For this week’s blog, I spoke with our “specials” teachers. Our specialists are the members of our faculty who teach classes at Ezra, such as art, P.E., and music. Having a creative outlet in school is so important, and I hope these brief interviews provide a window into the world our children enjoy on a daily basis. 

 

Dawn Tauble, Music Teacher

Is there a defining moment or series of experiences that landed you in the classroom? If not, is there a reason that Ezra is the right learning environment for you to teach in?

 

My freshman year of high school I volunteered with World Vision International and traveled to five different ADPs (area development programs) that they had in Haiti to attempt teaching music for the first time. I had always loved World Vision, and had always loved music, but had never taught. On that trip I discovered that one of my greatest joys is providing a space for learning, discovery, and healing through the arts. Once I saw the good it could do, I couldn’t ignore how important it was to share - thus eventually landing me in the classroom setting! 

 

Can you describe in your own words what makes our students unique and/or ultimately what makes Ezra unique?

 

The Ezra students and community are unique because they value community on such a deep level. They celebrate and they mourn beautifully with each other and have welcomed me with open arms. I love knowing so many of the students and families well from having smaller music classes, as well as private lessons and/or them joining one of my choirs! I can tell that music is very important to many families and I so appreciate that.

 

Oren Tepper, Physical Education Teacher

Why is Ezra the right environment for you to teach in?

Ezra Academy is the right learning environment for me because it allows me to be flexible, creative, and true to myself as an educator. 

Can you describe what makes our students unique and/or ultimately what makes Ezra unique?

I think Ezra Academy is extremely unique in the sense that every teacher gets to truly know every student on a personal level. I think this is a major positive that most students in other schools just don't have the opportunity to experience. I believe this is one of the biggest reasons why students here are so successful.

 

Nancy Restivo, Art Teacher

 Is there a defining moment or series of experiences that landed you in the classroom?

I studied architecture in school and ultimately became an architect, but something kept drawing me back to my initial passion, which was art. I started taking art lessons when I was 11 and had recently discovered a love of clay and pottery. I realized I wanted to share my joy of creating with children so I decided to go back to school to get my art teaching certificate.

Can you describe what makes our students unique and/or ultimately what makes Ezra unique?

Ezra has two unique qualities that I am drawn to: The teachers and staff truly care about the students and each other; and the collaborative spirit amongst the teachers. I genuinely enjoy having art be an extension of what the students are learning in the classroom and using art to reinforce that subject area as well as working with my very caring colleagues. 

 

We are so lucky to have such compassionate teachers with a variety of interests and talents. Ezra is truly a unique and amazing place because of the people that comprise our school.