More Math for More People

Latest Episodes:

Episode 5.12: Use Your Common Sense and go watch Sum Shenanigans!! Nov 04, 2025

Show notes

What if “common sense” isn’t universal at all—but learned, personal, and shaped by context? Joel and Misty begin with their typical philosophical investigation of the national day. This time it's "Use Your Common Sense" Day.
That reframing sets the stage for a lively conversation with our colleagues Bri Ruiz and Adam Varnes as they launch Sum Shenanigans, a new CPM social series built to deliver practical math‑teaching strategies right where you already scroll.
We dig into the why behind the project: teachers don’t need more theory in abstract; they need clear, adaptable moves they can try tomorrow. Sum Shenanigans pairs long‑form YouTube conversations with quick Instagram reels, so you can choose depth or speed based on your day. The first topics hit two of the biggest challenges in student‑centered classrooms—pacing and collaborative learning. We unpack how to prioritize essential ideas, plan checkpoints, and protect thinking time, then shift to group routines, roles, and talk moves that lift more voices without losing mathematical focus.
From there, we preview upcoming episodes on supporting multilingual learners, working with students with exceptionalities, and sharpening core practices like formative assessment, circulating, and questioning. Bree and Adam keep the tone grounded and human—they’re not presenting as the final word, but as reflective practitioners sharing what’s worked, what hasn’t, and what they’re still testing. That openness is the point: we want to spark a wider conversation so teachers can add their own approaches, surface real‑world constraints, and co‑create better solutions.
Ready to jump in? Watch the long versions on YouTube, catch the bite‑size tips on Instagram, and tell us what you want next. Subscribe, share with a colleague, and drop a comment with your biggest classroom challenge—what should we tackle together?
To celebrate our launch, we have posted our first two episodes on YouTube, Supporting Study Teams and Pacing. Keep an eye out on Instagram for the Reels that will go up soon. We hope you enjoy the series as much as we have making it.

Send Joel and Misty a message!

The More Math for More People Podcast is produced by CPM Educational Program.
Learn more at CPM.org
X: @cpmmath
Facebook: CPMEducationalProgram
Email: cpmpodcast@cpm.org

Episode 5.11: Lots of mid-semester challenges and suggestions! Oct 14, 2025

Show notes

What if a few simple shifts could turn your math class into a place where more students talk, think, and truly learn?

We start with our usual celebration of the "day of" by tipping our hats to Ada Lovelace.

Then we ask the PL Team to share some of their "themes of support" that come up as they work with teachers during the beginning part of the year. The struggles and challenges that they face and some of the advice or suggestions that they share with these teachers.
Hear about what “enough practice” really means and why demanding fluency too soon backfires. You’ll hear how three-before-me and a strong Resource Manager cut down on the teacher traffic jam, and how behavior management gets easier when tasks are collaborative, non-routine, and designed with easy entry points. Our PL specialists share practical frameworks for keeping students engaged from bell to bell, plus the reflective questions that elevate planning: Are students collaborating? Will they share work publicly? Do they know how to begin?
Then we go classroom-deep with an update from our Join Them on Their Journey teachers. Jessie talks about her experiment with daily randomized groups reduced off-task talk and amplified math voices that had been quiet for weeks, while Chi redesigned assessment to include a fast correction cycle using targeted indicators instead of immediate scores.
If you’re ready to boost fluency without sacrificing sense-making—and build a classroom culture where every student sees themselves as a math learner—press play. Subscribe, share this with a colleague, and leave a quick review telling us which strategy you’ll try first.

Send Joel and Misty a message!

The More Math for More People Podcast is produced by CPM Educational Program.
Learn more at CPM.org
X: @cpmmath
Facebook: CPMEducationalProgram
Email: cpmpodcast@cpm.org

Episode 5.10: A conversation with our own Elizabeth Coyner! Sep 30, 2025

Show notes

What if the future of math education blends joy, rigor, and teacher voice—with professional learning that meets educators where they are? We open with a lighthearted celebration of International Podcast Day and a look back at how radio paved the way for the on‑demand world. Then we sit down with former CPM executive director Elizabeth Coyner to trace her path from a small farm town classroom to leading a national organization through rapid growth, year‑round curriculum writing, and a seismic pivot to hybrid professional learning that stuck long after the pandemic.
Elizabeth shares what it took to build an equitable, accessible classroom solution—embedding universal design for learning, multilingual supports, and teacher-tested strategies—while navigating HR, compliance, and culture. She offers a candid and optimistic view of what’s next: time with family and grandchildren, tutoring math, and a mission to connect classroom teachers with state adoption cycles and review panels so their expertise shapes policy and materials. Her message is simple and powerful: the people closest to students should help design the system.
If you care about meaningful math learning, hybrid PD that respects teacher time, and a culture where students feel seen and capable, this conversation is for you. Subscribe, share with a colleague, and leave a review telling us one change you’ll try to spark more joy in your math classroom.

