Making Math Moments That Matter – Détails, épisodes et analyse

You’ve got a strong teacher, strong strategies—and still, the innovation stalls. What gives? In this episode, we tackle what’s really behind resistance in math PD and why most implementation efforts collapse long before proficiency is even possible.

Building on our last episode, we unpack how a school we support used the five implementation stages—Non-Use, Awareness, Mechanical, Routine, and Proficient—to move real teacher practice forward in mathematics. 

You’ll hear how assumptions like “math teachers just need to buy in” or “they’re too comfortable” miss the point—and how shifting the conversation back to student outcomes changed everything.

Listen in to learn:

• What each of the five stages of implementation looks like in real math classrooms
• Why most resistance towards math PD is rooted in fear, fatigue, or flawed systems—not mindset
• How to use department meetings and peer examples to build momentum in mathematics
• Why focusing on student growth—not compliance—creates authentic engagement in math class
• What math leaders can do to provide the right support at the right stage

Hit play to explore how real school teams are flipping the script on math improvement implementation—and how you can do the same by putting students, not strategies, at the center of your plan.

Not sure what matters most when designing math improvement plans? Take this assessment and get a free customized report: https://makemathmoments.com/grow/ 

Math coordinators and leaders – Ready to design your math improvement plan with guidance, support and using structure? Learn how to follow our 4 stage process. https://growyourmathprogram.com 

Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & Units 

Show Notes Page

Love the show? Text us your big takeaway!

Empower Your Students (and Teachers) Using A Professional Learning PlanThat Sparks Engagement, Fuels Deep Learning, and Ignites Action!

Book a time to chat with our team to see how we can help you achieve your math goals!

https://makemathmoments.com/plan/

Are you wondering how to create K-12 math lesson plans that leave students so engaged they don’t want to stop exploring your math curriculum when the bell rings? In their podcast, Kyle Pearce and Jon Orr—founders of MakeMathMoments.com—share over 19 years of experience inspiring K-12 math students, teachers, and district leaders with effective math activities, engaging resources, and innovative math leadership strategies. Through a 6-step framework, they guide K-12 classroom teachers and district math coordinators on building a strong, balanced math program that grows student and teacher impact. Each week, gain fresh ideas, feedback, and practical strategies to feel more confident and motivate students to see the beauty in math. Start making math moments today by listening to Episode #139: "Making Math Moments From Day 1 to 180.

Still stuck “talking” about change, but not seeing it in action? The real roadblock to change in math may not be teacher resistance—it might be your system.

Based on Jim Knight’s powerful article in Educational Leadership, “Moving from Talk to Action in Professional Learning,” this episode reframes what looks like math pd resistance in schools. We walk through the five stages of implementation—Non-Use, Awareness, Mechanical, Routine, and Proficient—and reveal how most educators aren’t resisting change… they’re stuck in a system that makes it nearly impossible to act on it. If multiple people are resisting, it’s not a people problem—it’s a system problem.

You’ll learn:

• What each of the five implementation stages looks like in real practice in math pd
• Why math educators appear resistant—and how fear, perfectionism, and lack of agency fuel hesitation
• How student-focused goals create momentum where strategy mandates fall flat
• Simple, leader-driven shifts that support movement in math pd from awareness to action
• What it takes to make professional learning stick, even after the workshop ends

Press play to explore Jim Knight’s findings and discover what it really takes to turn professional learning into professional practice.

Not sure what matters most when designing math improvement plans? Take this assessment and get a free customized report: https://makemathmoments.com/grow/ 

Math coordinators and leaders – Ready to design your math improvement plan with guidance, support and using structure? Learn how to follow our 4 stage process. https://growyourmathprogram.com 

Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & Units 

Show Notes Page

Love the show? Text us your big takeaway!

Empower Your Students (and Teachers) Using A Professional Learning PlanThat Sparks Engagement, Fuels Deep Learning, and Ignites Action!

