Math Education · Weekly
Honest conversations about the messy, emotional side of teaching and learning math.
Hosted by Dr. Pamela 'Pam' Brett, Blue Glasses Math explores the human side of math classrooms — the beliefs, emotions, and identities that shape who sees themselves as 'a math person.' Each week Pam talks with educators, researchers, and authors about navigating the complex interactions of math teaching and helping every student build a positive math identity.
Host
Math educator, consultant & host of Blue Glasses Math
📍 United States
Dr. Pamela 'Pam' Brett is a math educator and consultant who works with teachers, schools, and families on the emotional and identity work that surrounds math learning. Through her consulting practice and the Blue Glasses Math podcast, she champions math classrooms where every student is treated as a real human, not a robot — and where beliefs, regulation, and relationships are taken as seriously as content.
Breathwork coach for educators & athletes
📍 Canada
Ashlee Livingstone is a breathwork coach who works with teachers, students, and adolescent athletes on nervous-system regulation. Her micro-practices — including her signature 'driveway breathing' — give educators fast, repeatable tools to come out of survival mode and hold space for struggling learners.
View full profile →Elementary math consultant, coach & co-author of the Fluency Doesn't Just Happen series
📍 United States
Ann Elise Record is an elementary math consultant and coach, co-author of the Fluency Doesn't Just Happen series, and the educator behind the Math Running Records and Math Intervention Matters communities. She helps teachers move students from counting to flexible, relational reasoning through manipulatives, coherent intervention, and joyful instruction.
View full profile →Cognitive-neuroscience educator & author
📍 United States
Liesl McConchie is a cognitive-neuroscience educator, speaker, and author of Building a Positive Math Identity: A Brain-Science Approach. Her work helps teachers understand the emotional 'watercolors' students carry into math class and design experiences that build durable, positive math identities.
View full profile →Math educator, author & co-creator of Open Middle
📍 Southern California, USA
Robert Kaplinsky is a math educator, author of Open Middle Math, and co-creator of the Open Middle problem library used by teachers worldwide. He works with schools and districts on professional learning that centers student thinking and meaningful problem-solving.
View full profile →Educational learning experience designer (SEL, equity & math)
📍 United States
Dr. Lauren Fullmer is an educational learning-experience designer working at the intersection of social-emotional learning, equity, and mathematics. She supports educators in recognizing dyscalculia and designing classrooms where diverse learners build positive math identities.
View full profile →Education author & filmmaker (Aftermath, What School Could Be)
📍 United States
Ted Dintersmith is the author of Aftermath and What School Could Be, producer of three Sundance education films, and a tireless advocate for reimagining school in an age of machine intelligence. He argues that math education must shift from rote mechanics to the powerful ideas adults actually use.
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View full profile →What if the missing piece in math education isn't a strategy — it's regulation? Breathwork coach Ashlee Livingstone joins Pam Brett for a conversation about what happens when teachers and students show up depleted — and what becomes…
What does it really mean to build a connected math journey — for students and for teachers? In this episode, Pam sits down with Ann Elise Record, elementary math consultant, coach, and co-author of Fluency Doesn't Just Happen series, for a…
Discover how emotions influence learning in math classrooms through the lens of cognitive neuroscience. In this episode, Liesl McConchie shares groundbreaking insights on the emotional messages students carry, the importance of teachers…
In this engaging interview, Robert Kaplinsky shares his journey into math education, the power of open middle problems, and the importance of evolving teaching standards to match the rapid changes in society and technology. Discover…
In this episode, Dr. Lauren Fullmer discusses the intersection of social-emotional learning, equity, and mathematics education. She shares her personal math journey, insights on dyscalculia, and strategies for supporting diverse learners…
In this episode, Pam Brett explores the challenges and realities of digital learning, student motivation, and over-engineering education. She emphasizes the importance of curiosity, meaningful engagement, and simple, effective teaching…
Ted Dintersmith shares his extensive journey through math, highlighting the importance of understanding mathematical ideas over mechanics, and advocating for relevance and creativity in math education. Ted Dintersmith focuses on the urgent…
