Host Brian Buckley leads our exploration of excellence in education by telling the story of award-winning Nevada Union High School Drama Teacher Rob Metcalfe. Fresh out of college with a theater degree, he stage-managed a children’s production and fell in love with the impact  drama had on kids. He learned a lot about good teaching from both the great teachers as well as the terrible teachers in his past. Growing up in Turlock, there was space to be free as a kid. Despite an average GPA, he was accepted into UC Santa Barbara--mostly because of his high test scores, numerous school clubs and activities, and a great submission essay. Work in professional theater held little promise as a career, and teaching proved to be the way to follow his passion. In his 17th year at Nevada Union, he continues to be impressed by the “heart” of the school community and the staff’s commitment to quality education. A critical benefit of the arts for young people is that it gives them a place to belong, and to be themselves without worrying about what others think. How can we help? Support kids’ performances at all age levels!