Rock n’ Roll High Elementary School
submitted by Doug Stewart, Principal of Terry Fox
An Interview with teacher and lead guitarist of The Sam Roberts Band, Dave Nugent.
Originally from Pembroke, Ontario, Dave Nugent is a graduate of Concordia University with a degree in English literature and one of Terry Fox Elementary “go to” emergency substitute teachers. In addition to his academic credentials and fluency in French, he has been a calm, kind and professional presence when we need a last-minute teaching replacement. Most recently, when we needed a teacher for a six-week post in a grade 1 immersion class, Dave found a break in his touring schedule to help us out:
Had you considered a career teaching before the Sam Roberts Band took off?
After my degree in English literature, I gave myself 1 year after I graduated and said “I’ll try this out”. My parents were cool with it. They supported me. Then the plan was to go to teacher’s college. I always thought it would be something I wanted to do.
Do you see yourself teaching in an elementary school?
I think high school would have been more my thing.
When did the Sam Roberts thing happen?
I graduated in 2001. While I was at Concordia, I met the guys who were at McGill and we started playing together. So, the whole “Sam” thing happened around that time. Then the song and everything broke near the end of that year.
All that is super interesting Dave, but what I really want to know is, do you ever resent Sam Roberts and kind of wish it was the Dave Nugent band instead?
Absolutely! Especially after the last 6 weeks while the band are living their lives like they’re on vacation and I’ve been grinding it out in a grade 1 class. So yes, I resent every single one of them.
We are all really interested in your rock and roll story Dave, but our readers really want to get some insight about the person to whom you owe so much of your success. Your wife, Sarah Zaslov is a beloved teacher and spiritual animator with our board. But at home, what’s she really like? Does she break with her calm, professional demeanour and have explosive plate throwing temper tantrums?
Absolutely. But only with me. I can’t understand why, though.
If for whatever reason, the music thing wasn’t happening, would you still consider a career in teaching?
Absolutely! If the opportunity came up, I would take it. That’s part of why I’m here, now.
What was the best thing about teaching grade 1?
The kids. Their spontaneous, amazing comments, their unique knowledge and way of seeing the world.
I know the answer to this next question and I hate you for it, but why do you have to leave this post a little early before the regular teacher returns from their leave?
Well Doug, I am leaving tomorrow to play rock and roll shows with the Sam Roberts Band in England and Spain. 6 gigs in 10 days. Fast but fun.
Do you need an accordion player?
No.
Really? I’m quite good.
No.
Who’s the coolest principal you have ever worked for?
You wouldn’t know him.
No more questions!