Book a time to chat with our team to see how we can help you achieve your math goals!

https://makemathmoments.com/plan/

Are you wondering how to create K-12 math lesson plans that leave students so engaged they don’t want to stop exploring your math curriculum when the bell rings? In their podcast, Kyle Pearce and Jon Orr—founders of MakeMathMoments.com—share over 19 years of experience inspiring K-12 math students, teachers, and district leaders with effective math activities, engaging resources, and innovative math leadership strategies. Through a 6-step framework, they guide K-12 classroom teachers and district math coordinators on building a strong, balanced math program that grows student and teacher impact. Each week, gain fresh ideas, feedback, and practical strategies to feel more confident and motivate students to see the beauty in math. Start making math moments today by listening to Episode #139: "Making Math Moments From Day 1 to 180.

Math improvement plans don’t gain traction just by naming priorities—they gain traction when districts commit to going narrow. For one small district, that meant resisting the urge to spread resources across every grade and instead doubling down on a focused goal: supporting grades 3–5 teachers with the consistent use of problem strings to strengthen student fluency.

In this episode, we explore the critical leadership decisions that fueled momentum: choosing more and better over new, positioning principals as partners, and building long-term sustainability so the work doesn’t disappear if a coach or coordinator leaves.

Listeners will:

• See how a single math priority becomes the filter for PD, PLCs, and walkthroughs.
• Learn the more → better → new sequence to build momentum without piling on.
• Hear how measured success came from cultivating “bright spots”—teacher leaders modeling and sharing success with peers.
• Discover how sustainable supports were layered in by embedding problem strings into PLCs, coaching cycles, and administrator walkthroughs with a co-constructed look-for rubric.

Listen now to see exactly how going narrow creates a math flywheel—so your PD shows up in classrooms and your results compound across the year.

Not sure what matters most when designing math improvement plans? Take this assessment and get a free customized report: https://makemathmoments.com/grow/ 

Math coordinators and leaders – Ready to design your math improvement plan with guidance, support and using structure? Learn how to follow our 4 stage process. https://growyourmathprogram.com 

Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & Units 

Show Notes Page

Love the show? Text us your big takeaway!

Empower Your Students (and Teachers) Using A Professional Learning PlanThat Sparks Engagement, Fuels Deep Learning, and Ignites Action!

Book a time to chat with our team to see how we can help you achieve your math goals!

https://makemathmoments.com/plan/

Are you wondering how to create K-12 math lesson plans that leave students so engaged they don’t want to stop exploring your math curriculum when the bell rings? In their podcast, Kyle Pearce and Jon Orr—founders of MakeMathMoments.com—share over 19 years of experience inspiring K-12 math students, teachers, and district leaders with effective math activities, engaging resources, and innovative math leadership strategies. Through a 6-step framework, they guide K-12 classroom teachers and district math coordinators on building a strong, balanced math program that grows student and teacher impact. Each week, gain fresh ideas, feedback, and practical strategies to feel more confident and motivate students to see the beauty in math. Start making math moments today by listening to Episode #139: "Making Math Moments From Day 1 to 180.

Not sure what matters most when designing math improvement plans? Take this assessment and get a free customized report: https://makemathmoments.com/grow/ 

Ready to design your math improvement plan with guidance, support and using structure? Learn how to follow our 4 stage process. https://growyourmathprogram.com 

Are your teachers’ math assessments helping students grow as learners or are they hindering student achievement? 

In this episode, Jon Orr and Yvette Lehman dive into the role of assessment in math education and how a shift in assessment practices can create a classroom culture that values growth and understanding. Hear real insights from their work with district leaders to transform summative assessments into powerful tools for student growth.

1. Discover practical ways to make assessments opportunities for reflection and improvement, even for summative assessments.
2. Learn how to build a math classroom culture where assessments foster self-awareness and ownership over learning.
3. Gain strategies for implementing moderated marking and community practices that create alignment and elevate teaching practices.

Listen to this episode now to reshape your assessment approach and support lasting student growth in math!

Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & Units

Show Notes Page.

Love the show? Text us your big takeaway!

Empower Your Students (and Teachers) Using A Professional Learning PlanThat Sparks Engagement, Fuels Deep Learning, and Ignites Action!

