He is the author of mathematics books for SRA, Random House, Harcourt Brace, Triumph Learning, and School Specialty.  

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Jerry has long advocated for including quality problems as an integral part of good math instruction.  This means challenging students with non-routine problems.  He did it when he taught first grade. He did it when he taught high school.  He did it when he taught college. He created problem solving courses for teachers at Seton Hall University and offered many problem-solving workshops to in-service teachers. This idea became even more important during the pandemic when we heard and read about making up for “lost time.” Or “catching up” on lost skills. That meant more drill and practice at all grades.  Jerry thought, “Why not give kids a break and a challenge with problems that are unusual?”  So, he found his old class notes and notebooks, and remembered how much fun there was for students and their teachers in solving problems.  

 

Beyond schools, he is sure people at any age can be entertained and challenged with good problems that might take time and help.  This series of three Try It! books is a modest attempt to advance problem-solving for all.