Sign-In
Cart
The Power of Struggle
Paperback
Series: Education Renaissance: Renewing Learning from Within
General EducationTeaching Instruction
Publisher: Independently Published
Published: Jul 17 2026
Pages: 232
Weight: 0.63
Height: 0.58 Width: 6.00 Depth: 9.00
Language: English
By Dr. Matthew Irwin
Discover the next step in the Education Renaissance-where neuroscience meets classroom transformation. In The Power of Struggle, Dr. Matthew Irwin reveals how challenge, effort, and persistence literally reshape the brain. Drawing on cutting-edge research in neuroplasticity, dendritic growth, and myelin development, this groundbreaking book shows educators how to design learning experiences that turn discomfort into growth and difficulty into durable understanding.
Building on the foundations laid in The Rise and Fall of Modern Education System and How to Make Learning, Not Grades, the Point of School, this volume dives deeper into the science of productive struggle-the sweet spot where learning feels hard yet achievable. Through vivid classroom examples and a practical five-phase framework, Irwin demonstrates how to:
Create lessons that activate students' brains through purposeful challenge
Harness the emotional power of struggle to build resilience and motivation
Use feedback and language patterns that strengthen neural pathways
Design assessments that measure thinking, not just right answers
Foster a classroom culture where mistakes are celebrated as milestones of growth
Educators will learn how to align teaching with the brain's natural learning processes-triggering dendritic expansion, myelin insulation, and the neural rewiring that makes knowledge stick.
Whether you're a teacher, instructional coach, or school leader, The Power of Struggle offers a hopeful, research-driven roadmap for cultivating stronger, more adaptable minds. Join the neural revolution in education-and discover how struggle becomes the engine of learning.
Also in
Teaching Instruction
How to Educate a Citizen: The Power of Shared Knowledge to Unify a Nation
Hirsch, E. D., Jr.
Hardcover
Thank You, Teachers: True Stories from America's Teachers, Our Last Line of Defense and Our First Line of Hope
Eversmann, Matt
Patterson, James
Hardcover
Teach Like a Champion 3.0: 63 Techniques That Put Students on the Path to College
Lemov, Doug
Paperback
Math Fact Fluency: 60+ Games and Assessment Tools to Support Learning and Retention
Kling, Gina
Bay-Williams, Jennifer
Paperback
AI Literacy in Any Class: Preparing Students to Thrive in an AI Future in Any Grade Level or Content Area
Miller, Matt
Paperback
Scholastic Success with Reading Comprehension Grade 2 Workbook
Scholastic Teaching Resources
Paperback
Scholastic Success with Reading Comprehension Grade 4 Workbook
Scholastic Teaching Resources
Paperback
The Power of the Socratic Classroom: Students. Questions. Dialogue. Learning.
Fischer, Charles Ames
Paperback
Better Than Carrots or Sticks: Restorative Practices for Positive Classroom Management
Fisher, Douglas
Frey, Nancy
Smith, Dominique
Paperback
Scholastic Success with Reading Comprehension Grade 3 Workbook
Scholastic Teaching Resources
Paperback
The Writing Rope: A Framework for Explicit Writing Instruction in All Subjects
Sedita, Joan
Paperback
Mtss for Reading Improvement: A Leader's Tool Kit for Schoolwide Success (Reading Science in Action: An Mtss Tool Kit)
Brown, Sarah
Stollar, Stephanie
Paperback
Total Participation Techniques: Making Every Student an Active Learner
Himmele, Pérsida
Himmele, William
Paperback
Beyond the Science of Reading: Connecting Literacy Instruction to the Science of Learning
Wexler, Natalie
Paperback
Setting Limits in the Classroom, 3rd Edition: A Complete Guide to Effective Classroom Management with a School-Wide Disciplineplan
MacKenzie, Robert J.
Stanzione, Lisa
Paperback
Greek Myth Plays, Grades 3-5: 10 Readers Theater Scripts Based on Favorite Greek Myths That Students Can Read and Reread to Develop Their Fluency
Pugliano, Carol
Pugliano-Martin, Carol
Paperback
First Little Readers Parent Pack: Guided Reading Level a: 25 Irresistible Books That Are Just the Right Level for Beginning Readers
Charlesworth, Liza
Schecter, Deborah
Paperback
Next Steps in Literacy Instruction: Connecting Assessments to Effective Interventions
Smartt, Susan, PH. D.
Glaser, Deborah, Ed D.
Paperback
ASVAB Study Guide Premium, Fourteenth: 7 Practice Tests + Comprehensive Review + Online Practice (Barron's Test Prep)
Duran, Terry L.
Paperback
Unearthing Joy: A Guide to Culturally and Historically Responsive Curriculum and Instruction
Muhammad, Gholdy
Paperback
Scholastic Success with Reading Comprehension Grade 5 Workbook
Scholastic Teaching Resources
Paperback
The Essential Homeschool Kindergarten Workbook: 135 Fun Curriculum-Based Activities to Build Reading, Writing, and Math Skills!
