Mix and Math

Understanding Resistance to Change in Math with Mike Flynn

There’s a lot of talk these days about “new math” and questioning why educators want to change how math is taught. Parents, colleagues, and even the general public often push back, wondering why we can’t just teach math the way they learned it. That’s why I was so excited to sit down with Mike Flynn, a national leader in math education, a former second-grade teacher, and the founder of Flynn Education Inc. Mike has spent his career helping teachers navigate change, and in this conversation, we dig deep into understanding and addressing resistance to change in math education.In this episode, we explore why resistance happens—whether it’s from parents, colleagues, or even within ourselves—and how we can navigate it productively. We discuss productive vs. unproductive beliefs about math, how to create a math community where it’s safe to take risks, and why approaching resistance with curiosity instead of judgment makes all the difference. If you’ve ever struggled with pushback in your teaching, this episode will give you the mindset shifts and strategies to move forward. Let’s jump in!Connect with MikeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/flynneducationWebsite: https://flynneducation.com/Connect with BrittanyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mixandmathWebsite: https://www.mixandmath.com

A Framework for Equitable Math Instruction with Dr. Pamela Seda

If we want every student to see themselves as capable math learners, we have to think critically about the way we teach, the tasks we choose, and the messages we send—both spoken and unspoken.I recently had a chance to talk to Dr. Pamela Seda who is a leader in math education and co-author of Choosing to See: A Framework for Equity in the Math Classroom. She is committed to changing how students experience math so that all students develop into mathematical thinkers and problem-solvers.We had a very actionable and down to earth discussion about what equity in math really is and how small shifts in our practice can help all students get what they need in math. We also talked about empowering students to take control of their learning and how to modify tasks in a way that helps every student see math as a tool for creating change.Connect with PamWebsite: https://www.sedaeducationalconsulting.com/Book: https://www.sedaeducationalconsulting.com/product-page/choosing-to-see-bookConnect with BrittanyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mixandmath Website: https://www.mixandmath.com

Moving Student Thinking Forward with Graham Fletcher

How do we move student thinking forward in a way that’s meaningful, inclusive, and still hits all the demands of teaching math? I had an opportunity to chat about all of this and so much more with today's guest, Graham Fletcher. Graham is a former classroom teacher and instructional lead and is currently a math specialist. He is the coauthor of Building Fact Fluency and shares so many fantastic resources on his website.In this episode, we dive into everything from choosing rich tasks that provide multiple entry points, to the art of assessing where students are within a learning progression. We also talk about balancing conceptual understanding with the pressure put on us by pacing guides. This conversation is full of actionable ideas to move students' thinking forward. Connect with GrahamInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/gfletchyWebsite: https://gfletchy.com/Connect with BrittanyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mixandmathWebsite: https://www.mixandmath.com

Healing Students' Relationships with Math with Vanessa Vakharia

In this conversation with Vanessa Vakharia, author of Math Therapy and host of the Math Therapy podcast, we had a great discussion about how math anxiety impacts students' relationships with math and how our own experiences in math play a role in our work with students. We talked about teaching practices we need to think more critically about and Vanessa shared some wonderful ideas for how we can help students become more aware of and navigate their feelings around learning math.Connect with VanessaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/themathguru/Website: https://www.maththerapypodcast.com/Math Therapy: https://us.corwin.com/books/math-therapy-288168Connect with BrittanyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mixandmathWebsite: https://www.mixandmath.com

Supporting Multilingual Learners with Georgina Rivera

I had the chance to talk to Georgina Rivera about ways that we can support multilingual learners in math and how we can shed light on the brilliance that every single child in the classroom has within them. Georgina is currently the principal of a school in Connecticut but before that, she was a math teacher, coach, and STEM supervisor. She is active in many professional organizations including NCSM where she served as the Vice President. One of the things I love about talking to Georgina is just how practical the tips and strategies she provides are. I think you'll find yourself reaching for a pen and paper to jot down all the ideas she shares in this episode!Connect with Georgina Twitter: https://x.com/Mathcoachrivera/ Connect with Brittany Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mixandmath/ Website: https://www.mixandmath.com