In this episode, I delve into the importance of emotions in math education. Teaching math isn't just about facts and procedures; it's about how students feel when grappling with mathematical ideas. I emphasize the need for students to experience emotions like grappling and perseverance, which are essential for learning and personal growth. Drawing from my research and two decades in math classrooms, I advocate for creating spaces where students' emotions are acknowledged and valued.
Takeaways
Join the conversation!
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What’s your math story? That’s where we begin this episode with the brilliant minds behind Smart With It, Jill Diniz and James Tanton. Together, they share powerful personal journeys—how emotions, curiosity, and frustration shaped their beliefs about mathematics and, ultimately, their purpose as math educators.
Jill and James speak with honesty and heart about what it means to be “smart with it”—to see math as deeply human, to honor student emotion as a catalyst for belief, and to boldly build a curriculum that teaches the why behind the math, not just the how. We talk about childhood moments of wonder (and discouragement), disrupting belief cycles, and why the future of math teaching must center thinking, not compliance.
If you’ve ever felt like something was missing in math class, this episode will restore your hope. It’s a call to action to make mathematics joyful, playful, and meaningful—for all the maths and all the learners.
Why emotions shape beliefs about math—and how teachers can shift them
The myth of the “math person” and what it really means to belong in math
How Smart With It brings “passion and heart” to secondary math curriculum
Cognitive science, spaced recall, and what it means to actually remember something
Why telling the human story of math makes all the difference
Check out All the Maths on SmartWithIt
https://smartwithit.com/all-the-maths/
Connect with Jill and James on LinkedIn!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jilldiniz/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-tanton-9920bb58/
In this episode of Blue Glasses Math, I welcome Jen Dalton, Math Department Chair at New England Innovation Academy. We discuss the importance of building trust with students, and innovative teaching methods that integrate real-world applications and cross-disciplinary skills.
Takeways
Building trust with students is crucial for a successful learning environment.
Real-world applications make math more engaging for students.
Competency-based education focuses on skills rather than content memorization.
Encouraging students to take risks fosters a positive learning atmosphere.
Integrating humanities and math can enhance student engagement.
Listening to students helps tailor teaching methods to their needs.
Creating a safe space for mistakes encourages learning.
Check out New England Innovation Academy!
In this episode, I engage in a thought-provoking conversation with William Polan, an international school educator and math coach based in Thailand. We explore the transformative power of inquiry-based learning in math education, discussing how it fosters student confidence, creativity, and self-directed learning. William shares insights from his upcoming book, "The Inquiry Math Classroom," and highlights the importance of connecting with students through content to cultivate meaningful relationships and growth mindsets.
Check out the magic of Inquiry Math by connecting with William on IG and LinkedIn. He's got some great tunes on his post / reels too!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-polan-972b5b238/
In this episode of Blue Glasses Math, I sit down with four incredible math education leaders to explore the Math Narrative Project—a powerful initiative reshaping the way we think and talk about math teaching and learning. Please welcome Dionne Aminata, Deborah Peart Crayton, Adrienne Baytops Paul and Nicole Joseph, PhD to the conversation.
We center student voices, especially the voices of Black students, as a vital lens for understanding and transforming classroom experiences. The Math Narrative Project examines the assumptions teachers carry, the relationships we build, and the systemic shifts required to create classrooms where every student feels seen, heard, and mathematically capable.
This conversation is more than a dialogue—it’s a call to action. One that urges us to listen deeply, teach bravely, and lead with the belief that all students can thrive in math.
https://www.mathersgonnamath.com/
In this episode, I’m joined by Jennifer Lempp—math coach, author, and advocate for empowering students through the Math Workshop model. Jennifer opens up about her own struggles with math, and how those early experiences shaped her passion for helping every student see themselves as a math person.
We talk about what it really takes to create a classroom where students feel safe, seen, and supported. From slowing down instruction to allow deeper thinking, to prioritizing empathy in daily interactions, Jennifer shares powerful strategies that are both practical and transformative.
