This interview with BSGE history teacher Mr. Robert Caccamo has been lightly edited for clarity.
Q: How long have you been teaching?
A: This is my ninth year teaching. For each of those nine years I have been at BSGE as this was the first school I started teaching at.
Q: Why did you choose to become a teacher?
A: Part of it was that I always enjoyed learning about history and wanted to pursue a career in something that I enjoyed. The other part of it was that I really wasn’t aware of many other jobs available. Most people in my town growing up working in public service, either teacher, policeman, or nurse, and to me, teacher sounded the best.
Q: If you didn’t teach history, what subject would you teach instead?
A: I would like to teach Economics but that still kind of falls within the social studies subject area. Other than that I think I would have to go with Physical Education. I don’t think any of the other subjects would be interesting enough for me.
Q: Do you have a favorite historical event?
A: Too many to choose from.
Q: What did you want to be when you were younger?
A: I wanted to be a journalist that worked in sports. I read sports illustrated magazines for years and loved Rick Reilly’s columns especially. Also I would always watch the Sports Reporters on Sunday mornings on ESPN and to this day I would like to do something like that.
Q: Where did you grow up?
A: I grew up on Long Island in a town called Levittown, New York
Q: If you could give your younger self any advice, what would it be?
A: To be more open about doing other activities outside of my immediate interests, especially academic ones. For example, I wish I took part in something like Model UN or other clubs at my school.
Q: Favorite movie or show?
A: It’s a hard decision to choose just one movie but I’ll go with Midnight in Paris. The main character is very relatable in my opinion and the way the theme of the movie is presented is very enjoyable. My favorite show, it’s Mad Men. It takes place in NYC in the 1960s and if there is one time I could live during I think it would be then. The way the show weaves in historical events and comedic writing so seamlessly is what makes it good to me. I’ve rewatched it about 6 times I think.
Q: What about a song, artist, or genre?
A: For my favorite song it’s hard to choose just one. Depends on the mood I’m in. But for my Spotify wrapped, my most played artist from this year was Taylor Swift. My top song of the year was Baile Inolvidable by Bad Bunny.
Q: Favorite animal?
A: I’m not really an animal person so none stick out to me.
Q: Favorite color?
A: Navy Blue. No real reason why other than most of my clothes end up being this color.
Q: Favorite book?
A: Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel. It combines a topic that I enjoy learning about to another topic that most people think of as completely different. The author is also a great writer and has a blog that I enjoy reading.
Q: Dream superpower?
A: Time traveler so I can go back in time and experience different events.
Q: Is there an embarrassing teaching moment you’re willing to share?
A: None really stick out to me. There’s plenty, but I am usually pretty good with laughing at myself in embarrassing moments.
