Welcome to the “Mr. Clarke After Dark” podcast with host Lucas Clarke, an educator determined to move away from recycled professional development and engage in more nuanced, personable, and relevant conversations for learning.
Each week, Mr. Clarke unpacks the inner workings of the classroom and learns out loud with educators, politicians, comedians, and other field experts of all shapes, sizes, and burnout levels. Whether they have been in the trenches of their profession for five months or fifty years, we are here to share everything from classroom hacks, our worst mistakes, and the occasional profound musing (from the guests). From conversations about race with Daryl Davis, education reform with Jennifer Gonzalez, global educational development with professors from the World Bank, to stories about students farting in class, there will always be something you can take away from the show, for better or worse.
So, come on over and join the dark side ... unless you’re scared.
Welcome to the “Mr. Clarke After Dark” podcast with host Lucas Clarke, an educator determined to move away from recycled professional development and engage in more nuanced, personable, and relevant conversations for learning.
Each week, Mr. Clarke unpacks the inner workings of the classroom and learns out loud with educators, politicians, comedians, and other field experts of all shapes, sizes, and burnout levels. Whether they have been in the trenches of their profession for five months or fifty years, we are here to share everything from classroom hacks, our worst mistakes, and the occasional profound musing (from the guests). From conversations about race with Daryl Davis, education reform with Jennifer Gonzalez, global educational development with professors from the World Bank, to stories about students farting in class, there will always be something you can take away from the show, for better or worse.
So, come on over and join the dark side ... unless you’re scared.
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Richelle Marynowski to unpack the challenges and opportunities in math education today. We talk about the anxiety many teachers face—especially when they don’t feel confident explaining the “why” behind math concepts—and how that impacts both instruction and student confidence.
Richelle shares strategies for making math more engaging and meaningful, from using manipulatives and project-based learning to incorporating gamification thoughtfully. We also explore how math assessment often falls short compared to literacy, and why flexible thinking should be prioritized over rote fluency.
Our conversation also touches on bigger-picture issues like teacher retention, the growing role of AI in education, and how data tracking and differentiated instruction can support diverse learners. This episode is packed with practical strategies and honest reflection for anyone who wants to make math class a more supportive, human-centered space.