five Months

    Let’s chat—send me a text! The first week of school isn't just about procedures, seating charts, and syllabus review. It's when students begin forming beliefs about what mathematics feels like—and who they believe they are as mathematicians. In this episode, I share how my thinking about the first week has changed over the years, why students walk into our classrooms carrying mathematical identities, and how we can intentionally design experiences that foster confidence, curiosity, and belonging from day one. In this episode you'll learn: Why the first week is about more than classroom proceduresHow students' mathematical identities influence learningThe connection between classroom culture and instructional designSimple questions to help you intentionally design the first weekWhy belonging is one of the most important things we teach🎁 Free Resource Download the Gold Standard Project Planner and start designing intentional learning experiences: 👉 https://moorethanjustx.com/projectplanner 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!

  8. Aug 6

    191 When My Favorite Math Project Stopped Working

    Let’s chat—send me a text! One of my favorite classroom projects completely stopped working—and it ended up becoming one of the most important lessons of my teaching career. In this episode, I share the story of a once-successful cell phone plan project that unexpectedly fell flat and how it completely changed the way I think about designing meaningful mathematics. We'll explore why real and relevant aren't always the same thing, how I adapt lessons from Illustrative Math without reinventing the curriculum, and why sometimes the most meaningful part of a lesson isn't the context at all—it's the mathematical thinking. In this episode, you'll learn: Why authentic lessons lose relevance over timeThe difference between real-world math and relevant mathThe planning question I ask before almost every lessonHow I adapt Illustrative Math to better connect with my studentsWhy mathematical practices can be just as meaningful as real-world contextsA classroom story using Glo Germ that led to rich mathematical discussions 🎁 Free Resource Wondering whether a lesson should become a project or stay focused practice? Download my free Project or Practice Guide: 👉 https://moorethanjustx.com/guide If you enjoyed today's episode, I'd love for you to subscribe and share it with another math teacher who's passionate about creating meaningful learning experiences. 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!

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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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