Stream these math educators into your classroom!
If you assign students to watch math videos, you’d want to know that the math teachers behind those videos know what they’re talking about, right?
Great news! The instructors in our MATHstream adaptive learning program bring expertise and passion to the screen, and their video lessons will get your students excited to learn math.
What is MATHstream?
MATHstream is the only adaptive, interactive video streaming program for middle and high school students. Led by certified math instructors, it transforms complex concepts into engaging lessons, ensuring students both understand and enjoy their mathematical journeys.
Enter our MATHstreamers! Each math video instructor brings a unique teaching style and background to MATHstream. Let’s explore how these educators make learning math more lively and relatable for students and something for them to look forward to.
Howie Hua: “How does this video make you curious?”
Let’s start our introductions with someone you may have seen on social media!
If you’ve ever searched TikTok, Instagram, or X for math memes and explainer videos, chances are you’ve encountered Howie Hua. He’s well known for entertaining and easy-to-understand videos about math concepts for all ages.
A math instructor at Fresno State, Howie spends his time off social media teaching math to the next generation of elementary school educators.
He's passionate about humanizing the math classroom, listening to how students think about math, and building mathematical confidence in all learners. “I love teaching and I love learning,” Howie says. “My goal is to make more people love math. I hope at least one of my tips helps you, and please let me know if it does!”
Howie’s hobbies include playing the piano, watching gymnastics, spinning sabre, and watching Parks and Recreation. In 2019, he was named Outstanding Lecturer for the College of Science and Math at his university.
Robert Ahdoot: “We did a lot of learning today, a lot of loving today. Those are the two L's—the purpose of life, I think!”
Next up is Robert Ahdoot, a veteran of math education with a kind smile and no shortage of jokes in his back pocket. He believes successful math learning begins with genuine connections between teachers and students.
In his 20 years as a math educator, Robert has reached thousands of students with his warm personality and belief that children learn best when they’re not anxious about math. He’s also delivered a TEDx Talk on conquering math fear and founded Yay Math, an organization guided by the idea that math learning can be fun and connective.
“When students are presented with something they perceive as scary, the parts of their brain needed for math thinking shut down,” Robert explains. “And brains reacting in this way are merely trying to survive, so they can’t devote any energy to doing math!”
That’s why he leans into making students laugh about math with jokes and dressing up as funny characters like his “mathemachicken” and “mathemagician.”
As a MATHstreamer, Robert is excited to give teachers access to technology that makes it easier to extend their reach.
“There’s no shame in acknowledging that teaching is hard work—some of the hardest work out there, in fact—and it’s okay for teachers to ask for help,” he says. “And MATHstream is a tool that will empower teachers and amplify their impact.”
Deidre Kelly: “Practice makes progress!”
Many people think of TikTok as an app teenagers use to record trendy dances.
But Deidre Kelly, a 6th grade math teacher from Richmond, Texas, saw an opportunity in the famed app: What if she used it to raise student engagement? During 2020, when faced with remote learning, she used TikTok to teach her students math while they were scrolling and hasn’t looked back since!
With 11 years of experience under her belt, Deidre’s passion for teaching math shines through in her work in the classroom. “I know that all kids are different, and they all learn in different ways,” she explains. “But all kids can learn, no matter what. I always say practice makes progress because the goal is not about passing but about growth.”
Another part of math education that excites Deidre? Empowering girls to pursue their STEM dreams.
“My students see me in math, and I want them to know—especially the girls—that they can pursue STEM fields,” Deidre explains. “They can get into science, technology, engineering, and math. It's not just for men; women can even do better than them.”
We’re delighted to have Deidre as a MATHstreamer, where she looks forward to giving kids access to math education in a new, innovative way.
“I think MATHstream is gonna change the game!” she exclaims.
Dr. Tyler Tarver: “Never stop learning.”
An educator with a passion for math, Dr. Tyler Tarver's approach to teaching is as spellbinding as a page from a Harry Potter book—one of his obsessions outside the world of numbers.
His commitment? To guide students on their quest to understand complex math concepts, cherishing those "aha!" moments over test scores.
His teaching philosophy is “Never stop learning,” which captures his commitment to keeping students growing. For Tyler, the heart of teaching is the electric atmosphere generated when students are engrossed, understanding, and having fun.
One of Tyler's favorite ways of keeping students engaged and energy levels up is with exciting games and activities, like the "Which Is Better" game. To play, students are asked to choose between two random items: Math concepts like the Pythagorean Theorem vs. the distance formula, quirky pop culture matchups like Beyonce in a Christmas outfit vs. a baseball rookie card.
It's no surprise his YouTube channel, Tarver Academy, boasts a following of 68K+ math enthusiasts, all captivated by his dynamic and engaging way of teaching. He inspires students and fellow educators to see math through a fresh, engaging lens.
His fun-loving approach to math shines through when asked who his math hero is. Tyler, who holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership, is the author of four books, and hosts multiple podcasts, says that it’s Professor Charlie Eppes, a professor who solves crimes using mathematics in the CBS series NUMB3RS.
Joining the MATHstream instructional team, Tyler has found more than just a platform; he's found a community.
"It's not just about doing a job. It's about being surrounded by good people, striving to do great things for young learners," Tyler shares.
For Tyler, being a part of MATHstream is another chapter in his endless pursuit of making math magic for all.
Niyah Henson: “If you’re thinking, you’re doing math.”
Meet Niyah Henson, a dynamic math teacher and one of the newest faces on the MATHstream platform. Fueled by enthusiasm and a love for exploratory learning, Niyah is all about embracing the joy of discovery in mathematics.
