Math Struggle Is Often Misunderstood. That Matters.
I help educators and families understand math struggle through the lens of student thinking, cognitive development, and learning differences so support is timely and grounded in evidence.
Drawing from classroom practice and the learning sciences, my work centers student strengths, honors variation, and respects the real constraints teachers face. By focusing on how students make sense of mathematics, instruction becomes rooted in practices that are effective and equitable.
Writing & Media
My writing and media work explore how students experience math instruction, how learning differences shape understanding, and how educators can respond with clarity rather than quick fixes. Across articles, conversations, and my upcoming book, I focus on instructional practices that are grounded in student thinking and supported by research.
Book
Dyscalculia Demystified: Practical Tools For The General Education Classroom
Coming Soon!
Spring 2026
Article
Podcast
A panel discussion on strategies to support students with math challenges and raise awareness of dyscalculia
Article
How teachers can use the Five Strands of Math Proficiency to create inclusive elementary and empowering classrooms
An overview of dyscalculia that addresses common misconceptions and instructional approaches to support these learners.
About
My name is Dawn Pagliaro-Newman.
I am an elementary educator with over 20 years of experience in New York City Public Schools, where my work is grounded in daily classroom practice with students who experience math differently. I am a New York State Master Teacher Fellow and a two-time recipient of the Math for America Master Teacher Fellowship.
My teaching, writing, and speaking focus on understanding how students make sense of mathematics, particularly when learning differences create persistent challenges. Informed by my work with students, families, and colleagues, I speak locally and nationally about instructional approaches that are evidence-based, practical, and responsive to real classroom constraints.
Stay Updated
Join the email list for thoughtful updates on math learning, instruction, and supporting students who struggle.
