This spring, we were saddened to hear the news that Mr. Sibeto was going to unexpectedly retire.  To that end, I wanted to republish part two of our exclusive in-depth interview. Without a doubt, Mr. Sibeto will be missed by all of his students who he cherished.  Mr. Sibeto has accepted a position with the American Federation of Teachers in Pittburgh.-Andrew Greco

(Originally published in the fall of 2018)

Q. When can you be considered as bilingual?

There are varying degrees of proficiency in a language based on the complexity and depth one is able to express when using the language. However, the goal of learning another language is to be able to understand and to be understood.  Communication is the goal so as long as you can understand and be understood then you are bilingual.  The goal is not necessarily to speak perfectly in the language nor is it to know every word in the dictionary.

Q.What made you decide to become a Foreign Language teacher?

During my first year of Spanish when I was in ninth grade, I had the opportunity to speak with a guy from Mexico who spoke no English. Although my Spanish was very limited after only having one semester and still able to have a very brief and basic conversation where each of us understood each other. From that encounter, I was hooked on learning other languages and I also wanted to teach so I decided to teach Spanish.

Q.Why Italian?

Originally, I studied Spanish and French in college than I taught Spanish for almost twenty years. I have always wanted to learn Italian as it is my ancestry. I am also an Italophile so I went back to college to learn Italian and here I am teaching Italian. Additionally, there are so many interesting historical and cultural aspects dealing with Italian so it is very fun to teach Italian.  Most people enjoy the food, history, and culture of Italy and the Italian people.

Q.Who has the most influenced you to become an educator, and how did they influence you?

I had so many great and wonderful teachers when I was a student.  It would be unfair only to mention just one of them.

Q.What interests do you pursue outside of the classroom?

Gardening, Cutting grass-“anything that deals with being outside”.

Without reservation, we are very fortunate to have such a great language teacher.  Mr. Sibeto is a true asset to our outstanding faculty at New Castle Senior High School.

Mr. Sibeto will be truly missed by faculty and students!!! Thanks for everything-Andrew