An English Teacher With a Story to Share

by Haj Kargbo, Rachel Treglia, and Cathy Velasquez

The purpose of this interview was to get a greater insight into Mr. Kufta, not only as a teacher but as an individual and an intellectual. 

Mr. Kufta is a renowned English teacher around West Hempstead High School. He has had a significant impact on past and current students. His funny and enthusiastic persona is something that is embraced by both students and teachers around the school community.

He started his career in the advertisement business; however, thanks to his loving wife she encouraged him to go into the teaching profession. She was a teacher herself and he was an English major. He has been teaching for fifteen years and his motivation for teaching are his students. He wants his students to be successful and remember what they’ve learned so they can use it for the future.

Kufta tells his students to remember, “To be nice to the people you see because there is more good in the world than evil.”  When asked how he felt about Mr. Escobar leaving, he mentioned how they had a close relationship and that he didn’t have to knock on his door to talk he could just walk right in. He also mentioned how sad he is to see Mrs. Dunbar leave considering how close they are. He calls her his “best teacher friend.”

Other than being a great teacher he’s also a loving family man. He and his wife have two kids that they cherish greatly. A quote he tries to live by is, “Make sure your wife is happy.” He finds great joy in hearing the laughter of his children. He also has a twin brother which might not be a surprise to some because he considers himself an open book.

A role model of Mr. Kufta’s was his grandfather.  Growing up, his grandfather had a tough childhood and when it came down to provide for his family, he made all the income. His grandfather was also a World War II veteran. He adjusted back into family life successfully after the war. That is why he looks up to him. Even though he went through so much he still managed to live a successful life.

When asked about his most memorable memory from high school he couldn’t think of a specific one because he thought that all the memories are wrapped together. However, he did mention a trip he took to Six Flags as a senior where he became friends with someone he hated for over a year. On the bus ride home, they sat together and became great friends. He will never forget him, his name was is Matt Gabriel. Just another reason why you should give everyone a chance.

A quote he lives by is, “Do what you can with what you have where you are” which was said by Theodore Roosevelt.

Mr. Kufta isn’t retiring anytime soon, he said he will be teaching for another fifteen years. But when he does retire he would like to spend more time with his family, go on more vacations, cook every single day, spend time outdoors, and watch his grandkids grow up. He has had a great impact on the students and the teachers in West Hempstead. He plans to continue to have a positive influence on more students for generations to come.