Dear Educator,

Teaching is more than a profession—it’s a calling, a passion, and, at times, an all-consuming responsibility. We pour so much of ourselves into our students, our classrooms, and our craft that we often forget to check in on ourselves. But here’s the thing: we can’t pour from an empty cup.

In this episode, From Surviving to Thriving: How Maslow’s Hierarchy Shapes Teacher Well-Being, we’re taking a moment to reflect—not just on what we do, but on how we feel. Our thoughts shape our emotions, and our emotions influence our actions. When we acknowledge this cycle, we gain the power to shift from merely surviving the demands of teaching to truly thriving in our work and our lives.

Let this be a reminder that prioritizing your well-being isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. Because when you take care of yourself, you show up as the best version of yourself for your students, your colleagues, and your community.

With care,

Laneshia

Check out the resources mentioned in today's episode below:

• Self-Care Assessment
• Mastering Sleep Hygiene

Connect with Dr. Poole-Jones on facebook.

Send us a text

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of PD for the Soul! If you enjoyed today’s conversation, don’t forget to follow, leave a review, and share this episode with your fellow educators.

You can also join the discussion and connect with me directly by clicking the link to join the Math Collective. Together, we’ll keep exploring practical strategies to transform classrooms and inspire students.

Remember, new episodes drop every Sunday at 9:00 am, so mark your calendars! Until next time, keep making math happen, and I’ll catch you in the next episode.

If you like math videos, let's connect:

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Join the Math Collective!

Hey Educators, welcome back to the podcast! In this episode, we’re continuing our journey through The Math Pact: Achieving Instructional Coherence and Visible Learning for Mathematics. Last time, we discussed the impact of language on student understanding. Today, we’re shifting our focus to notation—a seemingly small detail that can make or break comprehension in math classrooms.

Are the symbols we use actually reducing cognitive load for students, or are they unintentionally adding confusion? We’ll explore critical topics like:
✅ The true meaning of the equal sign and why so many students misunderstand it
✅ Why it’s time to ditch the “alligator mouth” when teaching inequalities
✅ The importance of consistency in notation—like using italics for x and properly writing units of measurement
✅ The impact of mathematical precision on student confidence and long-term success

Mathematics is a gateway to opportunity, and our students deserve clarity. By refining our language and notation, we can empower them to truly understand math—not just do it.

🔗 Check out this helpful resource on metric area measurement: https://www.mathsisfun.com/measure/metric-area.html

📌 Standards for Mathematical Practice:
1️⃣ Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them
2️⃣ Reason abstractly and quantitatively
3️⃣ Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others
4️⃣ Model with mathematics
5️⃣ Use appropriate tools strategically
6️⃣ Attend to precision
7️⃣ Look for and make use of structure
8️⃣ Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning

Let’s commit to doing better—because now, we know better. Keep making math happen, and I’ll see you next time!

Send us a text

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of PD for the Soul! If you enjoyed today’s conversation, don’t forget to follow, leave a review, and share this episode with your fellow educators.

You can also join the discussion and connect with me directly by clicking the link to join the Math Collective. Together, we’ll keep exploring practical strategies to transform classrooms and inspire students.

Remember, new episodes drop every Sunday at 9:00 am, so mark your calendars! Until next time, keep making math happen, and I’ll catch you in the next episode.

If you like math videos, let's connect:

• Instagram
• YouTube
• TikTok

Dear Educator,

We’ve all felt the pressure—the pacing guides, the curriculum maps, the looming deadlines. It’s easy to get caught up in the rush, covering as much content as possible in the shortest amount of time. But here’s the truth: depth matters more than speed.

In this episode, Teacher Moves: How Planning with Clarity and Purpose Leads to Impact and Growth, we’re taking a step back to reflect on our role as educators—not just as instructors, but as scientists. Every day, we observe our classrooms, analyze student needs, and make intentional decisions that shape learning experiences. The most effective teaching isn’t about checking off topics; it’s about strategically choosing what will lead to real, lasting understanding.

