Jim Mannel has never considered himself a traditional teacher.
For more than 50 years he has brought an unconventional approach with him into the classroom. Whether he is teaching science or physical education, kindergartners or seniors in high school, his goal has always been to engage students in a way that leaves an impression.
“I always considered myself one of the original flower children and one of the people who wanted to make a difference,” he said. “I wanted a different kind of experience and wanted to do things differently and affect the way kids learned and teachers taught.”
And while Mannel, 77, might be retired as a full-time teacher, he is still in the classroom every week.
He developed a program called Parks to Schools for Porter County Parks and Recreation in 2000, and has traveled throughout Northwest Indiana sharing his love of nature with elementary school students ever since. This unique education series, which meets Indiana Department of Education standards, features presentations on animals in winter, trees, butterflies, soil and spiders.
Gayle O’Connor, Recreation Supervisor for Porter County Parks and Recreation, said his enthusiasm for teaching is incomparable.
“The first time I walked out of a school after a day of presentations with Jim Mannel I was exhausted, Jim still had a spring in his step and a smile on his face,” she said. “Once you meet Jim and watch his programs you too will see his passion for educating children. We are very blessed to have him on staff.”
During a recent presentation of “Animals in Winter” at Crisman Elementary School in Portage, Mannel’s delivery had a first-grade class laughing and yelling out the answers to questions.
He had the students take on the roles of different animals in the forest. Some were predators, and some were prey, and they excitedly told each other what creature they had been assigned. Some growled or made claws with their hands to illustrate a coyote or wolf. As they acted out their functions, the hunted were caught to help feed others on the food chain.
“The animals that ate you up weren’t being mean,” Mannel explained to the students who were prey. “They were doing what they’re supposed to do.”
Porter County Parks and Recreation Programmer Katie Rizer said the best part of watching Mannel in action is the way students react.
“Their eyes light up, they giggle, they jump, and they become animals in a winter forest,” she said. “Jim’s passion for the environment is evident in each of his programs and the coolest part of it is that he is inspiring our kids to learn about, and fall in love with, nature too.”
Mannel said it is rewarding to see the way students respond to his programs.
“They enjoy it,” he said. “And I’m always amazed at how much they retain. There is a huge amount of material presented in one hour and yet they’re able to grasp and hold onto these things and they really have a good time.”
At Crisman Elementary School, as he packed up his photos, costumes and props at the end of his presentation, one student asked, “Is he gonna come again?”
It was a question that the teacher of the class, Lori Wiseman, said her students asked again the following day.
“Mr. Jim does an excellent job presenting to first-graders on their level,” she said. “Students were actively involved and engaged the entire time.”
Mannel said that as long as he is making an impact on students, he plans to keep coming back.
“It is a lot of energy for an old man to do, but I just love to do it,” he said with a laugh. “It’s probably the most rewarding teaching experience I can say I’ve had. I’m 52 years in the classroom and I’m still enjoying it.”
About Porter County Parks and Recreation
The mission of the Porter County Parks and Recreation Board and Department is to preserve, protect and manage the natural, cultural and recreational resources within a diverse park system. We are committed to delivering youth, adult and school programs to the residents of Porter County, while also providing a gateway into the natural beauty of our area through its unique parks and trails. For more information, call 219-465-3586, or e-mail pcparks@porterco.org.