In this engaging interview, Dr. Nicki Newton shares her inspiring journey from a reluctant math learner to a passionate educator and advocate for joyful, inquiry-based math teaching. Discover her insights on fostering curiosity, the power…
In this engaging interview, Marsha Familaro Enright shares her insights on Montessori education, innovative programs for young adults, and the importance of fostering reasoning, creativity, and love of learning in children and students.…
In this insightful interview, Melissa Dean, a high school teacher and author, shares her journey of reimagining assessment and learning in math classrooms. Discover how shifting assessment practices can transform student engagement, foster…
This episode features Rob Baier sharing his journey through math education, emphasizing the importance of reflection, sense-making, and authentic teaching to foster better human and mathematical understanding. Discover practical strategies…
In this episode, Pam Brett discusses the often-overlooked emotional landscape in math classrooms. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing the emotions that students bring into the learning environment, as these emotions…
In this episode of Blue Glasses Math, host Pam Brett welcomes Michael Kenny, the founder of Math Fact Lab, to discuss his journey in math education and the development of his innovative teaching tool. Michael shares his early experiences…
In this episode of Blue Glasses Math, Pam Brett welcomes Dr. Rosalyn Giallanza, a passionate educator and researcher focused on multilingual learners in mathematics. The conversation begins with a nostalgic reflection on their early…
In this engaging conversation, Alex Romero shares his journey in math education, influenced by his family's background in mathematics. He discusses the development of Tile Farm, a platform designed to make math beautiful and enjoyable for…
In this episode of the Blue Glasses Math podcast, Pam Brett and Alison Mello discuss the influence of self-perception on math teaching and learning. They explore Alison's journey as an 'accidental math teacher,' the importance of…
In this conversation, Pam Brett and Kate Rolland discuss the behind-the-scenes aspects of podcasting, the importance of support in business, and the transition to more efficient tools. They explore how AI can enhance social media…
In this engaging conversation, Pam Brett and Dan Meyer explore the transformative landscape of math education, reflecting on Dan's influential TED Talk, 'Math Class Needs a Makeover.' They discuss the importance of shifting perspectives on…
Talking with Courtney Flessner feels like an invitation to rethink what math education is for. In this episode, we explore why teaching math can’t be reduced to getting the right answers—and why understanding the “why” behind the math…
Christopher Danielson has a way of making math feel more human, more joyful, and more deeply connected to the curiosity we all carry. In this episode, we talk about the math stories that shaped us, the importance of teachers doing real…
I instantly knew I wanted to be Shelby's friend when I met her in Atlanta this Fall at the NCSM Annual Meeting. Not only does she seem to know everyone in math education, she carries herself with a warmth and wholeheartedness that’s…
What’s your math story? In this episode, Kristen Acosta brings us into hers—and invites us to reimagine math as a subject filled with movement, conversation, and curiosity. Known for her innovative use of clothesline math, Kristen shares…
In this episode, I delve into the importance of emotions in math education. Teaching math isn't just about facts and procedures; it's about how students feel when grappling with mathematical ideas. I emphasize the need for students to…
What’s your math story? That’s where we begin this episode with the brilliant minds behind Smart With It, Jill Diniz and James Tanton. Together, they share powerful personal journeys—how emotions, curiosity, and frustration shaped their…
In this episode of Blue Glasses Math, I welcome Jen Dalton, Math Department Chair at New England Innovation Academy. We discuss the importance of building trust with students, and innovative teaching methods that integrate real-world…
In this episode, I engage in a thought-provoking conversation with William Polan, an international school educator and math coach based in Thailand. We explore the transformative power of inquiry-based learning in math education,…
In this episode of Blue Glasses Math, I sit down with four incredible math education leaders to explore the Math Narrative Project—a powerful initiative reshaping the way we think and talk about math teaching and learning. Please welcome…
In this episode, I’m joined by Jennifer Lempp—math coach, author, and advocate for empowering students through the Math Workshop model. Jennifer opens up about her own struggles with math, and how those early experiences shaped her passion…