So, let’s lean into the power of planning with purpose. Let’s commit to going a mile deep instead of a mile wide. Because when we teach with clarity and intention, we don’t just cover material—we build knowledge that sticks, skills that transfer, and confidence that lasts.

With purpose,

Laneshia Boone

Connect with Coach Kasha below:

• Website 
• Instagram
• LinkedIn

Send us a text

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of PD for the Soul! If you enjoyed today’s conversation, don’t forget to follow, leave a review, and share this episode with your fellow educators.

You can also join the discussion and connect with me directly by clicking the link to join the Math Collective. Together, we’ll keep exploring practical strategies to transform classrooms and inspire students.

Remember, new episodes drop every Sunday at 9:00 am, so mark your calendars! Until next time, keep making math happen, and I’ll catch you in the next episode.

If you like math videos, let's connect:

• Instagram
• YouTube
• TikTok

Join the Math Collective!

The words we use in math classrooms shape how students think about and understand mathematical concepts. In this episode, we explore how inconsistent language—like saying “reducing” fractions instead of “simplifying” or using “plug in” instead of “substituting”—can create unnecessary confusion. We’ll break down common missteps, discuss the power of precise terminology, and share strategies for reinforcing clear, consistent language that deepens comprehension. Tune in to learn how small shifts in the way we talk about math can lead to big gains in student understanding!

Send us a text

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of PD for the Soul! If you enjoyed today’s conversation, don’t forget to follow, leave a review, and share this episode with your fellow educators.

You can also join the discussion and connect with me directly by clicking the link to join the Math Collective. Together, we’ll keep exploring practical strategies to transform classrooms and inspire students.

Remember, new episodes drop every Sunday at 9:00 am, so mark your calendars! Until next time, keep making math happen, and I’ll catch you in the next episode.

If you like math videos, let's connect:

• Instagram
• YouTube
• TikTok

Dear Educators,

We all want our students to thrive, but what does it really take to bridge academic gaps and ensure equity in our classrooms? In this episode, we’re diving into the power of intentional teaching—because success in our classrooms isn’t just about delivering content; it’s about making sure students know how to be successful.

Too often, we assume students already understand what it takes to excel in our classrooms. But have we truly taken the time to train them on what success looks like? Have we made our expectations explicit and provided the structure they need to rise to the challenge?

Beyond setting expectations, we also have to ask ourselves: How do we know that they’re learning? Assessment isn’t just about grades—it’s about gathering the right data, interpreting it meaningfully, and using it to adjust our instruction. And feedback? It’s not just something we give—it’s something students deserve in a timely manner. How long does it take us to respond to their efforts? How quickly do we close the loop between struggle and success?

At the heart of it all, students want to be seen and heard. Relationships fuel engagement, and engagement fuels achievement. If we want students to show up for the learning, we have to show up for them first. That means making space for their voices, acknowledging their efforts, and creating an environment where they feel safe to take risks and grow.

PD for the SOUL is introducing our own version of the Hippocratic Oath—we pledge to do no harm in our instruction. Every decision we make, from our grading policies to the way we deliver feedback, has the power to either uplift or discourage. Are we making choices that empower students? Are we designing instruction that builds them up rather than shuts them down?

Join me for this essential conversation on Bridging Academic Gaps: Strategies for Equity and Engagement, where we unpack the moves that create real impact in the classroom. Because when we teach with clarity, purpose, and care, we don’t just close gaps—we open doors.

Let’s make math happen!

To connect with Dr. Lamb, visit:

• Facebook 
• Instagram
• Website

Book a Call with Dr. Lamb

P.S. Dr. Lamb talked about students being able to work independently towards their goal. If you'd like to receive a copy of the 7th grade digital tool that I taught my students to use to meet their own needs, click here.

Send us a text

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of PD for the Soul! If you enjoyed today’s conversation, don’t forget to follow, leave a review, and share this episode with your fellow educators.

You can also join the discussion and connect with me directly by clicking the link to join the Math Collective. Together, we’ll keep exploring practical strategies to transform classrooms and inspire students.

Remember, new episodes drop every Sunday at 9:00 am, so mark your calendars! Until next time, keep making math happen, and I’ll catch you in the next episode.

