Are we teaching students fake math — and missing the chance to build real mathematical thinkers?

If you've ever felt frustrated that your students are following procedures without true understanding — or wondered why some students seem "mathy" while others struggle — this conversation with math is figureoutable’s Pam Harris will open your eyes. Together with Jon Orr, Pam Harris uncovers the hidden traps in traditional math teaching that reinforce shallow learning, and she shares how rethinking what mathing really means can transform both teachers and students.

By tuning into this episode, you'll discover:

• Why many algorithms unintentionally trap students into rote learning rather than real reasoning.
• How to high dose essential mathematical patterns so that all students — not just a few — build deep, flexible thinking.
• Practical ways to shift professional development toward meaningful, lasting teacher growth (beyond just pedagogy tips).

Press play now to rethink what true math understanding looks like — and how you can spark it in every classroom - math is figureoutable!

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

Love the show? Text us your big takeaway!

Get a Customized Math Improvement Plan For Your District.

Are you district leader for mathematics? Take the 12 minute assessment and you’ll get a free, customized improvement plan to shape and grow the 6 parts of any strong mathematics program.

Take the assessment

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.

As a K-12 math coordinator, coach, leader are you constantly collecting resources, leading PD, and chasing the next big idea—only to wonder if any of it is actually changing classroom practice?

If you're a math coach, coordinator, or administrator who feels stuck in a loop of sharing best practices without seeing those practices transferred consistently into the classroom, this episode dives into the heart of that struggle. Kyle Pearce, Yvette Lehman, and Jon Orr confront a challenge many leaders face: how to balance continuous learning with focused implementation. When every new initiative feels urgent, how do you know when it's time to stop gathering and start doing?

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why more math PD doesn't always equal more impact—and how to recognize the tipping point.
• A smarter approach to setting math goals that actually result in classroom change.
• How to build coordinated support systems in mathematics that turn professional learning into real-world results.

If you’re ready to move from overwhelmed to intentional leadership, press play and let’s reimagine how math professional learning should really work.

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

Love the show? Text us your big takeaway!

Get a Customized Math Improvement Plan For Your District.

Are you district leader for mathematics? Take the 12 minute assessment and you’ll get a free, customized improvement plan to shape and grow the 6 parts of any strong mathematics program.

Take the assessment

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 can we bridge the gap between modern math classrooms and the way our generation learned math?

Today’s classrooms look nothing like they did 20 years ago—by design. But while educators are embracing student-centered math that fosters deep understanding, many parents are left confused or concerned. Kelly Green, an experienced educator and math consultant, joins the show to tackle one of education’s most overlooked challenges: bringing parents along in the math transformation. Whether you’re a teacher, coach, admin, or parent, this episode reveals what’s needed to turn resistance into partnership.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why traditional math anxiety still haunts both kids and educators—and how to break the cycle.
• How to proactively communicate instructional shifts to parents (and avoid backlash over things like the delayed standard algorithm).
• What schools and leaders can do to build strong homeschool math connections that empower—not alienate—families.

Press play to learn how you can strengthen your math community by turning parents into partners in the learning journey.

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

Love the show? Text us your big takeaway!

Get a Customized Math Improvement Plan For Your District.

Are you district leader for mathematics? Take the 12 minute assessment and you’ll get a free, customized improvement plan to shape and grow the 6 parts of any strong mathematics program.

Take the assessment

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.