We’re all familiar with the terms “culturally relevant instruction” and “culturally responsive teaching,” -- but what does it REALLY entail? In this episode, Rolanda Baldwin, Vice President of Mathematics at UnboundEd, unpacks the idea, orienting teachers to four essential components they can use to create meaningful learning experiences that honor all students in the math classroom. Listen in to hear why talking about standards isn’t enough to change disparate outcomes and how aligned curricula can serve as a springboard for strong teaching and learning. For more information, and to access show notes and related resource links for this episode, go to www.mindfulmathcoach.com/episode40

As important and ambitious as their goals for student achievement might be, many schools struggle to make effective progress on them. Listen in to learn a 4-step process you can use to separate the factors that actually drive instructional change from those that merely measure it. Then, create an accountability structure to ensure follow-through, build momentum, and celebrate wins on the way to achieving your goal. For more information, and to access show notes and related resource links for this episode, go to www.mindfulmathcoach.com/episode39

Is your classroom management style leading to the outcomes you’d hope for, or is it getting in the way? Nathan Vann tells the story of his hard-won lessons from his early years in the classroom, including tips for building strong relationships with students and modeling the behaviors you’d like to see. He reflects on how un-learning his “white savior” mentality helped him better support his students and fully understand their gifts. For more information, and to access show notes and related resource links for this episode, go to www.mindfulmathcoach.com/episode38

Long before everyone’s attention suddenly turned to learning loss this year, Chrissy worked for years on pioneering approaches to address multi-year gaps in math understanding within the context of grade-level work. Now, she’s distilled what she’s learned into a powerful yet simple 5-step process that any educator can use tomorrow. And, she shares how her potty-training journey with her son showed her the importance of stepping into students’ shoes to understand what their blockers might be - what feels discouraging and demotivating to them - and address them with compassion. For more information, and to access show notes and related resource links for this episode, go to www.mindfulmathcoach.com/episode37

In Episode 30, Adrienne Williams described the pillars of white supremacy culture and how they present themselves in schools. In this episode, Math Specialist, Megan Morin, builds on that conversation by sharing how the pillars show up specifically in mathematics teaching and learning -- and how consciousness is necessary to achieve equity in math class. Whether you are a teacher, coach, or school leader, this one’s a can’t-miss. For more information, and to access show notes and related resource links for this episode, go to www.mindfulmathcoach.com/episode36

Rashaan Davis and his colleagues have turned their high school into a place where students of color see advocates no matter where they turn on campus. In this episode, he explains how he structured the careful, reflective, and ongoing equity work that has led to this transformation. Listen to learn how to experience school through a student’s eyes -- and how to address the inequities that matter most to them. For more information, and to access show notes and related resource links for this episode, go to www.mindfulmathcoach.com/episode35

If someone asked what math you teach in your grade, what would you say? Would you give a long-winded list of topics that all seem equally important -- or do you clearly see through to the heart of your students’ learning? In this episode, math content expert, Becca Varon, explains how understanding the major work of your grade enables you to teach math with meaning -- no matter how compressed your timeframe. Listen to learn why it’s OK to let some topics go this year -- and to come away equipped with the resources to make smart decisions as you prioritize.  For more information, and to access show notes and related resource links for this episode, go to www.mindfulmathcoach.com/episode34

Have you wanted to start a reward system in your classroom, but didn’t know where to start? Or did you abandon this classroom management technique because it was too much work (and MONEY) to keep up with? Either way, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to worry! In this episode, Joy Blake, an experienced educator, shares her best tips, ideas, and lessons learned about how to run an effective - and SIMPLE - incentive system with your students. Listen to hear why focusing on positive behaviors is key, the four “student types” and how they respond differently to incentives, and where to get started if your classroom is out of control. For more information, and to access show notes and related resource links for this episode, go to www.mindfulmathcoach.com/episode33

Do you know the math, or do you KNOW the math? That’s the question we’ll help you answer in this episode. My guest, Katy Buckland, is a teacher, coach, and school leader who knows the importance of strong content knowledge -- and also the challenges teachers face as they build it. Listen to learn how deepening YOUR knowledge will deepen your STUDENTS’ understanding. Plus, get practical tips to help you prioritize growing your content knowledge given your already busy schedule. For more information, and to access show notes and related resource links for this episode, go to www.mindfulmathcoach.com/episode32

In this unscripted, unedited episode I'm sharing some of my biggest takeaways from the past year. 2020 provided opportunities and challenges like none other -- and with that came insights, growth, and change. Listen in to hear 5 things I learned in 2020 and how I'm taking those lessons with me into 2021.