Her teaching approach invites students to dive into hands-on experiences, like sending students around the school building to identify and calculate different features’ surface areas or handing out stacks of snow cone cups and challenging students to figure out how many they’d need to build a ball. Manipulatives, mathematical questions, and opportunities to explore are Niyah’s secret ingredients to ignite those treasured lightbulb moments.
Niyah's teaching philosophy, “If you’re thinking, you’re doing math,” reflects her belief in integrating exploration and thought into learning math. It mirrors her encouraging students to continuously engage their minds and embrace the learning process as a wonderful adventure of discovery and problem-solving.
She’s excited to be a MATHstreamer because of the power it lends to teachers.
“MATHstream’s a brilliant idea," Niyah enthuses. “It gives students extra support without needing their teacher right next to them, so they can learn and teachers also get time back.”
We’re thrilled to welcome Niyah’s vibrance and innovative teaching approach to the MATHstream team!
Sharday Barnes: “Education is about nurturing problem-solvers."
Meet Sharday Barnes, a literacy coach and former math and science teacher from Maryland with a palette of passions that color her world beyond the classroom. From the delicate strokes of painting to cherishing moments with family and friends, Sharday’s life is a canvas of continuous learning.
She dreams of exploring the mysteries of Egypt and the vibrant cultures of South Africa; her expansive spirit can’t be contained!
Sharday brings warmth and wisdom to education that transforms the learning process. “Education is about nurturing problem-solvers," she shares. "In math, there are various strategies to uncover solutions, each leading to that definitive right answer."
With a foot in the reading department, Sharday celebrates the certainty in mathematical conclusions, recalling moments with her students where math morphed into a competitive game filled with excitement and discovery.
Sharday sees MATHstream as a platform that perfectly aligns with her teaching beliefs. In fact, it's not just a platform but a community where the joys of learning flourish and where she can help bridge gaps and unlock potential.
"Being a part of MATHstream is more than a job. It’s a thrilling journey where learning never ceases," she shares.
With every lesson, Sharday is not just teaching; she's fostering a community of lifelong learners ready to embrace the world’s wonders and challenges.
Dave Hall: “Let’s solve problems and have fun doing it.”
From Virginia's sunny shores to his lively classroom, Dave Hall goes beyond the traditional image of a math teacher. With a love for surfing, juggling, and cooking, Dave knows the importance of spicing things up, especially regarding education.
He likes to share a joke of the day with students in the classroom—classic dad jokes like "Why is Cinderella bad at soccer? She keeps running away from the ball!" and "What's a fish with no eyes? A 'fsh.'"
But these jokes are more than just a laugh. They're a tool for confidence-building. Dave’s teaching philosophy states, “Let’s solve problems and have fun doing it.” This playful yet potent approach empowers students, emphasizing that making mistakes and laughing about them are stepping stones to mastering mathematics.
Regarding MATHstream, Dave sees it as a valuable tool that benefits students and teachers. He feels that MATHstream offers a unique way of engaging students’ minds, stating, "It's like exercising a different part of the brain, a part that often gets neglected outside the classroom."
Dave believes that MATHstream can help even more students and teachers enjoy learning math in a relaxed online environment. He likes how it brings a sense of classroom togetherness to the virtual world so students can still have fun while learning.
Jenn Reddig: "Keep asking questions."
Jenn is a former 7th-grade pre-algebra teacher known for her dynamic teaching methods. She is passionate about using physical manipulatives to bring math concepts to life before transitioning to more abstract representations. Her love for student interaction and the joy of witnessing their excitement and curiosity in learning are at the heart of her teaching.
Jenn's approach to education is embodied in her mantra, "Keep asking questions." This philosophy highlights her dedication to encouraging students to explore and inquire, believing that curiosity is a key driver in learning math.
"Nurturing that inquisitive nature and letting them explore what they want to learn is the best way to get them interested," she explains.
Jenn is a proponent of student-led discussions, even if they veer off the main topic. She values every question as an opportunity to deepen understanding and engagement. "I’m not afraid of going on tangents with my students," she says, emphasizing her commitment to nurturing a lively and responsive learning environment.
With her passion for interactive and engaging teaching, Jenn is excited about the potential of MATHstream. She believes in the program's adaptive nature, seeing it as a means to provide personalized attention and cater to the different learning styles of each student. "I think that's what makes MATHstream really special," she shares.
Press play on MATHstream
Ready to bring our dynamic MATHstream educators to your classrooms?
They're set to revolutionize math learning through their unique blend of passion, expertise, and innovative approaches that they bring to MATHstream's adaptive video lessons.
Whether you're an enthusiastic teacher looking to inspire your students or an administrator seeking to enhance math education across your institution, MATHstream is the answer you've been searching for. Your students and educators will love them, and together, we can make math more engaging and enjoyable for all.
Liam, a marketing major at Penn State, carries his enthusiasm for knowledge beyond the university into his role at Carnegie Learning. He strives to develop and promote educational resources that facilitate a more effective and engaging learning experience. Liam’s dedication is rooted in a vision where education is not just a necessity but a dynamic and exhilarating journey accessible to every student. At Carnegie Learning, Liam is committed to fostering connections that empower teachers and captivate students, ensuring that the quest for knowledge is a fulfilling adventure for everyone.
Explore more related to this authorMATHstream gives students extra support without needing their teacher right next to them, so they can learn and teachers also get time back.
Niyah Henson, Math Educator and MATHstreamer
