The Math Learning Center Blog

Rounding Up: Season 1 | Episode 1 There is a persistent myth in the world of education that mathematics is abstract and its teaching is not influenced by cultural contexts. This despite the fact that research and scholarship indicate that when students see how math applies to the world they recognize, they perform better. Today on the podcast Dr. Corey Drake , senior director of academic programs...

What does it look like to connect with your students and help them advance their thinking? How do we support them in making sense of mathematics? MLC’s new podcast, Rounding Up , aims to address the questions that matter most to busy elementary math educators, coaches and instructional leaders. Hosted by Mike Wallus, our VP of Educator Support, Rounding Up offers bite-sized professional learning...

Meet Jessica Rock What grades do you teach, and/or your title/role? I have the privilege of serving as a second grade classroom teacher. What school, district or institution do you work for? Location? I work at Hiawatha Elementary School in Berwyn South School District 100. Our district is located in the western suburbs of Chicago. Who inspired you to become an educator? My fourth and fifth grade...

Meet Spencer Olmsted What grades do you teach, and/or your title/role? I have been a fifth grade teacher for the majority of my teaching career. I am now in my third year teaching in a highly capable fourth/fifth self-contained classroom. What school, district or institution do you work for? Location? I teach at Roosevelt Elementary School in the Olympia School District in Olympia, Washington. I...

Meet Lakria Martin What grades do you teach, and/or your title/role? I am currently a classroom teacher. I have the privilege of teaching both fourth and fifth grade mathematics. What school, district or institution do you work for? Location? I work for Baltimore County Public Schools, and my current home school is Bedford Elementary. Who inspired you to become an educator? I don’t think there is...

Meet Andrew Smith What grades do you teach, and/or your title/role? I currently serve in the role of K–5 math instructional coach. What school, district, or institution do you work for? Location? I work for Kenowa Hills Public Schools in Grand Rapids, MI, and serve Alpine, Central and Zinser Elementary Schools. Who inspired you to become an educator? My fifth and sixth grade teacher, Mrs. Ann...

Meet Emily Payán What grades do you teach, and/or your title/role? Second grade. What school, district, or institution do you work for? Location? Adams Elementary in Anoka-Hennepin, a suburban district of Minneapolis, MN. Who inspired you to become an educator? My son's experience as a student of color inspired me to become a teacher and continues to inspire me in working toward educational equity...

At the Math Learning Center, we believe that all students can make sense of mathematics. Some students just need more time, more opportunities, and more support than others. Our approach emphasizes problem solving, the use of faithful visual models, and a focus on developing fluency. In March 2021, the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) and the What Works Clearinghouse released a new version of...

The year is coming to an end. Soon your classroom will be quiet. No more pencils, no more books, no more finger counting, no more area models, no more calendar grid markers, no more pattern blocks and geoboard bands and base ten pieces littering the floor. As Sam Keen said, “Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability.” You’ve earned all the relaxation you can get this summer; enjoy it...

Meet Antonietta Mavo What grades do you teach, and/or your title/role? K–2 math instructional coach. What school, district, or institution do you work for? Location? I work for Lakeland Elementary in Humble Independent School District, Texas. Who inspired you to become an educator? I have always had a passion for mathematics and how it works. I decided to become an educator so that I may share my...