Every year, new faces appear at Stamford High School, including teachers. This year SHS welcomes Nicole Dastoli as a part of the history department. The Round Table was able to get an interview with Dastoli and here’s what she said.

TRT: Why did you decide to become a history teacher?

Dastoli: I decided to become a history teacher because in 10^th grade, I had a very bad history teacher, but when I was in 11^th grade I had a good teacher. I learned if you have the right teacher it can help you appreciate the subject more.

TRT: Why did you choose to be a high school teacher rather than an elementary school teacher?

Dastoli: When I was lifeguarding in high school, I learned that I had the right attitude and patience to deal with adolescents.

TRT: Do you think having a good sense of humor is necessary to be a teacher?

Dastoli: Absolutely, because there are some days where you need to laugh it off, and if you can’t, you’ll be a very unhappy person. Also, it makes class more enjoyable.

TRT: While working at SHS, what do you say is the craziest thing you’ve been through or seen?

Dastoli: I witnessed a fight in my sophomore class as a student teacher.

TRT: What makes a good teacher?

Dastoli: A good teacher is someone who is able to connect and have a good connection with their classes. I believe a teacher should incorporate real-life skills into the classroom. Also, [they should be able] to encourage their students to push beyond their limits outside the classroom.

TRT: Do you feel SHS is a good learning environment for our students, and if not, what would you change to make it better?

Dastoli: Absolutely, first I would say I feel SHS offers so much to our students, and its diverse population gives students a look at the real world. If I had an option to change one thing, I wouldn’t change anything, because I am new to teaching.

TRT: If there was any other subject you could teach, what would it be and why?

Dastoli: English, because I like to read novels, but I’m not a big grammar person.

TRT: What are your hobbies outside of the classroom?

Dastoli: Some hobbies I have outside of the classroom are to go to the gym, cook, and hang out with my dog.

TRT: Why did you choose to teach at a public school rather than private?

Dastoli: No, I would not work at a private school, because I like the public school population.

TRT: If you were able to have dinner with one famous person, who would it be?

Dastoli: Ben Affleck, because I like his movies.