🎙️ Behind the Scenes of Word Problem Workshop: The Story, the Struggle, and the Spark

So, I’m sitting here with my coffee, thinking about how wild it feels that Word Problem Workshop is finally real — a book you can actually hold. Before it officially hits shelves, I wanted to share behind the scenes. Why this book? Why now? What made it so important that it had to be written? If you’ve ever felt like your students just don’t get math, this episode — and this book — are for you.

💡 Behind the Scenes: The Spark — Why This Book, Why Now

Everywhere I taught, the same problem appeared. Students didn’t try, and they didn’t get it. It didn’t matter if it was a public school, private school, or charter — the struggle was the same. Teachers wanted something fresh, something that made math click. That’s why the Word Problem Workshop book had to exist.

You’ll hear how one powerful year changed everything. My students not only met their growth goals but believed they could. That’s when I realized what mattered most — a strong classroom community where kids lead their learning. Plus, you’ll hear stories from teachers like Jimmy and Amanda who used this approach to transform their classrooms.

✨ Behind the Scenes: The Mission — Changing How We Think About Math

The mission behind the Word Problem Workshop book is simple: every student can do math. When teachers believe that, everything changes. Students rise to the challenge. Classrooms become places of curiosity and confidence.

This episode explores how mindset and trust make the biggest difference in teaching word problems. Instead of focusing on what to teach, we look at how to help students think, discuss, and solve. The goal is to create math classrooms that feel alive — where learning is active, engaging, and meaningful.

🧠 Behind the Scenes: The Process — Lessons from Writing That Apply to Teaching

Writing this book wasn’t easy. It was a real productive struggle — the same kind we want students to lean into. Every blank page felt like a challenge, but that’s how growth happens.

In this part, you’ll hear how the writing process mirrored what happens in math classrooms. Just like students, I had to develop a new identity — not just as a teacher, but as a writer. That struggle helped me see how deeply identity matters in learning math. When students see themselves as mathematicians, everything shifts.

💬 Behind the Scenes: The Impact — Real Classrooms, Real Change

The Word Problem Workshop book was built on real classroom stories. Teachers like Jimmy, Amanda, and Sarah are seeing powerful results. Students are solving, discussing, and leading their own learning. That’s what makes this work so real — and so possible for anyone.

This part of the podcast celebrates the wins — the “aha” moments, the laughter, and the learning that happens when kids finally see themselves as problem solvers. These stories prove that with the right support, every student can thrive in math.

❤️ Behind the Scenes: The Heart — What It Really Means

Seeing Word Problem Workshop in print is more than exciting — it’s emotional. It’s proof that change is possible. This part of the episode dives into what it feels like to share a teaching philosophy that’s been lived, tested, and now shared with the world.

It’s also a reminder that teachers matter. Your voice, your belief, and your willingness to try something new are what transform classrooms. This book is a love letter to teachers — and a guide to falling back in love with teaching math.

🔗 Ready to Dive In?

If you’ve ever watched your students groan at a word problem — this book is for you.
👉 Tune in to the full episode to hear the behind-the-scenes story of Word Problem Workshop and how it can transform your teaching.

🎧 Listen now, subscribe to the podcast, and leave a review to let us know what you think.