Mr. Al Pierotti “just wants to know how much [he] can get done.” Over the course of his life, Pierotti has been involved in insurance, written two books (he is currently working on his third), earned two Eddy awards for Editor of the year, graduated from Jesuit in the first class of the new location at Inwood Road in 1964, and taught here at Jesuit for over 15 years.
Mr. Earsing, President of Jesuit, described him as “a representation of a Jesuit graduate” who “serves as a good role model for all of [Jesuit].” He has been a father to four sons and a father figure to countless Jesuit students who have taken his class.
His two books, including his autobiography 1854 Garett Street, have earned remarkable reviews for their astounding imagery and for Pierotti’s ability to keep the reader interested until the very end. When asked about his writing, he said, “My writing has been like a third career.” He went on to mention that he had a passion for writing after he was inspired by his teacher Al Jung. Perhaps his passion for writing is what enables him to teach so well.
Al Pierotti has been a source of inspiration and joy for all who have come to know him. In an interview, he mentioned that his favorite part of teaching and true inspiration for teaching are the students because he “really enjoys the kids.” He enjoys the students because “they’re funny, and keep [him] on his toes, and keep [him] relatively young.” David McGowan, Co-chair of the English department, described him as “one of the pillars for English 4.” When asked the same question, his colleague Ms. Sheryl Row answered almost identically as McGowan: “He has been one of the pillars of English 4.” Ms. Row went on to describe him as “one of the kindest and most helpful people … [he] doesn’t ask for accolades or rewards.” He helps other people purely because he enjoys helping others. In short, Pierotti is a true Man for Others.
In addition to his books, Pierotti has written his Jesuit memoirs. These pages recall his anticipation of entering Jesuit, his joys and trials of being a Jesuit student, and the lasting friendships he formed with fellow students. Pierotti talks about the “old school” on Oak Lawn, his class visit to see the first Catholic President of the United States, his community service, and much more. His memories are posted on the Jesuit Dallas Archives blog. The blog can also be accessed through Jesuit’s homepage.
Mr. Pierotti teaches the seniors of English 4 in a way that reaches out to them. Davis Bittner ’13, one of Pierotti’s students, described him as “one of the nicest and funniest” teachers he has ever had. Bittner mentioned that Mr. Pierotti can “relate to his students and he is not afraid to do so.”
On a similar note, McGowan commented that Pierotti is a “father of sons which gives him a unique insight into teaching teenage boys.” McGowan mentioned that Mr. Pierotti was not sure how well he would be able to relate to his students when he first started teaching at Jesuit because his experience had been on a college level; however, he “provides an image of a father figure” to his students which allows him to relate to them and understand them as people as opposed to just students.
A key component of this understanding is trust. Bittner described the class as being fun, relaxed, and trusting. When asked what his favorite part is, Bittner commented that Mr. Pierotti trusting the students and letting them relax was by far the best part of the class. This reciprocal trust relationship is difficult to strike, yet this sensational teacher has been able to strike it consistently since day one.
A dedicated parent, Mr. Pierotti did everything he could for his children. This included everything from coaching their baseball and basketball teams, to playing croquet with them in the backyard. Anthony Pierotti, Mr. Pierotti’s youngest son, said that he always “taught [them] to practice good sportsmanship,” and he described him as “loving, reliable, honest, a spiritual leader, smart, down-to-earth and one of a kind.” Agreeing with his brother, Al Pierotti lll described his father as “a great father” who has always stressed good qualities such as “proper manners, good behavior, and good grades” and has “always been there for [him] and given [him] sound advice.”
Also, Chris Pierotti described him as “a great host, caring, and quick to praise achievements.” He specifically mentioned that he “never gets tired of hearing the phrase I’m proud of you” from his father. Lastly, Michael Pierotti called his father “a constant” who has always been “leading and encouraging his family to have a life that is ‘happy, healthy, and holy’.” All four sons mentioned Mr. Pierotti as an amazing role model with a kind heart who always cared for them. Mr. Pierotti’s sons had nothing but good things to say about him. A great role model, Mr. Pierotti raised his sons well with only them in mind. They all look back fondly at all the times they were able to spend with him growing up.
Mr. Pierotti has made an impact on hundreds of lives through his community service project “The Jesuit Ignatian Scholars Program.” Originally called “Great Books” due to its focus on the great works of literature, this project teaches the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students of various Catholic middle schools of the Dallas diocese the importance of the great works of literature. Juniors of Jesuit going into their senior year are taught Ignatian methods of teaching to the students of the selected schools, teaching them Jesuit chosen masterpieces of literature. Mr. Rich Perry, the Director of Community Service, mentioned that “The Jesuit Ignatian Scholars Program” “seeks to fit the needs of each individual school” taught. This can be a very difficult challenge considering the program caters to the needs of 16 different schools.
Mr. Perry said that they accomplish this by dedicating some time to teaching the students values: “25% of the time is not English. It is role modeling, teaching values, teaching to be inclusive, to be good team players, and modeling excitement in academics, excitement in scholarship.” Dedicated to teaching, Mr. Pierotti goes above and beyond to teach the youth of society. Perry gives his thanks to Mr. Pierotti “on behalf of the hundreds of Jesuit students he has impacted since he started the program.
Unfortunately, Mr. Pierotti plans to retire from teaching at the end of this semester. Luckily for the Jesuit student body, he plans on shifting to the role of a substitute teacher. The response from this news has been mostly sad, but not hopeless; Row was doubtful that he would just disappear because he is: “a huge supporter of Jesuit… he will stick around some way or another.” As Mr. Pierotti prepares for retirement, his biggest piece of advice is: “No matter how many times you fall down, keep picking yourself up. Perseverance is really the key.”
