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

Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming part of everyday classroom life—but the real conversation may be bigger than whether students should be using it.Students using AI isn’t the real story.The real story is what their use of AI is revealing about how school currently works.In this episode, I’m joined by Aron Boxer, CEO and Founder of Diversified Education Services and a former special education teacher and executive functioning specialist. Aron has more than 15 years of experience working with students and families and brings a relationship-based perspective to how students learn and develop.Together, we explore what the rise of AI in education may actually be revealing about our current system.Instead of focusing only on the technology itself, we dig into deeper questions:Why has student AI use accelerated so quickly?What does that trend tell us about the way students experience school?What does meaningful human development look like in a world where information is no longer scarce?For math teachers and classroom educators, this conversation also raises an important challenge: if technology can generate answers instantly, how do we design learning experiences that still prioritize reasoning, problem solving, and human connection?This episode offers a thoughtful perspective on the future of learning and the skills students need most in an AI-driven world.In This Episode We Discuss✔ Why students are rapidly adopting AI tools ✔ The difference between cheating and adaptation ✔ How AI may be exposing deeper shortcomings in our education system ✔ Why banning AI may not solve the real problem ✔ The skills schools should prioritize when information is no longer scarce ✔ How teachers can preserve human connection and authentic thinking in AI-rich classroomsAbout Our GuestAron Boxer is the CEO and Founder of Diversified Education Services. A former special education teacher and Director of Special Services, Aron specializes in executive funLet’s talk. Send me a message with your email and I’ll get back to you!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 MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen 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!

You spend the time grading. You write the comments. And then students look at the grade and move on. Sound familiar?In this episode, Kristen tackles two of the biggest feedback problems math teachers face: feedback that comes too late to matter, and feedback that isn't personalized enough to actually help. She walks through the real tools she's using in her classroom to solve both — so your judgment as a teacher can reach every student, faster.Tools mentioned:ChatGPT / Claude (feedback prompt template included in episode)Snorkl — instant AI feedback on student math explanationsKiddom — AI feedback built into your LMSBrisk — rubric-based personalized feedbackThis week's challenge: Pick one tool and try it on your next assignment.📲 Share what you tried: @moorethanjustx on Instagram 🌐 moorethanjustx.comSign up for Kristen's LAST AI in Math Education session with the Bureau of Educational Research: APRIL 1st! https://www.ber.org/seminars/course/MAD/Using-AI-to-Increase-MATH-Learning-and-Increase-Teacher-Productivity-Grades-6-12The Modern Math Teacher Podcast is part of the Teach Better Podcast Network.Let’s talk. Send me a message with your email and I’ll get back to you!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 MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen 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!

Lesson plan AI is everywhere — but is it actually helping teachers?In this episode, we explore what teachers truly need from AI lesson plan generators and why many educational technology trends miss the mark. You’ll learn how AI can support planning, differentiation, and feedback without adding more overwhelm.In this episode, we cover:Why many AI lesson plan generators fall shortWhat teachers actually need from lesson plan AIHow teaching with technology can protect teacher energyPractical ways AI can support instructional decision-making🎟️ Join me for a hands-on AI training with BER (March or April) where teachers actively create lessons and materials. https://www.ber.org/seminars/course/MAD/Using-AI-to-Increase-MATH-Learning-and-Increase-Teacher-Productivity-Grades-6-12 🎁 Can’t attend live? Download the Ultimate AI Tools for Math Teachers Guide instead. https://moorethanjustx.myflodesk.com/aiguideLet’s talk. Send me a message with your email and I’ll get back to you!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 @moorethanjustx Join 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!

How can AI be used in education without killing  thinking?In this episode, we explore how teachers can use AI education tools responsibly — without replacing productive struggle or meaningful learning. You’ll learn how AI can support lesson planning, reflection, and feedback while keeping student thinking at the center.You’ll hear about:Why AI itself isn’t the problem — design isHow AI literacy helps teachers use tools responsiblyPractical ways AI can support teacher planningWhat responsible AI use actually looks like in math classrooms🎟️ Join me for a hands-on AI training with BER (March or April) where teachers actively create lessons and materials. https://www.ber.org/seminars/course/MAD/Using-AI-to-Increase-MATH-Learning-and-Increase-Teacher-Productivity-Grades-6-12 🎁 Can’t attend live? Download the Ultimate AI Tools for Math Teachers Guide instead. https://moorethanjustx.myflodesk.com/aiguideLet’s talk. Send me a message with your email and I’ll get back to you!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 MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen 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!

