Blue Glasses Math

072 | Welcoming the Magic: Building a Connected Math Journey with Ann Elise Record | May 20, 2026

What does it really mean to build a connected math journey — for students and for teachers? In this episode, Pam sits down with Ann Elise Record, elementary math consultant, coach, and co-author of Fluency Doesn't Just Happen series, for a conversation that is equal parts inspiring, honest, and deeply practical. Ann Elise shares her own math story: from being a memorization champion who "thought she had the math brain," to a fifth-grade teacher who unknowingly kept her students stuck in counting — and the pivotal moments that cracked open her understanding of what math teaching could truly be. From a week-long intensive with Dr. Mahesh Sharma that took her from multiplication facts to polynomial division using the same area model, to discovering flexible, relational strategies through Dr. Nicki Newton, Ann Elise's journey is a testament to what happens when educators put themselves in the room and stay curious. Together, Pam and Ann Elise explore: * Why fluency isn't about speed — it's about flexibility, efficiency, and accuracy * The power of Cuisenaire rods and manipulatives at every grade level * What Math Running Records reveal about student reasoning (and how to use that data well) * How to navigate teacher resistance — and why experience, not information, changes beliefs * The critical difference between counting, additive, multiplicative, and proportional reasoning * Why intervention must be coherent with Tier 1 instruction (and what gets in the way) * The role of belonging, consistency, and coherence in accelerating student growth * How family math nights can turn frustrated parents into powerful allies * Rules that expire — and why what we say in first grade matters in fifth grade and beyond This is a conversation about the magic and the messiness of math education — and why both are worth showing up for. 🔗 Connect with Ann Elise Record: Instagram: @ann.e.recordBluesky: @anneliserecord.bsky.socialLinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-elise-record-86329991Website: anneliserecord.com signup for newsletter - https://ann-elise-record.mykajabi.com/signup Facebook Groups: Math Running Records (18K members) | Math Intervention Matters (25K members) 🔗 Connect with Dr. Pam Brett: Instagram: @BlueGlassesMath Bluesky: @pambrett.bsky.social LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamela-brett-23b56675/ Website: https://www.blueglassesmath.org/ Subscribe to Pam's newsletter! https://shorturl.at/OTTwo

071 | The Watercolor Brain: Transforming Math Learning Through Neuroplasticity with Liesl McConchie | May 13, 2026

Discover how emotions influence learning in math classrooms through the lens of cognitive neuroscience. In this episode, Liesl McConchie shares groundbreaking insights on the emotional messages students carry, the importance of teachers understanding these emotional "watercolors," and practical activities to support positive math identities. Perfect for educators, parents, and officials aiming to transform attitudes and experiences around math. Connect with Dr. Pam Brett: insta: @BlueGlassesMath bluesky: @pambrett.bsky.social linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamela-brett-23b56675/ website: https://www.blueglassesmath.org/ Subscribe to Pam's newsletter! https://shorturl.at/OTTwo Connect with Liesl McConchie: insta / linkedin / bluesky: @LieslMcConchie https://lieslmcconchie.com/ https://lieslmcconchie.com/books

070 | The Future of Math Education: Adapting Standards for a Changing World with Robert Kaplinsky | May 6, 2026

In this engaging interview, Robert Kaplinsky shares his journey into math education, the power of open middle problems, and the importance of evolving teaching standards to match the rapid changes in society and technology. Discover insights on professional development, student engagement, and how to foster a growth mindset in math learning. Connect with Dr. Pam Brett: insta: @BlueGlassesMath bluesky: @pambrett.bsky.social linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamela-brett-23b56675/ website: https://www.blueglassesmath.org/ Subscribe to Pam's newsletter! https://shorturl.at/OTTwo Connect with Robert Kaplinsky: insta: @robert_kaplinsky bluesky: @robertkaplinsky.com linkedin: @robertkaplinsky website: https://robertkaplinsky.com/ Book https://robertkaplinsky.com/open-middle-math-book/

069 | Strategies for Educators with Dr. Lauren Fullmer | Apr 29, 2026

In this episode, Dr. Lauren Fullmer discusses the intersection of social-emotional learning, equity, and mathematics education. She shares her personal math journey, insights on dyscalculia, and strategies for supporting diverse learners to foster a positive math identity. Connect with Dr. Pam Brett: insta: @BlueGlassesMath bluesky: @pambrett.bsky.social linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamela-brett-23b56675/ website: https://www.blueglassesmath.org/ Subscribe to Pam's newsletter! https://shorturl.at/OTTwo Connect with Dr. Lauren Fullmer: linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-lauren-fullmer-950712214/ https://www.laurenfullmereddlearningexperiencedesigner.com/

068 | Are We Over-Engineering Education? | April 22, 2026

In this episode, Pam Brett explores the challenges and realities of digital learning, student motivation, and over-engineering education. She emphasizes the importance of curiosity, meaningful engagement, and simple, effective teaching strategies to foster genuine learning and connection.Connect with Pam:insta: @BlueGlassesMathbluesky: @pambrett.bsky.sociallinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamela-brett-23b56675/website: https://www.blueglassesmath.org/Subscribe to Pam's newsletter! https://shorturl.at/OTTwo