Book a time to chat with our team to see how we can help you achieve your math goals!

https://makemathmoments.com/plan/

Are you wondering how to create K-12 math lesson plans that leave students so engaged they don’t want to stop exploring your math curriculum when the bell rings? In their podcast, Kyle Pearce and Jon Orr—founders of MakeMathMoments.com—share over 19 years of experience inspiring K-12 math students, teachers, and district leaders with effective math activities, engaging resources, and innovative math leadership strategies. Through a 6-step framework, they guide K-12 classroom teachers and district math coordinators on building a strong, balanced math program that grows student and teacher impact. Each week, gain fresh ideas, feedback, and practical strategies to feel more confident and motivate students to see the beauty in math. Start making math moments today by listening to Episode #139: "Making Math Moments From Day 1 to 180.

Are you struggling with your student’s math retention or maybe you’re struggling to engage students who feel disconnected from math or battle math anxiety?

In this episode, Jon Orr and Yvette Lehman welcome back Juliana Tapper, an expert in supporting students who struggle with math, to explore impactful ways to address student engagement and math anxiety in grades 6-12. Drawing on insights from her new book and 2024 Make Math Moments Virtual Summit Session, Juliana shares practical strategies for educators dealing with retention issues and lack of student motivation.

• Discover brain science behind math anxiety and why some students struggle with recall and problem-solving.
• Learn four actionable strategies to create a supportive math classroom that builds confidence and collaboration.
• Gain insights into balancing grade-level content with the needs of students who feel disconnected from math.

Listen now to transform your classroom environment and help struggling math students thrive!

Show Notes Page.

Not sure what matters most when designing math improvement plans? Take this assessment and get a free customized report: https://makemathmoments.com/grow/ 

Ready to design your math improvement plan with guidance, support and using structure? Learn how to follow our 4 stage process. https://growyourmathprogram.com

Love the show? Text us your big takeaway!

Empower Your Students (and Teachers) Using A Professional Learning PlanThat Sparks Engagement, Fuels Deep Learning, and Ignites Action!

Book a time to chat with our team to see how we can help you achieve your math goals!

https://makemathmoments.com/plan/

Are you wondering how to create K-12 math lesson plans that leave students so engaged they don’t want to stop exploring your math curriculum when the bell rings? In their podcast, Kyle Pearce and Jon Orr—founders of MakeMathMoments.com—share over 19 years of experience inspiring K-12 math students, teachers, and district leaders with effective math activities, engaging resources, and innovative math leadership strategies. Through a 6-step framework, they guide K-12 classroom teachers and district math coordinators on building a strong, balanced math program that grows student and teacher impact. Each week, gain fresh ideas, feedback, and practical strategies to feel more confident and motivate students to see the beauty in math. Start making math moments today by listening to Episode #139: "Making Math Moments From Day 1 to 180.

Not sure what matters most when designing math improvement plans? Take this assessment and get a free customized report: https://growyourmathprogram.com 

Ready to design your math improvement plan with guidance, support and using structure? Learn how to follow our 4 stage process. http://makemathmoments.com/discovery/ 

Are you struggling to make a real impact in your math program, constantly adding new initiatives but not seeing the results you hoped for?

In this video, Jon Orr dives into the idea of "doing less" by focusing on what truly matters in K-12 math education. He uses a powerful tree analogy to illustrate how trimming down and concentrating on the essentials can lead to a stronger, more impactful program.

1. Learn why focusing on fewer, impactful goals can transform your math program.
2. Discover the six core components of effective math programs, from leadership to mindset.
3. Get practical tips on pruning distractions so you can build a unified vision that resonates with your team.

Ready to strengthen your math program by focusing on what matters most? Tune in now to get started on creating impactful, lasting change!


Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & Units

Show Notes Page.

Love the show? Text us your big takeaway!

Empower Your Students (and Teachers) Using A Professional Learning PlanThat Sparks Engagement, Fuels Deep Learning, and Ignites Action!