Send Joel and Misty a message!

The More Math for More People Podcast is produced by CPM Educational Program.
Learn more at CPM.org
X: @cpmmath
Facebook: CPMEducationalProgram
Email: cpmpodcast@cpm.org

Episode 5.9: More getting real with Rafael del Castillo and NEW Join Them on Their Journey! Sep 16, 2025

Show notes

What does it mean to build authentic trust in educational settings? How do we create working agreements that evolve with changing circumstances rather than remaining static? These questions form the heart of this deeply reflective conversation about leadership, classroom dynamics, and the complex relationships that underpin effective education.
Beginning with a playful discussion about Collect Rocks Day, Joel and Misty explore how their fascination with collecting connects to building memories and relationships. This seemingly simple topic evolves into a profound metaphor for how we accumulate experiences that form the foundation of trust in our professional lives.
For new leaders, establishing trust requires consistency and transparency over time. As Rafael insightfully notes, "You don't trust people, you trust their habits." This perspective highlights that meaningful trust emerges not from singular actions but from patterns of behavior demonstrated consistently across situations.
The conversation examines how working agreements function across different educational contexts. Rather than treating classroom norms as immutable laws, we consider how to build agreements that can be revisited and revised as circumstances change. This approach not only creates more responsive learning environments but also teaches students valuable lessons about democratic processes.
Joel, Misty, and Rafael share their experiences with CPM's mathematics curriculum, which fundamentally redistributes power in the classroom by positioning students as capable mathematical thinkers who can engage with concepts independently. This shift requires building trust on multiple levels – teachers trusting students to take ownership of their learning, and students trusting that this collaborative approach will benefit them in the long run.
What emerges most powerfully from this discussion is the recognition that authenticity forms the bedrock of effective education. Whether in curriculum development, classroom management, or leadership transitions, genuine belief in what we're doing resonates with others and creates the conditions for trust to flourish.
Then we have two new installments of our Join Them on Their Journey from two Academy of Best Practices participants. Jessie and Chi talk about how they've started the year and we appreciate them sharing their enthusiasm and dedication now and throughout this upcoming year.
How are you building trust in your educational setting? We'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments or on social media.

Send Joel and Misty a message!

The More Math for More People Podcast is produced by CPM Educational Program.
Learn more at CPM.org
X: @cpmmath
Facebook: CPMEducationalProgram
Email: cpmpodcast@cpm.org

Episode 5.8 - Holly McCarty from Shawnee Mission SD talks about their CPM Implementation Aug 26, 2025

Show notes

First, it's National Toilet Paper Day! So we talk about how we will celebrate...

Then, what happens when a school district shifts from traditional math instruction to collaborative learning? Holly McCarty, Coordinator of Curriculum Instruction at Shawnee Mission School District in Kansas, takes us behind the scenes of their successful CPM implementation journey.
When Holly joined Shawnee Mission—a district serving 25,000 students across five high schools, five middle schools, and 34 elementary schools—she brought a vision for transforming mathematics instruction. Her goal was clear: move away from passive note-taking toward active learning environments where students develop lasting understanding through collaboration and problem-solving.
The implementation story offers valuable insights for any district considering curriculum change. Rather than mandating adoption across all classrooms simultaneously, Holly invited teacher teams who were ready and willing to pioneer the approach. This organic strategy created momentum as educators across all five high schools voluntarily chose to implement CPM with their Integrated Math courses.
What makes this story particularly compelling are the results. Holly shares a powerful anecdote about a high school student who, at the end of a Friday afternoon class, asked, "Can we do this again sometime? I was really engaged in what we were doing." Students have recognized the value of collaborative learning, with one noting that working together in teams "is just like real life."
Teachers report feeling more energized teaching with CPM than with traditional methods. The curriculum provides comprehensive resources to implement research-based instructional strategies without the exhausting hunt for quality materials that often burns educators out.
Whether you're a mathematics leader considering curriculum changes, a teacher curious about collaborative learning approaches, or an administrator supporting instructional shifts, this episode offers practical wisdom about implementation, professional development, and creating classrooms where both students and teachers thrive in their mathematical journey.

Send Joel and Misty a message!