In this power-packed Pam² episode of Blue Glasses Math, I sit down with Pam Harris!! Pam Harris is shifting the way we view and teach mathematics. She is a mom, former high school math teacher, university lecturer, author and the Founder…
What’s your math story? In this deeply inspiring episode of Blue Glasses Math, I sit down with the one and only Jo Boaler—mathematics education researcher, author of Math-ish, and founder of YouCubed. We talk about shifting math culture…
In this episode of Blue Glasses Math, I talk about the importance of understanding the beliefs we each carry about teaching and learning math—and how those beliefs impact both us as teachers and our students. I share why it’s so powerful…
In this solo episode, I reconnect with the Blue Glasses Math community, reflecting on the deeper purpose of teaching mathematics. I emphasize the importance of humanizing math education, focusing on the emotional experiences of students,…
What do you get when two deeply reflective educators who love math — and love teachers — show up with vulnerability, humor, and a whole lot of heart? In this episode, Zak Champagne (Chief Content Officer at Flynn Education and co-author of…
In this engaging episode, Ron Martiello shares his deeply personal and evolving journey with mathematics. From proudly wearing Smurf stickers in elementary school after winning fast-fact games to becoming a passionate math coach and…
Summary In this engaging conversation, Zach Champagne shares his journey in math education, emphasizing the importance of authentic questioning, fostering curiosity, and creating safe spaces for students to express their ideas. The…
In this episode of Blue Glasses Math, I sit down with Marc Seigel—STEM educator and high school chemistry and design teacher—to talk about the power of mistake-making in learning. From flaming Doritos to balloon experiments that didn’t go…
What happens when someone who studied actuarial science and worked in corporate consulting walks away to teach high school math? In this episode, I sit down with Paul Battaglia—a powerful voice in math education who brings passion,…
What if the best way to help students to see themselves as math people...is to let them lead the way? In this episode, I sit down with Anne Paoletti-Bayna - award winning educator and creator of a groundbreaking math research elective…
What happens when we stop treating math like a checklist and start seeing it as a living, breathing human experience? In this powerful conversation, Dr. Kris Childs shares how centering student interests — starting with a group of…
In this episode of Blue Glasses Math, I sit down with Dr. Chepina Rumsey and Dr. Jody Guarino, authors of Nurturing Math Curiosity with Learners in Grades K–2. They unpack the power of student-driven inquiry in early math classrooms—and…
What if math felt like a playground instead of a test? In this episode, I sit down with Cindy Lawrence, executive director and CEO of the National Museum of Mathematics (MoMath) in New York City and one of its visionary founders. We…
Deborah Peart brings her perspective of what it feels like to be a student in a classroom whose mathematical ideas are not valued. Deborah uses her experiences as a student of math to help teachers understand that all students can learn…
"Always bet on people" - Dan Meyer In this episode of Blue Glasses Math, I sit down with Dan Meyer, a passionate advocate for better math instruction that truly supports both teachers and students. You may know him from his viral TED Talk,…
How can we create math classrooms where English learners (ELs) don’t just survive—but thrive? In this episode, I sit down with Adrian Mendoza, author of Teaching Math to English Learners, to explore strategies that make math more…
How does empathy shape the way we teach, lead, and connect with students? In this episode of Blue Glasses Math, I sit down with Erin Thorpe, a leadership coach and host of Tactical Empathy to explore how empathy is an inside job—a skill…
In this episode of Blue Glasses Math, I sit down with Dr. Amanda Jansen, professor at the University of Delaware and author of Rough Draft Math: Revising to Learn. We dive into the transformative power of revision in the math classroom—how…
This conversation with Eli Luberoff, founder and CEO of DESMOS Studio PBC gives us insight into how DESMOS was built and how to use this amazing dynamic calculator to recognize the brilliance in all students in your classroom. From…
Kevin Dykema always excelled at math as a student, mastering formulas and solving problems with ease. But when he stepped into the classroom as a teacher, he realized that true understanding of math goes far beyond surface-level…
In this episode, I explore the transformative potential of Amplify's Polypad, a free virtual whiteboard packed with interactive math manipulatives, from ten frames to fraction bars and beyond! If you’ve ever struggled with keeping students…
