Jonily Zupancic and Cheri Dotterer

Tier 1 Interventions

Science EN ↓ 88 episodes

Math intervention, writing intervention, neurobiology, and cognitive-based learning - Jonily Zupancic and Cheri Dotterer are sharing how to incorporate them into your classroom. Jonily is a secondary math teacher and instructional coach for math K-12. Cheri is an occupational therapist specializing in neurology-based treatment across the lifespan and a Strategy-based Interventionist. Jonily secretly calls Cheri her Lesson Plan Whisperer because Cheri is always in her head, reminding her of the foundations of development before academics begin. They met in 2018 and have been talking ever since....

Author

Jonily Zupancic and Cheri Dotterer

Category

Science

Podcast website

tier1interventions.com

Latest episode

May 12, 2026

Where to listen?

Podcasts in the app Replaio Radio Coming soon

Podcasts are coming to the app soon. Install now and be the first to see a whole new take on podcasts

Get it on Google Play Install for free Android 5M+ downloads · 4.8 rating iOS soon

Episodes

Why Standard Teaching Fails Our Students - Part 4 18.03.2025

In this episode of Tier 1 Interventions , Cheri Dotterer and co-host Jonily dive deep into the Candy Problem —a discussion that exposes the failures of traditional math instruction. Kirk and other passionate educators join this four-part series. They explore the neuroscience of learning, why manipulatives are crucial, and how math instruction must evolve. If you've ever wondered why so many studen...

Why Standard Teaching Fails Our Students - Part 3 11.03.2025

In this episode of Tier 1 Interventions , Cheri Dotterer and co-host Jonily dive deep into the Candy Problem —a discussion that exposes the failures of traditional math instruction. Kirk and other passionate educators join this four-part series. They explore the neuroscience of learning, why manipulatives are crucial, and how math instruction must evolve. If you've ever wondered why so many studen...

Why Standard Teaching Fails Our Students - Part 2 04.03.2025

In this episode of Tier 1 Interventions , Cheri Dotterer and co-host Jonily dive deep into the Candy Problem —a discussion that exposes the failures of traditional math instruction. Kirk and other passionate educators join this four-part series. They explore the neuroscience of learning, why manipulatives are crucial, and how math instruction must evolve. If you've ever wondered why so many studen...

Why Standard Teaching Fails Our Students - Part 1 25.02.2025

In this episode of Tier 1 Interventions , Cheri Dotterer and co-host Jonily dive deep into the Candy Problem —a discussion that exposes the failures of traditional math instruction. Kirk and other passionate educators join this four-part series. They explore the neuroscience of learning, why manipulatives are crucial, and how math instruction must evolve. If you've ever wondered why so many studen...

Hidden Math Pattern That Makes Subtraction Easy For Everyone: S2 E19 18.02.2025

In this episode of Tier 1 Interventions , Jonily Zupancic continues the conversation on Three Math Rules That Never Expire , focusing on Rule #2: Subtraction is Distance . Many students struggle with subtraction when taught only as "taking away." But what if we reframed it as measuring distance? Jonily explains how this approach builds number sense from preschool through high school, making subtra...

The Power of Indirect Instruction in Mathematics: S2 E18 11.02.2025

In this episode of Tier 1 Interventions , hosts Cheri Dotterer and Jonily Zupancic delve into the concept of the Staircase Problem , a reference task designed to enhance number sense through engagement and focus. This task fosters collaboration between teachers and occupational therapists within the classroom. It improves memory and retention of math concepts. Key Topics Covered: The importance of...

Differentiated Instruction in the Regular Ed Classroom: S2 E17 04.02.2025

The Staircase Problem isn't just a math exercise—it’s a pathway to deep conceptual learning, executive function growth, and full classroom inclusion. Whether you're a math teacher, occupational therapist, or intervention specialist, understanding how to scaffold and differentiate this task can transform student engagement and success. .**************************************************************...

Cognitve Science Meets Counting: S2 E16 28.01.2025

Are your students struggling to stay engaged in math class? Do you want to help them build lasting confidence and skills? The Tier 1 Interventions Podcast is here to guide you! This week, Cheri Dotterer and Jonily Zupancic unpack the Staircase task, a dynamic tool that: Enhances focus and engagement in the classroom. Builds foundational number sense through innovative counting strategies. Aligns w...

BLOW UP Math Education with Cognitive Science: S2 E15 21.01.2025

Expose all Math Standards in 15 days. 😯 Master them in 80 days! 😲 Cognitive Science of Mathematics will innovate your classroom.  🖨️ Part 2 of Teach Math that Sticks” Free Download https://disabilitylabs.com/f/teach-math-that-sticks   👀 View Part 1” https://youtu.be/LtM-YH-yV1o Join host Jonily Zupancic on the Tier 1 Interventions podcast as she navigates the heated debate surrounding the Scien...

How Cognitive Science Transforms Math Education: S2 E14 14.01.2025

Explore this transformative professional development on the Cognitive Science of Mathematics. Download the “Teach Math That Sticks” handout from this event to learn more about this innovative model of mathematics. https://disabilitylabs.com/f/teach-math-that-sticks This episode unpacks strategies like interleaving, spaced repetition, and metacognitive feedback that align with how the brain learns...

Achieve Math Success: S2 E13 17.12.2024

Dive into Part 2 of the Jesse & Kay series, where Cheri Dotterer and Jonily Zupancic explore how visuals, prompts, and strategic questions transform counting lessons into powerful learning experiences. Discover practical Tier 1 interventions to foster deep thinking, individualize instruction, and build lasting understanding in math classrooms. **************************************************...