If you’re looking for ways to shift math class from performance to possibility—this one’s for you.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
Jennifer Lempp’s personal journey from math anxiety to math leadership
How the Math Workshop model transforms teaching and learning
Why “Go slow to go fast” is essential advice for math educators
The power of empathy in building student confidence
Strategies to engage students in meaningful, reflective math experiences
Professional development as a tool for transformation
The value of teacher reflection and small, intentional shifts
Creating classrooms where everyone feels like a math person
🔍 Keywords:
math education, Math Workshop, student engagement, Jennifer Lempp, math anxiety, empathy in teaching, student-centered learning, teacher reflection, professional development
🔊 Sound Bites:
“Go slow to go fast.”
“Math Workshop transforms learning.”
“Supportive environments change everything.”
“Empathy is key in teaching.”
⏱️ Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction and Jennifer’s Math Story
03:00 – What Is Math Workshop?
06:00 – Building Supportive Learning Environments
09:00 – Empathy and Engagement in the Classroom
12:00 – Strategies for Overcoming Math Anxiety
15:00 – Reflection and Professional Growth
📚 Resources & Links:
📖 Purchase Jennifer’s Book: [Math Workshop] (insert link)
📸 Instagram: @jennifer_lempp
💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jennifer-lempp-ed-d-10603274
In this power-packed Pam² episode of Blue Glasses Math, I sit down with Pam Harris!!
Pam Harris is shifting the way we view and teach mathematics. She is a mom, former high school math teacher, university lecturer, author and the Founder of Math is Figureoutable. Math teachers around the world rave about her online Building Powerful Mathematics workshops. For over 20 years, Pam has been helping leaders and teachers reach more students in less time so that students math with confidence and success.
We dig into
Pam Harris’ own math story—from feeling like she knew it all…realizing that she relied on waiting for someone to show her how to do math. She tells the story about a conversation with her school-aged son that helped her to shift her perspective.
How teachers can use powerful moves to shift away from "fake math" to thinking mathematically.
Why “mathematical authority” needs to shift away from the teacher and toward fostering student agency
How problem strings are a game-changing routine that build numerical fluency through relationships, not rules.
The importance of modeling mathematical thinking out loud and trusting kids to do the math.
This episode is for every teacher, coach, and leader who wants to equip students with strategic reasoning power—not just algorithms that easily get forgotten. Whether you’ve followed Pam Harris for years or you’re brand new to her work, this is a conversation that will leave you energized and ready to push your practice.
And yes—it’s a full Pam² moment. Two Pams. One mission: to help every student believe they are a math person.
🔗 Links & Resources:📚
Check out Pam's e-book https://www.mathisfigureoutable.com/big
Get into the math with Pam at #mathstratchat
https://www.mathisfigureoutable.com/mathstratchat
Follow Pam Harris on socials - join the conversation on FB
https://www.facebook.com/MathIsFigureOutAble/
What’s your math story? In this deeply inspiring episode of Blue Glasses Math, I sit down with the one and only Jo Boaler—mathematics education researcher, author of Math-ish, and founder of YouCubed. We talk about shifting math culture from correctness to curiosity, and from isolation to collaboration. Bentley, Jo’s adorable 14-week-old puppy, joins us too—snoozing peacefully in her lap as we talk about all things math and mindset.
We explore:
Jo’s personal math story and the high school teacher who changed everything.
What “math-ish” means and why asking for an “ish number” opens up number sense.
What mathematical diversity looks like and how it challenges one-right-way math teaching.
The emotional weight of mistakes in math class—and how mathematical diversity can help.
The real reason flip and multiply is so hard for students—and how visual models shift understanding.
Advice for new (and experienced) teachers heading into a new school year.
This episode is for anyone—teachers, coaches, leaders, and parents—looking for new ways to help students see themselves as math people.
💡 Bonus: Jo shares her strategy for supporting teachers to let go of perfection and lean into curiosity—starting with just one question: "What do you think?"
🔗 Links & Resources:🎥 Video of “ish numbers” in action
In this episode of Blue Glasses Math, I talk about the importance of understanding the beliefs we each carry about teaching and learning math—and how those beliefs impact both us as teachers and our students. I share why it’s so powerful to reflect on our own math stories, and how the stories our students bring into the classroom shape their learning.
