Foundations of Mathematical Thinking — Free Course for K–8 Teachers | Math Success by DMTI
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Foundations of
Mathematical Thinking

A Masterclass for K–8 teachers. 7 short video lessons that help enrich how you teach math and how your students understand it.

What's Included

Everything you need
to teach math conceptually.

No new curriculum. No extra prep. Just a few foundational shifts that change everything.

7 Video Lessons

15–20 minutes each. Watch at your own pace, on your own schedule.

~2 Hours Total

Finish in one afternoon or go lesson by lesson. It's up to you.

Knowledge Checks

Quick quizzes after each lesson to reinforce what you've learned.

Free Forever

No catch. No credit card. Lifetime access to all course materials.

7
Video Lessons
2 hrs
Total Time
7
Knowledge Checks
Free
Forever Access
The Reality

Teaching math is different than how we learned it.

Most of us learned math through memorization and drills. But that's not how students learn best. This course teaches you the methods that actually work, so you can help every student finally understand math.

No Extra Prep Breakthrough Lens Classroom Tested
How It Works

Three simple steps.

No complicated platform. No overwhelming content. Just focused, practical learning.

1

Watch Short Videos

7 lessons, 15–20 minutes each. Watch at your own pace, whenever it fits your schedule.

2

Test Your Knowledge

Quick quizzes after each lesson to reinforce learning and check your understanding.

3

Use It Tomorrow

Apply what you learn immediately in your classroom. See the difference right away.

Course Curriculum

Key missing chapter
from teacher prep.

Three modules that build on each other: from cognitive foundations to classroom practice.

1

Laying the Foundation

Give every student the cognitive tools they need to thrive in math. Before a single worksheet is passed out.

Unlock What Actually Predicts Success
Learn the surprisingly simple signals that determine long-term math success, and how to teach for them.
The Science of Priming Brains for Math
Use foundational methods to prepare young minds for math, boosting attention, retention, and engagement.
Make the Abstract Feel Concrete
Turn confusing problems into clear visuals to help students finally understand what's really happening.
2

Teaching That Sticks

Discover what most teacher prep programs miss, and what decades of research reveal about how students learn math.

Balance Deep Thinking with Fluency
Master the art of teaching both why and how. Build lasting understanding without sacrificing speed or skill.
Reveal the Hidden Patterns in Math
Show students how math fits together by teaching the deep structure beneath the surface.
3

Practice That Builds Confidence

Reinforce understanding and surface gaps using smarter, research-backed routines.

Address Misconceptions and Forge Lasting Learning
Embrace misconceptions before they happen and connect understandings, strengthening learning.
Testimonials

Watch breakthroughs
happen.

Real teachers. Real classrooms. Real moments of transformation.

"I never thought I'd love teaching math. Now it's my favorite part of the day."

Mrs. Hochstrasser
Elementary Teacher

"The structure and conceptual results have been incredible for my kindergarteners."

Rosie Ashcraft
Kindergarten Teacher

"Working with DMTI has completely changed how I approach math instruction."

Mrs. York
Elementary Teacher
What Teachers Say

Loved by teachers
and administrators.

What teachers say after seeing DMTI transform their students.

★★★★★

"Before, math was my least favorite subject to teach. Now, it is most definitely my favorite!"

Mrs. Johnson
Elementary Teacher
★★★★★

"This is the best math PD I've ever experienced in my 16 years of teaching!"

Erin Bassham
Elementary Teacher
★★★★★

"I wanted to share my math ISAT percentage with you. 73%! That's over 20 points higher than last year!"

Kelli
Elementary Teacher
★★★★★

"I have taught math in several states now, and I found this to be one of the most innovative in terms of stretching our mathematical thinking."

Michelle
Elementary Teacher
★★★★★

"If I had been taught math this way I think I would have loved it and actually been a math teacher."

Kelli
Elementary Teacher
★★★★★

"I went from 30% proficient at the beginning of the year to 79%. The special education teachers were amazed at this growth."

Anna
Elementary Teacher
The Hidden Gap

You're doing everything right.
So why don't students get it?

Most training tells you what to teach. But students need to know how math works. That's what this course unlocks. You'll see why so many students are left behind, and how a few small shifts can change everything.

Enroll Now

Become the math teacher
they never forget.

If you're not LOVING teaching math, this course is for you. Free forever. No credit card required.

FAQ

Frequently Asked
Questions.

How long does the course take?
The course is seven short videos. You can finish it in one afternoon, or go one lesson at a time.
Is it for a specific grade level?
These strategies work across grade levels, especially K–8, wherever students are getting stuck. It's never too early to build the right foundation.
Are the ideas too advanced for my students?
No. This approach works especially well for students who struggle. It makes concepts clearer, not harder.
Is this just another theory course?
No. We share practical, classroom-tested strategies you can start using right away.
Why is this course free?
Because every teacher deserves better tools. If it helps you, we hope you'll explore more of what we do.

Or start with $21/mo full access →
About the Founder

Meet Dr. Jonathan
Brendefur.

Jonathan Brendefur, PhD, is an award-winning mathematics educator, researcher, and speaker who supports teachers daily in helping students build mathematical understanding, confidence, and enthusiasm for learning.

Want to talk?
Jonathan Smiling Working with students

Ready to transform
your teaching?

You could finish the course in one afternoon. It's free forever, and it works.

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