Modern Math Teacher
Kristen Moore, classroom teacher and math education expert empowers middle and high school math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and more student-centered practices to boost engagement in their classrooms. Teaching math has never been this fun!Whether you're a math teacher newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode that's sure to start changing the way you're teaching math. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group? Join the community of middl...
🤩 BONUS: What’s Coming in the Modern Math Teacher Membership
Have you been listening to these episodes thinking, “Yes! This is the kind of math class I want—but I can’t do it alone”?
Then this episode is for you.
Today I’m giving you an inside look at the Modern Math Teacher Membership—what it is, who it’s for, and how you can get in early as a founding member. I’ll also share the story that inspired it all—the moment everything clicked in my own classroom, when my students took ownership of a project and finally believed that math mattered.
...
#109: PBL Without the Chaos: Yes, It’s Possible
You want to do PBL, but every time you think about it… you panic. What if it flops? What if it’s chaos? Been there. Done that. In this episode, I’m sharing how I went from panicked to confidently using project-based learning in my classroom—without the mess.
Inside this episode:
✔ Why PBL feels chaotic (and why it doesn’t have to be)
✔ The biggest mistake teachers make when starting project-based learning
✔ How project milestones create structure and boost learning
💡 Try This: Sketch out y...
#108: Signs You’re Ready to Teach Differently
Ever feel like your class is full of students… but no one is really there with you? The crickets. The side conversations. The phone scrolling. If that sounds familiar, you’re not failing—you’re ready.
Inside this episode:
✔ 3 red flags that your current teaching approach isn’t working (and what they really mean)
✔ The mindset shift that saved my sanity (and my students’ engagement)
✔ Why it’s not about ditching standards—it’s about connecting them to your kids
💡 Try This: Reflect on th...
#107: Why “Real, Relevant, and Rigorous” Is the Future of Math
If you’re tired of hearing your students ask, “When are we ever gonna use this?”—this episode is for you. Today I’m breaking down the 3 R’s that have reshaped my math class: Real, Relevant, and Rigorous. And no, these aren’t just buzzwords.
Inside this episode:
✔ What it really means to design math that’s real, relevant, and rigorous
✔ A behind-the-scenes look at my Save for Success Project
✔ The litmus test I use to decide if a lesson is worth teaching
💡 Try This: Pick a lesson you’...
#106: The Math Class They’ll Remember
Is your math class unforgettable—for the right reasons? In this episode, I’m sharing a powerful story from a cross-curricular Rocket Project that completely shifted how I thought about engagement. It reminded me that students don’t remember worksheets. They remember moments.
Inside this episode:
✔ How I turned a standard quadratics unit into a project students couldn’t stop talking about
✔ Why cross-curricular work matters more than we give it credit for
✔ A super easy way to make any word problem feel more...
#105 – Chicken Nuggets, Pop, and Video Projects: Boosting Math Engagement with Clement Townsend
🍗🥤 What do chicken nuggets, pop, and student-created videos have in common? They're all part of today’s conversation on how instructional videos can transform engagement in your math class.
I’m joined by Clement Townsend, founder of Video Pro Learning, to dive into best practices for educational video projects, why video isn’t just for ELA anymore, and how Google Vids + simple tools can make blended learning approachable—even if you’re new to tech.
In this episode, we cover:
✅ Why student-created videos work in math classrooms (and how they deepen understandin...
#104 – Creative Final Exam Review with Stations, Choice Boards, and a Little Help from AI
😮💨 Feeling overwhelmed by finals prep? Whether you’re planning a final exam review for Algebra 1, Geometry, or Algebra 2, today’s episode is here to save your sanity—and your time.
I’m sharing creative, low-prep ideas to get your students engaged and reviewing without the usual stress-fest. Plus, you’ll hear how to use AI + ready-made warm-ups to build review stations and choice boards in a snap.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
✅ Why a simple “one day per topic” structure is my go-to for finals review
✅ How to set up engaging review station...
#103 – Your Summer, Your PD: What Do You Want to Hear Next?
☀️Summer is almost here—and so is my Summer Series Poolside PD designed to make your teacher professional development feel more like iced coffee on the porch than a boring meeting. 😎
In this quick episode, I’m giving you a sneak peek at what’s coming AND asking for your input to help shape the next few months of bite-sized, bingeable episodes.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
✅ Why I created the Summer Series for busy teachers like you
✅ A sneak peek at upcoming topics: PBL, AI hacks, back-to-school prep + more
✅ Ho...