We’ll explore the role emotions play in forming and reinforcing beliefs, and I’ll offer practical strategies you can use right away to create a positive learning environment. From giving students more autonomy, to validating their ideas, to encouraging meaningful discourse, I’ll walk through simple ways we can shift negative beliefs and help every student feel supported and capable in math class.
Takeaways
You can always hit restart even in your classroom.
Understanding your own math story is crucial.
Students bring their own math stories into the classroom.
Beliefs about math influence teaching decisions.
Emotions play a significant role in learning math.
Beliefs are shaped by repeated emotional experiences.
Teachers can influence students' beliefs through interactions.
Validating students' ideas is essential for engagement.
Encouraging mathematical discourse helps shift beliefs.
Respect in the classroom fosters a safe learning environment.
"What is your math story?"
"Beliefs are sticky, but they are not fixed."
"Every interaction is one drop in this jar."
00:00 Introduction and Restarting the Journey
01:01 Understanding Your Math Story
02:47 The Impact of Beliefs on Learning
06:13 Emotions and Their Role in Math Education
08:57 Shifting Student Beliefs and Behaviors
12:12 Practical Strategies for Teachers
21:09 Conclusion and Call to Action
In this solo episode, I reconnect with the Blue Glasses Math community, reflecting on the deeper purpose of teaching mathematics. I emphasize the importance of humanizing math education, focusing on the emotional experiences of students, and the virtues that mathematics can cultivate. Through personal anecdotes and insights from educational research, I discuss the belief cycle in math education and the significance of embracing emotional discomfort as a pathway to growth and learning. Teachers: reflect on your own experiences with emotions+math.
Connect with me and let's start a conversation!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamela-brett-23b56675/
https://www.instagram.com/blueglassesmath/
What do you get when two deeply reflective educators who love math — and love teachers — show up with vulnerability, humor, and a whole lot of heart?
In this episode, Zak Champagne (Chief Content Officer at Flynn Education and co-author of enVision Mathematics) and Dr. Mike Flynn (former second-grade teacher and Director of Math Leadership Programs at Mount Holyoke College, and now CEO of Flynn Education) join Pam for a conversation that feels like a warm invitation into the kinds of spaces we wish every teacher had.
Together, they explore:
The power of vulnerability in teaching and learning
Why teachers need Math Playdates — and what happens when we do math together as adults
How their own journeys (and mistakes) have reshaped their beliefs and perspectives
The joy of learning from 7- and 8-year-olds
What it means to build math spaces that are brave, not perfect
Whether you’ve been to a Math Playdate or you’re hearing about them for the first time, this episode will leave you feeling seen, inspired, and maybe a little more ready to take a math risk — alongside your students.
🎧 Listen in. Reflect. And maybe change your perspective on what it means to be a math person!
Zak Champagne
Twitter/X: @zakchamp
Instagram: @zakchampagne
Dr. Mike Flynn
Twitter/X: @MikeFlynn55
Instagram: @drmikeflynn
Website: Flynn Education
In this engaging episode, Ron Martiello shares his deeply personal and evolving journey with mathematics. From proudly wearing Smurf stickers in elementary school after winning fast-fact games to becoming a passionate math coach and author, Ron reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped his perspective. He dives into the power of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in creating accessible math instruction for all students and underscores the role of collective efficacy in transforming teaching practices. Throughout the conversation, Ron lifts up the importance of professional development and encourages educators to stay curious, collaborative, and open to change.
Takeaways
Connect with Ron.
https://mathuniversallyspeaking.com/
Listen to Ron's podcast: Math, Universally Speaking
https://mathuniversallyspeaking.com/podcasts/
Buy Ron's book:
Conquering Math Myths with Universal Design: An Inclusive Instructional Approach for Grades K–8
https://www.ascd.org/books/conquering-math-myths-with-universal-design?variant=124004
Summary
In this engaging conversation, Zach Champagne shares his journey in math education, emphasizing the importance of authentic questioning, fostering curiosity, and creating safe spaces for students to express their ideas. The discussion highlights the need for teachers to model vulnerability and uncertainty, as well as the value of community and discourse in the math classroom. Zach also discusses innovative approaches to teaching math and the significance of building confidence in students through belief in their ideas.
