More Math for More People

Math has a PR problem, and we don’t think the solution is more worksheets. 

Then we’re joined by Fresno State math lecturer and social media creator Howie Hua, who’s become a familiar face across TikTok, Instagram, and other teacher feeds. Howie breaks down how he builds short form math videos that still protect conceptual understanding and why teaching “where students already are” can be a real win for learning.

We also get into the tougher stuff: the emotional reality of frustration, and the surprising mindset shift that helps both kids and adults persist. Ho...

FIRST!
2027 CPM Teacher Conference registration is open! Register by Nov 15 for the biggest discounts. AND remember to book your room at the conference hotel for maximum fun and ease. cpm.org/teacher-conference

National M&M Day sounds like a throwaway holiday until you notice what it reveals: people form opinions fast, hold onto myths, and stick with what feels familiar. That same dynamic shows up when schools adopt a new math curriculum. If we want better outcomes for students, we have to make it easier for teachers to learn, practice, and keep improving long after the...

Coffee is optional, curiosity is not. We start with a quick National Coffee Day riff, then move into a practical, teacher driven conversation with Lisa Amick, Director of Teacher Research and Teacher Educator Engagement at CPM, about the Teacher Research Community (TRC) and why practitioner research can be one of the most useful forms of professional learning for math educators.

We talk about how TRC works and who it’s for. Lisa highlights findings from TRC 12.0, including student driven consolidation routines, clearer definitions of joy in math learning, and concrete ways to improve outside of class learning an...

Change is easy to celebrate when it’s an abstract idea. It gets real when it asks us to shift our routines, our relationships, and the way we lead. We start with a lighter spark, Dot Day, and the message behind “The Dot” by Peter H Reynolds: begin with one small mark and see what becomes possible when you focus on process over product. That tiny dot turns into a bigger question for learning and life: what happens when we give ourselves permission to start before we feel ready? 

From there, we dig into change in math educati...

Orange. Month. Woman. Purple. We start with No Rhyme Nor Reason Day and tumble into a surprisingly useful question: why do some things resist neat rules, whether it’s language, poetry, or the way change happens in schools? (See what we did there?) It’s light, a little nerdy, and a reminder that sometimes doing something just for the joy of it is reason enough.

Then we shift to the work that really matters for educators: instructional coaching that actually moves classroom practice and student learning. John Hayes and Tracy Talmage join us to share Leading Together: A Co...

Serendipity gets tossed around as a synonym for “surprise,” but we want the real thing: the unexpected moment that actually matters because you notice it, connect it, and do something with it. We kick off on Serendipity Day with stories, definitions, and the funny contradiction of trying to “plan” a happy accident. 

That curiosity leads us straight into late summer and the start of the school year. We talk school start dates across the US, why some communities hold tight to a post Labor Day calendar, and why other places begin earlier based on climate, local norms, or logist...

A circle of chairs can do what a stack of rules never will. We start with a quick National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day warm-up, then we get into a practical, teacher-tested approach to building real classroom community: community circles.

We’re joined by Danielle Boggs and Laura Bain from our professional learning team to break down what community circles are and why they’re considered a restorative practice. We talk about the power of the physical circle for reducing classroom power dynamics, how a simple talking piece protects student voice, and why random seating can make circles feel...

An AI voice answers the phone, sounds friendly, and almost passes as human. For a moment it feels convenient, even a little magical, and then something shifts and you realize you’re craving a real person. That tension, between efficiency and human connection, drives our conversation as we explore what AI tools can do well, what they cannot do at all, and why “human review” is quickly becoming a non-negotiable habit. What’s your personal “tell” that you’re talking to AI and not a human? 

Also, it's Take a Monkey to Lunch Day!!! What in the world? We're ve...

