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Reimagining Math Instruction with Rob Baier: Debates, Reasoning, and Deeper Mathematical Understanding
Episode 18 Description: In this episode of Math Universally Speaking, host Ron Martiello explores how educators can move beIn this episode of Math Universally Speaking, Ron Martiello sits down with math educator and DebateMath co-host Rob Baier to explore how debate, reasoning, and student voice can transform math instruction. Rob shares his journey from district…
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Co-Teaching Strategies with Kate Small from empowerEd
Episode 14 Description: In this special episode of Math Universally Speaking, Ron reconnects with his former colleague and friend, Kate Small—an experienced educator, consultant, and passionate advocate for inclusive education. Kate’s background spans teaching in both general and special education, serving as an instructional coach, and working in administration before moving into national consulting. Now,…
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Building a Positive Math Culture – 5 Ways to Inspire the Problem-Solvers of Tomorrow
Episode 13 Description: In this episode of Math Universally Speaking, host Ron Martiello explores how to build a positive math culture that inspires students to see themselves as capable problem-solvers. Drawing on five practical tips—holding high expectations, coaching precision, embracing struggle, positioning students as partners, and making time for reflection—Ron shows how teachers can shape…
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Don’t Give Up the Ship: A Journey Toward Collective Teacher Efficacy
In this episode of Math Universally Speaking, Ron Martiello challenges the tendency to abandon high-level math instruction when analyzing achievement scores from the previous year. Using his experiences as a former principal and current instructional coach, Ron shares options for collective schoolwide actions that keep all learners engaged, supported, and on course—without lowering expectations. Discover…
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Pam Brett Helps Us View Math with a New Perspective
In Episode 11 of Math Universally Speaking, host Ron Martiello converses with Pam Brett about identity and equity in math education. Pam discusses her podcast, The Blue Glasses Math Podcast, emphasizing the importance of challenging stereotypes and affirming that every student deserves access to math. The episode inspires educators to lead with passion and high…
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Productive Math Struggle with Kevin Dykema
🎙️ Episode 10: Productive Math Struggle with Kevin Dykema Join nationally recognized math educator and former NCTM President Kevin Dykema as he unpacks what productive math struggle really means—and what it doesn’t. In this powerful conversation, Kevin shares reflections from his 26 years in the classroom, his leadership at NCTM, and his co-authored book Productive…
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Unpacking Numbers and Operations in Base Ten
Description: Unpacking Numbers and Operations in Base Ten In this episode of Math Universally Speaking, host Ron Martiello dives into one of the most foundational concepts in math instruction: Numbers and Operations in Base Ten. Discover how a deep understanding of place value and the Base Ten structure can empower students to reason flexibly with…
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Situations Matter – Understanding the Structure of Word Problems (Part 2)
Description: Situations Matter – Understanding the Structure of Word Problems (Part 2) In Part 2 of our problem-solving series, we dive into how to support students in grades 3–5 with multiplication and division word problems. We unpack the three key situation types—Equal Groups, Arrays, and Multiplicative Comparison—and explore how to set clear goals, provide scaffolds,…
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Situations Matter – Understanding the Structure of Word Problems (Part 1)
Description: Situations Matter – Understanding the Structure of Word Problems (Part 1) Welcome to Math Universally Speaking, the podcast where inclusive math instruction takes center stage. Hosted by educator and author Ron Martiello, each episode explores how Universal Design for Learning (UDL) can transform the way we teach and reach all learners. In this episode,…
