What Counts is a limited-series podcast about the narratives that shape math learning, and how changing those narratives can change what's possible in classrooms. In season 1, we speak to teachers, students, and education leaders to ask: What happens when relationships move from the margins to the center of math instruction?

What Counts is presented by Impact Florida and produced by De LeCourt.

In Episode 1, we ask a foundational question for middle and high school math teachers: where do teacher-student relationships fit in math instruction — and why do they matter in the math classroom?

You'll hear from Florida math teachers who describe a persistent tension between pacing guides and relationship-building, and why many believe there's "not time not to" build trust and student engagement in math class.

We also meet Celena Crews, a veteran secondary math teacher whose approach starts with noticing students, strengthening mathematical foundations without shame, and creating a classroom culture where students feel safe to participate — academically and emotionally.

For math teachers who feel pressure to prioritize content coverage over connection, this episode reframes relationship-building as part of the learning conditions that shape student engagement and math identity.

What Counts is a professional learning podcast for middle and high school math teachers exploring teacher-student relationships, student voice, math identity, and classroom culture. The show is presented by Impact Florida and produced by De LeCourt.

Why do so many students walk into math class believing they're "not math people"?

In Episode 2, we explore why math is one of the only subjects where students form identity-level beliefs about their abilities and how math anxiety, shame, and past classroom experiences shape participation in middle and high school math.

You'll hear secondary math teachers reflect on:

• Students who carry fear or embarrassment into math class

• How small classroom moments can reinforce or undo math anxiety

• The emotional weight teachers feel when trying to rebuild confidence

• Why math identity often becomes personal in ways other subjects don't

If you teach math in a secondary classroom and regularly hear "I'm just not good at math," this episode examines how teacher-student relationships influence math confidence, engagement, and students' willingness to try.

What Counts is a professional learning podcast for middle and high school math teachers exploring teacher-student relationships, student voice, math identity, and classroom culture. The show is presented by Impact Florida and produced by De LeCourt.