Teacher gives freedom to inmates

Vito Perrone's students are told when to eat, when to shower and when to go to sleep. Their boundaries are marked by concrete blocks and razor wire.

But Perrone has found a way to give them freedom.

"When you give someone the power of knowledge, they are empowering themselves to change," Perrone said. "It liberates them in a very oppressive atmosphere."

An English teacher at Northern Nevada Correctional Center, Perrone was selected to receive a $2,500 scholarship from the Noon Rotary for his work in education.

"I'm humbled by the whole thing, especially because all I'm doing is teaching," he said. "Teaching is teaching, it doesn't matter who you're teaching as long as you're doing your job."

After a failed attempt to play in the National Football League, Perrone moved to Europe where he played professional football for four years.

His career in education began nine years ago as an English teacher at Carson High School where his wife Natasha taught math and science.

When their first son, Alec, now 5, was born, they decided to make some career changes. Natasha stayed home to take care of Alec and Tyler, 3, while Perrone took a job in correctional education to be able to teach year-round.

"My family means everything to me," Perrone said. "My wife loves staying home with the kids and you can tell they're blossoming with her there."

He continues to coach varsity football at the high school.

The Rotary award is designed to recognize teachers who use innovative techniques in the classroom.

Perrone's innovation has been to bring traditional teaching methods to a non-traditional setting.

Inmates typically follow an individualized study plan to achieve personal goals such as a high school diploma or GED.

Perrone added programs where students read a book together then discuss the themes and symbolism they find -- more like a traditional classroom.

"A lot of these guys don't have the skills to be able to listen to somebody else's opinion and intelligently discuss those opinions without getting hostile," he said. "We discuss poems, short stories, plays -- I teach them to speak positively to one another."

Although studies have shown inmates are less likely to repeat their offenses if educated, Perrone is worried the Legislature may consider cutting funds for the program.

"If the education program changes, it's going to affect these students," he said. "We can't allow that to happen."