LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Robert Diebold

Position: Theatre Teacher
School: Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy Middle School
School District: Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy
City, State: Mooresboro, NC

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Robert Diebold was nominated anonymously.

As a middle and high school drama teacher, Mr. Diebold strives to create a classroom environment where all students feel welcome and encouraged to express themselves authentically. He begins and concludes each class by having the students share something positive about themselves or a classmate. As they explore the craft of acting, he also enjoys teaching his students how to provide constructive feedback about their peers' performances. This helps all students become better performers, gain confidence as individuals, and become more well-rounded people overall.

In Mr. Diebold's opinion, theatre is a unique subject area that has the potential to empower all students. Even the most timid students often complete his class with a tremendous sense of accomplishment, which boosts their self-esteem tremendously. Theatre also allows students to develop interpersonal relationships with their peers, which helps foster a positive classroom environment. Students generally look forward to his class each day because they can be themselves and have the unique chance to discover something about themselves that they can take with them for the rest of their lives.

His classroom is dynamic and engaging in a way that many other traditional classes are not, which also fosters a positive learning environment. Additionally, he teaches his students to construct props, scenery, and costumes for each play. As they rehearse the play, he allocates instructional time for these technical aspects. Many students learn valuable life skills in this way, such as sewing, painting, and working with hand tools. His class also provides students with a practical application for the knowledge gained from other disciplines. For instance, students can apply the math skill of converting fractions when measuring and cutting a piece of wood while building scenery.

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Comments (5)

Robert Klump Posted 12 months ago

Bob enables students to unlock their potential and find passion in what they are doing.He is dedicated to helping students and building a better community. It is not about personal recognition, although he's more than worthy of it. Bob works tirelessly to give his students opportunities and broaden their learning experiences. A truly outstanding educator and person.

Judith Helton Posted 12 months ago

Bob brings energy and positivity in everything he does for his classes. He brings literature alive with passion that sparks his students interests and imagination. I have seen students find their passion and open up under the supervision of this professional and kind man. From building sets, improving the school facility or immersing theirselves into characters he has brought out talents in all of his students that they did not realize existed. Bob has been a true blessing to our community.

Sharon Klump Posted 12 months ago

Bob is a passionate teacher who is always willing to go the extra mile for his students. I love having conversations with him about school and his students - he’s always thinking of ways he can improve his craft and inspire his students. Bob makes a special investment in his students as he works long hours after school for them to rehearse and prepare for shows. He also happily sacrifices time on the weekends and evenings for student performances. Bob works hard every day, and he is so deserving of this recognition!

Maria Morris Posted 12 months ago

Bobby's love for the performing arts was evident clear back in middle school when I first met him, of that I can attest. What's more however is not just the character he well takes to the stage, but the character he carries as just a really decent human being--something becoming less and less common and therefore is found greater and greater in worth. His kindness and compassion towards others, and his ability to be a deeply loyal and long lasting friend (speaking from experience!), are among some of his most wonderful qualities (for which I'll be forever grateful). So? All of this, combined with his love for and dedication to the theatre, leaves me in no surprise of his success in his career. A natural performer, commanding the stage with the strength of his voice infused in the emotion of his heart- would obviously set him apart. However, it takes a certain kind of love to have desire ~and~ capacity for successfully teaching one's passion, and Mr. Diebold has it in spades. He has the powerful combination of a passionate soul for others and a passionate soul for his craft that embody the the best kinds of educators: lifelong inspirations, mentors, and role models. Beyond the lessons, they provide meaningful and memorable experiences. They are teachers of life. And? That is absolutely what Robert Diebold brings to the educational stage.

Misty Yelton Posted 12 months ago

Mr. Bob is an amazing drama teacher. He goes above and beyond to see his students succeed. He is always willing to lend a hand in any school spirit initiative. The drama program at TJCA has produced some of the best performances since his tenure began.