Rob Caramella

Rob Caramella, an American citizen, came to ZIS in the fall of 2001. He had been hired by Paul Lieblich in London and was at that time working as an educational consultant with the George Soros Foundation in Bosnia, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Kazakstan and Kyrgyzstan. Rob received his Bachelor of Science degree in Education at a state university in the United States and began teaching in Montgomery County, Maryland. With fifteen years of teaching experience in the public school system, he moved to New York City and received his Masters degree at Bank Street College. He worked at Bank Street College for 15 years supervising and evaluating graduate student teacher interns, as well as lecturing to graduates and helping several school districts develop and implement curriculum that supported a child centered approach to education. He also worked for an organization called Children's Resources International in Washington, DC, training teachers in several Eastern European countries and Pakistan in Step by Step -  a child centered teaching methodology. It was from this vantage point that he began his more than fifteen years teaching at ZIS.

“I’ve taught all grades from one through fifth for at least three years each. AT ZIS, I taught first, second and EAL. I then worked at the ECC and worked with any children who seemed to be stressed upon entering school. It was designed to support both teachers, families and children.”

 

"I had Mr. Rob as my first grade teacher. After being at ZIS for Preschool and PK my parents moved me to a swiss school for one year for my Kindergarten year. During this time I lost almost all my English speaking skills, which was when my parents decided to move me back to ZIS for the first grade year. I had always been a rather shy child, and being thrown into an environment where I could barely understand the language spoken was very hard for me. Every morning for a few weeks at the start of the year I would cry when my mom dropped me off at the classroom. Mr. Rob would always hold my hand and wave with me, giving me a comfort I really needed at that time. He was incredibly supportive and sympathetic and always made me feel like everything was going to be alright. At the end of first grade I had exponentially advanced in speaking English, yet Mr. Rob felt like it was better if I retook the year. I was worried what people would think of me retaking first grade, yet also these doubts and worries were taken away by Mr. Rob, as he was always extremely supportive and tried to reassure me that this is nothing to be ashamed about. Having a teacher like him at the beginning of my time at ZIS really shaped my time at ZIS. I am forever grateful for his patience, understanding and kindness!"

"Rob Caramella was my teacher in Grade 1, to this day I remember him and he remained one of my favorite teachers that I've ever had. I remember crying once and he patted my shoulder, gave me a pep talk and it felt as if I had no worries or troubles anymore. Even when I was in higher grades, he always stayed friendly and had a smile on his face. If there is an example of how teachers should be, it is Rob Caramella. He made school feel fun every day, and took care of every single student."

"Rob is one of the finest humans I have had the pleasure to know and learn from. A Master Teacher, a true champion of children, a leader in a quiet but impactful way, an amazing colleague and someone who impacted every student and teacher he worked with. He is a credit to our profession, a lover of learning, an avid reader and traveler. Most alumni think of their recent teachers or colleagues - he was one that set the stage for so many successful ZIS students. I could not think of anyone more deserving."