George School faculty routinely challenge students to puzzle out complex concepts for deep, long-lasting learning. However, a longtime math teacher (and the director of studies) has taken the role of puzzle poser even further.

Math teacher and Director of Studies Laura Kinnel has written several crossword puzzles for the New York Times.

She has always had a fascination with crossword puzzles and puzzles of all kinds. “Things are hard at the beginning. You’re going to make all kinds of mistakes,” said Laura. “You do it in pencil like you do math in pencil…you’re going to need to erase stuff, and it’s okay.”

Laura’s talent for navigating problem solving is the foundation of her teaching.

“Things that are hard–if you’re interested in them and work at them—you can get really good at them,” said Laura. “Don’t think that you can’t do something.”

Watch an ABC News interview with Laura about her crosswords.