“My students can’t” sounds like a fact, but it usually hides something else: we don’t yet have a clear way to see what students can do, name it, and build on it. We dig into that problem with two of our favorite educators, John Hayes and Victoria Holt, who bring their conference session “CYA: Cover Your Assets” to the mic and make it immediately usable for teachers, coaches, and administrators.

Link to the article that John mentions in the conversation.

If you want practical inclusive math classroom ideas that respect students’ abilities and raise the leve...

Pink Flamingo Day kicks things off with a surprising bit of natural history, then we make a sharp turn into the question that matters for every math teacher: what actually gets students thinking. We sit down with Peter Liljedahl, author of Building Thinking Classrooms, for a practical conversation that goes past the headlines and into the moves that make the work real in K-12 classrooms. 

If you want better math tasks, stronger lesson launches, clearer closings, and a more realistic picture of how Building Thinking Classrooms lives day to day, press play. Subscribe, share this with a c...

Donald Duck ... Love him? Find him annoying? Or do you want him banned? (That story is fake, by the way....)

Then we pick up part two of our conversation with Peter Carpenter to get clear about something schools confuse constantly: adult learning is not one thing. Peter breaks it down into three practical buckets: training, professional development, and professional learning. Listen to find out the difference for yourself!

Then our final installment of Join Them on Their Journey from Chi Lo in Alameda, California with a candid end-of-year reflection on classroom management, planning, and what c...

Spelling “tuberculosis” on the spot is one thing, but designing learning that actually changes what adults do is a whole different challenge. We start season six on Scripps Spelling Bee Day with a fast, funny spelling run and then we’re joined by Peter Carpenter, a longtime public educator turned coach, principal, and district leader, to talk about adult learning theory and what strong professional development design really requires.  

We also hear our final post from Jessie in Astoria, Oregon, reflecting on end-of-year realities and the practical Building Thinking Classroom “micro changes” that made a difference: random daily groups...

National Odometer Day sounds like a joke until you follow the math hiding in plain sight. We kick things off by unpacking what an odometer actually measures, why it can help prevent mileage fraud, and how it connects to geometry you can feel in your hands.

From there, our conversation opens up with Rafael del Castillo, CPM's Executive Director, as we reflect on five years of the More Math for More People podcast, the guests who’ve shaped our thinking, and the kind of math education community that forms when people show up ready to share. We al...

We start by honoring school bus drivers and sharing our memories of riding the school bus on School Bus Driver Appreciation Day. 

Then we all know that math class gets quieter when students are confused and louder when they’re thinking together. That’s why we invited Marjorie Kucich and Sarah McKittrick to talk about station rotation in middle school math and how a smart rotation can turn a lesson into a room full of visible problem solving.

We dig into what “stations” really means in this context, we talk through concrete classroom logistics, and how a sma...

National Gardening Day starts with a surprisingly honest question: do you like gardening, or do you like having a garden? From urban farming stats to blueberry bushes that take care of themselves, we warm up with the kind of curious, low-stakes talk that makes real learning feel safe.

Then we sit down with Judy Hutchinson, a math teacher in Rockford School District, to talk about CPM’s Academy of Best Practices and why it’s one of the most meaningful professional development experiences a teacher can have. Judy shares what it felt like to hit a rut, real...

It's National Crayon Day! What are your favorite or least favorite memories about crayons? Do you still like to use crayons today? :wink

Then we talk with Jeremiah Morgan about the Site-Based Leadership (SBL) Program and their upcoming book study on April 8, 15, 22, and 29. The book study will be engaging with The Instructional Coaching Toolkit, which you can purchase through the link below. 

As Jeremiah points out, the SBL Program is for everyone! For more details check out the SBL website. You can join the SBL Program HERE.

Register for the Book Study

This episode opens with a lighthearted discussion about National 3D Day, where we joke about three-dimensional experiences like 3D movies, printing, and art. 