If you like math videos, let's connect:

• Instagram
• YouTube
• TikTok

Join the Math Collective!

In this episode, we’re diving into the final three strategies of The Formative 5: Show Me, Hinge Questions, and Exit Tasks—three powerful techniques that can transform how we assess and respond to student learning in real time. I’ll share insights from my own observations, practical ways to implement these strategies, and the impact they can have on student engagement and understanding.

We’ll explore:
✅ How Show Me helps students demonstrate their thinking and deepens conceptual understanding.
✅ Why Hinge Questions are pivotal moments that guide instructional decisions.
✅ The role of Exit Tasks in measuring student learning and planning next steps.

These small yet intentional moves can make a huge difference in student outcomes. Tune in, take notes, and let’s keep making an impact!

📩 Don't forget! Our first monthly newsletter drops on March 1, packed with resource links, book recommendations, and cross-grade connections to strengthen your instruction. Stay tuned!

P.S. here's a copy of my observation planning and facilitation document. Let me know what you think.

Send us a text

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of PD for the Soul! If you enjoyed today’s conversation, don’t forget to follow, leave a review, and share this episode with your fellow educators.

You can also join the discussion and connect with me directly by clicking the link to join the Math Collective. Together, we’ll keep exploring practical strategies to transform classrooms and inspire students.

Remember, new episodes drop every Sunday at 9:00 am, so mark your calendars! Until next time, keep making math happen, and I’ll catch you in the next episode.

If you like math videos, let's connect:

• Instagram
• YouTube
• TikTok

Dear Educators,

I see you. I see the dedication, the energy, and the passion you bring to your students each day. But I also see the weight of the work—the challenge of balancing instruction, engagement, and student growth while making sense of the data that tells their stories.

In this episode of PD for the Soul, we’re diving deep into the power of data—not as a burden, but as a tool for transformation. Principal Lisa Gillespie shares how her team uses data strategically, from weekly dives to post-benchmark reflections, ensuring that every teacher is equipped to make informed instructional decisions. But here’s the key: data isn’t just for leadership teams. It’s for you, in your classroom, every single day.

So today, I’m inviting you to shift your perspective. Instead of letting data overwhelm you, let it guide you. Go granular—choose one specific piece of data, focus on the component that matters most, and let it shape your next steps. Reflect on last year’s experiences, the lessons learned, and how they can inform the moves you make this year.

Because being a reflective educator isn’t just about looking back—it’s about moving forward with purpose.

Take a deep breath, tap in, and let’s build something great together.

With appreciation,
Laneshia
Host of PD for the Soul

Send us a text

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of PD for the Soul! If you enjoyed today’s conversation, don’t forget to follow, leave a review, and share this episode with your fellow educators.

You can also join the discussion and connect with me directly by clicking the link to join the Math Collective. Together, we’ll keep exploring practical strategies to transform classrooms and inspire students.

Remember, new episodes drop every Sunday at 9:00 am, so mark your calendars! Until next time, keep making math happen, and I’ll catch you in the next episode.

If you like math videos, let's connect:

• Instagram
• YouTube
• TikTok

Join the Math Collective!

In this episode, we’re diving into two powerful formative assessment strategies from The Formative 5 by Francis (Skip) Fennell, Beth McCord Kobett, and Jonathan Wray: observations and interviews. These tools go beyond simply gathering data—they allow us to truly understand how our students think and process math. Whether it’s recognizing proportional relationships or uncovering student misconceptions, you’ll learn actionable ways to bring these strategies to life in your classroom.

Looking for more tools to transform how you teach math in the middle? Download my guide to, "Transforming Math in the Middle," for practical tips on connecting domains, building conceptual bridges, and empowering students through meaningful instruction.

🎧 Tune in to learn how you can use formative assessments to deepen your understanding of student thinking and take your teaching to the next level.

📥 Download the free guide here!

Send us a text

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of PD for the Soul! If you enjoyed today’s conversation, don’t forget to follow, leave a review, and share this episode with your fellow educators.

You can also join the discussion and connect with me directly by clicking the link to join the Math Collective. Together, we’ll keep exploring practical strategies to transform classrooms and inspire students.

