In this episode, Jon and Kyle dive deep into a conversation with James O’Neal, founder of Mastery for All, exploring the impact of prioritizing conceptual understanding in math education.

James O'Neal, Jr. is a National Board-Certified middle school math teacher with 15 years of experience, currently teaching at Piedmont IB Middle School in Charlotte, NC. He holds an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from UNC-Charlotte and was a 2022 finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). Founder of Mastery For All, LLC, James advocates for high expectations and equitable outcomes in education through public speaking nationwide.

James is here to share some insight on his upcoming session in the 2024 Make Math Moments Virtual Summit.

They share personal stories and insights on how a focus on student outcomes can transform teaching practices and improve learning experiences.

You’ll learn:

• Discover how emphasizing conceptual understanding over memorization can change students' attitudes towards math.
• Learn practical strategies to help educators shift their teaching approaches to better meet the needs of all learners.
• Learn to practice the mantra: “If you can make sense of it, then you can help students make sense of it”.

Tune in to this episode of the Making Math Moments That Matter Podcast to revolutionize your approach to teaching math and better align your priorities with your educational goals.

Resources

• Show Notes Page.

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.

Love the show? Text us your big takeaway!

Have you ever noticed how negativity can take over a mathematics coaching and training session, turning a productive opportunity into a venting session?

When challenges dominate, progress gets sidelined, and it’s easy for our hard working teachers to disengage. But with the right approach, you can transform the tone of the session and foster meaningful learning and collaboration.

Listen in and learn that by starting with a focus on wins and successes, you can energize your participants and create a space for positivity. Real-life success stories inspire action and help hesitant teachers take that first step toward improvement. Imagine your next mathematics coaching and training session buzzing with productive conversation and motivation.

Use these simple prompts to kickstart your next mathematics coaching and training session with positivity: “What has been successful for you recently?” or “Share a celebration from using a new tool.” Try this approach in your next PD session to see the shift in energy and engagement.

Show Notes Page.

District Math Leaders:

K-12 Math Coordinators, Coaches, Directors and Math Leaders. Get Professional Development Support from Make Math Moments

Learn how you can create, coordinate, and implement an aligned school and district math action plan for improved student success.

So that you can create long term sustainable student success in mathematics and proficiently & pedagogically strong educators.

Book a call with us 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.

Love the show? Text us your big takeaway!

Are you curious about how to overcome the most common challenges in implementing student-centered teaching practices in math and to unpack the 5 Practices For Orchestrating Productive Mathematical Discussions?

In this episode, Kyle Pearce, Yvette Lehman and Peg Smith, co-author of the new book Coaching The 5 Practices from Corwin dive into practical strategies for making math classrooms more effective and engaging. Whether you're a teacher or a coach, this discussion on the 5 practices for orchestrating productive mathematical discussions and new coaching models will help you address real challenges and create a more student-centered learning environment.

• Learn how setting clear learning goals can transform your teaching approach and student outcomes.
• Discover a new coaching model that helps teachers tackle classroom challenges through collaboration and reflection.
• Gain insights into a student-centered approach that encourages productive struggle and deepens mathematical understanding.

Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your teaching—listen to the episode now and pre-order Peg Smith’s new book to start implementing these strategies in your classroom!

Resources

• Show Notes Page.

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.

Love the show? Text us your big takeaway!