#102 – Finishing Strong: Building Math Mindset and Confidence at the End of the Year
🤔 How can you help students leave your class feeling confident—even if they struggled all year? In this episode, we’re focusing less on the math and more on the mindset that sticks with students long after the final exam.
We’ll explore simple, meaningful ways to build a growth mindset and foster a strong mathematics mindset—so your students walk away believing they can succeed in math.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
✅ Why math mindset matters most at the end of the year
✅ 3 easy reflection act...
#101 – Free, Fun, and Still Rigorous: End-of-Year Math Activities That Just Work
✏️ Looking for free math activities for high school that are actually fun and meaningful? You’re in the right place. In this episode, I’m sharing my top 3 FREE, low-prep, high-impact math activities to keep your students learning (and moving) through the end of the year.
These aren’t just fluff—they’re rigorous, hands-on, and tied directly to key standards for Algebra 1 and Algebra 2.
In this episode, you’ll get:
✅ A full breakdown of my favorite freebies:
...
#100 🎉 15 Real Moments from 15 Years of Teaching: What They Taught Me
What better way to celebrate 100 episodes than by keeping it 100% real?
In this milestone episode, I’m looking back on 15 real, raw, and totally relatable teaching moments from the past 15 years of my math classroom. From launching tennis balls across fields (oops) to learning the hard way why some things can’t be gray (looking at you, cell phones), I’m sharing the funny fails, the powerful lessons, and the mindset shifts that helped me grow into the teacher I am today.
Whether you’re in year 1 or year 20, this one’s for YOU. L...
#99 – How Snorkl Transformed My Math Class: AI-Powered Practice that Builds Deeper Understanding
🤔 What are the best AI tools for teaching math? If you’ve been asking this, I have a game-changing classroom story for you!
In this episode, I’m sharing my new favorite AI tool—Snorkl—and how it completely transformed my lesson on graphing trigonometric functions. I’ll take you behind the scenes of an unforgettable class period where students:
✔ Got instant feedback that deepened their understanding
✔ Naturally used precise academic vocabulary
✔ Persisted through challenges and collaborated like never before
💡 The result? Stronger math discussions, more confident problem-so...
#98 – You’re the MVP: A Big Thank You + Easy End-of-Year Ideas to Celebrate YOU
🥳 It’s Teacher Appreciation Week—and this episode is all about YOU. Whether you’re coasting into summer or barely hanging on (no shame), I want to say THANK YOU for the work you do every single day.
In this special episode, we’re keeping things light, fun, and helpful with:
✔ Heartfelt encouragement (because you deserve it)
✔ Fun end-of-year teacher superlatives (grab your coffee and laugh along)
✔ Easy, low-prep math activities that are actually rigorous—and on sale for Teacher Appreciation Week deals!
💡 Whether you need a boost...
#97 Teachers Deserve their Time Back with Rae Hughart
Teaching doesn’t have to be exhausting. What if small shifts could give you back your time, reduce burnout, and make learning more engaging—without adding extra stress?
In this episode, I’m joined by Rae Hughart, educator, speaker, and founder of Teachers Deserve It. Rae is passionate about helping teachers set boundaries, reclaim their time, and make learning meaningful for students in a way that’s practical and sustainable.
We’re diving into simple, actionable strategies to help you take back control of your time, rethink professional development, and bring real-world connection...
#96 Fun Math Activities To Get out and Enjoy the Spring Weather
🎧 What if you could take math outside and still hit your learning goals?
Say goodbye to packets and hello to sunshine ☀️—because spring is the perfect time to take your math lessons outdoors without sacrificing rigor.
In this episode, I’m sharing two of my favorite math projects that work perfectly outside and still cover those key standards. Whether you’re wrapping up a unit or just trying to harness that end-of-year energy, these real-world projects will get your students moving, engaged, and learning.
We’ll explore:
🌟 Why outdo...
#95 Hands-On Math Activities + Projects Students Love
🎧 What if your next math review or intro lesson didn’t feel like a worksheet… but like a real, creative challenge your students couldn’t wait to do?
If spring fever has hit your classroom, it’s time to switch gears and bring in hands-on math activities that are engaging, meaningful, and standards-aligned.
In this episode, I’m sharing three of my favorite hands-on math projects that work especially well this time of year. These projects are real, relevant, and rigorous—and teachers say they help learning stick.
✨ Why hands-on...
#94 Unlocking AI for Math Teachers: Easy Ways to Start Today
🎧 What if AI could save you hours of planning each week?