The More Math for More People Podcast is produced by CPM Educational Program.
Learn more at CPM.org
X: @cpmmath
Facebook: CPMEducationalProgram
Email: cpmpodcast@cpm.org

Episode 5.7: Who is this Rafael del Castillo person and what does he want? Aug 05, 2025

Show notes

First, we discuss National Couscous Day (not to be confused with National Quinoa Day...). Please read that out loud a few times so that you can join in our fun and delight in saying the word "couscous"!
Then, Rafael Del Castillo joins the More Math for More People podcast to share his fascinating journey from CPM math teacher to CPM Educational Program's Executive Director. His story reveals how a classroom transformation sparked an entire leadership philosophy.
After moving from Miami to Seattle and switching from high school to middle school teaching, Rafael discovered his traditional methods weren't working. Through CPM, he found a revolutionary approach that transformed not just his classroom but his entire concept of leadership. "When you deploy a CPM pedagogy, you really share your power as a teacher," Rafael explains, describing how this collaborative model led him to adopt servant leadership principles that have guided his career.
The parallels between effective classrooms and effective organizations are striking. Just as CPM teachers distribute authority and facilitate rather than dictate, Rafael applies these same principles in leading. His approach focuses on "listening to learn, not listening to respond" – developing the talents of everyone around him while maintaining a strategic vision.
Today's educational landscape demands urgent evolution. The merging of curriculum development organizations with educational technology groups signals a fundamental shift in how we approach teaching and learning. While students may be comfortable using technology, Rafael cautions they remain "digital naives" who need guidance on responsible use. As education and technology continue their rapid integration, CPM's collaborative principles become increasingly relevant.
Rafael's journey demonstrates how pedagogical philosophies can transform leadership across various contexts. His story reminds us that whether in classrooms or boardrooms, the most effective leaders are those who empower others while maintaining a clear strategic vision. Listen now to discover how these principles might transform your own approach to leadership and learning.

Send Joel and Misty a message!

The More Math for More People Podcast is produced by CPM Educational Program.
Learn more at CPM.org
X: @cpmmath
Facebook: CPMEducationalProgram
Email: cpmpodcast@cpm.org

Episode 5.6: Pi Approximation Day plus Latrenda Knighten, part 2 Jul 22, 2025

Show notes

Latrenda Knighten, current president of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), joins us for the second part of our illuminating conversation on professional collaboration and growth in mathematics education.
We begin with a playful discussion of Pi Approximation Day (July 22nd or 22/7). What will you do to celebrate?

Then part two of our conversation – a profound exploration of professional identity and community in teaching. Knighten draws from her personal journey to illustrate how early exposure to professional networks transformed her teaching practice and accelerated her growth as an educator.
"Teaching can be a career where a lot of times you work in isolation," Knighten observes, highlighting how this isolation creates barriers to professional development. She makes a compelling case for fostering environments where teachers feel comfortable asking questions, sharing challenges, and collaborating across grade levels. These "vertical discussions" prove particularly valuable, allowing educators to understand mathematical progressions more deeply than single-grade expertise permits.
For teachers struggling to find supportive communities, Knighten offers practical strategies—from leveraging virtual platforms to building informal networks outside school hours. "There is no excuse for not having someone to collaborate with," she emphasizes, pointing to technological tools that make connection possible regardless of geographic limitations.
The conversation culminates with Knighten's passionate reminder that effective mathematics teaching practices—student engagement, encouraging questioning, problem-solving, critical thinking—have been validated by decades of research. "Let's stick with what we know is good and effective and let's just build on that," she urges, connecting these approaches to the skills most valued in today's workforce.
Whether you're new to teaching mathematics or a veteran educator, this episode offers invaluable insights into creating professional communities that sustain and enhance your practice. Listen now to discover how breaking free from classroom isolation can transform both your teaching experience and your students' learning outcomes!
You can connect with Latrenda Knighton on X (@LatrendaK)

Send Joel and Misty a message!

The More Math for More People Podcast is produced by CPM Educational Program.
Learn more at CPM.org
X: @cpmmath
Facebook: CPMEducationalProgram
Email: cpmpodcast@cpm.org

Episode 5.5: Pet Fire Safety plus Latrenda Knighten Part 1 Jul 15, 2025

Show notes

First, we start off with National Pet Safety Day. How will you celebrate? Well, if you want to get a Save our Pets sticker? You could go here.

Then, what does it take to lead one of the the largest mathematics education organization in the world? Latrenda Knighton, current president of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), opens up about her journey from kindergarten teacher to mathematics education leader in part one of this insightful conversation.
Drawing from over three decades in education, Latrenda shares how her early experiences with professional organizations shaped her approach to leadership. "I started as an affiliate leader and member very early in my teaching career," she explains, highlighting how these connections provided support beyond what was available at the school level. Now as NCTM president, she's focused on strengthening these affiliate relationships while expanding professional development opportunities for educators everywhere.
The heart of Latrenda's mission revolves around three key priorities. First, supporting teachers through accessible professional learning opportunities beyond traditional conferences – including webinars, journals, and podcasts that meet educators where they are. Second, highlighting the critical importance of early mathematics education, which she champions through partnerships with early childhood organizations. And third, ensuring students across all grade levels engage in meaningful, sense-making mathematical experiences.
"An engaged student is a more productive student, is a more confident student," LaTrenda emphasizes, distinguishing between student engagement and mere entertainment. She advocates for mathematics instruction that helps students make connections between concepts and real-world applications, building on their existing knowledge while preparing them for future learning.
The episode also features Andy Peterson-Longmore introducing her Teacher Research Community project focused on bringing joy and fun back to high school mathematics classrooms without sacrificing rigor or content. Her work complements Latrenda's vision of mathematics education that empowers both teachers and students.
Tune in to this rich conversation about mathematics education leadership, and don't miss part two coming next week where we'll dive deeper into professional development and the future of mathematics teaching and learning.
You can connect with Latrenda through X (@LatrendaK).

