![Latin Instructor Rob Matera]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1770929882/newmqmzliigqufwid806/IMG_1715.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1770929882/newmqmzliigqufwid806/IMG_1715.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1770929882/newmqmzliigqufwid806/IMG_1715.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1770929882/newmqmzliigqufwid806/IMG_1715.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1770929882/newmqmzliigqufwid806/IMG_1715.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1770929882/newmqmzliigqufwid806/IMG_1715.jpg","width":2200}])
Dr. Robert Matera joined Emma Willard School as a Latin instructor in fall 2021. He also teaches yoga after school and serves as the adult advisor to Pride. We asked Dr. Matera four questions about his experience at Emma Willard.
What brought you to Emma Willard School?
When I worked at universities, I needed to focus more on research and writing than on teaching, and I wanted to focus more on teaching. One spring, I was assigned to teach a course on Latin pedagogy for graduate students. Several high school Latin teachers generously led workshops for the course. They seemed to be having a lot of fun, and I wanted to have that kind of fun. I struggled with the choice for several months but eventually decided to switch to teaching high school. When I taught a sample lesson during the interview process at Emma, I was impressed by how insightful, collaborative, and curious the students were. Later that day, a faculty member described a typical Latin student at Emma as "fierce in pursuit of learning," and I crossed my fingers and hoped very hard for a job offer. I still love research and writing, and I feel lucky to have found a career in which I can research and write once in a while, but first and foremost, I get to devote my time and energy to teaching our fierce, wonderful students.
Dr. Matera, with some of his fierce students—sitting at the foot of the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus in Rome, working on a scavenger hunt with passages of Latin literature that discuss the temple's history and architecture—during Jestermester 2025.
What is a typical day in the life at Emma like for you?
I often look at my watch and say to it, "Run, run, run as fast as you can—you can't catch me..." But of course it's rarely true. The days are full, and they go by fast. On a typical day, I teach one to three classes, go to committee or club meetings, meet with advisees, spend some time planning lessons, lead a yoga class for the after-school PE program, and grade as much as I can.
What is one thing about working at Emma that would surprise people?
Despite the busy days, it's often possible to have a relaxed and sociable lunch.
What were you like in high school?
I spent a lot of time with books. I was in theatre and chorus, too, and I had a few friends, but I was on the fringes of a couple of social groups, and I was mostly okay with that. I wasn't ready to come out at that time and in that place, so I was biding my time until I could be all of myself. On the other hand, I had a lot to be happy about: family, books, friends, music, and the future.
Dr. Matera took an excursion to Conwy Castle to experience some medieval history while in Cardiff, speaking at the 2024 Celtic Conference in Classics.
Interested in learning more about how you might become a part of the Emma Willard School community? Visit our employment page!
Interested in learning more about languages at Emma? Visit the Language Department page, or contact Admissions.
Find more interesting stories about Emma Willard School on our Newsroom page.