Math Chat

Send us Fan Mail What does it really take to create a classroom where students not only learn math but also trust themselves, their peers, and their teacher? In this episode, I sit down with educator Ed Spicer to talk about building a math classroom community where students are independent, curious, and unafraid of hard things. A Classroom That Changed Everything When I first visited Ed Spicer’s 1...

Send us Fan Mail Does your math class feel like only a handful of students ever raise their hands while the rest stay silent? Or maybe your students avoid sharing out of fear of being wrong? You’re not alone—many teachers face this challenge. In today’s episode, we’re diving into Step 3 of Word Problem Workshop: the Share , and how it can transform your math classroom into a motivated community of...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when we stop teaching math as a set of steps to memorize and instead create space for students to explore, question, and discover? In this episode, we dig into how shifting our approach to math instruction can transform classrooms—and mindsets. This episode is packed with insights and practical strategies for making math class more engaging, joyful, and effective. Tun...

Send us Fan Mail We’ve all heard about the importance of productive struggle in math —but what does it actually look like in practice? In this episode, I share why Grapple Time is one of the most powerful parts of Word Problem Workshop, how to prepare students to persevere, and the exact four teacher moves you can make while students are solving. Wondering what this looks like day-to-day? I walk y...

Send us Fan Mail It’s a common belief: “My students can’t read, so they need to master simple math first before tackling word problems.” But what if this thinking is actually holding students back? In this episode, we challenge the unproductive idea that kids must learn the basics first, and instead explore how word problems can be the foundation for building math proficiency . The Word Problem Wo...

Send us Fan Mail You’ve probably heard the saying “Go slow to go fast” — but what does that actually look like in a math classroom? In this episode, we’re tackling one of the biggest challenges teachers face: balancing the pacing guide with the reality of diverse learners. We’ll dig into why slowing down might actually be the most powerful way to accelerate math proficiency for all students. 🎧 Li...

Send us Fan Mail It’s back-to-school season, and if you’re running on caffeine and sheer willpower, this episode is for you. The copy machine is acting up, your prep time is shrinking, and yet—you’re slowly building something amazing with your new class.  In today’s episode, we’ll talk about launching word problems in math from the very first week to set the tone for a year of problem-solvers, not...

Send us Fan Mail If you’ve ever had a student say, “I’m just not a math person” , you know how powerful that belief can be. Math identity—how students see themselves in relation to math—can either open the door to learning or slam it shut. In this episode of Math Chat Podcast , we explore how to shift those fixed beliefs by reframing what math is and who it’s for. The Word Problem Workshop (WPW) f...

Send us Fan Mail Starting the school year can feel overwhelming—but what if teaching routines didn’t have to be boring? In this episode, I’m showing you how to set up essential classroom routines and build a strong classroom community right from day one. You’ll walk away with ideas you can use immediately to make lining up, group work, and transitions smooth and stress-free. Want to skip the trial...

Send us Fan Mail If your math block feels more like crowd control than joyful problem solving, this episode is for you. We’re talking about how proactive math classroom management strategies can help you stop reacting to behavior and start building a smooth, focused learning environment where students thrive — especially during challenging math work. 🛠️ Simple Steps to Implement Proactive Math Cla...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever felt like every new math strategy or program is just more to juggle? From colorful problem-solving cards to trendy new resources, it's easy to feel like you're constantly adding to your plate — without seeing deeper learning stick. In this episode, Mona Iehl shares how she stopped the cycle of piling on and started using a student-centered math approach tha...

Send us Fan Mail What do horoscopes and homework have in common? More than you think—especially in the world of inclusive math education . In this episode, Mona sits down with Vanessa Vakharia , aka The Math Guru , to talk about smashing stereotypes, redefining math identity, and using creativity (yes, even astrology!) to reimagine math class as a space for joy and empowerment. 🎧 Tune In, Smash t...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever stared at your lesson plans, pacing guide, and testing calendar and wondered: How am I supposed to fit all of this in? If so, this episode was made for you. Host Mona Iehl , math coach and creator of Word Problem Workshop , helps you shift from cramming content to making room for deep thinking, math talk, and student growth. We’ve all asked it: How do I fit it all in...