What if 10 million students could tell us what keeps them engaged in math — and what pushes them away?In this episode, I sit down with veteran educator Sheila Robitaille (30 years in classrooms and administration across the U.S. and Canada, now with 3P Learning) to unpack what nearly two decades of World Maths Day participation reveals about math engagement, productive struggle, and that critical middle school-to-Algebra transition.This conversation isn’t just about a contest. It’s about what happens to students’ confidence when abstraction increases — and how we can protect curiosity while raising rigor.In This Episode, We Discuss:🔄 The Middle School ShiftWhy math suddenly feels more abstractHow pacing and performance pressure impact confidenceWhat happens to math identity during this transition➗ Why We Lose Students in AlgebraWhen procedure replaces thinkingThe unintended effects of “right answer” cultureHow speed and comparison increase anxiety🌍 A Global Perspective on Productive Struggle + EngagementTwo questions you must ask yourself as a teacherEstablishing a class culture to support struggleHow to create struggle that feels safe and purposefulEvery person can be a math person🌍World Maths Day with MathleticsThrough global participation in World Maths Day, educators have observed:Students lean in when challenge feels accessibleImmediate feedback increases persistenceParticipation motivates more than rankingConnect with Sheila: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheila-robitaille-8823864b🌍Sign Up for World Maths Day: https://www.3plearning.com/world-maths-day/Let’s talk. Send me a message with your email and I’ll get back to you!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 MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen 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!

Productive struggle is an essential part of effective math teaching strategies, but it only works when teachers plan intentionally for what comes next.In this episode, we explore instructional teaching strategies that help students reflect, receive feedback, and formalize learning after challenging math tasks. You’ll hear examples of teaching strategies mathematics teachers use to turn struggle into lasting understanding.Topics include:Teaching strategies that support reflection after struggleHow feedback differs from fixing student thinkingWhy formalizing learning matters in math instructionIf you want your math lessons to lead to deeper understanding—not just effort—this episode will help you close the gap.Let’s talk. Send me a message with your email and I’ll get back to you!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 MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen 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!

 In this special capstone episode of The Modern Math Teacher Podcast, I’m joined by John SanGiovanni, co-author of Productive Math Struggle, for a reflective conversation on what productive struggle looks like in real classrooms—and how educators can support it intentionally.This episode wraps up our six-part Productive Math Struggle mini-series and is guided by questions shared directly from teachers I’ve been working with across my district and county. Together, we reflect on the impact of this work, common challenges teachers face, and practical ways to support student thinking, perseverance, and confidence in math.💡 In This Episode, We Discuss:Why productive struggle matters now more than everHow to recognize productive vs. unproductive struggleWhen to step in during struggle—and when to hold backSmall instructional shifts that make a big impactSupporting productive struggle at the classroom and system level📘 About the GuestJohn SanGiovanni is a best-selling author and nationally recognized leader in mathematics education. He works as a mathematics coordinator in Maryland, leading curriculum and assessment development, professional learning, intervention, and school improvement planning. He is the author of more than two dozen mathematics education books, an international consultant, and a former board member of both the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics.🔗 Connect with JohnWebsite: sangiomath.comSocial: @JohnSanGiovanniLet’s talk. Send me a message with your email and I’ll get back to you!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 MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen 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!

