Rollman: “You are the youngest 50-year-old I know.”

I had the pleasure of conducting a teacher evaluation for longtime HS social studies teacher Mr. Brian Rollman in his historic classroom, named Club 110. Brian has spent his lifetime teaching and coaching in Port Jervis.  If you know the famous Mr. Rollman, you know he is filled with energy and enthusiasm mixed with passions for sports, pop culture, fashion, and all things Port Jervis. He has an incredible sense of humor and undeniable energy.

On a random Friday this spring, I was observing his lesson. Mr. Rollman made a comment about being 18 years old. “That was ages ago. Thirty-two years to be exact,” he said.  The class laughed loudly. A young man named Emmanuel Roman said out loud, “Rollman, you’re the youngest 50-year-old I know.”

Colleen Koenig, a cooperating teacher in the classroom also heard it and repeated it for the whole class to hear. Mr. Rollman laughed too and all the kids smiled.

What an incredible compliment from Emmanuel.  

Let’s break it down.

Mr. Rollman has a unique personality and the ability to connect with kids on so many different levels, as well as an amazing record of high student performance on the NYS Global Regents. Emmanuel’s comment, while a few seemingly simple words, is much deeper than that.  His thoughts on Mr. Rollman reflect a lifetime of dedication to teaching and learning in Port Jervis. 

Mr. Rollman has earned that statement. Like many staff here in Port, he has earned the respect of the kids, his colleagues, and the community. How did he do it?  Here are a couple of insights:

  • Mr. Rollman brings incredible enthusiasm and excitement to class each day.  He makes the learning come ALIVE!
  • Mr. Rollman stays in tune with pop culture. Before diving right into the content, he initiates some fun chit-chat that forges connections with kids, talking about all the things they are interested in. He can relate to the students.
  • He nicknames many of the students based on their personalities.   He has cultivated a playful back-and-forth with the students, all in a respectful, quite humorous manner.  We have numerous staff who build these types of relationships with the students.
  • He takes his work seriously but not too seriously. He’s not afraid to tweak or blend his lesson with some humor or colorful stories that the kids will certainly remember. He gets the work done and the kids know he means business, but he doesn’t take it all too seriously.
  • Mr. Rollman brings the ENERGY:  he bangs things in class, hits the gong, spins the disco ball, and even blasts Hulk Hogan championship music for the kid who scores the highest score on an exam. These are the magical moments that people remember.
  • Lastly, his heart is in it. He’s authentic. Kids can sense this a mile away. They know if your heart is in it and they know if you love what you do. Brian Rollman loves Port Jervis. He loves his famed classroom club 110 and he loves connecting with kids. It’s obvious.

We here in Port Jervis are grateful to have wonderful educators and staff like Mr. Rollman showing up and inspiring students and staff each day. Thank you to Emmanuel for his compliment to Mr. Rollman.  It was said perfectly!

Just another routine day and just another class and Mr. Rollman deservedly got one of the best compliments that one can get!  Thanks Mr. Rollman!  #GoPort!

Andrew Marotta
Director of Communications & Academic Services

Want to write a #PortPride blog spot?  We want this blog to be written by a variety of people connected to Port Jervis: students, staff, alumni, BOE members, community leaders, and more.  Have a recommendation for a person, program, place, or happening that should be written about?  Reach out to Mr. Marotta at amarotta@pjschools.org or via phone 845-858-3100 x5534