Send us Fan Mail If you're trying to reach every student by creating multiple versions of your math lesson—this episode is for you. Host Mona Iehl , math coach and creator of Word Problem Workshop , shows you how to differentiate effectively without doubling your workload. The secret? One well-chosen, open-ended problem—and the right mindset to support it. Many of us grew up believing that di...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, Mona welcomes special education teacher and SEL expert Allie Szczecinski to unpack a topic that’s often overlooked in math: social emotional learning (SEL) . With over 15 years of experience and a brand-new book, Their Best Behavior , Allie shares how weaving SEL into your math instruction can build stronger thinkers, more confident students, and a calmer class...

Send us Fan Mail Is your math block filled with silence so thick you can hear pencils stretching? This episode is for you. Host Mona Lehl is flipping the script on what a “focused” math class sounds like—and spoiler alert: it’s not silent . Real math thinking creates a buzz , and Mona is here to help you lean into the noise . 🔧 3 Ways to Keep the Math Talk Productive  Worried the noise will spira...

Send us Fan Mail If you've ever scrolled past a flawless math lesson on Instagram and thought, “That could never be me,” this episode is for you. Host Mona—former teacher, math coach, and author of the upcoming Word Problem Workshop —gets real about what it actually takes to be a great math teacher. Spoiler: it’s not perfection or having all the answers. It’s creating the space for your stude...

Send us Fan Mail Hey teacher friend! Have you ever stared at your math curriculum thinking, “This is... fine, I guess?” You don’t hate it—but it’s definitely not lighting a fire for student thinking. In this episode, Mona, a math coach and author, shares why the curriculum you already have might just be your biggest asset— if you know how to use it differently. 🛠️ The How: 3 Shifts You Can Make Ri...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we unpack a big question: What’s your vision for math classrooms? From years of visiting classrooms and leading professional development, our guest shares a powerful answer rooted in three values: joy, curiosity, and teacher sustainability . This isn’t just an ideal—it’s a framework leaders and teachers can work toward right now. 🛠️ Try These 3 Professional Learni...

Send us Fan Mail Ever poured your heart into a math lesson only to hear a groan or a “Can’t you just tell us how to do it?” from your students? You’re not alone. In this episode, Mona—a former teacher turned math coach—dives into what’s really behind those reactions and how to shift them. Ready to turn things around? Mona shares three actionable routines straight from her Word Problem Workshop tha...

Send us Fan Mail Ever looked at your stack of printed math worksheets and thought, “There’s got to be a better way” ? You're not alone. In today’s episode, we’re flipping the script on word problems—and showing you how just a few small tweaks can stretch your students' thinking without stretching your copy limit. In this episode, I dive into how to extend student thinking using the probl...

Send us Fan Mail Is your math classroom a space of empowerment—or quiet struggle? In this episode, we’re unpacking what it really means to teach math equitably, with the brilliant Dr. Pamela Seda. Whether you're new to equity work or already deep in the journey, this conversation will challenge and inspire you. In this episode, Jenn chats with Dr. Pamela Seda, math equity leader and creator o...

Send us Fan Mail What if the questions you ask in math class could be the key to unlocking deeper thinking and real understanding? Today, we’re diving into the one question teachers ask me all the time : “What do I ask to get my students to explain their thinking?”  Let’s turn those blank stares into lightbulb moments. 🎧 Episode Summary In this episode, Mona breaks down the 7 types of questions t...

Send us Fan Mail Ever asked a math question and been met with total silence? Or felt like only a few kids are driving the whole conversation? You’re not alone — and today we’re fixing it. In this episode, Mona dives into the subtle mistakes that can shut down rich math discussions — and the practical shifts that can turn things around.  You’ll learn:  ✅ What common habits unintentionally stifle s...

Send us Fan Mail You don’t need a full-on classroom overhaul to start seeing change. In this episode, we’re talking about the “pebbles” — those small irritations or roadblocks in math class — and how you can start removing them with intentional, doable steps. 🎙️ Episode Overview In this episode, Jon and Kyle chat about what’s really getting in the way of change in the classroom. You’ll learn how t...