Terrific Teacher: LaMuth Middle School 's Jim Swislocki

PAINESVILLE - LaMuth Middle School band teacher Jim Swislocki has been teaching for the past 11 years. He has nearly 300 students that are in sixth and seventh grade.

They spend hours practicing for concerts and performances at various sporting events. It might be hard work but his students say "Mr. Swiss," as he is affectionally called, makes it fun.

"Sometimes he tells jokes and he likes Star Wars so he incorporates a lot of that," said Kirsten Szydlowski.

Mr. Swislocki might like to have fun but he's serious when it comes to teaching children about music. His number one goal, he says, is to help his students understand the value of hard work and months of determination it takes to prepare for performances.

It's that same work ethic that will help them in other subjects in middle school, high school and beyond.

"I think just  because of him I'll continue to play my instrument and it's like one of my favorite things to do, " student Kailey Geiger said.

"I teach the way I would hope my childrens' teachers would be with them, shared knowledge and share that knowledge in a way that's fun so that they remember it as they go beyond graduation," Swislocki said.