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

😮‍💨 Feeling overwhelmed by finals prep? Whether you’re planning a final exam review for Algebra 1, Geometry, or Algebra 2, today’s episode is here to save your sanity—and your time.I’m sharing creative, low-prep ideas to get your students engaged and reviewing without the usual stress-fest. Plus, you’ll hear how to use AI + ready-made warm-ups to build review stations and choice boards in a snap.In this episode, you’ll learn: ✅ Why a simple “one day per topic” structure is my go-to for finals review ✅ How to set up engaging review stations (and build them fast!) ✅ How to use choice boards for student-driven review ✅ Time-saving AI hacks to streamline your planning ✅ A full week sample plan for stress-free final exam prep🎯 Key Takeaway: With a little creativity (and a lot of strategy), you can plan a full review week fast—and keep it meaningful, whether you’re prepping Algebra 1, Geometry, or Algebra 2.📥 Mentioned:Warm-up + Task Card sets (perfect for stations!) 👉 Shop Task CardsMy favorite AI Guide 👉Download NowLet’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!

☀️Summer is almost here—and so is my Summer Series Poolside PD designed to make your teacher professional development feel more like iced coffee on the porch than a boring meeting. 😎In this quick episode, I’m giving you a sneak peek at what’s coming AND asking for your input to help shape the next few months of bite-sized, bingeable episodes.In this episode, you’ll hear: ✅ Why I created the Summer Series for busy teachers like you ✅ A sneak peek at upcoming topics: PBL, AI hacks, back-to-school prep + more ✅ How to vote + submit your ideas for episodes that YOU want most🎯 Key Takeaway: This summer’s PD is all about you—real-world strategies, zero overwhelm, and fresh math ideas to set you up for success.💬 How to Share Your Ideas: ➡ Message me right here in your podcast app (top of the show notes) ➡ DM me on Instagram or Facebook ➡ Vote in the Modern Math Teacher Facebook group pollLet’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!

🤔 How can you help students leave your class feeling confident—even if they struggled all year? In this episode, we’re focusing less on the math and more on the mindset that sticks with students long after the final exam.We’ll explore simple, meaningful ways to build a growth mindset and foster a strong mathematics mindset—so your students walk away believing they can succeed in math.In this episode, you’ll learn: ✅ Why math mindset matters most at the end of the year ✅ 3 easy reflection activities that help students recognize their growth ✅ Simple tweaks to your review routines to build confidence ✅ Language shifts that empower students (and YOU) to finish strongMy Favorite Math Mindset Books 📚If you’re looking to deepen your understanding of growth mindset and mathematics mindset, these books are my go-to resources:Mindset by Carol DweckMindsets in the Classroom by Mary Cay RicciThe Growth Mindset Coach by Annie Brock & Heather HundleyMathematical Mindsets by Jo BoalerNote: These are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase through them. I only recommend what I truly love and use!🎯 Key Takeaway: A few small changes now can make a lasting impact on how your students see themselves as mathematicians.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!

✏️ Looking for free math activities for high school that are actually fun and meaningful? You’re in the right place. In this episode, I’m sharing my top 3 FREE, low-prep, high-impact math activities to keep your students learning (and moving) through the end of the year.These aren’t just fluff—they’re rigorous, hands-on, and tied directly to key standards for Algebra 1 and Algebra 2.In this episode, you’ll get: ✅ A full breakdown of my favorite freebies:✈️ Paper Airplane Math🚀 Mini Paper Rocket Launch🎨 Stained Glass Mini Project ✅ Creative ways to stretch these into sub plans, station rotations, or independent projects ✅ Links to grab them all for FREE (yep, 100% free!)📥 Resources Mentioned:➡ Paper Airplane Math: Download Now ➡ Mini Rocket Launch: Download Now ➡ Stained Glass Mini: Download Now🎯 Key Takeaway: The last weeks of school can be fun, focused, and free—while still keeping the rigor.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!

What better way to celebrate 100 episodes than by keeping it 100% real?In this milestone episode, I’m looking back on 15 real, raw, and totally relatable teaching moments from the past 15 years of my math classroom. From launching tennis balls across fields (oops) to learning the hard way why some things can’t be gray (looking at you, cell phones), I’m sharing the funny fails, the powerful lessons, and the mindset shifts that helped me grow into the teacher I am today.Whether you’re in year 1 or year 20, this one’s for YOU. Let’s celebrate the work we do—and all the messy, beautiful moments in between.🎧 In this episode, I share:Why lesson plans aren’t everything (but routines are)The truth about curriculum vs. instructional practicesWhat I learned by literally becoming a projectile target 💀When to loosen up—and when to tighten upWhy big kids need fun just as much as littlesAnd 10+ other lessons from the classroom trenches🔗 Links + Resources📺 Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@moorethanjustx/videos 👇 Join the conversation in our FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/modern-math-teacher❤️ Thanks for being part of this podcast journey! Leave a review or share this episode with a teacher friend who needs a boost!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!

