In today’s math classrooms, students are not just learning how to solve equations—they are learning how to solve problems. True success in math comes not only from understanding content but also from developing the perseverance and resilience needed to work through challenges. As educators, we must intentionally cultivate grit in our students to prepare them for academic and lifelong success.

Dr. India White, educator, author, and TEDx speaker, developed the G.R.I.T. Framework, emphasizing four essential pillars: Growth Mindset, Resilience, Self-Efficacy, and Time Management. These pillars equip students with the internal tools to push through mathematical struggles and embrace productive struggle. As Dr. White says in her TEDx Talk, The Power of Grit, "Grit is Great Resilience in Time—it’s not about being perfect, it’s about not giving up" (White, 2021).

You can learn more about the G.R.I.T. Framework and access Dr. White’s resources at www.india-white.com and view her TEDx Talk here: The Power of Grit.

Here are 10 powerful, research-supported tips to help teachers build gritty resilience in their math classrooms:

Encourage students to view challenges as opportunities for growth. According to Dweck (2006), students who adopt a growth mindset are more likely to persevere through difficult tasks and experience increased academic achievement. Phrases like “You haven’t mastered it yet” and “Mistakes are part of learning” can reframe setbacks.

Model resilience by thinking aloud when solving problems. Share your own struggles and how you worked through them. Allow time for students to reflect on challenges and how they overcame them. This builds grit and self-awareness.

Bandura (1997) emphasized that self-efficacy—the belief in one’s ability to succeed—is key to motivation. Set high but achievable expectations, and celebrate each small victory. Over time, these build a student’s belief that they can succeed in math.

Many students struggle because they don’t know how to allocate their time. Break complex math tasks into manageable parts and teach students how to track time using visual timers, checklists, or digital tools. This builds focus and reduces overwhelm.

Resilience begins with a clear vision. Help students set short-term and long-term math goals. Use goal-setting journals or anchor charts. As the National Center for Education Statistics (2020) reported, goal setting is positively correlated with higher academic performance.

According to research in Mathematics Teaching in the Middle School, belief in one’s ability to improve can dramatically increase effort and persistence (NCTM, 2018). Include affirmation practices in the classroom such as “Math Mantras” or self-check-ins.

Create a safe space where students aren’t defined by test scores or stereotypes. Help students recognize that opinions—even their own self-doubt—don’t define their potential. This supports equity and combats stereotype threat (Steele, 2010).

Build classroom community with collaborative learning structures like “Think-Pair-Share” and “Vertical Non-Permanent Surfaces” from Liljedahl’s Building Thinking Classrooms (2021). When students work together toward a shared goal, they build collective resilience.

Acknowledging progress—no matter how small—fosters a positive math identity. NCTM (2014) recommends that teachers celebrate effort and strategy, not just correct answers, to support growth and resilience.

Don’t rescue students too quickly. Allowing them to sit in “productive struggle” helps develop persistence and problem-solving skills. As Boaler (2016) notes, “Mistakes are where the learning happens.”

Creating a math classroom rooted in G.R.I.T.—Growth Mindset, Resilience, Self-Efficacy, and Time Management—is essential to helping students thrive academically and emotionally. Teachers who emphasize these traits not only improve math performance but also equip students with tools for lifelong success.

To learn more or access resources for your classroom or  Grit Calendar for your students or your team, visit www.india-white.com or click on this link. You can also watch Dr. India White’s TEDx Talk, The Power of Grit, here.

Let’s continue to build gutsy, gritty, math warriors—one resilient step at a time!

• Bandura, A. (1997). Self-efficacy: The exercise of control. W.H. Freeman.
• Boaler, J. (2016). Mathematical mindsets: Unleashing students' potential through creative math, inspiring messages and innovative teaching. Jossey-Bass.
• Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The new psychology of success. Random House.
• Liljedahl, P. (2021). Building thinking classrooms in mathematics, grades K–12: 14 teaching practices for enhancing learning. Corwin.
• National Center for Education Statistics. (2020). Indicators of school crime and safety. U.S. Department of Education. https://nces.ed.gov
• National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. (2014). Principles to actions: Ensuring mathematical success for all. NCTM.
• National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. (2018). Mathematics Teaching in the Middle School. NCTM.
• Steele, C. M. (2010). Whistling Vivaldi: How stereotypes affect us and what we can do. W.W. Norton & Company.
• White, I. (2021, November 12). The Power of Grit [Video]. TEDx. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9YQOtryL7w