Book a time to chat with our team to see how we can help you achieve your math goals!

https://makemathmoments.com/plan/

Are you wondering how to create K-12 math lesson plans that leave students so engaged they don’t want to stop exploring your math curriculum when the bell rings? In their podcast, Kyle Pearce and Jon Orr—founders of MakeMathMoments.com—share over 19 years of experience inspiring K-12 math students, teachers, and district leaders with effective math activities, engaging resources, and innovative math leadership strategies. Through a 6-step framework, they guide K-12 classroom teachers and district math coordinators on building a strong, balanced math program that grows student and teacher impact. Each week, gain fresh ideas, feedback, and practical strategies to feel more confident and motivate students to see the beauty in math. Start making math moments today by listening to Episode #139: "Making Math Moments From Day 1 to 180.

Ready to transform your math classroom into a space where students feel empowered, take risks, and truly engage in meaningful learning and mathematical discourse?

In this episode of the Making Math Moments That Matter podcast, we sit down with Crystal M. Watson to explore how educators can shift from being the “knower” at the front of the room to becoming facilitators of authentic student-driven discourse. If you’re struggling with balancing direct instruction and student-centered learning, this episode is for you!

• Discover actionable strategies to create a classroom culture where students feel safe to take risks and participate in rich mathematical discussions.
• Learn how to integrate both direct instruction and inquiry-based learning to enhance student engagement and understanding.
• Gain practical tips for fostering an environment of continuous learning and improvement for both you and your students.

Tune in now and equip yourself with the tools to foster deeper mathematical thinking and collaboration in your classroom!

Not sure what matters most when designing math improvement plans? Take this assessment and get a free customized report: https://growyourmathprogram.com 

Ready to design your math improvement plan with guidance, support and using structure? Learn how to follow our 4 stage process. http://makemathmoments.com/discovery/ 

Show Notes Page.

Love the show? Text us your big takeaway!

Empower Your Students (and Teachers) Using A Professional Learning PlanThat Sparks Engagement, Fuels Deep Learning, and Ignites Action!

Book a time to chat with our team to see how we can help you achieve your math goals!

https://makemathmoments.com/plan/

Are you wondering how to create K-12 math lesson plans that leave students so engaged they don’t want to stop exploring your math curriculum when the bell rings? In their podcast, Kyle Pearce and Jon Orr—founders of MakeMathMoments.com—share over 19 years of experience inspiring K-12 math students, teachers, and district leaders with effective math activities, engaging resources, and innovative math leadership strategies. Through a 6-step framework, they guide K-12 classroom teachers and district math coordinators on building a strong, balanced math program that grows student and teacher impact. Each week, gain fresh ideas, feedback, and practical strategies to feel more confident and motivate students to see the beauty in math. Start making math moments today by listening to Episode #139: "Making Math Moments From Day 1 to 180.

Have you ever delivered a professional development session that felt powerful in the moment but didn't lead to the changes you hoped for in the classroom?

In this episode, we tackle a common challenge: how to ensure your PD sessions translate into real, meaningful shifts in teacher practice. It’s not enough to inspire in the moment; you need to create lasting impact that continues well beyond the day of learning.

• Discover how to integrate reflection and self-assessment strategies to foster teacher growth.
• Learn practical tips to build accountability and maintain momentum between sessions.
• Explore simple yet effective follow-up methods to sustain progress and ensure lasting change.

Hit play now to learn how to transform your professional development sessions into powerful catalysts for long-term change in your school or district.

Not sure what matters most when designing math improvement plans? Take this assessment and get a free customized report: https://growyourmathprogram.com 

Ready to design your math improvement plan with guidance, support and using structure? Learn how to follow our 4 stage process. http://makemathmoments.com/discovery/ 

Show Notes Page.

Love the show? Text us your big takeaway!

Empower Your Students (and Teachers) Using A Professional Learning PlanThat Sparks Engagement, Fuels Deep Learning, and Ignites Action!

Book a time to chat with our team to see how we can help you achieve your math goals!

https://makemathmoments.com/plan/

Are you wondering how to create K-12 math lesson plans that leave students so engaged they don’t want to stop exploring your math curriculum when the bell rings? In their podcast, Kyle Pearce and Jon Orr—founders of MakeMathMoments.com—share over 19 years of experience inspiring K-12 math students, teachers, and district leaders with effective math activities, engaging resources, and innovative math leadership strategies. Through a 6-step framework, they guide K-12 classroom teachers and district math coordinators on building a strong, balanced math program that grows student and teacher impact. Each week, gain fresh ideas, feedback, and practical strategies to feel more confident and motivate students to see the beauty in math. Start making math moments today by listening to Episode #139: "Making Math Moments From Day 1 to 180.