Lewallen, Hayley
Paperback
The Resistance Solution: Why Educators Resist Change and What They Need Instead
Silver, Becca
Paperback
Reading Assessment Done Right: Tools and Techniques for Data-Driven Instruction
Stollar, Stephanie
Winn, Kate
Paperback
Powerful Writing Structures: Brain Pocket Strategies for Supporting a Year-Long Writing Program
Gear, Adrienne
Paperback
Learn to Read Activity Book: 101 Fun Phonics Lessons to Teach Your Child to Read
Braun, Hannah, M. Ed
Paperback
Math Practice Workbook Grades 6-8: 1000+ Questions You Need to Kill in Middle School by Brain Hunter Prep
Brain Hunter Prep
Paperback
The Reading Strategies Book 2.0: Your Research-Based Guide to Developing Skilled Readers
Serravallo, Jennifer
Paperback
The Essentials of Adolescent Literacy: Integrating Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Instruction in Grades 5-12
Sedita, Joan
Paperback
Thank You, Teachers: True Stories from America's Teachers, Our Last Line of Defense and Our First Line of Hope (Large Print Edition)
Eversmann, Matt
Patterson, James
Paperback
Fostering Resilient Learners: Strategies for Creating a Trauma-Sensitive Classroom
Hall, Pete
Souers, Kristin
Paperback
Creating a Language-Rich Math Class: Strategies and Activities for Building Conceptual Understanding
Atkins, Sandra L.
Paperback
Small Groups, Big Results: Evidence-Based Routines to Get Every Child Reading
Lindsey, Julia
Paperback
Enhancing Professional Practice: The Framework for Teaching
Kappes, Lee
Danielson, Charlotte
Furman, Jim S.
Paperback
A Visual, Step-By-Step Guide for Re-Envisioning Rigor: Powerful Routines for Promoting Learning at High Levels
Eisberg, Aaron
McDowell, Michael
Paperback
Scholastic Success with Reading Comprehension Grade 1 Workbook
Scholastic Teaching Resources
Paperback
Facing the Fantasy, Finding the Way Forward: Every Educator's Guide to Moving Beyond Behavior Management to Lasting Behavioral Change Using Neuroscien
Bowman, Rick
Bowman, Doris
Paperback
Explicit Direct Instruction (Edi): The Power of the Well-Crafted, Well-Taught Lesson
Hollingsworth, John R.
Ybarra, Silvia E.
Paperback
Story of the World, Vol. 1: History for the Classical Child: Ancient Times
Bauer, Susan Wise
Paperback
Leveled Reading, Leveled Lives: How Students' Reading Achievement Has Been Held Back and What We Can Do about It
Shanahan, Timothy
Paperback
Teaching with AI: A Practical Guide to a New Era of Human Learning
Watson, C. Edward
Bowen, José Antonio
Paperback
The Fundamental 5 For Instructional Rigor: Five Fundamental Practices To Power Up Student Thinking
Cain, Sean
Paperback
The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation, Updated & Expanded: An Easy-To-Use Guide with Clear Rules, Real-World Examples, and Reproducible Quizzes
Straus, Jane
Kaufman, Lester
Paperback
The Writing Revolution 2.0: A Guide to Advancing Thinking Through Writing in All Subjects and Grades
Wexler, Natalie
Hochman, Judith C.
Paperback
Teach Like a Pirate: Increase Student Engagement, Boost Your Creativity, and Transform Your Life as an Educator
Burgess, Dave
Paperback
AP U.S. Government and Politics Premium, 2027: Prep Book with 6 Practice Tests + Comprehensive Review + Online Practice (Barron's AP Prep)
Lader, Curt, M. S. Ed
Paperback
The Vocabulary Workbook for 7th Grade: Weekly Activities to Boost Your Word Power
McLellan, Kelly Anne
Paperback
Scholastic Success with Multiplication & Division Grade 3 Workbook
Scholastic Teaching Resources
Paperback
180 Days(r) Reading for Fifth Grade, 2nd Edition: Practice, Assess, Diagnose
Levsey, Dylan
Kopp, Kathleen N.
Kopp, Kathy
Paperback
Making Things Right: Activities that Teach Restorative Justice, Conflict Resolution, Mediation, and Discipline That Restores Includes 32 De
Claassen, Roxanne Harvin
Claassen, Ron
Paperback
Teaching Writing Through Differentiated Instruction with Leveled Graphic Organizers
Witherell, Nancy L.
McMackin, Mary C.
Paperback
The Teach Like a Champion Guide to the Science of Reading: Translating Research to Reignite Joy and Meaning in the Classroom
Lemov, Doug
Driggs, Colleen
Woolway, Erica
Paperback
Mastering Essential Math Skills Book 2, Bilingual Edition - English/Spanish
Fisher, Richard W.