Remember, new episodes drop every Sunday at 9:00 am, so mark your calendars! Until next time, keep making math happen, and I’ll catch you in the next episode.

If you like math videos, let's connect:

• Instagram
• YouTube
• TikTok

Dear Educator,

If you’ve ever felt the tension between where your students are and where they need to be, you’re not alone. Teaching grade-level content to students who aren’t quite there yet is one of the greatest challenges we face as educators. But here’s the truth: it’s possible. And not only is it possible—it’s necessary.

Closing foundational gaps while moving students forward requires a mindset shift. A growth mindset, not just for our students, but for ourselves. When we believe that students can learn, that gaps can be closed, and that every small step forward is worth celebrating, we create a classroom where progress thrives.

It also requires leveraging technology effectively—not as a crutch, but as a tool that amplifies our instruction. The right tech can provide just-in-time scaffolds, targeted practice, and data that informs our next move. But no program replaces the power of a skilled, intentional teacher.

And let’s talk about the pacing guide. Yes, it’s there for a reason. Yes, it matters. But it should never weigh you down to the point that you’re rushing through content just to “cover” material. Teaching is about ensuring understanding, not just exposure. When we prioritize depth over speed, we set students up for long-term success.

Finally, we can’t pour from an empty cup. Seeking out professional development that sharpens our skills, deepens our content knowledge, and equips us with strategies that actually work is an investment in both our students and ourselves. The best teachers never stop learning.

So as you listen to today’s episode, I hope you walk away feeling seen, encouraged, and equipped. You are doing the work that matters most, and I’m honored to be on this journey with you.

With gratitude,
Laneshia

P.S.

Check out the YouTube Channels for today's guest, and show them some love by liking, following, and sharing the content that resonates with you.

• Young Gurus Math Tutoring
• All This Math

Send us a text

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of PD for the Soul! If you enjoyed today’s conversation, don’t forget to follow, leave a review, and share this episode with your fellow educators.

You can also join the discussion and connect with me directly by clicking the link to join the Math Collective. Together, we’ll keep exploring practical strategies to transform classrooms and inspire students.

Remember, new episodes drop every Sunday at 9:00 am, so mark your calendars! Until next time, keep making math happen, and I’ll catch you in the next episode.

If you like math videos, let's connect:

• Instagram
• YouTube
• TikTok

Join the Math Collective!

In this episode, we dive into the groundbreaking research of Inside the Black Box by Black and William (1998) and explore why improving formative assessments can lead to significant and substantial student growth.

As a math coach, I see firsthand how formative assessment opportunities often go unseized—not out of neglect, but due to the challenges teachers face with time and providing meaningful feedback. We'll discuss:

• Why knowing whether students are proficient isn’t enough,
• The role of feedback in moving students forward, and
• The importance of building a classroom culture where students can self-assess and chart their own pathway to success.

I’ll also share insights from my district’s framework and how it supports teachers in thinking about pathways to proficiency, as well as the challenges of individualized feedback in today’s classrooms.

Join me as we unpack the "sweet spot" of formative assessment—knowledge of the goal, knowledge of current performance, and knowledge of how to close the gap. This episode is packed with practical ideas and strategies to help you enhance your practice.

Ready to dig into what’s happening inside the black box of your classroom? Tune in now!

Resources Referenced:

• Inside the Black Box by William & Black (1998)
• Visible Learning by John Hattie
• How to Give Effective Feedback to Your Students by Susan Brookhart

Oh, and don't forget to register for my upcoming webinar here!

Send us a text

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of PD for the Soul! If you enjoyed today’s conversation, don’t forget to follow, leave a review, and share this episode with your fellow educators.

You can also join the discussion and connect with me directly by clicking the link to join the Math Collective. Together, we’ll keep exploring practical strategies to transform classrooms and inspire students.

Remember, new episodes drop every Sunday at 9:00 am, so mark your calendars! Until next time, keep making math happen, and I’ll catch you in the next episode.

If you like math videos, let's connect:

• Instagram
• YouTube
• TikTok