More Math for More People

Testing is over? What do YOU do to fill the last few days of school? We're watching eaglets! The natural world offers endless fascination when we take time to observe it closely. This week, Joel and Misty share their current obsession with tracking the Big Bear Valley bald eagles through a live nest cam, discovering the remarkable process of how eaglets prepare for their first flight. Startin...

Welcome to Season 5 of the More Math for More People podcast!!! What if high school mathematics could be truly transformed into something students find engaging, meaningful, and applicable to their lives? In this thought-provoking conversation with mathematics education experts Kris Cunningham and Kristi Martin, we dive deep into the possibilities presented in the NCTM publication "High Schoo...

What happens when someone who doesn't identify as a "math person" joins a mathematics education organization? In our milestone 101st episode, Nick Love, CPM's Director of Strategic Communications, shares candid insights about navigating this territory that reveal powerful lessons about creating inclusive learning environments. After spending years in school communications witho...

First, it's National Rubber Eraser Day! So get your Pink Pearls out and celebrate!! Then, we continue our conversation with Dr. Nicole Joseph of Vanderbilt University about the mathematical experiences of Black girls, revealing how they navigate spaces where they face unique challenges at the intersection of race and gender. Her research shows that Black girls are disproportionately affected...

First, we launch into Mathematics and Statistics Awareness Month. But we don't need to tell YOU how important this is!! Then we have part one of a conversation with Dr. Nicole Joseph of Vanderbilt University. Dr. Nicole Joseph takes us on a profound journey into the heart of mathematics education, revealing how identity shapes learning experiences, particularly for Black girls. Drawing from h...

First, it's Awkward Moments Day! So we have... well... an awkward opening to the podcast by Joel and Misty... Then! What happens when students who struggle with math suddenly start asking for MORE math problems? When they eagerly show their work to administrators and connect classroom concepts to real-world situations? This transformation isn't magic—it's the result of the Inspirati...

It's International Scrapbooking Industry Day!  Plus on this far side of the CPM Teacher Conference, we reflect on amazing event and look forward to the next one.  Then we have a live recording of the Ignite talks from the Teacher Conference. So enjoy! Speaker proposals for 2026 CPM Teacher Conference on February 21-22, 2026 in San Francisco will open on or about April 1! Send Joel and Misty a...

It's Thumb Appreciation Day! So we begin with an amusing discussion about thumbs (are they fingers?). Then, since it is the week of the 2025 CPM Teacher Conference, we are taking a bit of a break from new content and giving you a reprise of our first conversation with Dr. Peter Liljedahl from 2022. After you listen to this part, you'll want to also go listen to Part 2 and Part 3 of the c...

It's Medjool Date Day! So first we discuss our ideas about dates...  Then we get some updates for Where They are on Their Journey NOW. Maggie is not in the classroom this year, but Grahame sends us a recording of how he's doing in his second year with CPM.  Enjoy! Send Joel and Misty a message! The More Math for More People Podcast is produced by CPM Educational Program. Learn more at CP...

This episode celebrates International Sweatpants Day, exploring the history, cultural significance, and societal perceptions of sweatpants while highlighting how comfort can enhance our daily lives. We discuss personal experiences with sweatpants and whether they can be considered professional attire.   Then we visit again with Brandon Pelter, Academy of Best Practices New Teacher participant to g...

Discover the timeless tradition of Distaff Day and learn how it pays homage to the industrious women. We unravel the history and linguistic roots of the term "distaff" and explore its cultural significance. From hands-on spinning techniques to educational strategies using yarn in the classroom, there's much to uncover about how these practices continue to foster creativity and commu...

First, it's Nobel Prize day so we discuss the legacy of the Nobel Prizes, a testament to Alfred Nobel's vision of celebrating human achievement across disciplines like physics, chemistry, medicine, literature, and peace. Ever wondered why mathematics didn't make the cut? Join us as we uncover these insights and reminisce about the nostalgia of encyclopedia collections, a reminder of...

Get ready to relive the timeless warmth of Peanuts as we celebrate Good Grief Day! We share personal stories and fond memories from iconic Peanuts TV specials, discussing the often hapless yet charming Charlie Brown and his interactions with friends like Lucy and Snoopy.  Join us for part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Peter Liljedahl, who brings groundbreaking insights into Building Thinking Clas...

