Calculated Success
A podcast for math & stats educators
Real talk. Fresh ideas. Practical solutions.
Introducing a podcast series created for and by math and statistics faculty—the same voices who are shaping the field. Hosted by respected math professor and Pearson author Jessica Bernards, this series blends expert insights and everyday classroom experiences in one accessible, energizing space.
What makes this podcast different?
It’s not a lecture. It’s a conversation.
In each episode, you’ll step into the faculty lounge with colleagues who get it. You'll hear real stories, real strategies, and thoughtful takes on the trends transforming how we teach and how students learn.
It’s designed to help, not hype.
You’ll find more than big ideas. We spotlight real-world solutions, classroom-tested tools, and strategies you can apply tomorrow.
It brings the right voices to the table.
From fellow faculty members to leading thinkers in math education, our guests offer a wide lens on what's next.
Welcome to Calculated Success
Welcome to Calculated Success—the podcast series created for math and statistics faculty, by the voices shaping the field. In this first episode, Calculated Success host and author, Jessica Bernards, and Pearson Senior Director of Product Marketing, Erin Kelly, discuss Jess’s background and the purpose of the podcast.
Active learning and critical thinking in math with Dr. Scott Adamson
Host Jessica Bernards and award-winning math professor Dr. Scott Adamson (Chandler-Gilbert Community College) explore transforming passive math classes into active, collaborative learning that builds true critical thinking. Get practical routines, examples, and tips to boost engagement, understanding, and student success.
AI as a Teaching Sidekick with Dr. Brianna Hitt
Host Jessica Bernards is joined by Dr. Brianna Hitt, Assistant Professor of Applied Statistics at the United States Air Force Academy, to explore using AI as a teaching sidekick in higher ed math and stats. Discover practical, classroom-ready strategies and prompts to streamline grading and communication, enhance lesson planning, and design more authentic assignments.
Helping students use AI with Dr. Brianna Hitt
Dr. Brianna Hitt, Assistant Professor of Applied Statistics at the United States Air Force Academy, is back to discuss using AI in higher ed math and stats to foster critical thinking, personalization, and ethical practices. She'll share simple, classroom-ready strategies to guide student AI use, streamline teaching, and redesign assessments for deeper learning and student success.
The Math Mindset with Dr. Jo Boaler
Host Jessica Bernards is joined by Dr. Jo Boaler, Professor of Education at Stanford University, to discuss mathematical mindsets and brain plasticity, debunking the “math brain” myth, and encouraging success through visual thinking and open, collaborative tasks. Leave with practical strategies to build belonging and reduce math anxiety, along with tips for visual problem design and responsible use of technology/AI to deepen understanding.
Backward Course Design with Dr. Bob Pelayo
In this episode, Jessica Bernards is joined by Dr. Bob Pelayo, Associate Professor of Teaching in Mathematics at UC Irvine. Listen as Dr. Pelayo unpacks backward course design and discusses modernizing math curricula for relevance and parity.
Corequisite Courses in Math with Dr. Kathy Almy
Host Jessica Bernards and Dr. Kathy Almy, owner of Almy Education and nationally recognized math reform expert, discuss making corequisite math classes truly work by providing just-in-time support and fostering collaboration. You’ll leave with simple, actionable ideas to design and run co-reqs that improve learning, boost completion, and elevate student success.
Equity in Math Education with Dr. Brittany Mosby
In this episode, Jessica Bernards is joined by Dr. Brittany Mosby, Director of HBCU Success at the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. They discuss improving math instruction through thoughtful grading practices, assessment design, and community-building classroom practices. Discover classroom-ready ideas to improve fairness and accessibility, strengthen belonging, and help every student thrive.
