Math: Universally Speaking

In this episode of Math Universally Speaking, host Ron Martiello explores how educators can move beyond the myth of answer-getting and design math classrooms that value reasoning, reflection, and resilience. Drawing from Principles to Actions (NCTM, 2014) and his co-authored book Conquering Math Myths with Universal Design, Ron shares practical ways to elicit and use evidence of student thinking—a key practice that builds understan...

In this episode of Math Universally Speaking, Ron Martiello sits down with educator and innovator Beth Stark to explore how Universal Design for Learning (UDL) transforms teaching and empowers every student to thrive. Together, they discuss how thoughtful design — not rigid routines — helps teachers overcome barriers, honor learner variability, and foster deeper understanding in mathematics.

Beth also shares the story behind Ludia, ...

In this episode of Math Universally Speaking, host Ron Martiello sits down with Sarah Noland to discuss how educators can build belonging in math through inclusive teaching practices and Universal Design for Learning (UDL).

Listeners will discover how to:

• Create classroom cultures where all students feel they belong

• Develop inclusive math goals that promote access and engagement

• Support diverse student identities in mathematics

In this special episode of Math Universally Speaking, Ron reconnects with his former colleague and friend, Kate Small—an experienced educator, consultant, and passionate advocate for inclusive education. Kate’s background spans teaching in both general and special education, serving as an instructional coach, and working in administration before moving into national consulting. Now, she supports teachers and leaders across the U.S....

In this episode of Math Universally Speaking, host Ron Martiello explores how to build a positive math culture that inspires students to see themselves as capable problem-solvers. Drawing on five practical tips—holding high expectations, coaching precision, embracing struggle, positioning students as partners, and making time for reflection—Ron shows how teachers can shape classroom environments where math identities grow stronger,...

In this episode of Math Universally Speaking, Ron Martiello challenges the tendency to abandon high-level math instruction when analyzing achievement scores from the previous year. Using his experiences as a former principal and current instructional coach, Ron shares options for collective schoolwide actions that keep all learners engaged, supported, and on course—without lowering expectations. Discover how to set a course for the...

In this episode of Math Universally Speaking, host Ron Martiello welcomes educator and podcaster Pam Brett for a dynamic and deeply honest conversation about identity, equity, and the emotional layers behind math learning.

Pam shares the story behind The Blue Glasses Math Podcast—a name rooted in the idea of shifting our perspective on who gets to be a “math person.” From deli counter chats to classroom breakthroughs, she reflects o...

🎙️ Episode 10: Productive Math Struggle with Kevin Dykema
Join nationally recognized math educator and former NCTM President Kevin Dykema as he unpacks what productive math struggle really means—and what it doesn't. In this powerful conversation, Kevin shares reflections from his 26 years in the classroom, his leadership at NCTM, and his co-authored book Productive Math Struggle. Hear how he advocates for equitable math instruction...

🎙️ Episode Title: Unpacking Numbers and Operations in Base TenIn this episode of Math Universally Speaking, host Ron Martiello dives into one of the most foundational concepts in math instruction: Numbers and Operations in Base Ten. Discover how a deep understanding of place value and the Base Ten structure can empower students to reason flexibly with numbers and approach operations with confidence. Ron discusses the importance of...

Podcast Description:

In Part 2 of our problem-solving series, we dive into how to support students in grades 3–5 with multiplication and division word problems. We unpack the three key situation types—Equal Groups, Arrays, and Multiplicative Comparison—and explore how to set clear goals, provide scaffolds, and use conceptual models to help students reason through problems.

Rooted in Common Core State Standards, the Standards of Mathe...

In this special episode of Math Universally Speaking, host Ron Martiello sits down with co-author Dr. Jenna Rufo to reflect on their collaboration on Conquering Math Myths with Universal Design. Together, they unpack the inspiration behind the book, share personal stories from the field, and explore how Universal Design for Learning (UDL) can transform math instruction for all students. It's a candid, thoughtful conversation about ...

Description:

Welcome to Math Universally Speaking, the podcast where inclusive math instruction takes center stage. Hosted by educator and author Ron Martiello, each episode explores how Universal Design for Learning (UDL) can transform the way we teach and reach all learners.

In this episode, Situations Matter: Understanding the Structure of Word Problems, Ron breaks down the three foundational types of addition and subtraction wor...

What if we told you that joy in math isn’t about being happy—it’s about the deeper sense of fulfillment that comes from perseverance, growth, and belonging? In this episode of Math Universally Speaking, we explore how to cultivate joy in math through three key approaches: inspiring courage, making math relevant to students’ lives, and keeping all students in the game.

We’ll dive into the role of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) i...

Welcome to Math Universally Speaking! In this episode, Assess with the Heart – Navigating Challenges, Finding Opportunities in Assessments, we explore how assessments can be more than just a measure of student learning—they can be a tool for growth, confidence, and deeper understanding. Through proactive planning, thoughtful scaffolding, and meaningful feedback, we can create assessments that truly honor student learning and variab...

In this episode of Math Universally Speaking, we explore Standards for Mathematical Practice #1—Making Sense of Problems and Persevering in Solving Them—through the lens of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Too often, students struggle with problem-solving because they lack strategies for making sense of math, persisting through challenges, and connecting new learning to what they already know. We’ll discuss how educators can cr...

Descripition:

In this episode of Math Universally Speaking, host Ron Martiello explores essential tools that help educators and administrators create equitable, high-quality math instruction. Ron shares seven indispensable resources, including the Coherence Map, the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework, and his own book, Conquering Math Myths with Universal Design, co-authored with Dr. Jenna Rufo. Each tool plays a key rol...

Ron Martiello, the host of the "Math, Universally Speaking" podcast. Martiello shares his personal journey with math, going from loving it as a student to struggling with it later on, until he became a teacher and rediscovered his passion for making math accessible and empowering for all students. He co-authored a book called "Conquering Math Myths with Universal Design" and uses his podcast to explore inclusive teaching practices ...