Math: Universally Speaking

About Math: Universally Speaking

Explore inclusive math instruction through the lens of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Hosted by Ron Martiello, co-author of “Conquering Math Myths,” this podcast shares real strategies to support all learners, rethink assessments, and build equitable math classrooms. Perfect for teachers, coaches, and leaders who believe math is for everyone. Join the movement. #MathUniversallySpeaking

Publisher

Ron Martiello

Category

education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

2 Mar 2025

Latest episode

29 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

27 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   29 Sept 2026

   Unlocking Inclusive Math: Combining UDL and Elementary Instruction with Ashley Marlow

   How can we break down barriers in elementary math and design instruction where every student thrives? In this episode of Math: Universally Speaking, host Ron Martiello sits down with Ashley Marlow—elementary math coach, consultant, Director of Operations at All Learners Network, and co-author of Universal Design for Learning in Mathematics Instruction K–5. Ashley shares her journey of connecting high-quality math pedagogy with Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports (MTSS). Together, Ron and Ashley unpack: Dismantling Math Myths: Why we need to take math off its "pedestal" and shift from procedural drill to deep conceptual understanding. Proactive UDL vs. Reactive Differentiation: How anticipating learning barriers ahead of time creates accessible Tier 1 instruction for all students. High-Leverage Concepts (HLCs): Prioritizing foundational through-lines (place value, number sense, fractional reasoning) over short-term "whack-a-mole" interventions. Building Learner Agency: Empowering students to make choices, develop voice, and take ownership of their mathematical thinking. Whether you're a K–5 classroom teacher, math coach, special educator, or administrator, this episode provides actionable strategies to foster true inclusion and learner agency in your math classroom.

2. 

   1 Sept 2026

   The September Math Reset: Approaches to Engage Learners for the Year Ahead

   Whether your classroom is energized like Earth, Wind & Fire’s "September" or feeling the back-to-school fatigue of Green Day’s "Wake Me Up When September Ends," strong connections are key to a successful school year. In this episode of Math: Universally Speaking, we explore three practical Universal Design for Learning (UDL) approaches to build community, support diverse learners, and engage students from day one: Reflecting on Math Identity: Empowering students through math biographies, songs, or art (Conquering Math Myths with Universal Design). Instructional Triads: Using John SanGiovanni’s small-group framework to lower performance anxiety and support language learners. Modern Mathematicians: Showcasing inspiring real-world figures like John Urschel, Gladys West, and Lonnie Johnson so every student sees themselves in math. Learn how to cultivate agency, foster peer collaboration, and build an inclusive math environment from the start!

3. 

   12 May 2026

   How to Keep Students Engaged in Math Class: Rigor, Productive Struggle, and Perseverance

   In this episode of Math: Universally Speaking, Ron Martiello explores how educators can keep students engaged during math learning by intentionally designing for rigor, productive struggle, and perseverance through the lens of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Ron clarifies the differences between three commonly misunderstood mathematics education terms—rigor, productive struggle, and perseverance—and explains why understanding these distinctions matters when designing equitable, inclusive, and engaging math instruction. Throughout the episode, listeners will discover practical ways to sustain student effort and persistence in mathematics, including: Clarifying learning goals Optimizing challenge and support Using scaffolds during problem solving Fostering collaboration and mathematical discourse Building belonging and community in math class Providing actionable feedback that advances student thinking Ron also discusses how teachers can support students without taking away the thinking, why struggle is an important part of learning mathematics, and how classroom design can help students see themselves as capable mathematicians. This episode is valuable for K–12 teachers, instructional coaches, interventionists, special educators, administrators, and school leaders looking to strengthen student engagement in mathematics through inclusive and rigorous instructional design. Whether you teach elementary, middle, or high school mathematics, this conversation will provide practical ideas for helping students sustain effort, persist through challenges, and build deeper mathematical understanding. Listen to Math: Universally Speaking on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Castbox, or your favorite podcast platform.

Who has been a guest on Math: Universally Speaking

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Dina Mendola
• Cathleen Beachboard
• Rob Baier
• Beth Stark
• Sarah Noland

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Spotify

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 36 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

72

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

0

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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