Think Thank Thunk

October 20, 2025 | 47 min 57 sec

In this episode, Kyle and Dean welcome Chase Orton, author of The Imperfect and Unfinished Math Teacher. Together, they dive into the core themes from Chase's book, exploring the power of vulnerability and what it means to be an "imperfect and unfinished" teacher. They discuss the importance of interrogating our own math story and breaking free from the traditional "script" that so many teachers inherit from their time as students. They also tackle the common belief that the purpose of math is just to prepare for next year's math class and how this leads to an unhealthy blame game between grade levels. Tune in for a deep conversation about pedagogy, teacher identity, and why the most valuable professional development might just be in the classroom next door.

Making Math Moments That Matter

May 9, 2022 | 50 min 50 sec

In this episode of the Making Math Moments That Matter Podcast, we sit down with fellow Math Moment Maker, Chase Orton. Chase is a self-proclaimed “Imperfect and Unfinished Math Teacher” and today, we sit him down to talk about exactly what that means. The Imperfect and Unfinished Math Teacher is actually the title of Chase’s brand new book where he offers a vulnerable and courageous grassroots guide that leads K-12 math teachers through a journey to cultivate a more equitable, inclusive, and cohesive culture of professionalism for themselves. Stick around as this master storyteller opens the door to an opportunity for you to reclaim your professional growth with Sisu. You’ll Learn: Why we need to view our teaching practice as “unfinished and imperfect”; What can you do to take ownership over your own professional development; How you can put yourself in a position to make the best out of your mathematics teaching career; Why you need to think about “sisu” when you teach everyday; How we can support the enhancement of the professional identity of teachers;