Teaching the Importance of Kindness & Courage

Meet History & Social Sciences Teacher Dennis Costello

— BY ELIZABETH WILSON TAVILOGLU P’19

“I’m not a man who uses the word love flippantly,” explains veteran history teacher Dennis Costello. “I think it’s obvious that I love The Storm King School.” Now entering his 48th year teaching and his 11th year at SKS, Mr. Costello has become a valued member of SKS’ History & Social Sciences Department. His depth of knowledge and life experience, his gentle but firm demeanor, and his “old school” presence have earned him the status of a favorite faculty member with his students year after year. OTM sat down with Mr. Costello recently to learn more about him and his secrets to success.

Q: Tell us about your background and what brought you to SKS.

“I’m the third of six children– the product of a large Irish-Catholic family,” explains Mr. Costello. “As a result I was educated in Catholic schools from elementary through graduate school. After earning my bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Fordham University in New York City, I served a tour of active duty in the US Army. Upon my return from the military in the early 1970s, I started my teaching career at a New York inner-city school. In 1978, I arrived in Cornwall, New York, to teach at the New York Military Academy, and the next 23 years were history. There, I taught English, Latin, and social sciences. I eventually became the Headmaster and served in that position until 2001.

With the plan of finishing my career at a smaller institution, I left the Academy to work as a teacher and principal at St. Thomas of Canterbury School in Cornwall. Unfortunately, after 10 years at St. Thomas, the Archdiocese of New York decided to close the school along with 45 other Catholic elementary schools. I was almost ready to retire, so I decided to spend a year at The Storm King School. I was very familiar with SKS because NYMA and SKS were athletic rivals, and I worked closely with the Headmasters and Guidance Directors of SKS in the past. Now, I have been here for more than ten years, and I consider The Storm King School to be my favorite community!”

Q: Please express your vision and your personal mission at SKS.

“I have always tried to impress upon the students to be tolerant of other viewpoints but not to be afraid to voice their own opinions. I firmly believe that history does not repeat itself because people and generations are individuals. However, we seem to have a habit of repeating our stupidity. The accumulation of knowledge, selflessness, and tolerance can only help us to avoid this human mistake. If I may paraphrase Edmund Burke, “Evil wins when good men do nothing. That’s why I think it is import ant for classes in the social sciences to evolve with the rest of the world. At the same time, The Storm King School still believes that a strong knowledge of history and research gives students the factual information that is necessary for understanding and implementing change.”

Q: What have been the highlights of your 10-year tenure at SKS?

“I have experienced many highlights, but one of the most memo rable moments happened this spring when I saw one of my students, a graduating senior, win two SKS Book Awards. This student came to The Storm King School about two and a half years ago from one of the local school districts. He hated school, the idea of school, and anything that had to do with school.

After experiencing the patient determination of many of his teachers and peers here on the Mountain, he realized that he had talents no one else recognized in his other schools, including himself! He also realized that doing well is something that feels good, and this feeling comes from working hard and being success ful. The Storm King School helped him!”

Q: How would your students would describe you?

“I can’t know for sure, but I hope they describe me as knowledgeable, fair and kind. Even though we really have homogenous groupings, we have different cultures, backgrounds, and expectations to deal with at The Storm King School. I think I am respected by most of the students, and I think most of my classes look upon me as a mentor.

Q: What is your secret for success with your students?

“I really don’t have a secret or a set philosophy. I have witnessed, experienced, and utilized many types of educational philosophies, and I USE WHAT WORKS with specific classes. There is always a section of the traditional type of teach ing, so I know that the students have the basic knowledge of what we’re covering in class, but I also like to use a version of the Socratic method. I want THEM to discuss and challenge each other rather than everything coming from me.”

Q: What do you want your students to say about SKS, 5, 10, even 20 years after graduation?

“That to be great in this world is to be kind. The Storm King School taught me that kindness is not a weakness but a strength that gives me the courage to move forward. Meaningful education is a face-to-face and intimate experience that The Storm King School excels at in the classrooms, on the playing fields, and in the dormitories. I have no doubt that this school will continue to be a haven that provides a nurturing environment for all who are fortunate enough to become a part of our community.”