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How To Build Powerful Math Problem Solvers Using Student Work and Clear Progressions
Tuesday, May 5, 2026 @ 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm EDT
Presented by Danielle Jackson, Ed.D., Author and Elementary Math Curriculum Coordinator, Frisco Independent School District (TX); and Jay Meadows, Experienced Educator, Co-Founder of TRISTAN, and CEO of Exemplars
Moderated by Robin Moore, Lead Curriculum Renewal Coordinator, EdAdvance
Sponsored by Exemplars
Learn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features.
What if the key to improving math achievement isn’t more worksheets—but better insight into student thinking? In this engaging edWebinar, Dr. Dani Jackson, Elementary Math Curriculum Coordinator and author of the book Math Problem Solving Through Small Group Instruction, and Jay Meadows unpack how to transform math instruction by leveraging student work as the starting point for teaching.
Viewers learn how to move beyond simply identifying right or wrong answers and instead pinpoint where students break down in problem solving—and exactly what to do next. Dr. Jackson shares a clear, classroom-tested progression that helps students develop essential problem-solving habits, from visualization and representation to organization and justification.
Using real examples of student work, we explore how to identify strengths, target the next instructional move, and provide feedback that builds both confidence and competence. The session also highlights practical strategies teachers can implement immediately, including ways to structure instruction that promote deeper thinking, student retention, and independence.
Whether you are an elementary through middle school teacher, coach, or district leader, this recorded edWebinar provides actionable tools to strengthen math instruction, accelerate student growth, and build classrooms where all students can become confident, capable problem solvers.
About the Presenters
Dr. Danielle Jackson serves as an Elementary Math Curriculum Coordinator in a large district in Texas, where she supports teachers in building strong systems for problem solving and small-group instruction. She is the author of Math Problem Solving Through Small Group Instruction and has contributed multiple articles to Edutopia, focusing on feedback, labsite learning, and responsive instruction. Dr. Jackson holds a doctorate in curriculum and instruction and is deeply committed to helping teachers make student thinking visible and meaningful.
Jay Meadows is the Chief Executive Officer of Exemplars and Co-founder of TRISTAN, a leading force in redefining how students learn to think mathematically. With over 30 years in education, Jay brings a rare blend of classroom insight and research-driven innovation. A former middle school math and science teacher, he holds advanced degrees in both teaching and mathematical pedagogy—credentials that reflect his deep commitment to meaningful, effective math instruction. At Exemplars, Jay is not only a primary author of performance tasks but also a national thought partner for educators.
He leads dynamic professional development experiences across the United States, helping teachers transform their classrooms with problem solving, authentic assessment, and the practices that research shows make the biggest difference. His mission is bold: to cultivate a generation of learners who can tackle any challenge with confidence and grit. Jay’s impact extends far beyond U.S. borders. Before his teaching career, he facilitated diplomatic exchange programs for the U.S. State Department, partnered with international nonprofits, and served in the Peace Corps in Kazakhstan. This global lens continues to shape his belief in education as a force for empowerment and equity.
About the Moderator
Robin Moore is a Lead Curriculum Renewal Coordinator at EdAdvance, one of Connecticut’s six Regional Educational Service Centers (RESCs). She is also a Certified K-5 Facilitator for Illustrative Mathematics and an Educational Consultant for Exemplars. She started her journey 22 years ago as an elementary classroom teacher. Robin’s passion for modeling a growth mindset for students and colleagues, as well as an interest in helping build an understanding and love of mathematics, led her to pursue a position as a math specialist. Over time, she became a K-8 math coordinator and then a K-12 STEM coordinator. She actively participates in multiple organizations, such as the Connecticut Council of Leaders of Mathematics and the Associated Teachers of Mathematics in Connecticut. In addition, she loves to share her experiences at various conferences such as ATMNE, NCTM, and NCSM. When not promoting a love for mathematics, Robin enjoys gardening, gymnastics, and spending time with her family.
Learn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features.
Join the Building Understanding in Mathematics community to network with educators, participate in online discussions, receive invitations to upcoming edWebinars, and view recordings of previous programs to earn CE certificates.
Exemplars provides performance tasks, rubrics, and student anchor papers for schools and districts in Math and Science. Our performance material engages students and promotes reasoning, critical thinking, communication, and problem solving. Our performance tasks are classroom tested and may be used for assessment, instruction, and professional development. Exemplars’ supplemental resources are research based and designed to meet state and national standards.
