Send us a text! (US messaging rates apply)

Ever since we introduced the above link to text the podcast, Vanessa has been obsessed with getting listeners to do so. And guess what - tons of you have! So today she reads a bunch of them on a range of topics like:

• the problem with labels like "gifted"
• gaining math confidence later in life
• neuroplasticity and thinking processes
• who is Sister Beth?! (seriously, we need to send her a book)

Also, you can now not only text us but leave us a voicenote! Just hit the link at the top of this description and we may include your text/voicenote on a future episode.

Contact us:

• Vanessa Vakharia: Instagram, TikTok, Email
• Math Therapy: Text the Podcast

More Math Therapy:

• Get the book: Corwin, Amazon
• Audiobook: Audible, Spotify
• Merch store: Shop here

Send us a text! (US messaging rates apply)

We cover many hot button topics in math education, but today we're taking on the most literal one ... calculators! Why are they so controversial? When are they helpful and when should we use other tools?

On today's episode, Vanessa chats with Curtis Brown from Texas Instruments about those questions and more:

• How students can take ownership of their learning
• The relationship between cognitive load and math anxiety
• How handheld tools can fuel learning (and focus!)

Have you got strong feelings on calculators or know someone who does? Let us know below and share this episode!

Episode links:

• Connect with TI Calculators on Instagram or Facebook
• Listen to Curtis's podcast Room To Grow

About Curtis:

Curtis Brown is a former high school math and AP Statistics teacher who spent five years with the National Math and Science Initiative as a Statistics Curriculum Coordinator. He’s now the Math Segment Manager at Texas Instruments, where he leads content development and serves as a voice for educators in product design. Curtis is a frequent speaker at math conferences and co‑hosts the education podcast Room to Grow. Outside of work, he enjoys kayak fishing, mountaineering with his sons, and spending time with his family.

Contact us:

• Vanessa Vakharia: Instagram, TikTok, Email
• Math Therapy: Text the Podcast

More Math Therapy:

• Get the book: Corwin, Amazon
• Audiobook: Audible, Spotify
• Merch store: Shop here

Send us a text! (US messaging rates apply)

If you listen to this podcast, chances are you believe not only that we can fix math education but that we know how to do it. So WHY haven't we yet?!

Today's guest Steve Leinwand is a true legend in this space, known for his radical honesty and authenticity in fighting for a better system for all. He joined Vanessa from his vacation (because he can never resist a good rant!) to discuss:

• accepting people's full selves in math so they don't have to code-switch
• how to make PD truly effective for teachers and supervisors
• how students can learn from each other as much as from teachers

About Steve: (Website)

Steven Leinwand has been a driving force in math education for nearly 50 years, shaping policy, curriculum, and teaching practices at the highest levels. He's held major leadership roles with organizations like NCTM (National Council for Teachers of Mathematics), and NCSM (National Council for Supervisors of Mathematics). He has advised on national initiatives like the National Assessment of Educational Progress, and worked with organizations like the American Institute for Research, earning multiple national awards along the way.

Contact us:

• Vanessa Vakharia: Instagram, TikTok, Email
• Math Therapy: Text the Podcast

More Math Therapy:

• Get the book: Corwin, Amazon
• Audiobook: Audible, Spotify
• Merch store: Shop here