Hearing a fourth grader chanting “I want to go to the library!” is unusual, but for Justin Pugh, JC graduate from the class of ’94, a fourth grade teacher at Pinegrove Elementary, this is an ordinary occurrence.

It might seem Pugh would need magical powers or hypnosis to make this happen, but he only needs one thing: rock music.  Pugh brings in his electric guitar and sings songs about various subjects in school to his students.

Some songs include “Book Stew,” “American Literate,” and “When You Go and Read.”  These songs appeal to his students because they are often Green Day songs with the lyrics changed.

Not only does he sing to his students, Pugh performs concerts and shows in schools and public locations upon request.  He’s been doing his educational rock shows since 2006, and has recorded four CDs since 2007.

Along with the popularity from his local audience, he has gained attention from FOX 45 News, ActionLine Magazine, Baltimore County’s Educational Channel, his college’s Alumni Spotlight, Sirius Satellite, and the Howard Stern Show.

Pugh got his start in education because both of his parents were elementary school teachers.  “I’ve always wanted to work at the elementary level,” Pugh said. “I originally wanted to teach second or third grade, but after interning in a fifth grade class in college, I realized the upper levels were more my style, and could appreciate the humor I use in the classroom and I could develop a bond and relationship with the older students.”

Though he didn’t step into the classroom and  become a rock star on the first day, Pugh had previous experience with singing for education.  “In high school, I used to get ready for exams by recording myself singing facts in social studies because I had no problem memorizing lyrics to songs.  When I became a teacher, I started playing music in the classroom as an incentive for students to behave.  I then realized that if I took facts and put them to music, I could help students memorize facts the same way that I memorized facts in high school by singing my social studies book,” he explained.

Not only does Pugh enjoy doing this for his students, he feels it is rewarding as well.  “The most rewarding thing about my job is seeing students enjoy coming to school.  Whether it is when they’re singing along with me to my music, lining up to get an ‘autograph’ from me, or just being in school voluntarily, I’m happy to know that I’ve made school at least a little bit fun for them,” he said.

His students have felt the same way. Senior Bridget Linsenmeyer, a former student of Pugh said, “I really did enjoy the music as part of a learning experience. Everyone loved it. Every other teacher we had ever had just had the same method of lecturing a class. Mr. Pugh had a unique factor about his teaching method that kept the rest of us intrigued to come actually sit and listen.”

To get a closer look and listen to some of his songs, check out Pugh’s website: www.rockmusicforeducation.com.

Taylor Schafer can be reached comment at [email protected].