Then we have another installment of Conversaciónes con Rafael. Together we reflect on the pressures of constant busyness in education and life, emphasizing the importance of intentionally creating time for reflection, creativity, and human connection rather than always working toward deliverables. We also discuss how technology—especially phones and screens—shapes students’ attention, learning, and relationships, debating the balance between limiting distractions and teaching responsible use. 

The episode concludes with updates from our...

On this episode we share the Ignite talks from the 2026 CPM Teacher Conference. 

The room buzzed with that end-of-day, can’t-stop-thinking energy as teachers took the Ignite stage and proved how five-minute stories can shift an entire practice. 

Personal stories tie it all together: a quiet teen who returns years later to teach calculus, reminders to expect students to surprise us, and a joyful tour through primes, cryptography, and algebra tiles that rekindle why we teach math in the first place. Along the way, we touch leadership that centers wholeness, reading that fuels growth, and comm...

We missed an episode - lots of "life" happening for Joel and Misty... So we're catching up with this week's episode!

Ever feel like numbers aren’t telling the whole story of your classroom? We dig into a simple but powerful shift: using evidence—not just data—to understand learning and coach for growth. After quick updates from the road and our lives and a lively nod to International Cribbage Day, we welcome John Hayes to unpack how coaches and teachers can collect the kind of classroom evidence that actually changes practice.

If this resonates, follow...

A quirky holiday about Printing Ink turns into a surprising exploration of how learning really sticks. We start with soot, gelatin, CMYK, and the tactile world of flexography—plates wrapped on cylinders, color laid down in sequence, and the trained eye that spots misalignments at a glance. 

That segues into our deeper conversation with CPM Executive Director, Rafael del Castillo: January acts like a second first day of school, only now we share norms, trust, and a clearer sense of what works. We talk about regrouping teams, revisiting agreements, and using the January–April window to make small...

Ready for a feel-good jolt of purpose and practical ideas to carry you into the new year? We kick off with National Underdog Day, then connect that spirit to math classrooms where identity, equity, and agency drive the work. The conversation builds toward a big announcement: the CPM Teacher Conference returns to San Francisco on February 21–22, 2026, with an energized program designed to meet teachers where they are and help them go further.

We share the details educators care about. Dr. Eugenia Cheng brings a keynote on the math of inequality and how things add up—or don’t—in r...

A bag of popcorn, a few movie-theater secrets, and then the big pivot: what actually makes math materials high quality. We invited Bridget Gunn and Dan Henderson to help us pull HQIM out of acronym-land and into real classrooms, where teachers need time, students need voice, and everyone needs coherence. The result is a candid, practical tour of how curriculum design can elevate thinking without burying teachers in prep.

We break down five components that anchor equitable, engaging teaching—planning around big ideas, open and engaging tasks, student questions and conjectures, reasoning and justification, and teaching toward so...

Start with a name and you get a story. We kick off with Latvian Independence Day and our colleague, Astrida Lizins, whose Latvian name, family roots, and community traditions open a window into how culture survives and thrives far from home. From Saturday language schools and summer camps to folk dance sets and dense rye bread, we explore how rituals and food build belonging—and why that matters when we think about classrooms.

That bridge takes us to timely news from California’s curriculum adoption (CPM is on the list!) and a bigger conversation about high-quality instructional mate...

What if “common sense” isn’t universal at all—but learned, personal, and shaped by context? Joel and Misty begin with their typical philosophical investigation of the national day. This time it's "Use Your Common Sense" Day.

That reframing sets the stage for a lively conversation with our colleagues Bri Ruiz and Adam Varnes as they launch Sum Shenanigans, a new CPM social series built to deliver practical math‑teaching strategies right where you already scroll.

We dig into the why behind the project: teachers don’t need more theory in abstract; they need clear, adaptable mo...

What if a few simple shifts could turn your math class into a place where more students talk, think, and truly learn? 

We start with our usual celebration of the "day of" by tipping our hats to Ada Lovelace. 

