How To Build Powerful Math Problem Solvers
Using Student Work and Clear Progressions

Powerful Problem Solvers
Presenter: Jay Meadows and Dr. Danielle Jackson
Cost: Free
Location: Remote Webinar

Watch On-Demand

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

portrait Jay Meadows

Jay Meadows serves as Exemplars’ Chief Executive Officer. He is a former middle school math and science teacher and has been working in education for more than two decades. Jay holds a Master of Arts in teaching from the University of Vermont and a master’s in mathematical pedagogy from Southern New Hampshire University.

Jay is also one of Exemplars’ primary performance task writers and professional development consultants for the middle level. Leading sessions throughout the United States, Jay works with teachers to integrate performance tasks and research-based best practices into their curricula. Through Exemplars, Jay dreams of teaching a generation of students to become powerful problem solvers. Prior to his career in education, Jay coordinated delegations from the former Soviet Union through U.S. State Department grants. Jay has also worked alongside a number of international non-profits and is a former Peace Corps Volunteer.

 

Danielle Jackson portrait

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.