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Teacher Jonathan Coccio says relationships are key, spotlights piano in school hallway
Summary
Jonathan Coccio, a sixth-grade science teacher at Thurgood Marshall Fundamental Middle School, told the transcript that relationships with students are the top priority and described placing an old piano in the school's main hallway, which students now use to sing and start the day.
Jonathan Coccio, a sixth-grade science teacher at Thurgood Marshall Fundamental Middle School, said in the transcript that "the number 1 thing for me is the relationships with the students," calling relationships the central purpose of teaching as well as academic growth.
Coccio said teaching is not only about academic gains but about "growing as good human beings" — instilling values such as respect, empathy and caring. "That's what it means the most," he said.
Speaking of his background as a musician, Coccio said he asked Principal Schottler to move an old piano out of a back room and into the school's main hallway. He described seeing the piano in the hallway and students, "3 or 4, 5, 6, 7," coming up to sing and play. "It's a great way to start the day," he said, noting the piano has become a part of students' morning routine.
The remarks highlight a teacher-driven effort to use a simple musical instrument to foster daily student engagement and community in the school. The transcript does not indicate any formal action by school administrators beyond Coccio's account that the piano was moved to the hallway.