Then we ask the PL Team to share some of their "themes of support" that come up as they work with teachers during the beginning part of the year. The struggles and challenges that they face and some of the advice or suggestions that they share with these teachers. 

Hear about what “enough practice” really...

What if the future of math education blends joy, rigor, and teacher voice—with professional learning that meets educators where they are? We open with a lighthearted celebration of International Podcast Day and a look back at how radio paved the way for the on‑demand world. Then we sit down with former CPM executive director Elizabeth Coyner to trace her path from a small farm town classroom to leading a national organization through rapid growth, year‑round curriculum writing, and a seismic pivot to hybrid professional learning that stuck long after the pandemic.

Elizabeth shares what it too...

What does it mean to build authentic trust in educational settings? How do we create working agreements that evolve with changing circumstances rather than remaining static? These questions form the heart of this deeply reflective conversation about leadership, classroom dynamics, and the complex relationships that underpin effective education.

Beginning with a playful discussion about Collect Rocks Day, Joel and Misty explore how their fascination with collecting connects to building memories and relationships. This seemingly simple topic evolves into a profound metaphor for how we accumulate experiences that form the foundation of trust in our professional lives.
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First, it's National Toilet Paper Day! So we talk about how we will celebrate... 

Then, what happens when a school district shifts from traditional math instruction to collaborative learning? Holly McCarty, Coordinator of Curriculum Instruction at Shawnee Mission School District in Kansas, takes us behind the scenes of their successful CPM implementation journey.

When Holly joined Shawnee Mission—a district serving 25,000 students across five high schools, five middle schools, and 34 elementary schools—she brought a vision for transforming mathematics instruction. Her goal was clear: move away from passive note-taking toward active learning environments where students devel...

First, we discuss National Couscous Day (not to be confused with National Quinoa Day...). Please read that out loud a few times so that you can join in our fun and delight in saying the word "couscous"!

Then, Rafael Del Castillo joins the More Math for More People podcast to share his fascinating journey from CPM math teacher to CPM Educational Program's Executive Director. His story reveals how a classroom transformation sparked an entire leadership philosophy.

After moving from Miami to Seattle and switching from high school to middle school teaching, Rafael discovered his traditional...

Latrenda Knighten, current president of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), joins us for the second part of our illuminating conversation on professional collaboration and growth in mathematics education.

We begin with a playful discussion of Pi Approximation Day (July 22nd or 22/7). What will you do to celebrate?

Then part two of our conversation – a profound exploration of professional identity and community in teaching. Knighten draws from her personal journey to illustrate how early exposure to professional networks transformed her teaching practice and accelerated her growth as an educator.

"Teaching can be...

First, we start off with National Pet Safety Day. How will you celebrate? Well, if you want to get a Save our Pets sticker? You could go here.

Then, what does it take to lead one of the the largest mathematics education organization in the world? Latrenda Knighton, current president of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), opens up about her journey from kindergarten teacher to mathematics education leader in part one of this insightful conversation.

Drawing from over three decades in education, Latrenda shares how her early experiences with professional organizations shaped...

Mathematics education never stands still. After a decade of classroom implementation, research advances, and teacher feedback, CPM Educational Program has reimagined their middle school curriculum for today's learning environments.

In this enlightening conversation with Tony Jones (Managing Editor) and Karen Wootton (Director of Curriculum Assessment), we explore how the third edition of CPM's Core Connections middle school courses brings cutting-edge teaching practices directly into mathematics classrooms. This isn't merely an update – it's a thoughtful integration of proven strategies that transform how students engage with mathematical concepts.

The new edition incorporates Building Thinking Classrooms principles through ve...

Summer has arrived, and with it comes refreshing iced tea, eaglet adventures, and exciting plans for the months ahead! We kick off with a spirited discussion about National Iced Tea Day, sharing our personal brewing preferences and debating the merits of sweet versus unsweet varieties. Remember those old commercials where people would fall backward into pools after a refreshing sip? We certainly do! (If you are too young (or old?) to remember them HERE!)

