In this episode we chat with Jake Hickson, the System Math Lead for the Provincial and Demonstration Schools Branch of the Ministry of Education here in Ontario, Canada. Jake and his colleagues service students who are deaf/hard of hearing, blind/low-vision as well as students who have one or more identified learning disabilities.

We chat with Jake about the challenges he faces as a district mathematics leader who is mentoring educators across three (3) buildings that span great distances. While Jake has access to some built-in professional learning structures, the amount of time and delivery format is certainly less than he would like in order to engage in effective mathematics professional development. 

Stick around and listen in as we help Jake shake his district leader pebble out of his shoe!

This is a Math Mentoring Moment episode where we chat with a Math Moment Maker, just like you and guide them to some next steps in pushing their classroom or district leader practice forward.

You’ll Learn: 

• Why teaching using only “naked” problems is a problem;
• The role of strategies and mathematical models are necessary for students with and without learning challenges to build conceptual understanding;
• How to teach using “gourmet” pizza instead of serving up frozen pizzas each and every day; and, 
• How mathematics leaders can still take steps forward in promoting professional development regardless of the logistical constraints that are working against you.

Resources: 

Explore over 60+ Math Classroom Units on Make Math Moments  

Learn how to run a 3 Act Math Task Effectively

Take the Make Math Moments Math Program Assessment Tool [Classroom Teacher & Leader Versions]

Get a 6-Step Plan For Growing Your Math Classroom by joining the Make Math Moments Academy Free for 30 Days

District Leader Resources:

Take the Make Math Moments Math Program Assessment Tool 

The Make Math Moments District Planning Workbook [First 3 pages] 

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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.