Episode description

It can feel frustrating and overwhelming and you’ll feel like you’re forced to “go back to the drawing board” when your curriculum resource is pulled away from you. 

What do we consider when trying to select a new curriculum resource?

Are we supposed to create our own resources from scratch? 

As educators, we are constantly facing the challenge of adapting our teaching methods to improve student understanding and engagement. 

This often involves exploring new pedagogies, such as problem-based learning, and selecting the right curriculum resources that align with our teaching goals. 

In this episode we speak with long-time friend of the show Katrien Vance, a middle school math teacher in Virginia. 

Katriene is trying to decide how to transition to a new curriculum resource and feels overwhelmed with the work ahead. Stick around and you’ll hear how together we make a plan for next steps. 

What you’ll learn

• Innovative Teaching Strategies: Discover the effectiveness of problem-based learning and how it can enhance your students' understanding of mathematics.
• Navigating Curriculum Transitions: Gain insights on transitioning between different curricula, managing costs, and finding the right resources for your classroom.
• Building Confidence in Educational Choices: Learn how to confidently communicate your curriculum choices to parents and evaluate the effectiveness of educational tools and resources for your specific teaching needs.

Resources: 

• Connected Mathematics Project from Michigan State University. 
• Illustrative Math 
• Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & Units

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

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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.