Math: Universally Speaking

Whether your classroom is energized like Earth, Wind & Fire’s "September" or feeling the back-to-school fatigue of Green Day’s "Wake Me Up When September Ends," strong connections are key to a successful school year.

In this episode of Math: Universally Speaking, we explore three practical Universal Design for Learning (UDL) approaches to build community, support diverse learners, and engage students from day one:

In this episode of Math: Universally Speaking, Ron Martiello explores how educators can keep students engaged during math learning by intentionally designing for rigor, productive struggle, and perseverance through the lens of Universal Design for Learning (UDL).

Ron clarifies the differences between three commonly misunderstood mathematics education terms—rigor, productive struggle, and perseverance—and explains why und...

In this episode of Math: Universally Speaking, I am joined by Dr. Juli Dixon to discuss the framework behind The Fact Tactics Fluency Program. We explore how to move beyond rote memorization by focusing on the meaning of multiplication and the properties of operations. Juli explains how her program helps students transition from basic additive thinking to true multiplicative reasoning, ensuring they have a solid foundation for more...

How do we truly invite students into mathematics?

In this episode of Math Universally Speaking, Ron Martiello explores the connection between Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and high-quality mathematics instruction, focusing on the engagement guideline of welcoming interests and identities. When students feel invited into the learning process, they are more likely to stay engaged, persevere through challenges, and develop a stro...

In this episode of Math Universally Speaking, Ron Martiello welcomes veteran educator and instructional leader Sheila Robitaille for a conversation on early numeracy and number sense development—two essential foundations for long-term success in mathematics learning.

Together, they explore how students often experience mathematics as procedures rather than conceptual understanding, and how weak early numeracy skills can contri...

In this episode of Math, Universally Speaking, Ron Martiello reflects on a collaboratively designed fourth-grade lesson on equivalent fractions through the lens of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). He shares how intentional planning, precise academic language, and the strategic use of multiple representations helped students develop deep conceptual understanding of fractions.

Listeners will learn how tools like the Frayer Model, ...

In this episode of Math Universally Speaking, Ron Martiello is joined by mathematics education consultant Dina Mendola for a thoughtful conversation on shifting the lift in mathematics instruction—moving the cognitive work from the teacher to the student.

Together, they explore what it truly means to reveal and advance student thinking, and why understanding how students reason, represent, and make sense of mathematics is esse...

In this episode of Math, Universally Speaking, Ron Martiello sits down with Cathleen Beachboard, author of School of Hope and a researcher in the science of hope. Together, they explore the transformative power of hope in education, from fostering student perseverance in mathematics to supporting teacher growth and resilience.

Cathleen shares her experiences as a classroom teacher, researcher, and parent, offering practical strategi...

In this episode of Math Universally Speaking, host Ron Martiello explores how educators can move beIn this episode of Math Universally Speaking, Ron Martiello sits down with math educator and DebateMath co-host Rob Baier to explore how debate, reasoning, and student voice can transform math instruction. Rob shares his journey from district leadership to international math coaching, his work with Innovomat, and the power of structur...

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 und...

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 be...

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 acr...

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 gr...

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 f...

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 breakthroug...

🎙️ 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 i...

🎙️ 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 ...