🤔 What are the best AI tools for teaching math? If you’ve been asking this, I have a game-changing classroom story for you!In this episode, I’m sharing my new favorite AI tool—Snorkl—and how it completely transformed my lesson on graphing trigonometric functions. I’ll take you behind the scenes of an unforgettable class period where students: ✔ Got instant feedback that deepened their understanding ✔ Naturally used precise academic vocabulary ✔ Persisted through challenges and collaborated like never before💡 The result? Stronger math discussions, more confident problem-solving, and meaningful connections between graphs and equations—especially with tricky sine and cosine waves!In this episode, you’ll learn: ✅ What Snorkl is and why it’s my top pick for AI-powered math practice ✅ The unexpected benefits my students experienced (engagement + rigor!) ✅ Actionable tips for using Snorkl in your classroom this week📥 Resources Mentioned:➡ Download my free AI Guide for Math Teachers: Get the Guide ➡ Explore Snorkl’s math activities: snorkl.app🎯 Key Takeaway: When AI tools are designed well, they don’t just check answers—they spark deeper thinking, rich conversations, and true math growth.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!

🥳 It’s Teacher Appreciation Week—and this episode is all about YOU. Whether you’re coasting into summer or barely hanging on (no shame), I want to say THANK YOU for the work you do every single day.In this special episode, we’re keeping things light, fun, and helpful with: ✔ Heartfelt encouragement (because you deserve it) ✔ Fun end-of-year teacher superlatives (grab your coffee and laugh along) ✔ Easy, low-prep math activities that are actually rigorous—and on sale for Teacher Appreciation Week deals!💡 Whether you need a boost or a quick idea to survive May, this one’s for you.In this episode, you’ll hear: ✅ A heartfelt reminder of why your work matters (even when it feels like a slog) ✅ My favorite teacher superlatives to make you smile ✅ 5 low-prep, high-impact math projects + activities that make end-of-year review easy📥 Resources Mentioned: ➡ Check out my TpT store for Teacher Appreciation Week deals: Shop Now🎯 Key Takeaway: You’re making a difference—today and every day. Let’s make May easier (and a little more fun) while we’re at it.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!

Teaching doesn’t have to be exhausting. What if small shifts could give you back your time, reduce burnout, and make learning more engaging—without adding extra stress?In this episode, I’m joined by Rae Hughart, educator, speaker, and founder of Teachers Deserve It. Rae is passionate about helping teachers set boundaries, reclaim their time, and make learning meaningful for students in a way that’s practical and sustainable.We’re diving into simple, actionable strategies to help you take back control of your time, rethink professional development, and bring real-world connections into your classroom.In this episode, you’ll learn:✔️ Time-saving strategies to lighten your workload and avoid burnout.✔️ How to make professional development work for you instead of feeling like another task.✔️ Practical ways to bring real-world connections into your lessons.✔️ The truth about flexible seating and how to design an effective classroom setup.💡 Key Takeaway: Teaching doesn’t have to be hard. Small shifts can lead to big changes, helping you set boundaries, reclaim your time, and still create an engaging, student-centered classroom.Resources Mentioned:🎓 TeachersDeserveIt.com – Explore Rae’s Learning Hub and access bite-sized PD designed for busy teachers.💰 Promo Code: PodcastFan – Get $5 off each month for your first year of the Learning Hub!📲 Follow Rae Hughart on Social Media: @RaeHughart✨ Loved this episode? Share it with a fellow teacher who needs to hear this message!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!

🎧 What if you could take math outside and still hit your learning goals? Say goodbye to packets and hello to sunshine ☀️—because spring is the perfect time to take your math lessons outdoors without sacrificing rigor.In this episode, I’m sharing two of my favorite math projects that work perfectly outside and still cover those key standards. Whether you’re wrapping up a unit or just trying to harness that end-of-year energy, these real-world projects will get your students moving, engaged, and learning.We’ll explore: 🌟 Why outdoor learning increases focus and engagement 🌟 How outdoor settings bring math concepts to life 🌟 Two epic, student-approved math projects: • Rocket Project – Quadratic functions meet water-powered fun • Kite Project – Geometry, trig, and similarity in actionPlus, bonus ideas like sidewalk chalk graphing, math scavenger hunts, and geometry photo walks to add a little sunshine to your standards.📎 Resources & Links Mentioned:Rockets– Quadratic Function Project Kite Project – Geometry Review🎯 Want to try these in your classroom? Grab them from my TpT store and bring some fresh air into your lesson plans.Until next time, Keep your students moving, keep the learning real, and as always… keep it real.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!

🎧 What if your next math review or intro lesson didn’t feel like a worksheet… but like a real, creative challenge your students couldn’t wait to do? If spring fever has hit your classroom, it’s time to switch gears and bring in hands-on math activities that are engaging, meaningful, and standards-aligned.In this episode, I’m sharing three of my favorite hands-on math projects that work especially well this time of year. These projects are real, relevant, and rigorous—and teachers say they help learning stick.✨ Why hands-on learning works so well during spring ✨ How to use math projects for spiral review or content mastery ✨ Teacher-tested projects your students will actually enjoy:Stained Glass Project (Linear Equations)Going Viral (Exponential Functions)Probability Games & ProjectsWhether you need a break from the routine or want to review before state testing, these projects bring the fun and the depth.📎 Resources & Links Mentioned:Stained Glass Project Linear Equation ProjectGoing Viral Exponential Function ProjectProbability Games Project🎯 Try one this week and let me know how it goes—drop into our Facebook group The Modern Math Teachers Project and share your students’ creations!Until next time, Keep getting messy with math, keep the hands-on learning opportunities high, and as always… keep it real.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!