More Math for More People

More Math for More People

CPM Educational Program is a non-profit publisher of math textbooks for grades 6-12. As part of its mission, CPM provides a multitude of professional learning opportunities for math educators. The More Math for More People podcast is part of that outreach and mission. Published biweekly, the hosts, Joel Miller and Misty Nikula, discuss the CPM curriculum, trends in math education and share strategies to shift instructional practices to create a more inclusive and student-centered classroom. They also highlight upcoming CPM professional learning opportunities and have conversations with math educators about how they do what they do. We hope that you find the podcast informative, engaging and fun. Intro music credit: JuliusH from pixabay.com.

Episodes

October 14, 2025 36 mins

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 ad...

Mark as Played

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 throu...

Mark as Played

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 exp...

Mark as Played

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,...

Mark as Played

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 ...

Mark as Played

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 com...

Mark as Played

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 ...

Mark as Played

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 mi...

Mark as Played

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?) ...

Mark as Played

Testing is over? What do YOU do to fill the last few days of school? We're watching eaglets!

The natural world offers endless fascination when we take time to observe it closely. This week, Joel and Misty share their current obsession with tracking the Big Bear Valley bald eagles through a live nest cam, discovering the remarkable process of how eaglets prepare for their first flight.

Starting with reflections on Natio...

Mark as Played

Welcome to Season 5 of the More Math for More People podcast!!!

What if high school mathematics could be truly transformed into something students find engaging, meaningful, and applicable to their lives? In this thought-provoking conversation with mathematics education experts Kris Cunningham and Kristi Martin, we dive deep into the possibilities presented in the NCTM publication "High School Mathematics Reimagined, ...

Mark as Played

What happens when someone who doesn't identify as a "math person" joins a mathematics education organization? In our milestone 101st episode, Nick Love, CPM's Director of Strategic Communications, shares candid insights about navigating this territory that reveal powerful lessons about creating inclusive learning environments.

After spending years in school communications without being a classroom teacher, Nick f...

Mark as Played

First, it's National Rubber Eraser Day! So get your Pink Pearls out and celebrate!!

Then, we continue our conversation with Dr. Nicole Joseph of Vanderbilt University about the mathematical experiences of Black girls, revealing how they navigate spaces where they face unique challenges at the intersection of race and gender. Her research shows that Black girls are disproportionately affected by school disciplinary policies whil...

Mark as Played

First, we launch into Mathematics and Statistics Awareness Month. But we don't need to tell YOU how important this is!!

Then we have part one of a conversation with Dr. Nicole Joseph of Vanderbilt University. Dr. Nicole Joseph takes us on a profound journey into the heart of mathematics education, revealing how identity shapes learning experiences, particularly for Black girls. Drawing from her personal story of being...

Mark as Played

First, it's Awkward Moments Day! So we have... well... an awkward opening to the podcast by Joel and Misty...

Then!
What happens when students who struggle with math suddenly start asking for MORE math problems? When they eagerly show their work to administrators and connect classroom concepts to real-world situations? This transformation isn't magic—it's the result of the Inspirations and Ideas (I&...

Mark as Played

It's International Scrapbooking Industry Day! 

Plus on this far side of the CPM Teacher Conference, we reflect on amazing event and look forward to the next one. 

Then we have a live recording of the Ignite talks from the Teacher Conference. So enjoy!

Speaker proposals for 2026 CPM Teacher Conference on February 21-22, 2026 in San Francisco will open on or about April 1!

Send Joel and Misty a message!

The More Math for Mo...

Mark as Played

It's Thumb Appreciation Day! So we begin with an amusing discussion about thumbs (are they fingers?).

Then, since it is the week of the 2025 CPM Teacher Conference, we are taking a bit of a break from new content and giving you a reprise of our first conversation with Dr. Peter Liljedahl from 2022. After you listen to this part, you'll want to also go listen to
Part 2
and
Part 3
of the conver...

Mark as Played

It's Medjool Date Day! So first we discuss our ideas about dates... 

Then we get some updates for Where They are on Their Journey NOW. Maggie is not in the classroom this year, but Grahame sends us a recording of how he's doing in his second year with CPM. 

Enjoy!

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: @...

Mark as Played

This episode celebrates International Sweatpants Day, exploring the history, cultural significance, and societal perceptions of sweatpants while highlighting how comfort can enhance our daily lives. We discuss personal experiences with sweatpants and whether they can be considered professional attire.
 
Then we visit again with Brandon Pelter, Academy of Best Practices New Teacher participant to get an update of how his yea...

Mark as Played

Discover the timeless tradition of Distaff Day and learn how it pays homage to the industrious women. We unravel the history and linguistic roots of the term "distaff" and explore its cultural significance. From hands-on spinning techniques to educational strategies using yarn in the classroom, there's much to uncover about how these practices continue to foster creativity and community. 

Meanwhile, math ent...

Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    It’s 1996 in rural North Carolina, and an oddball crew makes history when they pull off America’s third largest cash heist. But it’s all downhill from there. Join host Johnny Knoxville as he unspools a wild and woolly tale about a group of regular ‘ol folks who risked it all for a chance at a better life. CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist answers the question: what would you do with 17.3 million dollars? The answer includes diamond rings, mansions, velvet Elvis paintings, plus a run for the border, murder-for-hire-plots, and FBI busts.

    Crime Junkie

    Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.

    Stuff You Should Know

    If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.

    The Joe Rogan Experience

    The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.