Episode 4.25: National Zipper Day and some Nick Love!

More Math for More People

What happens when someone who doesn't identify as a "math person" joins a mathematics education organization? In our milestone 101st episode, Nick Love, CPM's Director of Strategic Communications, shares candid insights about navigating this territory that reveal powerful lessons about creating inclusive learning environments.

After spending years in school communications without being a classroom teacher, Nick found himself surrounded by mathematics education experts—an experience he describes as both inspiring and occasionally intimidating. "It's a little bit like hanging out with giants sometimes," he admits. His stories highlight what happens when we create spaces where everyone feels welcome to engage with mathematics, regardless of their background or comfort level.

Nick recounts a pivotal professional learning experience where a skilled facilitator simply asked, "What do you need to be successful in this session?" This question transformed his participation from anxiety to meaningful engagement. Rather than being tokenized, he was genuinely included in ways that honored his perspective while stretching his mathematical thinking appropriately. The experience shifted from "I don't belong here" to "I'm in with this group"—a transformation that mirrors what we hope all learners experience in mathematics classrooms.

We also explore what Nick calls "the art of the nudge"—a communication approach recognizing that when people don't respond to requests, it's usually because they're overwhelmed with competing priorities rather than disinterest. This gentle persistence creates connection rather than frustration, a valuable perspective for educators working with busy students and colleagues alike.

As we launch into our fifth season of the podcast, this conversation reminds us why our mission matters: creating conditions where everyone can engage meaningfully with mathematics expands possibilities for learning and belonging. Subscribe now to join us for more conversations about mathematics education that make a difference.

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The More Math for More People Podcast is produced by CPM Educational Program.
Learn more at CPM.org
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Facebook: CPMEducationalProgram
Email: [email protected]

Chapters

1. National Zipper Day Celebration (00:00:00)

2. Academy of Best Practices Invitation (00:06:33)

3. Meeting Nick Love, Communications Director (00:09:48)

4. Feeling Like a Math Outsider (00:17:11)

5. The Art of the Nudge (00:22:36)

6. Creating Inclusive Math Spaces (00:27:27)

7. Celebrating 101 Episodes (00:33:55)