Abstract Recent debates have highlighted the declining academic performance of New Zealand students in mathematics. This study explored the innovative use of digital technology in teaching practices to potentially enhance student performance. The aim of this study was to better understand year 7-10 mathematics teachers perceptions of the aspects that influence their use or not of digital technology. Using a qualitative methodology, specifically Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), the research allowed for open-ended exploration, providing narrative accounts that support teacher reflection and offer in-depth insights into their perspectives. Discussions focused on the influences affecting digital technology use and its actual and desired roles in teaching. Professional learning and development were considered to illustrate the dynamic nature of digital approaches in mathematics classrooms and how teacher perceptions have evolved. The study identified a fluid nature in teaching practices, reflecting educators’ commitment to meeting professional standards. Literature debates the optimal use of digital technology for achieving educational outcomes, with some advocating for a one-size-fits-all student-centric approach. However, this study found that in secondary mathematics, out-of-field teaching is common, raising the profile of digital technology as a support tool, depending on the software used. This highlighted issues such as mathematics anxiety among teachers and a lack of content knowledge. Collective efficacy emerged as a strength in schools that maximised dedicated mathematics software to enhance student outcomes. The use of a qualitative methodology like IPA has allowed for the research undertaken to be open ended, where outcomes cannot be predicted or controlled. This approach provided the narrative account to support teacher reflective capacity and equally allowed the researcher to interpret teacher perspectives and develop indepth insights. Discussion was undertaken reflecting the influences at play, and the actual and desired role of digital technology at the time of the research. Consideration of professional learning and development helped to illustrate the dynamic nature of a digital approach within the mathematics classroom, and subsequently how teacher perception of what is desirable has changed. These factors suggested the fluid nature of teaching practice as changes were undertaken that reflect the commitment made by educators as they addressed the requisite standards of the teaching profession. Debate exists within literature about the use of digital technology and the role played in achieving the optimal outcomes, perhaps considered, but yet to be achieved. The delivery of quality instruction is now thought of as inclusive of the use of digital technology. Theory suggests a one-size-fits-all adoption of student-centric practice will enable the transformative potential of digital technology use to be optimised. Debate exists within literature of this one-size-fits-all approach. In a secondary mathematics environment, it is not unusual for teachers to teach out-of-field, raising the profile of the use of digital technology in teaching practice, as a possible support, depending on the software. This highlighted the issue of mathematics anxiety faced by teachers and discussed within this study. Both considerations related to a lack of knowledge content by teachers within the mathematics classroom. Collective efficacy became a strength developed over time within two of the schools of this study as they maximised the potential of the dedicated mathematics software available to enhance student outcomes. The COVID-19 pandemic, occurring during the study, emphasised the impact of immersive online teaching models, adding depth to the dialogue on digital technology use. The conclusions support the need for teacher participation in decisions regarding digital platform resourcing and usage. Collaborative decision-making between leadership and teachers can alleviate anxiety related to transforming teaching practices. Teacher resilience, identity and agency were significant in the transformative use of digital technology. The study identified multiple influences on teaching practices and teachers’ choices regarding digital technology, suggesting that teachers are hybrid practitioners, employing both teacher and student-centric practices to achieve desire student outcomes.