AI can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be! In this episode, I’m sharing three easy, no-stress ways to start using AI in your math classroom right now.
We’ll explore how to:
✨ Use AI to simplify lesson planning and create scaffolded materials
✨ Boost student support and error analysis using Chat AI tools like Mathway
✨ Instantly generate real-world math problems based on your students’ names and interests
✨ Try a quick, AI-powered activity with a real-world dataset
#93 Spring into Something New: Why Now is the Best Time to Try PBL
🎧 Have you ever thought about trying something new in your classroom but worried about the timing?
Spring might be your perfect opportunity to experiment with project-based learning (PBL)! In this episode, I’ll show you why the final stretch of the school year is actually the best time to dip your toes into PBL—and exactly how to do it without the overwhelm.
I’ll walk you through:
✨ Why spring is the sweet spot for trying PBL
✨ 3 low-risk, high-engagement ways to start today
✨ How to tweak one lesson this month into a mini p...
#92: 3 Ways AI Can Help with Lesson Planning and Differentiation
Wish you had more time to personalize lessons, create engaging activities, and support all learners—without adding hours to your prep? AI might just be the tool you need.
In this episode, we’re breaking down three powerful ways AI can help with lesson planning and differentiation. Whether you're brand new to AI or already testing it in your classroom, you’ll walk away with practical strategies to save time, enhance instruction, and better support students.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
✔️ Why AI is a time-sa...
#91 Spring Reset: Simple Teaching Strategies to Re-Energize Your Classroom
Feeling the mid-semester slump? You’re not alone! March is that tricky time of year when energy dips, students get distracted, and classroom routines start slipping. But the good news? A simple spring reset can help bring back structure, engagement, and momentum for the rest of the school year. 🌱
In this episode, you’ll learn:
✔️ Why spring fatigue is real and how to shake it off-- like Taylor.
✔️ Simple strategies to refresh your classroom without adding stress.
✔️ Small shifts that can boost engagement and make teaching feel easier.
💡 Key Takea...
#90 AI in Math Education: What’s Hype vs. What Actually Helps?
AI is everywhere—but is it actually useful in math class, or just another tech buzzword? 🤔
When ChatGPT first hit the scene, I dismissed it. I thought, "This is just Mathway for English teachers." But after hearing how my colleagues were using AI in creative and time-saving ways, I decided to give it a shot—and I was blown away.
So today, we’re cutting through the noise to talk about what’s hype vs. what actually helps when it comes to AI in math education. 🚀
In this episode...
#89: March Math Madness in the Classroom🏀
🏀What if your students were as engaged in math as they are in filling out their March College Basketball Madness brackets?
March is one of the best times of the year to bring real-world connections into your math classroom. From buzzer-beaters to bracket predictions, major sporting events like the college basketball tournament in March to provide the perfect opportunity to hook students, spark curiosity, and make learning more relevant.
In this episode, we’re diving into how to capitalize on current events like March Madness ™ to create engaging, hands-on math experiences. Plus, I’ll introd...
#88: Rigor + Relationships = Student Engagement
February is the month of love, and we’re asking: Can you set high expectations and still be the teacher your students love and trust? Spoiler alert: You absolutely can! In this episode, we’re diving into how balancing meaningful relationships with rigorous instruction leads to student engagement and success in the math classroom.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
✔️ Why relationships are the foundation of a thriving classroom culture.
✔️ How to pair rigor with care to boost engagement and help students succeed.
✔️ Practical strategies to build relationships and implement meaningful, challenging tasks.
💡...
#87: Winning Warm-Ups: Easy Bell Ringers to Energize Your Math Class
Do you know the secret to starting your math class on the right foot? It’s all in the warm-up! A great bell ringer not only sets the tone for the day but also engages your students and gets them thinking critically right from the start.
In this episode, we’ll explore:
✔️ Why warm-ups are essential for focus and engagement.
✔️ Five practical bell ringer ideas to energize your math class.
✔️ A simple, bonus warm-up strategy you can implement tomorrow—even if you’re short on prep time!
💡 Key Takeaway: Warm-ups aren’t just...
#86: Presidents Day Projects: Connecting Math to History 🇺🇸📊
Presidents’ Day isn’t just a time to reflect on leadership—it’s a perfect opportunity to connect math to history and civic engagement! In this episode, we’re diving into cross-curricular connections that bring real-world math into your classroom.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
✔️ Why integrating math with history deepens student understanding.
✔️ How my Election Project engages students with data analysis, probability, and civic themes.
