Irene “Sam” Jovell joined Questar III BOCES in 2005 as a senior mathematics specialist in the Office of School Improvement. Jovell spent 33 years as a teacher at Niskayuna High School and has received many honors and awards over the years, including an induction into the New York State Mathematics Educators Hall of Fame. Most recently, she has written a series of books on Common Core Math for educators, parents and students.
The first book, Common Core Algebra I in the series was released in April 2014. The next book, Common Core Geometry will be released this November, and the final book Common Core Algebra II is expected to be released sometime next year.
Each book takes about six months to write. Jovell collaborates with her co-author, Bill Caroscio. The writing team divides and chooses which chapters they will write. Much of their correspondence is done via email, usually only meeting in person once during the process. This is a vastly different experience from the publication of her first book in 1998 when the publisher would fly Jovell to Texas for a week to work on the book.
This series of books has been updated and transitioned to Common Core. In addition to New York State, the books are used in many other states. Jovell stated that in the course of her 44 year career, Common Core is the best, most comprehensive program she has seen. Children are more visual today and they need to touch and feel to learn. “If your five year old got really sick, would you take them back to the doctor that treated you, and ask them to treat your child the way they treated you with no new medicines? No, because the old way of treating would not work as well,” said Jovell.
Although, Jovell is very modest about her many career accomplishments, you can see how very proud she is to be an textbook author, as she told the story of bringing home a copy of the first book she had written to her parents. Jovell’s mom, who did not finish the ninth grade in school, was so proud and crying.
Jovell’s mom said, “Only you would write a book that I do not understand.” Her mom displayed that book on her coffee table, and anyone that asked what the book was about, she would say, “I don’t know, I failed algebra in ninth grade.”
Jovell is well-known throughout the region, state and nation as a math trainer and school improvement expert. Deputy Superintendent Gladys Cruz said Questar III and its schools are lucky to have such an accomplished teacher and professional developer available to support them.
“Sam is a tremendous resource for our BOCES and school districts. Her work and enthusiasm greatly benefit math teachers not only across our region, but also across the country. She is the person you want writing the books parents, teachers and others will read on the new standards,” Cruz said.