Paperback
New Art and Science of Teaching: More Than Fifty New Instructional Strategies for Academic Success
Marzano, Robert J.
Paperback
Relationship, Responsibility, and Regulation: Trauma-Invested Practices for Fostering Resilient Learners
Souers, Kristin Van Marter
Hall, Pete
Paperback
Making Words Stick: A Four-Step Instructional Routine to Power Up Orthographic Mapping
Ness, Molly
Miles, Katie Pace
Paperback
Specially Designed Instruction: Increasing Success for Students with Disabilities
Beninghof, Anne M.
Paperback
The Megabook of Vocabulary: Strategies to Boost Word Learning for Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening
Rasinski, Timothy V.
Cheesman Smith, Melissa
Campbell, Savannah
Paperback
The English Grammar Workbook for Adults: A Self-Study Guide to Improve Functional Writing
Digiacomo, Michael
Paperback
Instructional Rounds in Education: A Network Approach to Improving Teaching and Learning
Fiarman, Sarah E.
City, Elizabeth A.
Elmore, Richard F.
Paperback
Calligraphy Book for Beginners: Practice Workbook with Guide - Basic Techniques, Hand Lettering and Projects for Learning to Letter
Memoirs, Quillscribe
Paperback
50 Graphic Organizers for Reading, Writing & More: Reproducible Templates, Student Samples, and Easy Strategies to Support Every Learner
Modlo, Marcia
Bromley, Karen
DeVitis, Linda Irwin
Paperback
The Active Learning Revolution: Dynamic Engagement Strategies for Every Classroom
Biegun, Daniel
Paperback
180 Days(r) Reading for Fourth Grade, 2nd Edition: Practice, Assess, Diagnose
Slepian, Curtis
Kemp, Kristin
Paperback
The Megabook of Fluency, 2nd Edition: Strategies and Texts to Engage All Readers
Rasinski, Timothy V.
Cheesman Smith, Melissa
Paperback
101 Answers for New Teachers and Their Mentors: Effective Teaching Tips for Daily Classroom Use
Breaux, Annette
Paperback
180 Days(r) Science for Sixth Grade: Practice, Assess, Diagnose
Bayne, Bebra
Homayoun, Lauren
Paperback
Daily Word Ladders Content Areas, Grades 4-6
Rasinski, Timothy V.
Smith, Melissa Cheesman
Cheesman Smith, Melissa
Paperback
Untangling Data-Based Decision Making: A Problem-Solving Model to Enhance Mtss (a Practical Tool to Help You Make Sense of Student Data for Effective
Collins, Adam
Potter, Jon
Harlacher, Jason E.
Paperback
The Writing Strategies Book: Your Everything Guide to Developing Skilled Writers
Serravallo, Jennifer
Paperback
New Jersey Student Learning Assessments (NJSLA) Test Practice: Grade 4 English Language Arts Literacy (ELA) Practice Workbook and Full-length Online A
Njsla Test Prep, Lumos
Learning, Lumos
Paperback
Thinking Through Writing: A Guide to Becoming a Better Writer and Thinker
Kaag, John
Van Belle, Jonathan
Paperback
Universal Design for Learning in English Language Arts: Improving Literacy Instruction Through Inclusive Practices
Hinkle, Ryan
Parker, Brianne
Novak, Katie
Paperback
Science in Seconds for Kids: Over 100 Experiments You Can Do in Ten Minutes or Less
Potter, Jean
Stier, Samuel Cord
Paperback
180 Days(r) Reading for Seventh Grade: Practice, Assess, Diagnose
Rhatigan, Joe
Davies, Monika
Edgerton, Jennifer
Paperback
MARYLAND TEST PREP MCAP Practice Test Book English Language Arts Grade 5: Preparation for the MCAP ELA/Literacy Assessments
Hawas, M.
Donovan, Mitchell
Paperback
The Structured Literacy Playbook: Preplanned Lessons for Building Phonics and Fluency Skills
Gannon, Sarah
Osburn, Alexandria
Orkin, Melissa
Paperback
Cultivating a Classroom of Calm: How to Promote Student Engagement and Self-Regulation
McNerney, Meredith
Paperback
The Evolving Science of Reading: Building a Continuum from Foundations to Fluent Thinking
Fitzpatrick, Anthony J.
Paperback
Discipline with Dignity, 4th Edition: How to Build Responsibility, Relationships, and Respect in Your Classroom
Mendler, Allen N.
Mendler, Brian D.
Curwin, Richard L.
Paperback
The Empowered ELA Teacher: Be the Teacher You Want to Be, Do Great Work, and Thrive
Cannata, Jessica
Mitchell, Caitlin
Paperback
The Successful Homeschool Family Handbook (Large Print Edition)
Moore, Dorothy
Moore, Raymond
Paperback