Five Resources for Every Math Teacher

​Teaching math isn’t easy, but with the right resources, it’s much easier to connect with your students and improve your teaching practices.
I know you already have the basics, but I’m talking about things to actually help you teach, such as ways to make learning fractions a little more fun.
As long as you have these five resources, you’re all set as a math teacher. You might even find your students enjoy learning math (at least some of the time!)

1. Pinterest Boards
I know Pinterest is often about recipes and wedding planning, but I can’t tell you how many great resources I’ve found on there. I'm sure you've found some too! Entering search terms like “math” or “teaching” or specific topics like “equivalent expressions” or “dividing decimals” brings up numerous pins and boards. Fill up your own boards with related resources so you have a place to turn when you're in need of a quick idea. From teaching tips to games, there’s a little of everything.

2. Lesson Plans
Sometimes it’s hard to come up with a great lesson plan....you just get stuck. When I started looking online, I was surprised to find so many great lesson plans for all grades and subjects, including math. For me, it’s a great way to get ideas, even if I don’t follow the exact plan. I love sites like PBS Learning Media and TeachingMath.org,  which have a variety of lesson plans and activities to help inspire all of us teachers.
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3. Teaching Groups/Collaboration
There are many groups of teachers from different parts of the world who have found each other through social media and have created or joined Facebook groups. These groups share teaching tips, discuss teaching methods and philosophies, and offer support and advice. One group I'm part of is called Let's Talk Teaching Teens - this one is for teachers of middle and high school teachers. It's exciting to share with, learn from, and help teachers around the world!
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4. Games, Puzzles and More
My favorite resource for math teachers is actually a bunch of different resources. I’m talking about activities, games and puzzles to keep students engaged. A few great places to start include:

• Problem of the Week and Free Resources from yours truly
• Big List Of The Best Websites For Teaching Math (massive list of great resources)
• YouCubed (my absolute favorite site!)

5. Books! 
I love reading books to find ideas and improve my teaching, and there are a couple that I think are absolute must-haves. These are by Jo Boaler; I've read others that are good, but I think hers are amazing:

• What's Math Got to Do With It?
• Mathematical Mindsets​

When you’re armed with the right resources as a math teacher, it's so much easier to help students learn to love math. 

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