In today's episode, I talk about what I actually mean when I say "shift perspective on what it means to be a math person". Math evokes powerful feelings - for a reason. Experiences in math class stick with us and leave indelible marks on…
Get ready to rethink what it really means to be a “math person” as we dive into a lively chat with the incredible Brendan Scribner! Brendan’s career started in a middle school math classroom in Vermont and has taken him on a journey…
In this episode, I chat with Tanya LaMar, first generation college student who earned her Ph.D. in mathematics education from Stanford University! Tanya is the CEO of Struggly.com, an online program for students that helps them "walk the…
What stories do students bring to math class, and how do those stories impact their engagement with math? In Season Two, we will delve deeper into how our beliefs about what it means to be a math person makes a tremendous impact on…
In this episode, we kick things off with a thought-provoking quote from Dan Meyer: "Students know what it feels like to have their education done to them rather than with them and they vastly prefer the latter." Let's dive into what this…
What do I actually mean when I say, "shift our perspective on what it means to be a math person"? Why the Blue Glasses? In this episode, you will learn more about the reason why I am calling for a shift in perspective. Why I think that the…
In this episode, 2 in a series of 3, we begin to take a peek at how math teacher identity may influence how they show up as math teachers. Yes, each teacher brings their own unique stories with them to their lessons. Those stories…
In this first of a three-part series, I talk about learned helplessness in math class. Is helplessness learned, or taught? What does helplessness represent? What are the implications of helplessness? And what can we do about it? Let's…
Do teachers (and parents) play a role in shaping the flavors of students' mathematical narratives? You bet! We have the power to influence the bitterness or sweetness of students' mathematical experiences. Join me as I introduce the…
Building math confidence is like planting a seed that grows into a sturdy tree, providing a strong foundation for all future mathematical exploration and learning. It's important because confident students are more likely to take risks,…
Confidence is key when teaching and learning math effectively. So why are so many teachers (yes...there are plenty out there)...not super confident when it comes to teaching math "effectively"? In this episode I talk about what confident…
In a profession that makes all other professions possible, teachers have a lofty task. Teachers are tasked with preparing our kiddos to step out in the world and be able to function as independent members of society. What if we saw math…
Yup. The superintendent walked in on a fight, and witnessed, first-hand, how learners' beliefs will shift when they are given the space to express their opinions and co-create their mathematical thinking with one another. Let's take a look.
In this episode, I revisit the belief cycle Beliefs Thoughts Actions Results and begin to explore how simple actions we take, such as listening, can foster shifts in how students see themselves as math learners.
Imagine a student facing a complex math problem. The belief here might be, "I'm not good at math." This thought can lead to hesitancy in action, perhaps disengagement, disruptive behaviors, daydreaming. . And the result? A reinforcement of…
When we change our perspective on how mistakes help us learn, we develop hope from the struggle that is part of the problem solving process. In this episode, I explore the idea around tinkering in math and how tinkering, making mistakes…
In this episode, we explore the somewhat uncharted territory of emotions in the world of math. I discuss the profound human experiences of frustration and satisfaction, showcasing how we can support learners in their emotional journey…
In this episode we explore the similarities between rollercoasters and math class. People pay good money to ride rollercoasters so they can experience the thrill of the ups and downs...they pay to be scared. They pay for this experience…
We spend so much time thinking about the "right" curriculum, choosing and analyzing quarterly assessments, and designing environments for learning. What if we started paying attention to the "feelings" that happen when we do math? Come…
When I took the textbooks away, my 8th graders started to believe in themselves as mathematical learners.
My students complained to the school principal about my teaching style. They asked the administration remove me from my job as their 8th grade math teacher. In this episode of Blue Glasses Math, I tell the story about what happened when my…
What happens when an experienced teacher comes together with students who don't buy what she is selling?
