Break Out The Tissues: Grand Prize Winner Or Not, He's Already A Hero To Students

NEW HAVEN, CT — Robert Esposito, Co-Operative Arts and Humanities High School theatre teacher, is one of 10 finalists for the Heroes of the Classroom teacher recognition program sponsored by Kleenex.

Vote here.

During the week of Sept. 22, one Grand Prize winner will be named and will receive a check for $10,000. The Grand Prize winner’s school will also receive a $5,000 check plus a one-year supply of Kleenex Brand Tissue. Approximate retail value of the Grand Prize is $16,000. The nine remaining First Prize winners receive a $1,000 Costco Shop gift card for themselves and a $1,000 check for their schools. In addition, individuals who nominated the ten finalists will receive a $1,000 Costco Shop card.

Vote now to recognize Esposito, "a teacher who goes above and beyond."

Nominated for the recognition, here are Esposito's responses to questions posed by Heroes of the Classroom:

What’s one moment in your classroom that reminds you why you teach?
After students present their CAPSTONE projects, I have them do what we call appreciations. During last year’s presentations, several students noted the growth of a particular student who was painfully shy. "I couldn't believe I was watching the same person from freshman year!" and words to that effect. Seeing that student stand in front of the room with confidence and poise, ready to leave the building and move on to higher education, was so gratifying. This student will probably never go on to work as a professional actor, but the training and confidence they received will transfer to any profession. Their ability to work well and collaboratively with others using the skills they learned in theatre will serve them well. That is why I teach.

What is a time you knew you were making a lasting impact?
The other night I received a call from a former student who is now a successful stand-up comedian. He got a corporate gig at a fancy Beverly Hills hotel. He was so excited yet so nervous. The first thing he thought to do was call me and ask for my advice and support. A 32-year-old successful man still calls his high school theatre teacher for support. We did a few vocal warm-ups together and I told him how awesome he was and that we all love him here. That was a great moment for both of us. He did great, by the way!

Give an example of how you exhibit strength in the classroom.
I show up. Half the battle with students is to get them to simply show up — not just physically but emotionally and intellectually. Every day, good or bad, we start the day in a standing circle. We do our warm-ups, a quick check-in, and remind them of their passion for the art of theatre. We have to work every day. My participation in the work they do shows them that I will never ask them to do anything I wouldn't do myself. In this way, my work in the classroom is more akin to a coach than a standard classroom teacher. So when a student is missing their partner, I fill in for them and model the work. It's a lot of fun for me as well as for the student.

Vote for Esposito here.