By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

The “Coaches in the Classroom” feature is a weekly series that is designed to spotlight and celebrate coaches throughout Portage County, who spend their days in the classroom leading today’s student-athletes to be tomorrow’s leaders.

Today’s spotlight is on Garfield High School’s Theo Cebulla, who is 22nd year at the district. He serves as the district’s only band director in charge of the marching band, concert band, jazz band, pep band — and everything else instrumental. He is also the boys soccer coach.

• School district?: James A. Garfield Local Schools.
• How long have you been employed there?: I started at Garfield in 2002.
• Classes taught and/or position held?: I am the district’s only band director for grades 5 through 12. Marching band, concert band, jazz band, pep band.
• What made you want to become an educator?: I grew up with great teachers and role models at every level. My experiences with music and bands made me want to make it part of my professional life. I enjoy passing along knowledge to enthusiastic students.
• What is the favorite part of your job?: I like seeing students find enjoyment as they progress from struggles to success.
• What have you learned about being an educator that you didn’t know before you started?: It is difficult to let it go. You can lose sleep figuring out how to help all students to overcome the many struggles they face. We want them to be their best, and we are responsible for getting them there.
• Which teachers influenced you to go into education?: In my younger years, my band directors, Dr. Guegold, Ms. Monroe and Mr. Collins were the most influential.
• How do you apply some of your coaching to the classroom — and how do you apply some of your classroom to your coaching?: Coaching often involves analyzing specific movements and prescribing optimal technique. We do this in music and marching all the time. Enthusiasm and growth mindset are necessary in all learning activities. Quality reps work in any field.
• Funniest thing that has ever happened to you in the classroom?: We’ve had a lot of funny moments, but a top student losing the fight with gravity to keep their pants up during our pregame show might be near the top. He managed to pull it off without missing a beat.
• Mentors in your building who have helped you along the way?: I have met many great teachers and administrators at Garfield, but the now retired music teacher, Mr. Fox, was also so organized, enthusiastic and friendly. Ken always got the kids off to a great start.