Bridges to Belonging: Building the Foundation for High School Math Success

Dear Educator,

What does it mean to truly prepare students for what lies ahead—not just academically, but emotionally, socially, and intellectually?

In this episode of PD for the Soul, we’re building Bridges to Belonging with instructional leader Tara McCormick. Together, we unpack how to create the kind of math classrooms where students not only master the content—but feel seen, capable, and ready to take on the challenge of high school.

Tara reminds us that belonging doesn’t begin in high school—it’s built in middle school, with every opportunity we take to model success, celebrate mistakes, and raise expectations. We explore how intentional planning, clarity around behaviors of success, and collaborative work across grade levels can strengthen the bridge between middle and high school math.

If you're ready to stop assuming students know and start training them in what they need to thrive, this conversation is for you.

🖊️ Grab your Season 2 Listening Journal & Coloring Companion to reflect as you listen, linked in the show notes.

 📣 And remember: Starting August 1, this show becomes the Make Math Happen podcast—keeping clarity, community, and action at the center.

Because when we build bridges with care, students cross with confidence.

Send us a text

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Make Math Happen podcast! If you enjoyed today’s conversation, subscribe on your favorite listening platform, leave a review, and share this episode with your fellow educators.

You can also join the discussion and connect with me directly by clicking the link to join the Math Collective. Together, we’ll keep exploring practical strategies to transform classrooms and inspire students.

Remember, new episodes drop every Sunday at 9:00 am, so mark your calendars! Until next time, keep making math happen, and I’ll catch you in the next episode.

If you like math videos, let's connect:

• YouTube
• TikTok