✔️ Simple Presidents’ Day activities that tie math to real-world events—even if you don’t grab the full project!
💡 Key Takeaway: Cross-curricular lessons, like th...
#90 AI in Math Education: What’s Hype vs. What Actually Helps?
Let’s talk. Send me a message with your email and I’ll get back to you!
AI is everywhere—but is it actually useful in math class, or just another tech buzzword? 🤔
When ChatGPT first hit the scene, I dismissed it. I thought, "This is just Mathway for English teachers." But after hearing how my colleagues were using AI in creative and time-saving ways, I decided to give it a shot—and I was blown away.
So today, we’re cutting through the noise to talk about what’s...
#85: Real-World Math at the Big Game: The Football Championship Project 🏈📊
Are you ready to turn the NFL Championship Big Game into a math teacher’s dream lesson? This episode is all about making math real, relevant, and engaging by connecting it to one of the biggest cultural events of the year! 🙌
In this episode, we’ll cover:
✔️ Why real-world math matters and how it transforms engagement in your classroom.
✔️ How sports-themed lessons (like the Super Bowl Project) tie into math concepts like probability, stats, and graphing.
✔️ Actionable ideas you can use tomorrow to connect math to sports—even if you don’t grab the resource!
#84 Transforming Classrooms to Meet Every Learner’s Needs with Rob Barnett
This week, I’m thrilled to sit down with Rob Barnett, a former teacher, co-founder of the Modern Classrooms Project (MCP), and author of the brand-new book Meet Every Learner’s Needs. Rob has dedicated his career to empowering educators with practical strategies to unlock the full potential of every student.
In this episode, we dive into:
✨ Rob’s journey into teaching and the challenges that shaped his approach.
✨ The inspiring story behind the Modern Classrooms Project and its revolutionary model.
✨ Key strategies from Meet Every Learner’s Ne...
#83 Using AI to Engage Students Beyond the Classroom
Want to make math feel relevant? In this episode, Kristen shares tips for connecting math lessons to students’ lives and interests. Plus, learn how to use AI tools to find real-world examples and data to bring into your classroom!
💡 What You’ll Learn:
Why real-world connections boost student engagementHow to use AI to create relevant lessonsExamples of real-world math projects🔗 Links:
Super Bowl Math Activity
🤓Read More with this week's Blog Post:
Let’s talk. Send me a message with your email and I’ll get back to you...
#82 Classroom Management Strategy Reset for Second Semester
Is your classroom ready for the second semester? This episode dives into CHAMPS strategies to help you reset routines, reestablish expectations, and create a positive learning environment. Plus, discover how AI tools can make classroom management easier than ever!
💡 What You’ll Learn:
How to reset your classroom routines after winter breakA step-by-step guide to using CHAMPS strategiesAI tools to track and improve classroom behaviorEngaging ways to involve students in creating a Social Contract🔗 Links:
CHAMPS Posters
Social Contract Lesson Plan
🤓Read More with this week's Blog Post...
#81 New Year, New Goals: Simple Goal Setting Classroom Activities
Start the new year with intentionality! In this episode, Kristen shares strategies to help teachers and students set meaningful goals for 2025. From reflecting on last semester to using AI tools for organization, this episode is packed with actionable tips.
💡 What You’ll Learn:
How to reflect on last semester to guide your goal-settingTeacher-friendly goal-setting strategies (with AI support!)Engaging activities to help students create and track their own goals\🤿Dive Deeper by Reading this Episode's Blog Post:
Student Goal Setting for 2025
🔗 Resource Links: Goal S...
🏆BEST OF 2024: (Re)Building Thinking Classrooms: Consolidating + Note-Taking
🎉 Most Listened to in 2024! Replay of Ep 51: (Re)Building Thinking Classrooms: Consolidating + Note-Taking 🎉
Back by popular demand, this episode blew up in 2024, and we’re bringing it back to give you all the tools to level up your Thinking Classroom! Whether you’re diving into Building Thinking Classrooms for the first time or refining your strategies, this episode is a must-listen.