Productive Math Struggle Series — Action 6: Reflecting on Productive StruggleIn the final episode of our Productive Math Struggle series, we explore the power of reflection — the often-missing piece that transforms struggle into lasting learning.Grounded in research from Phillips (1987) and Sousa (2008), this episode focuses on how intentional reflection helps students make meaning of both what they learned and how they learned it. We share simple, flexible reflection routines that reinforce productive struggle, strengthen math identity, and build habits of perseverance.🔑Key TakeawaysReflection increases retention and meaning-makingLearning includes experience, not just contentReflection reinforces that struggle is valuedVariety in reflection activities mattersReflection should be routine, not constantTeacher reflection improves future instructionCelebration should be thoughtful and student-centered📝Mini Move of the Week👉 Add ONE reflection prompt focused on struggle to lesson closure.📚Read along with UsProductive Struggle in Math: A 6 Point Action Plan for Fostering Perseverance🔗 Listen & Connect🎧 Listen here: https://modernmathteacher.buzzsprout.com/share📸 Instagram: @moorethanjustx🧑‍💻Join the free FB group: The Modern Math Teacher Community👩🏻‍🏫Become a Modern Math Teacher Member💛 Explore more resources: www.moorethanjustx.comLet’s talk. Send me a message with your email and I’ll get back to you!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 MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen 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!

Productive Math Struggle Series — Action 5In Part 5 of our Productive Math Struggle Series, we shift from planning to real-time classroom action: What do you actually do when students struggle?Instead of panicking, rescuing, or over-explaining (we’ve ALL been there), we walk through five high-leverage, easy-to-implement teacher moves that keep struggle productive — not painful. Using insights from Warschauer (2014), Smith & Stein’s 5 Practices, Mona Iehl, and practical classroom experience, this episode gives you the exact moves to support student thinking without stealing the learning.🔑 Key TakeawaysNot all struggle looks the same — knowing the type of struggle helps you respond effectively.Supporting struggle ≠ rescuing answers. The real goal is rescuing thinking.Small teacher moves have big impact on student confidence, perseverance, and identity.Catch-and-Release is one of the most powerful whole-class strategies for addressing common challenges.Referrals, graphic organizers, and anchor charts can build independence and reduce learned helplessness.Metacognitive micro-questions help students become self-directed learners.Honoring mistakes builds trust, reduces math anxiety, and strengthens classroom community.Strategic nudging helps prevent spiraling frustration without removing the challenge.✏️ Mini Move of the Week👉 When a student gets stuck, don’t explain. Ask ONE metacognitive micro-question. Just one. Watch what happens.📚Read along with UsProductive Struggle in Math: A 6 Point Action Plan for Fostering Perseverance🔗 Listen & Connect🎧 Listen here: https://modernmathteacher.buzzsprout.com/share📸 Instagram: @moorethanjustx🧑‍💻Join the Let’s talk. Send me a message with your email and I’ll get back to you!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 MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen 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!

Productive Math Struggle Series — Action 4: Plan a Lesson with Productive StruggleIn Part 4 of our Productive Math Struggle series, we dig into the HEART of rigorous math instruction: lesson planning that intentionally creates space for student thinking, sense-making, and meaningful struggle.If you’ve been craving practical, teacher-ready strategies for selecting or modifying tasks, anticipating student thinking, and balancing conceptual understanding, fluency, and application — this is your masterclass. 🎓✨🔑 Key TakeawaysStrong lesson design includes a clear math goal, intentional task selection, anticipatory planning, and reflection.Mathematical language should be amplified, not simplified (Van de Walle).High-quality tasks are essential for rigor — they reveal misconceptions and promote meaningful discussion.Rigor = conceptual understanding + procedural fluency + application (CCSSO, 2019).Doing the task yourself uncovers biases, reveals complexity, and improves instruction.Anticipation is one of the highest-impact teacher practices (Smith & Stein’s 5 Practices).Inquiry-first sequences (You Do → We Share → I Connect) create deeper learning and stronger reasoning.Grouping, routines, and community-building are essential parts of planning for struggle.You don’t have to overhaul everything at once — start with one lesson a week.✏️ Mini Move of the Week👉 Choose any math task and modify it using ONE strategy from today’s episode. Tiny task shifts → big thinking gains.📚Read along with UsProductive Struggle in Math: A 6 Point Action Plan for Fostering Perseverance🔗 Listen & Connect🎧 Listen here: https://modernmathteacher.buzzsprout.com/share📸 Instagram: @moorethanjustx🧑‍💻Let’s talk. Send me a message with your email and I’ll get back to you!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 MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen 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!