Faculty Friday: Esteban Karplus - Upper School Humanities
"It is amazing to have so much information at our fingertips, but at the same time there is a world of distractions. Finding the balance is the challenge." Esteban Karplus
Esteban “Steven” Karplus was born in Tokyo, Japan. He travelled extensively with his family during his childhood, and has lived in Tokyo, New York, Philadelphia, Miami and Singapore. Mr. Karplus earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Temple University and his Master of Science in Social Studies Education from Fordham University. He is now a member of the Upper School Humanities Department here at RGNS, where he teaches sophomore English and History.
Why did you decide to become a teacher? I had some memorable teachers growing up in New York. Their passion for their subjects was evident and in a way, they gave me a glimpse of the importance of conveying a subject with candor and reaching every student through different routes and for different reasons. All of my teachers in their own way drew a map for me to follow and inspired me to go a little further in the classes they taught. Some lessons were academic and others were more personal and applied only to me. I bet a lot of my fellow students felt the same way. Starting with my kindergarten teacher Ms. Brinson, who among other things taught me to “only say sorry if you really mean it” and shared lots of the important life lessons which would serve me for what was to come. Ms. Fischer completed my elementary education in sixth grade being a vital component of my learning career till then.
I moved back to Tokyo and my high school English and History teachers instilled a curiosity in me that would lead me to the subjects that I now teach. I fondly remember Mr. Dan Gogerty, Mr. Gallaghar, Mr. Gary Fish, Mr. Wally Ingebritson, and Mr. Dan Swanson, who was also my tennis coach. All of these interesting and passionate teachers who so obviously cared for their students made a big difference in my life, and inspired me to join their ranks. They were doing important work. I wanted to do it as well.
My mom has also been an inspiration to me, and has always been a teacher. My mom taught English to Argentine Airline pilots which included repeated take offs and landings in the cockpit, she also taught Childbirth Education classes to couples, and most recently she has been teaching a writing class at a senior center in Miami to a group of students that she has had for about four years now. All her students adore her, as do her children and grandchildren!
What are the qualities of an excellent teacher? There are so many facets to the profession that it’s hard to define what constitutes “excellence.” For some it is the deep knowledge of their subject and the ways that they can convey the information to their students. It’s being a good role model. It’s teaching with creativity. It’s helping students know themselves a little more and care about their victories and challenges. It’s humor and candor. It’s helping a young person learn more about themselves and how to think without telling them what to think. It’s being sensitive to everyone’s story and yes, it’s being tough when it counts.
What is the most difficult aspect of teaching today? I think that using technology effectively is one of the most difficult aspects of teaching. This goes for the teacher as well as how students use devices in the classroom. It is amazing to have so much information at our fingertips, but at the same time there is a world of distractions. Finding the balance is the challenge.
What is the greatest success you have had in teaching? I always enjoy hearing from students years after I taught them, and being told that I made a difference in their lives. I have also been fortunate to have such varied teaching experiences, from my first job in an inner-city school in The Bronx to an exclusive boys’ high school in Singapore to where I am now with all of you.
Which after school activity/sports do you coach at Rabun Gap? This year I coached wrestling and tennis which have both been great.
What do's and don’ts would you like to share as a well-travelled person? Travel as much as you can. Budget airlines, youth hostels, camping and staying with friends can really bring costs down when travelling abroad.
Read about the history of the place and the people that you are visiting. It is enormously valuable to learn about cultural norms and to be a good guest and observe traditions and customs wherever you go.
Speak to as many locals as you can. Taxi drivers have some of the most interesting stories and they know where to find the best food. This goes for taxi drivers in the US too - a lot of them in NYC have advanced degrees in their home countries and drive taxis to make ends meet since coming to the US.
Go to a mix of tourist and non-tourist spots. Touristy places are popular for a reason, sometimes they are historic, or have other value, so don’t discount them. But try to eat at authentic local places. My dad told me once that fancy revolving restaurants, and a lot of restaurants with an outstanding view, usually have the worst food!
What interests do you pursue outside of the classroom? I play tennis and golf and the guitar. I love to hang out with my wife, my kids, my good friends in Rabun Gap, and our new dog.
What’s the most interesting thing about you that we wouldn’t learn from your resume alone? I was the first faculty member at Rabun Gap (That I know of) to win on the online trivia game HQ! Jeopardy is also my favorite show on tv, I like to keep score when playing with friends and family, and the rules are strict.
If you could choose one amenity to add to the workplace, what would it be? Massage Chairs! At the school where I worked in Singapore they had two in the teachers’ lounge and they were really great to relax for 10 minutes between classes and afternoon activities!
Anything you would like to add? My family and I are really happy here in Rabun Gap, and we have felt very welcomed by the whole community during our first school year!
Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School
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Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School is a private, coeducational day and boarding school for grades Pre-K through 12. Centrally located between Atlanta, GA, Greenville, SC, and Asheville, NC, we prepare young people for college, career, and a lifetime of leadership and service.
