Episode description

We welcome back Ryan Kinzler, an 8th grade teacher from Pittsburg. Ryan is here to fill us in on the changes he’s made in his classroom since he last spoke with us over two years ago. 

He shares how the teacher moves he implemented resulted in his best year ever and then subsequently followed by his worst year ever. 

In this episode we dig into the differences between the two years and help Ryan set himself up for another great year. 

This is another Math Mentoring Moment episode where we talk with a member of the Math Moment Maker Community who is working through problems of practice and together we brainstorm possible next steps and strategies to overcome them. 

You’ll Learn: 

• Why avoiding the rush to advice giving is critical while students are productively struggling; 
• Why focusing on listening and observing trumps covering the curriculum; 
• Why teachers should seriously consider mentorship or coaching conversations during the summer to help make bigger shifts in your practice;
• Why it is important to think of your own definition of success in your classroom; 
• How to help students with their own definition of success and giving them steps to achieve it; and, 
• How can you help students with mindset by rewarding the behaviour and not the result.

Resources: 

• Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & Units
• Assessment For Growth Course [An online course] 

District Math Leaders: 

How are you ensuring that you support those educators who need a nudge to spark a focus on growing their pedagogical-content knowledge? 

What about opportunities for those who are eager and willing to elevate their practice, but do not have the support? 

Book a call with our District Improvement Program Team to learn how we can not only help you craft, refine and implement your district math learning goals, but also provide all of the professional learning supports your educators need to grow at the speed of their learning. 

Book a short conversation with our team now. 

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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.