🌟 What Makes This Episode a Fan Favorite:
Master the art of consolidation: Learn how to anchor learning through student discussions, starting from the bottom up.Notes that matter:<...🏆BEST OF 2024: Unlock Classroom Routine: Essential Math Class Structure Tips
🎉 Most Listened to in 2024! Replay of Ep 58: Unlock Classroom Routine: Essential Math Class Structure Tips 🎉
We’re bringing back one of your absolute favorites from 2024! This episode topped the charts because you loved the actionable strategies and clear structure ideas to make your math classroom run like a dream. 🚀
👩🏫 What to Listen For:
Why routines matter: Find out how consistency reduces student anxiety and sets the tone for a calm, productive classroom.The magic of predictability: Learn how a structured cadence can create a safe learning environment where s...Ep 78: Reflect and Reset: Preparing for a Fresh Start in January
✨ Reflect and Reset: Preparing for a Fresh Start in January
As the year comes to a close, it’s time to reflect on the semester and prepare for a fresh start in January. ✨ In this episode, Kristen shares strategies to help you and your students reflect on progress, reset your classroom for the new year, and recharge over winter break.
💡 What You’ll Learn:
Reflection activities to help students analyze their growth and set goalsTips for resetting your classroom routines and environmentIdeas for recharging yourself during the break🎯Refle...
Ep 77: Preparing for Semester Exams: Tips for Teachers and Students
✨ Preparing for Semester Exams: Tips for Teachers and Students
Feeling the pressure of semester exams? 📝 In this episode, Kristen shares her favorite tips to help teachers and students prepare for exams with confidence and less stress. Learn how to run effective review sessions, support students with test anxiety, and streamline your grading process so you can head into winter break feeling accomplished! 🎄
💡 What You’ll Learn:
Effective strategies for running engaging, targeted review sessionsTips for helping students manage test anxiety and build confidenceTime-saving techniques for teachers, from grading rubrics to group feedbackEp 76: The Gift Wrap Challenge: A Hands on Math Activity
✨ The Gift Wrap Challenge: A Hands-On Math Activity
Bring holiday cheer into your math classroom with the Gift Wrap Challenge! 🎁 In this episode, Kristen shares how this hands-on activity engages students with real-world math during the holiday season. Learn how to use this fun challenge to teach geometry, algebra, and problem-solving—all while keeping students excited about math!
💡 What You’ll Learn:
What the Gift Wrap Challenge is and how it works.Why students love this hands-on, real-world math activity.Tips for successfully implementing it in your classroom.🔗 Links:
🎁<...Ep 75: Managing Classroom Energy and Behavior During the Holiday Season
✨ Inside the Episode:
With the holidays right around the corner, keeping classroom behavior on track can feel like a challenge! 🎄 In this episode, Kristen shares practical strategies to manage classroom energy and maintain a positive learning environment during the busiest time of the year. From brain breaks to flexible seating, you’ll learn how to channel holiday excitement into productive learning. Plus, discover how her CHAMPS posters and Social Contract can help you set clear expectations and build a classroom community that thrives—even during the holidays! 🙌
💡 What You’ll Learn:
Strategies for...Ep 74: Inclusively Celebrating Winter Holidays in Your Math Classroom
✨ Inside the Episode
The winter holidays are here, and it’s time to celebrate! 🎄 But how can we bring the holiday spirit into our math classrooms in a way that’s inclusive and respectful of all students? In this episode of The Modern Math Teacher, Kristen shares practical strategies for celebrating the holidays inclusively and engagingly in your classroom. Plus, discover two amazing resources—the Gift Wrap Challenge 🎁 and Holidays Around the World 🌍—to help you create a magical, math-filled holiday season.
💡 What You’ll Learn:
Strateg...Ep 73: Easy Real-World Math Applications for the Busy Season
✨ Inside the Episode:
With the holiday season in full swing, it can be hard to keep students engaged and focused. 🎄 In this episode of The Modern Math Teacher, Kristen shares easy real-world math applications that require minimal prep but keep students learning! From budgeting for Thanksgiving 🦃 to analyzing Black Friday sales 🛍️, these quick activities will connect math to your students' lives and help you lighten the load during this busy time.
💡 What You’ll Learn:
🦃 Thanksgiving Budgeting: Have students calculate the cost of a holiday meal to practice percentages and unit rates.🛍️...Ep 72: Surviving the Holiday Season in the Classroom: Simple Strategies for Success
✨The holiday season is here, and we know how hectic it can get in the classroom! In this episode of The Modern Math Teacher, I’m sharing simple classroom strategies that will help you stay on top of things and enjoy the season. From managing classroom energy to adding festive fun, these tips will keep you organized and stress-free! 🎄✏️
💡 What You’ll Learn:
📋 Streamline Grading & Planning: Tips to make your grading and planning more manageable during the busy holiday season.⚡ Manage Classroom Energy: Use brain breaks, flexible seating, and holiday-themed ac...