First! Early Bird Deadline for the 2025 CPM Teacher Conference ends soon! Prices go up on November 15, 2024 - so don't miss out and have to pay more - sign up now! Ever wondered why anchovies are the perpetual outcasts of the pizza world? Join us as we celebrate National Pizza with the Works Except Anchovies Day with a lively discussion on pizza toppings. We boldly explore the sweet and spicy...

Ever had your toe stabbed by a mischievous cat? Join Joel and Misty as they share entertaining tales of their feline friends in celebration of National Cat Day. From childhood memories with beloved furballs like Perkins and Figaro to the hilariously challenging role of being a cat "manager," Joel and Misty navigate the whimsical world of cats. Whether you're a cat lover or merely ca...

Have you ever wondered about the origin of cheese curds or how they became such a beloved snack? Join Joel and Misty as they kick off National Cheese Curd Day with some mouth-watering stories and a sprinkle of history. Get ready to celebrate in style with tips on how to enjoy this day, whether by crafting your own batch at home or setting out on a delicious road trip to Wisconsin. Our episode take...

Join us at the CPM 2025 Teacher Conference in sunny San Diego, featuring an inspiring keynote by Dr. Tyrone Howard. With sessions led by CPM authors, professional learning team members, and experienced teachers, this conference promises to equip you with practical classroom strategies and activities. Plus, don’t miss the pre-conference day with seven diverse options covering leadership, coaching,...

Ever wondered what makes a Monte Cristo sandwich so special? Join us on the More Math for More People podcast as we celebrate National Monte Cristo Day with a fun-filled exploration of this delectable sandwich and its (supposed) ties to Omaha (spoiler alert - not true). We reminisce about our own encounters with the Monte Cristo, including the sad demise of a local favorite, and even indulge in so...

Ever struggled to find the perfect bowling ball or wondered how handicaps actually make the game fairer? Join Joel and Misty for some light-hearted fun as they share personal tales of bowling triumphs and mishaps, from dropping balls on toes to their goals for "no gutter balls!" Then John Hayes and Pam Lindemer join Joel and Misty to talk about the Site-Based Leadership Program. They bre...

It's World Mosquito Day! Oh, geesh! How do these annoying pests get a day to themselves???  After Joel and Misty talk about their feelings and share some random facts about mosquitos, they have a conversation with Brandon Pelter, a teacher from Connecticut who recently attended the Academy of Best Practices for New Teachers. Brandon shares his story of becoming a teacher, how he got to ABP, a...

It's National Root Beer Float Day! Joel has, apparently, already been celebrating... Do you have a favorite way to enjoy a root beer (or other) float? Then they have a conversation with their co-worker, Ashley Boyd, CPM Professional Learning Specialist, about things to consider as part of your communication with parents as you begin, or prepare to begin, the school year. If you'd like to...

It's National Sprinkle Day! So, of course, Joel and Misty first discuss how they use sprinkles, different names for sprinkles, and some other interesting facts about them. How will you celebrate?  Then they have the final part of their conversation about productive struggle in math class with Kevin Dykema, the President of NCTM. If you missed parts one and two, then rewind back to June 25 to...

Join Joel and Misty as they celebrate National Sugar Cookie Day. Learn about when sugar cookies first were made and revel in fun facts like Pillsbury's world record for most cookies iced in one hour.  Next, they continue their thought-provoking conversation with Kevin Dykema, president of NCTM, about promoting productive struggle in math classrooms. They talk about how teachers can balance en...

It's Global Beatles Day! So first of all, Joel and Misty talk about the impact of the Beatles and their memories of them. Then it's part 1 of a conversation with Kevin Dykema. Kevin is the current President of NCTM and a 25-year middle school teacher from Michigan. He's also the co-author of Productive Math Struggle: A 6-Point Action Plan for Fostering Perseverance. Part 1 includes...

Buckle up! It's the end of the school year and we've got a podcast filled with reflections, advice, and learnings! First, Joel and Misty discuss King Kamehameha Day. If you live in Hawaii (first, #envious), then you probably already know many of the fun facts that they share about King Kamehameha and a few of his amazing accomplishments.  Then it's time for the FINAL installment of...