Zandra de Araujo - Mathematically Educated

September 20, 2026September 20, 2026

Math and the Minnesota State Fair

What can a math playspace at the Minnesota State Fair teach us about mathematics classrooms? Quite a lot! I recently visited Math-on-a-Stick and came away thinking about collaboration, choice, exploration, community, and the value of helping without always instructing. I’m sharing five takeaways from my visit, along with a new instructional nudge, an idea for getting kids to talk about their mathematical thinking, and some upcoming events. Continue reading Math and the Minnesota State Fair

August 16, 2026August 16, 2026

I Grew up on Sesame Street

Growing up, Sesame Street helped me learn to read, love learning, and see the joy in making sense of new ideas. In this post, I reflect on what mathematics teachers can learn from Sesame Street’s use of storytelling, humor, and multiple representations, along with a few ideas for teaching and learning mathematics. Continue reading I Grew up on Sesame Street

July 19, 2026July 19, 2026

What We Lose When We Optimize Everything

I love data and the insights it can provide, but I’ve also been thinking about its limits. From my Garmin watch to classroom decision-making, this post explores the balance between using metrics wisely and preserving the creativity, professional judgment, and human connections that make teaching meaningful. Continue reading What We Lose When We Optimize Everything

June 20, 2026June 19, 2026

This Summer Learn and Enjoy New Experiences

Time sure does seem to move faster and faster as we age. Scientists have said this is due in part to the fact that we have fewer novel experiences as we get older. When we are young, we experience so many new things. First ride on an airplane, first time learning about a particular idea … Continue reading This Summer Learn and Enjoy New Experiences

March 16, 2025March 16, 2025

Two Simple Nudges: Engage Students and Empower Learning

Increase engagement in your classroom with simple nudges like Pivot and Going Downhill. Pivot by switching instructional formats to re-energize students mid-lesson. Use Going Downhill to tackle challenging homework problems in class, maximizing peer and teacher support. Continue reading Two Simple Nudges: Engage Students and Empower Learning

March 8, 2025March 8, 2025

Instructional Nudges: The Core of Practice-Driven Professional Development

In September 2021, the PDPD project was launched to enhance teacher professional development through personalized instructional nudges. These manageable teaching actions aim to improve relevance and accessibility in PD, particularly in algebra. The focus is on tailored strategies that fit into existing practices, fostering impactful changes in teaching and student learning outcomes. Continue reading Instructional Nudges: The Core of Practice-Driven Professional Development

December 17, 2023December 17, 2023

I gave an Ignite Talk at NCTM!

So, I finally gave an Ignite Talk at the NCTM Annual Conference in DC in October, something I’ve wanted to do for ages! Had fun preparing a five-minute presentation on making a difference through small actions. Continue reading I gave an Ignite Talk at NCTM!

March 11, 2023

What Math?

I have been a part of many conversations around mathematics teaching and whether or not this or that perspective of teaching mathematics has merit or not. Before we get into what approach to teaching mathematics matters, I think there needs to be a more important conversation: what mathematics do we want our students to learn? … Continue reading What Math?

September 24, 2022March 11, 2023

180 Ideas: #20 Rate & Review

My grant team and I were working on ideas for our project (Practice-Driven PD). We’ve been thinking about how to create small suggestions for teachers to enhance their algebra instruction. This week our conversation was about using worked examples with students (if you want to read a great report on algebra instruction check out this … Continue reading 180 Ideas: #20 Rate & Review

July 13, 2022March 11, 2023

CAMT 2022

I have the good fortune to attend and speak at the Conference for the Advancement of Mathematics Teaching Conference (CAMT) this week in San Antonio, Texas. Here is a bit more about my sessions and also handouts for each of them. Formative Assessment Through Student Choice July 14th 8:15-9:30 Hemisfair Ballroom C3 Providing students with … Continue reading CAMT 2022