Articles

When you think back on what you learned in school, certain moments stand out. Maybe it was a lively debate in English class, or a science lab where you got your hands messy. For most of us, we remember the things we thought hard about. That’s no accident. Cognitive psychologist Dan Willingham has put it…

By Karen Sleno It’s the start of a new year and everyone is optimistic. You are about to implement student-centered math lessons into your classroom (maybe for the first time), but are wondering how the students will respond. What if your questions are met with silence? What if the group dynamic just doesn’t seem to…

As we begin a new school year, we thought it was a good time to reflect on our mission – now 3.5 years since we began operating. In early 2022, Math Medic Foundation published an article titled “4 Ways That Improving Math Outcomes Helps Us All.” In it, we identified four key ripple effects that occur when…

The Math Medic Foundation is proud to announce our 2025 Spring scholarship and grant recipients! This season, our Board of Directors awarded more than $50,000 in scholarships and grants – through both cash and in-kind support – to students and educators who embody our mission of expanding equitable access to high-quality mathematics education. Each recipient…

As the school year draws to a close, math teachers have a lot to do. It’s a time of wrapping up assessments, finalizing grades, and celebrating achievements – all important tasks. But it’s also a valuable opportunity for self-reflection: How did my classroom practices promote equity? Where might gaps still exist? And what intentions will…

By Clare Bunton, Guest Author From First-Year Teacher to Equitable Math Educator When I graduated from Western Michigan University in 2021, I was in a slight panic mode about where to apply to teach high school math. My former math education professor gave me practical advice, while no school would be perfect, I should look…

At the time of this writing, Math Medic Foundation has completed a full 3 years of service toward our mission – Empowering students, teachers, and schools with resources that increase equitable access to high-quality mathematics education. We’ve been blessed with well over $250,000 in donations during that time. We’ve kept our overhead low, which has allowed…

By Dr. Fawnda Norman, Guest Author Students learn math best when they identify as a doer of mathematics. Equitable mathematics classrooms should include lessons that address identity, relevance, and agency while teaching math concepts everyday. Many mathematics teachers strive to create classrooms that do that. However, it can be a struggle to put theory into…

Math trauma is a term gaining increasing recognition in education. It describes the negative emotional response many students develop toward math due to repeated failures, harsh criticism, or anxiety-inducing experiences in math classrooms. This phenomenon can have lasting effects on students’ confidence, academic performance, and even career choices. But what exactly is math trauma, and…

Kathy Duran Reyes of Grand Rapids, MI, is a young woman with an inspiring journey of transformation, resilience, and ambition. Her story exemplifies the power of perseverance and the importance of recognizing hidden potential. Once convinced she wasn’t good at school, Kathy’s self-discovery in her junior year revealed a passion for mathematics and a drive…