Each year, the #SpanningtheNeed will present an “Inspirational Person of the Week, Education Edition’ during Teacher Appreciation Week and have a “Q & A” with one of its many gifted teachers who are willing to go out of their own way to help others. This week’s featured as apart of our Teacher Appreciation Week is Jerry Turillo from Boardman Local Schools.
Name: Jerry Turillo
Position: 5th Grade Science/Social Studies
School District: Boardman Local Schools
Bio:
Jerry Turillo has taught 5th & 6th grade in Boardman for the last 30 years. He has spent time teaching at both Boardman Glenwood and Boardman Center schools. In addition to being a former cross country and wrestling coach, he has been an active union member advocating for the profession of teaching his entire career. Jerry has served as a building rep, union delegate, union secretary, and current union negotiator and vice president.
Jerry and his wife Megan have been married for 25 years and have two children, Dan and Alayna. Both parents are proud of the education the Boardman Schools provided for them. Dan will graduate in May with a Master’s in Italian from the University of Pittsburgh, while Alayna will finish her undergrad work in audiology at the University of Central Florida in December. When not following up with his children, Jerry can be found hiking or biking in Mill Creek Park.
What made you want to go into the education field?
I went into education because I enjoy people and cultures and want to share my enjoyment with others.
What’s the biggest factor that has helped you be successful in education?
My colleagues have been instrumental in my success as a teacher. We collaborate and build each other up like a family does.
What is the biggest professional mistake you made along the way?
I think a big professional mistake I made a long the way was not recognizing how much politics dictates our profession.
What is the best advice you can give future educators or the public?
My best advice for new educators is to use common sense when making decisions to act in children’s best interest and be ready to defend those decisions.
If you could start all over again, what would you do differently regarding your profession?
If I could start over I’d recognize from the beginning how politics impact the profession of teaching.
What is your best accomplishment/experience in life?
My best accomplishment is my family. Megan and I are very proud of our children and the adults they have grown up to be.
Who is your role model and Why?
My role models are my parents. They both worked very hard to provide for our family while teaching us to enjoy life and have fun.
If there was one person that you would like to meet, past or present, who would it be and why?
If I could meet one person it would be Joe Strummer of The Clash. I feel he was his own person and lived life to the fullest. His musical legacy will live on forever.
A favorite quote that you live by?
“Everyone has a story to tell. Just take the time to listen.”
