Modern Math Teacher- Teaching Strategies for High School and Middle School Math Teachers

164 You’re Not Boring—Your Math Lessons Might Be

If your students feel disengaged during math class… it’s probably not you.👉 It’s the lesson design.In this episode, we break down why students check out—and why trying to be more “fun” isn’t the fix. Instead, we’re shifting toward what actually works: real, relevant, meaningful math.In This Episode:✨ Why engagement ≠ entertainment✨ The real reason students lose interest in math✨ The difference between fun vs. meaningful lessons✨ One simple shift to try right awayEngagement comes from meaning, not energy.Start by asking:👉 “Why would my students care about this?”📥 FREE GUIDE: Project or Practice?Not sure when to use real-world projects vs. skill-based practice?👉 Grab the free guide: https://moorethanjustx.myflodesk.com/practiceA simple way to start making your math lessons more engaging—without adding more to your plate.Let’s talk. Send me a message with your email and I’ll get back to you!This podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.Connect with Kristen:Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustxJoin the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!

#163 What AI Is Revealing About Our Classrooms (And Why Students Are Using It)

Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming part of everyday classroom life—but the real conversation may be bigger than whether students should be using it.Students using AI isn’t the real story.The real story is what their use of AI is revealing about how school currently works.In this episode, I’m joined by Aron Boxer, CEO and Founder of Diversified Education Services and a former special education teacher and executive functioning specialist. Aron has more than 15 years of experience working with students and families and brings a relationship-based perspective to how students learn and develop.Together, we explore what the rise of AI in education may actually be revealing about our current system.Instead of focusing only on the technology itself, we dig into deeper questions:Why has student AI use accelerated so quickly?What does that trend tell us about the way students experience school?What does meaningful human development look like in a world where information is no longer scarce?For math teachers and classroom educators, this conversation also raises an important challenge: if technology can generate answers instantly, how do we design learning experiences that still prioritize reasoning, problem solving, and human connection?This episode offers a thoughtful perspective on the future of learning and the skills students need most in an AI-driven world.In This Episode We Discuss✔ Why students are rapidly adopting AI tools ✔ The difference between cheating and adaptation ✔ How AI may be exposing deeper shortcomings in our education system ✔ Why banning AI may not solve the real problem ✔ The skills schools should prioritize when information is no longer scarce ✔ How teachers can preserve human connection and authentic thinking in AI-rich classroomsAbout Our GuestAron Boxer is the CEO and Founder of Diversified Education Services. A former special education teacher and Director of Special Services, Aron specializes in executive funLet’s talk. Send me a message with your email and I’ll get back to you!This podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.Connect with Kristen:Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustxJoin the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!

162 AI Feedback That Actually Reaches Students (Before It's Too Late)

You spend the time grading. You write the comments. And then students look at the grade and move on. Sound familiar?In this episode, Kristen tackles two of the biggest feedback problems math teachers face: feedback that comes too late to matter, and feedback that isn't personalized enough to actually help. She walks through the real tools she's using in her classroom to solve both — so your judgment as a teacher can reach every student, faster.Tools mentioned:ChatGPT / Claude (feedback prompt template included in episode)Snorkl — instant AI feedback on student math explanationsKiddom — AI feedback built into your LMSBrisk — rubric-based personalized feedbackThis week's challenge: Pick one tool and try it on your next assignment.📲 Share what you tried: @moorethanjustx on Instagram 🌐 moorethanjustx.comSign up for Kristen's LAST AI in Math Education session with the Bureau of Educational Research: APRIL 1st! https://www.ber.org/seminars/course/MAD/Using-AI-to-Increase-MATH-Learning-and-Increase-Teacher-Productivity-Grades-6-12The Modern Math Teacher Podcast is part of the Teach Better Podcast Network.Let’s talk. Send me a message with your email and I’ll get back to you!This podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.Connect with Kristen:Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustxJoin the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!

161 Lesson Plan AI: What Teachers need and What We Don't

Lesson plan AI is everywhere — but is it actually helping teachers?In this episode, we explore what teachers truly need from AI lesson plan generators and why many educational technology trends miss the mark. You’ll learn how AI can support planning, differentiation, and feedback without adding more overwhelm.In this episode, we cover:Why many AI lesson plan generators fall shortWhat teachers actually need from lesson plan AIHow teaching with technology can protect teacher energyPractical ways AI can support instructional decision-making🎟️ Join me for a hands-on AI training with BER (March or April) where teachers actively create lessons and materials. https://www.ber.org/seminars/course/MAD/Using-AI-to-Increase-MATH-Learning-and-Increase-Teacher-Productivity-Grades-6-12 🎁 Can’t attend live? Download the Ultimate AI Tools for Math Teachers Guide instead. https://moorethanjustx.myflodesk.com/aiguideLet’s talk. Send me a message with your email and I’ll get back to you!This podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.Connect with Kristen:Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustxJoin the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!

160 How Can AI Be Used in Education Without Killing Thinking?

How can AI be used in education without killing  thinking?In this episode, we explore how teachers can use AI education tools responsibly — without replacing productive struggle or meaningful learning. You’ll learn how AI can support lesson planning, reflection, and feedback while keeping student thinking at the center.You’ll hear about:Why AI itself isn’t the problem — design isHow AI literacy helps teachers use tools responsiblyPractical ways AI can support teacher planningWhat responsible AI use actually looks like in math classrooms🎟️ Join me for a hands-on AI training with BER (March or April) where teachers actively create lessons and materials. https://www.ber.org/seminars/course/MAD/Using-AI-to-Increase-MATH-Learning-and-Increase-Teacher-Productivity-Grades-6-12 🎁 Can’t attend live? Download the Ultimate AI Tools for Math Teachers Guide instead. https://moorethanjustx.myflodesk.com/aiguideLet’s talk. Send me a message with your email and I’ll get back to you!This podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.Connect with Kristen:Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustxJoin the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers MovementMore About the Modern Math Teacher PodcastKristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!*Amazon orders may provide a small affiliate payout at no extra cost to you. These payouts help keep the podcast free for all!