Long Island Teacher Of The Week: Kimberly Vargas-Curatola

LONG ISLAND, NY — Every teacher deserves praise. They work tirelessly and do so much more than just educate students. They can be role models, leaders, therapists, confidants and more.

Some teachers really go above and beyond, though. One teacher that deserves a special shout-out is Kimberly Vargas-Curatola, a French teacher at Wantagh High School.

Vargas-Curatola was nominated as Teacher of the Week by Brenda Post. Here's what she had to say:

My son Aidan Post is in her 9th grade French class. My son had a very difficult year due to unforeseen medical problems. He had kidney surgery in January. He unfortunately had to miss months of school because of his medical issues. It was a very trying time for him and our family.

Mrs. Vargas, from day one of his diagnosis, was a great support. She reached out multiple times to see how he was doing. She had classmates make him a card and continued contact throughout the most difficult days. He had one-on-one home tutoring, but that wasn’t enough to keep him where he needed to be in French. He lost months and for a subject he struggles in, and he was very discouraged.

When he returned to school, she wouldn’t let him give up. She has been staying every Tuesday and Thursday from 3-4:30 or so to help my son. Her encouragement and positivity is something I can’t put into words. Her passion for teaching and her enthusiasm is consistently evident in how she interacts with her students. The past few years have been isolating for many students. My son struggled mentally, not only physically, coming back from this surgery. Mrs. Vargas makes him feel important and constantly encourages him daily.

I have been trying to think of ways to thank her for what she has done for my son during this difficult time. The thing is, she isn’t looking for thanks. She is an absolute gift to all her students. We feel truly blessed that he is in her class. She goes above and beyond in many ways. I think she is so deserving of this honor. The Post Family can’t thank her enough.

Congratulations to Kimberly Vargas-Curatola! Thank you for all that you do!

Do you have a special teacher you think deserves a shout-out for Teacher of the Week? Email alex.costello@patch.com to nominate your favorite teacher.