JHS Teacher Recognized By School Boards Association
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A Jamestown High School English teacher has been deemed a "champion" for her literature-based spin class.
Lora Pirrello and her class were recognized by Christine Schnars, a member of the Jamestown Public Schools Board and state School Boards Association. The longtime teacher was presented with a Champions of Change banner during a recent school board meeting.
Last year, Pirrello posed to her 12th grade AP English Literature class the idea of creating a music playlist thematically related to the novel, "The Great Gatsby." Students then took part in a spin class where the playlist was utilized.
"We had about 18 students come," Pirrello said previously. "The students were really energized by it. If they couldn't attend the spin class on one of their days off, students had another extra credit opportunity to create a separate playlist on the book 'Ethan Frome' by Edith Wharton."
She added, "I figured that activities like these could help them resonate more with the book and think about it more deeply. I'm really pleased that they enjoyed it so much."
Schnars said "The Great Gatsby" is one of her favorite books.
"What a wonderful, creative way to keep kids interested in literature," Schnars said.
Pirrello, who has been an English teacher for 20 years, thanked Kristie Lyon with Evolution Spin in Lakewood for allowing students to take the spin class at no cost.
Schnars and Paul Abbott, school board president, praised Pirrello for the playlist idea and keeping students engaged.
"We remember from our own educational experience the difference a passionate teacher makes in the classroom, engaging your interest and making it fun and exciting," Abbott said. "You sort of stumble into good grades when your teacher makes it fun and interesting. It really is fantastic. I say it all the time that I'm continually impressed and amazed hearing about individuals like this."
Champions of Change recognizes educators who foster "creative change that enriches educational opportunities and improves academic results" in their students. A state School Boards Association committee reviews nominations for awards.
"It is very special, and this is a very special program," Schnars said. "You should be proud. I should be proud. Our entire district should be proud."
Pirrello invited members of the school board to attend a literature-based spin class.
"Do I have to spin?" Abbott joked.