In this episode of Blue Glasses Math, I sit down with Marc Seigel—STEM educator and high school chemistry and design teacher—to talk about the power of mistake-making in learning. From flaming Doritos to balloon experiments that didn’t go quite as planned, Marc shares how he creates hands-on spaces where students feel safe to take risks, try new things, and grow from every misstep.
We dig into how something as simple as a whiteboard can free students from fear, how assessments can be reimagined to support learning over perfection, and how Marc’s daily practice of posting quotes outside his classroom has had an incredible ripple effect on the school community.
Yes, we talk about science—but this conversation is really about trust, courage, and building a classroom culture where students learn to be thinkers, not just answer-getters.
What happens when someone who studied actuarial science and worked in corporate consulting walks away to teach high school math? In this episode, I sit down with Paul Battaglia—a powerful voice in math education who brings passion, intentionality, and deep belief in students to every lesson he teaches. We talk about his journey into education, how he keeps math relevant and real for his students, and why relationships are the foundation of everything he does in the classroom. If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to teach math from a place of connection and conviction, this one’s for you.
Connect with Paul!
https://paulbattagliaedu.com
(Includes his speaking/workshop offerings, bio, and contact form)
Instagram: @paulbattagliaedu
Twitter/X: @MrBattagliaMath
LinkedIn: Paul Battaglia on LinkedIn
What if the best way to help students to see themselves as math people...is to let them lead the way?
In this episode, I sit down with Anne Paoletti-Bayna - award winning educator and creator of a groundbreaking math research elective designed to tap into high school students' curiosity. Anne shares how she creates space where teenagers can ask their own questions and explore mathematics through inquiry, creativity and personal meaning.
Connect with Anne!
What happens when we stop treating math like a checklist and start seeing it as a living, breathing human experience? In this powerful conversation, Dr. Kris Childs shares how centering student interests — starting with a group of sneaker-obsessed teens — unlocked a classroom full of powerful mathematical thinking. We explore why context matters, how technology can be a tool for deeper engagement, and why preparing students for life beyond school means rethinking how we teach math today. If you’re ready to turn your lessons into meaningful, real-world experiences, this episode is for you.
Connect with Dr. Kristopher Childs!
https://www.youtube.com/@DrKChilds
In this episode of Blue Glasses Math, I sit down with Dr. Chepina Rumsey and Dr. Jody Guarino, authors of Nurturing Math Curiosity with Learners in Grades K–2.
They unpack the power of student-driven inquiry in early math classrooms—and how curiosity, when nurtured, becomes the gateway to mathematical reasoning, identity, and joy.
From classroom anecdotes involving first graders debating the relative “bigness” of five, to post-lesson reflections that changed teacher beliefs, this episode paints a hopeful and practical picture of what’s possible when teachers slow down, notice deeply, and let curiosity lead.
Spoiler alert: The brilliance is already in the room. Our job? Make space for it.
Perfect for teachers, instructional coaches, and anyone building math learning communities that celebrate wonder over worksheets.
What if math felt like a playground instead of a test?
In this episode, I sit down with Cindy Lawrence, executive director and CEO of the National Museum of Mathematics (MoMath) in New York City and one of its visionary founders. We explore Cindy’s math story, from second-grade struggles to rediscovering wonder through museum-making.
We talk about the emotions that live inside math — joy, struggle, curiosity — and what it means to feel seen, safe, and celebrated as a math person. From riding a square-wheeled tricycle to the upcoming MoMath expansion, Cindy shares how the museum turns awe-inspiring math into a full-body experience.
Whether you're a teacher, student, parent, or just someone who’s ever said “I’m not a math person,” this episode will challenge that narrative and invite you to play with math in new ways.
Vist MoMath in NYC
Deborah Peart brings her perspective of what it feels like to be a student in a classroom whose mathematical ideas are not valued. Deborah uses her experiences as a student of math to help teachers understand that all students can learn math AND that all people who do math - are Mathers.
Deborah is the founder of My Mathematical Mind. She trains teachers to create environments where all students can develop lasting and positive math identities and improve achievement in math.