Sybilla Beckmann earned her undergraduate degree in mathematics from Brown University and a PhD in mathematics from the University of Pennsylvania. She taught and did research in mathematics at Yale University for two years. Since then, she has been at the University of Georgia. When she had children, she became very interested in helping prospective teachers understand and appreciate the mathematics they will teach. This interest led to her book. In her spare time, she enjoys playing the piano, weaving, attending classical music concerts, and traveling with her family.