How do you help students master multiplication and division while keeping them engaged and confident?

In this episode, Dr. Nikki Newton shares how relationship-building and effective teaching tools can lower students' fear of math and boost their fact fluency, especially in multiplication and division. Discover strategies that directly address the challenge of making math approachable and accessible for all learners.

By tuning in, you'll learn:

• How to lower students' anxiety around math and make learning more enjoyable.
• Why relationship-building is the key to unlocking students' potential.
• Practical tools for teaching multiplication and division that go beyond memorization and focus on deeper understanding.

Ready to transform your math teaching and help students thrive? Hit play and discover Dr. Nikki’s must-have strategies now!

Not sure what matters most when designing math improvement plans? Take this assessment and get a free customized report: https://growyourmathprogram.com 

Ready to design your math improvement plan with guidance, support and using structure? Learn how to follow our 4 stage process. http://makemathmoments.com/discovery/ 

Show Notes Page.

Love the show? Text us your big takeaway!

Empower Your Students (and Teachers) Using A Professional Learning PlanThat Sparks Engagement, Fuels Deep Learning, and Ignites Action!

Book a time to chat with our team to see how we can help you achieve your math goals!

https://makemathmoments.com/plan/

Are you wondering how to create K-12 math lesson plans that leave students so engaged they don’t want to stop exploring your math curriculum when the bell rings? In their podcast, Kyle Pearce and Jon Orr—founders of MakeMathMoments.com—share over 19 years of experience inspiring K-12 math students, teachers, and district leaders with effective math activities, engaging resources, and innovative math leadership strategies. Through a 6-step framework, they guide K-12 classroom teachers and district math coordinators on building a strong, balanced math program that grows student and teacher impact. Each week, gain fresh ideas, feedback, and practical strategies to feel more confident and motivate students to see the beauty in math. Start making math moments today by listening to Episode #139: "Making Math Moments From Day 1 to 180.

Not sure what matters most when designing math improvement plans? Take this assessment and get a free customized report: https://growyourmathprogram.com 

Ready to design your math improvement plan with guidance, support and using structure? Learn how to follow our 4 stage process. http://makemathmoments.com/discovery/ 

Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & Units

Ever wonder why teachers' implementation of the strategies you've worked so hard to teach them are not consistent? You're not alone!

In this episode, we dive into two major barriers preventing math educators from fully adopting the practices you know will make a difference. You'll learn why professional development can fall flat and what key components need to be in place to make lasting changes in classrooms.

By listening, you'll discover:

• The critical follow-up step most professional development programs miss.
• How to eliminate time-wasting meetings by setting clear, long-term goals.
• Practical tips to optimize your support systems for better implementation and teacher engagement.

Ready to break through those barriers? Hit play now and start building a more effective math program today!

• Show Notes Page. 

Love the show? Text us your big takeaway!

Empower Your Students (and Teachers) Using A Professional Learning PlanThat Sparks Engagement, Fuels Deep Learning, and Ignites Action!

Book a time to chat with our team to see how we can help you achieve your math goals!

https://makemathmoments.com/plan/

Are you wondering how to create K-12 math lesson plans that leave students so engaged they don’t want to stop exploring your math curriculum when the bell rings? In their podcast, Kyle Pearce and Jon Orr—founders of MakeMathMoments.com—share over 19 years of experience inspiring K-12 math students, teachers, and district leaders with effective math activities, engaging resources, and innovative math leadership strategies. Through a 6-step framework, they guide K-12 classroom teachers and district math coordinators on building a strong, balanced math program that grows student and teacher impact. Each week, gain fresh ideas, feedback, and practical strategies to feel more confident and motivate students to see the beauty in math. Start making math moments today by listening to Episode #139: "Making Math Moments From Day 1 to 180.