Our eagle-watching journey continues with an exciting update: Sunny has officially fledged! After weeks of practice flaps and hovering attempts, this brave eaglet...

Testing is over? What do YOU do to fill the last few days of school? We're watching eaglets!

The natural world offers endless fascination when we take time to observe it closely. This week, Joel and Misty share their current obsession with tracking the Big Bear Valley bald eagles through a live nest cam, discovering the remarkable process of how eaglets prepare for their first flight.

Starting with reflections on National Sunscreen Day, the hosts exchange memorable sunburn stories from childhood Disney trips to first date disasters, highlighting our evolving understanding of sun protection. What...

Welcome to Season 5 of the More Math for More People podcast!!!

What if high school mathematics could be truly transformed into something students find engaging, meaningful, and applicable to their lives? In this thought-provoking conversation with mathematics education experts Kris Cunningham and Kristi Martin, we dive deep into the possibilities presented in the NCTM publication "High School Mathematics Reimagined, Revitalized, and Relevant."

The discussion opens doors to a reimagined approach to high school mathematics that moves beyond the traditional curriculum model. Both guests highlight the importance of mathematical modeling as a pathway to authentic learning...

What happens when someone who doesn't identify as a "math person" joins a mathematics education organization? In our milestone 101st episode, Nick Love, CPM's Director of Strategic Communications, shares candid insights about navigating this territory that reveal powerful lessons about creating inclusive learning environments.

After spending years in school communications without being a classroom teacher, Nick found himself surrounded by mathematics education experts—an experience he describes as both inspiring and occasionally intimidating. "It's a little bit like hanging out with giants sometimes," he admits. His stories highlight what happens when we create spaces where everyone feels we...

First, it's National Rubber Eraser Day! So get your Pink Pearls out and celebrate!!

Then, we continue our conversation with Dr. Nicole Joseph of Vanderbilt University about the mathematical experiences of Black girls, revealing how they navigate spaces where they face unique challenges at the intersection of race and gender. Her research shows that Black girls are disproportionately affected by school disciplinary policies while simultaneously battling stereotypes about who belongs in mathematics.

Joseph's Black Feminist Math Pedagogies framework offers a revolutionary approach to mathematics education that honors both academic rigor and social connection. She challenges...

First, we launch into Mathematics and Statistics Awareness Month. But we don't need to tell YOU how important this is!!

Then we have part one of a conversation with Dr. Nicole Joseph of Vanderbilt University. Dr. Nicole Joseph takes us on a profound journey into the heart of mathematics education, revealing how identity shapes learning experiences, particularly for Black girls. Drawing from her personal story of being moved to an honors math class after her mother confronted a teacher who repeatedly overlooked her raised hand, Joseph illuminates how pivotal classroom moments can transform a student's relationship with...

First, it's Awkward Moments Day! So we have... well... an awkward opening to the podcast by Joel and Misty...

Then!
What happens when students who struggle with math suddenly start asking for MORE math problems? When they eagerly show their work to administrators and connect classroom concepts to real-world situations? This transformation isn't magic—it's the result of the Inspirations and Ideas (I&I) curriculum being implemented by passionate educators like Lisa Milner from Armada School in Michigan.

Lisa shares her journey from skepticism to enthusiasm about CPM's approach, describing how winning the I&I...

It's International Scrapbooking Industry Day! 

Plus on this far side of the CPM Teacher Conference, we reflect on amazing event and look forward to the next one. 

Then we have a live recording of the Ignite talks from the Teacher Conference. So enjoy!

Speaker proposals for 2026 CPM Teacher Conference on February 21-22, 2026 in San Francisco will open on or about April 1!

Send Joel and Misty a message!

The More Math for More People Podcast is produced by CPM Educational Program.
Learn more at CPM.org
X: @cpmmath