See the Structure: Making math make sense

Equipping teachers to cultivate confident mathematical thinkers through deep understanding, flexible thinking, and meaningful connections.

the STS APPROACH

See the Structure embraces a dynamic, inclusive learning space, recognizing that every student—and teacher—approaches math differently. So instead of expecting all students to learn math using the same repetitive practices, it equips learners to think critically by forging paths that make sense to them.

Through supportive coaching and hands-on exploration, students first learn how to ask meaningful questions and think systematically, thereby gaining the confidence to apply these skills independently.

When this happens, they can:

  1. Communicate the context behind a problem

  2. Spot patterns that help them connect ideas

  3. Demonstrate their reasoning and approach

  4. Feel empowered to grow and develop these skills

ABOUT CHRISTINE

My journey to See the Structure started over 25 years ago as an elementary teacher. Time and time again, I watched struggling students’ eyes glaze over as they hopelessly declared, “I just don’t get it.” Math felt like a chore—not just for them, but at times for their teachers too.

Determined to find a better way, I became a math coach and spent years studying how students and teachers approached math. With pen and paper in hand, I carefully observed their learning process, jotting down key insights. One theme kept reappearing: students who naturally saw pattern and structure in math just got it. Everyone else was just going through the motions. 

That’s when it hit me—the way math was being taught simply wasn’t working. Students mindlessly followed procedures and memorized formulas, but without a natural grasp of patterns and structure, they quickly labeled themselves as "not good at math."

I knew that had to change. I knew that everyone—no matter who they were—deserved the same opportunity to see the patterns, structure, and connections that make math enjoyable.

This experience led me to Harvard’s Graduate School of Education, where I received a Master’s Degree in the Mind, Brain, and Education program—founded and taught by Howard Gardner (Multiple Intelligences Theory, 21st Century Skills), David Rose (Universal Design for Learning), and Kurt Fischer (Neuroscience).

There, I explored a key question: How would elementary math instruction change if we understood more about how learning occurs? After graduating, I was eager to turn that research into action, applying these insights to real-world teaching and learning.

It was this turn of events that inspired me to develop See the Structure, a philosophical approach to elementary math instruction rooted in brain science, cognitive linguistics, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), and early algebraic thinking.

This framework is a flexible, inclusive approach to math education that empowers students to become mathematical thinkers, not just problem solvers. Instead of just teaching students how to operate, this method focuses on building deep conceptual understanding, reasoning, and number relationships.

By uncovering the structure of the number system and the connections between quantities and concepts, students develop their own pathways to understanding. As a result, they don’t just learn math more easily—they also learn how to learn. As their understanding deepens, their cognitive load lightens—making math more enjoyable for students and teachers.

Who is See the Structure for?

    1. Become a confident and empowered math educator

    2. Implement classroom-tested exercises and guide deeper learning

    3. Encourage mathematical thinking and exploring of ideas

    4. Easily enhance existing curriculum

    1. Support teacher’s understanding of mathematics and how to teach through systems

    2. Increase classroom engagement and concept retention

    3. Offer the STS approach for pedagogical debate and discussion

    4. Support Special Educators and English language teachers

    1. Build confidence and feel empowered in math

    2. Explore fun, hands-on activities that deepen understanding

    3. Develop problem-solving skills and unleash creativity

    4. Take the lead on learning by sharing your ideas and exploring concepts

MISSION

To empower teachers with a structural approach to mathematics that engages the brain and respects the learner, uncovering the joy of learning.

vISION

A future where classrooms are filled with mathematical thinking, choice, agency, and joy for both students and teachers.  

VALUES

Respect the learner.  
Students are more likely to engage when they feel respected—and when they’re engaged, they are curious, creative, and confident, fostering an ideal environment for growth. This equitable approach to learning gives students the freedom to participate in meaningful ways and grow as mathematical thinkers.

Empower the educator.
Uncovering a deeper understanding of the structure and relationships of mathematics will inspire newfound confidence in teachers. This confidence will shift teaching from simply instructing students to actively engaging and guiding them on their own path of discovery.

Lead with learning, not equations. 
Structure is about knowing that there are relationships, reasons, and meaning—and they can all be known. When a student taps into connections and patterns to solve a problem, they’re not just finding a solution—they’re creating a framework for future learning.

How can you bring See the Structure to your classroom?

For examples that you can plug into your current teaching methods right away, visit the See it in Action page. You can also follow me on Instagram for fresh, actionable strategies.


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