Why Your Math Skills Aren't Improving and How to Fix it: S2 E12 10.12.2024

Discover powerful insights in this episode of Tier 1 Interventions as we explore how visuals and counting can unlock student focus and engagement. Cheri Dotterer and Jonily Zupancic break down the Jesse and Kay problem, revealing strategies for developing executive functioning skills and creating inclusive, effective classrooms. Gain actionable tips to empower every learner, from early education t...

Visual strategies for teachers and occupational therapists: S2 E11 03.12.2024

Hey teachers and occupational therapists: Watch Jonily and Cheri explore deep mathematical connections in a fun and engaging way. Don't miss out on this educational and entertaining content! Leverage thinking prompts to transform student engagement and traditional teaching methods using visual strategies for counting. **************************************************************************** Dis...

Transform your classroom in 2025: S2 E10 19.11.2024

In this Tier 1 Interventions podcast episode, Cheri shares the concept of "flow" as a transformative approach to classroom learning. By unpacking the neuroscience of brain waves, the importance of sleep, and responsive teaching methods, she and Jonily explore how educators can adapt their strategies to create engaging and effective lessons. The discussion also highlights practical techniques like...

3 concepts you need to succeed in calculus: S2 E9 12.11.2024

What are the five basic concepts that need to be taught in mathematics? Check out this episode of Tier 1 Interventions to discover how Jonily expanded her research project to discover what the College Board states are the three most important concepts anyone taking calculus needs to know. How do you foster these skills through interactive tasks, fostering autonomy, and creating positive learning e...

How emotions shape learning: S2 E8 05.11.2024

In this episode of Tier 1 Interventions, Cheri Dotterer and Jonily Zupancic explore the impact of emotions on student learning, especially in the math classroom. They dive into the concept of responsive teaching, emphasizing how learning is inherently emotional and why connecting with students on an emotional level is essential for their academic success. From sensory awareness to overcoming fear...

Teaching Additve Inverse to Promote Retention: S2 E7 29.10.2024

In this episode of "Tier 1 Interventions," Cheri Dotterer and Jonily Zupancic explore innovative strategies for teaching math concepts, focusing on the additive inverse and reference tasks. They discuss ways to move beyond standard-focused instruction and create memorable experiences that enhance students' understanding and retention. Join them in exploring how reference tasks support responsive t...

Transforming Math Instruction Using a SIMPLE Counting Problem: S2 E6 22.10.2024

Responsive Teaching Segment 3 In this Tier 1 Interventions podcast episode, Jonily Zupancic and Cheri Dotterer dive into the transformative power of the Locker Problem for math instruction. They discuss how pattern recognition, interleaving, and experiential learning can unlock students' mathematical thinking and improve retention. The hosts explore how this task can be adapted for all students, i...

Identifying hidden struggles in the classroom: S2 E5 15.10.2024

In this episode of Tier 1 Interventions , hosts Jonily Zupancic and Cheri Dotterer explore the fascinating world of cognitive neuroscience and its implications for education. Together, they explore how simple stimuli like diagonal lines can impact math understanding and classroom engagement. They discuss the importance of line orientation and how it affects students' learning processes and techniq...

Boost School Achievement with POWERFUL Visuals: S2 E4 08.10.2024

In this episode of Tier 1 Interventions, we explore pattern recognition and its critical role in enhancing student learning.  This is part two of a three-part series based on Tier 1 Interventions Workshops held on the third Saturday of the month throughout the school year. The discussion focuses on pattern recognition's second and third steps: reinforcement and recall.  Watch Step One: https://you...

Discover the BEST Way to Teach for Maximum Pattern Recognition Results Today: S2 E3 01.10.2024

In this episode, co-hosts Cheri Dotterer and Jonily Zupancic dive into the critical role of pattern recognition in student learning. Learn how responsive teaching can bridge the gap for students with learning disabilities by aligning classroom content with their unique experiences and perspectives. Discover strategies that enhance pattern recognition and help students excel both academically and i...

Simplify Math, Transform Achievement: S2 E2 17.09.2024

In this episode of Tier 1 Interventions , Jonily Zupancic dive into math instruction techniques that challenge traditional learning methods. Jonily, a math coach and consultant, shares her groundbreaking approach to teaching math using a diagonal line. She simplifies and enhances number sense without solving ANY math equations. With a strong emphasis on brain-based learning, Jonily discusses how t...

How Visuals are Changing Math Education: S2 E1 03.09.2024

Dive into the fascinating intersection of neuroscience and mathematics with educators Jonily and Cheri. Discover the groundbreaking Quick Dots intervention, designed to bridge the gap for students with learning disabilities like dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia. Learn how this innovative approach leverages visual learning to enhance number sense, pattern recognition, and mathematical confiden...

Core Classroom Math Activty Using Paper: T1I S1 E14 20.08.2024

Join us for an insightful episode of Tier 1 Interventions as we delve into the power of the 120 chart in revolutionizing math instruction. Discover research-based strategies to strengthen core instruction and unlock students' number sense. We'll explore how the 120 chart can teach various math concepts, from skip counting to fractions and decimals. Whether you're a teacher, intervention specialist...

Enhancing Number Sense with Rectangles: T1I S1 E13 06.08.2024

Unlock your students' potential by incorporating rectangles into your math lessons! In this episode of Tier 1 Interventions, we explore the power of using shapes to enhance number sense and mathematical understanding. Learn practical strategies to engage students of all abilities, improve their number sense, and foster a deeper connection with math concepts. Join us as we dive into innovative tech...

Listen to the Tier 1 Interventions podcast in Replaio

Radio and podcasts in one app - free, with no sign-up. Install today and do not miss the launch

Get it on Google Play

Replaio is not a podcast publisher; show names, artwork and audio belong to their authors and are distributed through public RSS feeds.