Have you ever met a math guru who shreds the keytar and just so happens to be in a rock band that opened for Bon Jovi? Vanessa Vakharia aka The Math Guru joins us on the show today to talk about why stereotypes are the biggest obstacle when it comes to teaching math, why failing Grade 11 math twice was the best thing that ever happened to her, and why the world would be a better place if math was as cool as The Kardashians!

You’ll Learn: 

• What math trauma is and how every one of us can be a math therapist;
• Why it is critical to set goals that are not anxiety inducing in math class;
• Why student-centered learning needs to be about more than just curriculum content;
• The secret to being the best math teacher in the world (hint: Ted Lasso)

Resources: 

Venssa’s website: www.themathguru.ca

Venssa’s podcast: www.maththerapypodcast.com

Venssa’s thesis: https://open.library.ubc.ca/soa/cIRcle/collections/ubctheses/24/items/1.0071315

Venssa’s band: www.goodnightsunrise.com

Venssa’s socials:

Everything: @themathguru

Venssa’s band:

IG: www.instagram.com/goodnightsunriseband

Twitter: www.twitter.com/gnsrband

FG: www.facebook.com/gnsrband

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.