Ada:
What’s the most embarrassing thing that’s happened to you while you were teaching?

Mr. Tabasso:
I would say not to me personally, but one of the most embarrassing things that’s happened was when students played annoying or inappropriate sound effects on their phones while I was trying to get the class under control.

Honestly, for me? I can’t really think of anything “embarrassing.” I try to roll with whatever happens. If something embarrassing happens, I just move through it until it’s not embarrassing anymore.

Sorry, that’s probably not very helpful, but I literally can’t think of anything embarrassing that I’ve done—besides things I’ve experienced because of students.

Ada:
Okay. What’s the funniest thing a student has said in class?

Mr. Tabasso:
One of the funniest things was when I was teaching Lord of the Flies. I used to be an English ICT teacher before I started teaching science.

Have you read it?

Ada:
Yeah.

Mr. Tabasso:
So you know about the airplane pilot who crashes on the island. I reminded students it takes place during the war, and I asked, “What time period did this occur?”

And a student said… “At night.”

That absolutely killed me. One of the greatest responses I’ve ever heard.

Ada:
Why did you stay in New York?

Mr. Tabasso:
That’s a really good question. I applied to NYU, but I also applied through the Macaulay Honors program for CUNY schools. I got a better deal from Baruch—I went for free. I was a Dean Scholar and left with the Arnold Picker Award for English Excellence.

Ultimately, I made the best of my time there.

Ada:
Why English?

Mr. Tabasso:
I’ve always loved English.

Ada:
So why are you a biology teacher?

Mr. Tabasso:
If you look behind me, I have a bunch of science fiction. English and science are my two passions. I love making connections between them.

Ada:
Like Dune?

Mr. Tabasso:
Yes, one of my favorite series.

Ada:
Did you apply to schools outside of New York?

Mr. Tabasso:
I applied to Temple University. But honestly, I was pretty sheltered growing up. I didn’t think much beyond the city. It seemed like everything I wanted was here—and in many ways, that’s been true.

I respect students who want to go to L.A. or the West Coast. That’s brave.

Ada:
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned as a teacher?

Mr. Tabasso:
In order to teach, I must always be willing to learn. And in order to learn, I must stay curious.

Curiosity helps me find connections—between subjects, between ideas, and between people.

There’s something beautiful about finding and creating connections. That’s something I’ve learned to appreciate deeply.

Ada:
Do you prefer teaching alone or with someone else?

Mr. Tabasso:
I love co-teaching. I get to learn another teacher’s style and make myself useful.

But I also enjoy taking the lead and stepping up. Both have value.

Ada:
Who’s your favorite student?

Mr. Tabasso:
I don’t have favorite students. I genuinely love working with every student. Anyone can be my favorite in a moment when they’re engaged and growing.

Ada:
Did you like stepping up this year?

Mr. Tabasso:
Yes. I knew within 30 seconds of my demo lesson that I liked it here. I felt like I belonged.

Biology allows us to deepen our appreciation for the world and for ourselves.

It’s not just about science—it’s about connection. Chemical, ecological, even sociopolitical connections.

I want students to see that what we’re doing can be worthwhile, fascinating, and beautiful. It can be more than just a class. It can be an experience.

Ada:
How did you hear about Clinton?

Mr. Tabasso:
My girlfriend found it. If I hadn’t met her and grown as a person, I probably wouldn’t be here. She helped me amplify the best parts of myself.

You always have to remember the people who support you. No man is an island—we’re all connected.