Religion teacher Dick Gatto is a real live renaissance man. In the past 39 years, Gatto has taught math and reading at St. Mary’s School, music, drama and chorus at Our Lady of Mount Caramel, religion at JC, worked as principal at Saint Clare School in Baltimore County and served as Director of Faith Formation at St. Margret’s Church before retiring in 2010.
“Each new beginning presented its own special moments, with new people and new challenges and new opportunities,” Gatto said. No matter what position in the school system, Gatto knew his calling was to be a teacher “in order to pass on the love of learning.”
His passion for his students and learning showed when he directed Saint Clare School’s first annual Broadway Review, “Broadway on Brendan.”
Gatto encouraged his students by contacting multiple celebrities and asking for photographs and notes that could be used as incentives.
“Sandra Bullock actually contacted me directly to say good luck, and apologized that she wouldn’t be able to attend. That was quite exciting, and it really got the kids in the show even more pumped,” Gatto said.
For Gatto, strong relationships with students have always been the basis for learning. “I definitely remember most of my students. I always made it a point as principal to know my kids and their families,” Gatto said.
Over a 39 year span, Gatto has taught people such as Mitch Rozanski, who became the Auxiliary Bishop of Baltimore, as well as students who grew up to become physicians, international attorneys and even actors. But every student is special to him, especially the ones at JC.
“I can honestly say, too, that the students I have been working with here at John Carroll have been great. I feel very fortunate to have been able to work with my kids this year,” Gatto said.
While having a passion for learning and strong relationships with students, Gatto believes that a good teacher is one that cares about his students.
Senior Matt Ridge, who is a student of Gatto, said, “He’s very open to us and he’s very easy to connect with.”
Eva Bialobrzeski is the In-Depth Editor for “The Patriot” and jcpatriot.com.