Send Joel and Misty a message!

The More Math for More People Podcast is produced by CPM Educational Program.
Learn more at CPM.org
X: @cpmmath
Facebook: CPMEducationalProgram
Email: cpmpodcast@cpm.org

Episode 5.4: Fairies and Third Edition of Core Connections MS! Jun 24, 2025

Show notes

Mathematics education never stands still. After a decade of classroom implementation, research advances, and teacher feedback, CPM Educational Program has reimagined their middle school curriculum for today's learning environments.
In this enlightening conversation with Tony Jones (Managing Editor) and Karen Wootton (Director of Curriculum Assessment), we explore how the third edition of CPM's Core Connections middle school courses brings cutting-edge teaching practices directly into mathematics classrooms. This isn't merely an update – it's a thoughtful integration of proven strategies that transform how students engage with mathematical concepts.
The new edition incorporates Building Thinking Classrooms principles through vertical non-permanent surfaces where students work collaboratively while standing, making their mathematical thinking visible to everyone. Daily randomized teams ensure students experience diverse perspectives, while streamlined one-day lesson structures maintain coherent mathematical storylines despite changing group dynamics.
Teachers will appreciate the addition of structured "door questions" to immediately engage students, brief "launches" that activate mathematical thinking, and reflection journals that deepen student understanding. Meanwhile, beloved problem contexts like the "jumping frogs of Calaveras County" and "algebra walk" remain intact, preserving what has made CPM distinctive while updating content to ensure all students see themselves reflected in the curriculum.
Beyond pedagogical enhancements, the team carefully analyzed and adjusted content alignment with current standards frameworks, rebalanced major and supporting work clusters, and completely refreshed the physical design with new illustrations, fonts, and spiral-bound teacher materials for improved usability.
Discover how this curriculum evolution honors what works while embracing what's next in mathematics education. Whether you're a current CPM teacher or simply curious about how curriculum can respond to research advances, this conversation offers valuable insights into thoughtful educational design.
Ready to explore how the third edition might transform your mathematics classroom? Visit support.cpm.org or check out the materials at CPM's booth at an upcoming mathematics conference.

Send Joel and Misty a message!

The More Math for More People Podcast is produced by CPM Educational Program.
Learn more at CPM.org
X: @cpmmath
Facebook: CPMEducationalProgram
Email: cpmpodcast@cpm.org

Episode 5.3: Summertime Iced Tea and Anticipations Jun 10, 2025

Show notes

Summer has arrived, and with it comes refreshing iced tea, eaglet adventures, and exciting plans for the months ahead! We kick off with a spirited discussion about National Iced Tea Day, sharing our personal brewing preferences and debating the merits of sweet versus unsweet varieties. Remember those old commercials where people would fall backward into pools after a refreshing sip? We certainly do! (If you are too young (or old?) to remember them HERE!)
Our eagle-watching journey continues with an exciting update: Sunny has officially fledged! After weeks of practice flaps and hovering attempts, this brave eaglet took flight on June 2nd while Gizmo continues preparing for the big moment. We draw parallels between these fledgling birds and the human experience of leaving home, noting how Sunny still returns to the nest occasionally—not unlike college students coming home for weekends.
The heart of this episode features our Professional Learning Team sharing what they're most excited about for the upcoming academic year. From Bree's multilingual learner book study to Ernesto's enthusiasm for new Spanish translations of Inspiring Connections materials, the passion is palpable. Kathy Williams highlights the contemporary updates in Core Connections third edition, while others discuss summer learning events including the Building Thinking Classrooms Conference and the Academy of Best Practices for New Teachers.
Between national park adventures, camping trips, favorite band concerts, and our company-wide Terrific Team Building event in September, there's plenty to look forward to personally and professionally. What are you excited about this summer? Share your plans and join us on June 24th for our next episode celebrating International Fairy Day!

Send Joel and Misty a message!

The More Math for More People Podcast is produced by CPM Educational Program.
Learn more at CPM.org
X: @cpmmath
Facebook: CPMEducationalProgram
Email: cpmpodcast@cpm.org

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