The E-Sylum:  Volume 8, Number 16, April 17, 2005, Article 13

ANCIENT COINS IN THE CLASSROOM

A local teacher has made wonderful strides in using ancient
coins in the classroom. The April 16, 2005 Pittsburgh Tribune-
Review article describes her work and upcoming "Ancient
Coin Museum" event. See the January 4, 2004 E-Sylum (v7n1)
for more background.

"Zee Ann Poerio has a hobby that makes cents.

Poerio, a third-grade teacher at St. Louise de Marillac School
in Upper St. Clair, has a collection of a couple hundred coins,
including over 100 ancient coins. Her coins span from as early
as 400 BC to modern coins. The collection started when she
wanted to introduce Latin lessons to her class three years ago.

"I just thought it was really interesting," Poerio says. "The
reverence kids have for these coins. Something they hold in
their hand is 2000 years old."

"For her work in the classroom, Poerio has won numerous
awards including the 2004 Ancient Coins for Education Harlan
J. Berk Teacher Excellence Award. One of her prizes was a
Brutus Gold Stater -- a gold coin from 44 BC. It has an
engraving of Alexander the Great on the front, and Athena
on the reverse side.

The coin was issued during the Civil War of Rome between 44
and 42 BC. It is in honor of Marcus Iunius Brutus, a Roman
senator who ruled from 85 to 42 BC."

Poerio has used her hobby to start what she calls an Ancient
Coin Museum. The "museum" runs from April 22-24 at St. Louise
de Marillac School, 312 McMurray Road, Upper St. Clair.
Ancient Coins for Education helped get coins donated from all
over the country. Poerio has even received coins from Canada
and overseas.

Poerio says she is really interested in connecting "coins with
Classics."

"Ancient coins have such an influence on coins today," she says.
"They teach about history, art, mythology and language."

Full Story

  Wayne Homren, Editor

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