Is your math coaching program truly transforming classroom practice—or just treading water?

Many districts wrestle with whether coaching is worth the investment or how to maximize its impact. If you've ever wondered why some schools see real progress while others stall while striving for sustainable math improvement—despite similar coaching setups—this episode unpacks the hidden reasons behind that divide. Whether you're a district leader, math coach, or teacher leader, this conversation reveals the often-overlooked factors that can make or break your coaching strategy.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why spreading math coaching support thin across many teachers often leads to minimal gains.
• The four critical phases of teacher change—and why math coaching is essential in the final, most powerful stage.
• How restructuring your math coaching model can build momentum and create a ripple effect across your district.

Press play now to rethink your approach to math coaching and unlock deeper, more sustainable impact in your math classrooms.

Not sure what matters most when designing math improvement plans? Take this assessment and get a free customized report: https://makemathmoments.com/grow/

Math coordinators and leaders – Ready to design your math improvement plan with guidance, support and using structure? Learn how to follow our 4 stage process. https://growyourmathprogram.com

Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & Units

Show Notes Page

Love the show? Text us your big takeaway!

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.

Is it possible for teachers to have both autonomy in their math classroom and alignment with district goals? In this episode, we challenge the idea that autonomy and alignment are opposing forces. Instead, we explore how they can work together to create strong, consistent math programs while still honouring professional judgement and instructional creativity.

From pacing guides to new resources, we reflect on how district structures can feel restrictive—but don't have to be. When done well, alignment provides clarity, consistency, and support, without sacrificing a teacher’s voice or expertise.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why autonomy and alignment are not opposites—but parts of the same system
• How strong alignment can actually support, not diminish, teacher autonomy
• Real examples of how districts and teachers can find the right balance
• How to shift the narrative around pacing guides and new resources
• Why system-wide alignment benefits students without disempowering teachers

Not sure what matters most when designing math improvement plans? Take this assessment and get a free customized report: https://makemathmoments.com/grow/

Math coordinators and leaders – Ready to design your math improvement plan with guidance, support and using structure? Learn how to follow our 4 stage process. https://growyourmathprogram.com

Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & Units

Show Notes Page

Love the show? Text us your big takeaway!

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.

In this episode, we reflect on a challenge many math leaders face: the risk of presenting ourselves with false authority. Whether we’re facilitating professional learning, supporting instructional coaches, or engaging in school- or district-wide math conversations, strong convictions can easily be mistaken for certainty.

But leading meaningful change in mathematics education requires something different—humility, curiosity, and a deep commitment to learning. We unpack what it means to hold space for growth (both for ourselves and those we support), how to notice when we may be signaling certainty instead of inquiry, and why leading in math from a place of openness—not ego—is essential.

This is a reflective episode for anyone striving to lead math learning more authentically and build a culture where mathematical thinking, risk-taking, and professional growth are safe, shared, and ongoing.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why presenting with false authority can unintentionally shut down curiosity and collaboration
• How to lead from a place of learning, not knowing
• Practical ways to model humility and openness in your leadership
• The difference between strong conviction and rigid certainty
• Why reflecting on your privilege and positional power deepens your impact as a math leader

Not sure what matters most when designing math improvement plans? Take this assessment and get a free customized report: https://makemathmoments.com/grow/

Math coordinators and leaders – Ready to design your math improvement plan with guidance, support and using structure? Learn how to follow our 4 stage process. https://growyourmathprogram.com

Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & Units

Show Notes Page

Love the show? Text us your big takeaway!

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.