Sometimes, the pressures of schoolwork and expectations to excel can make students feel alienated, not just from each other but also from getting to know their teachers. However, Mr. Slater always welcomes the creativity and self-expression of every student he encounters, especially through his efforts to encourage them to find their passion.
In collaboration with Wilton Loves, The Forum is highlighting Mr. Slater as one of two nominees for this month’s Hidden Gems column. This program exists to shine a spotlight on indispensable members of the WHS community, those who are constant pillars of support but might not receive the recognition they deserve.
Slater has been teaching at Wilton for over a decade and is the current Public Speaking teacher and longtime student theater director. Originally from Westport, he discovered his interest in theater from a very early age. Mr. Slater has led a very dynamic professional life, with multiple career changes ranging from working on shows with some of Broadway’s greatest legacies to search-and-rescue efforts in the Coast Guard. After teaching at several middle and high schools across Connecticut, Mr. Slater settled in Wilton because he relishes the welcoming and deeply intellectual community here; this allows for more personalized interactions with students while still ensuring they excel and develop valuable skills. Additionally, Mr. Slater has assumed many roles in the WHS community, including leading efforts to innovate the Public Speaking program, directing countless plays, and teaching English courses. Through “driving students to be the best they can,” Mr. Slater establishes meaningful connections with students.
Mr. Slater is a cornerstone of the WHS community for many students because of his seemingly endless reserve of stories, his genuine interest in the lives and personalities of his students, and his experience in a wide assortment of fields. He loves Wilton High School because of the focused, yet laid-back, vibe, stating, “One of the greatest attributes of Wilton is that we are less buttoned-up than other schools. At the heart of this school is people that care about people.” While he is proud of Wilton students’ academic achievements, what matters more to him is that they are well-balanced, extremely supportive, and genuinely kind human beings.
Mr. Slater finds satisfaction in watching his students grow to be more confident and develop new skills through his guidance. “I love seeing kids that are terrified of speaking go up and be successful and know they did a good job. To me, that’s the joy of teaching,” he says, emphasizing just how gratifying perseverance and growth are in education.
Administrator Dr. Korn admires Mr. Slater’s dedication, proclaiming, “Mr. Slater gives so much of himself and his passion for teaching and theater. He did the same with The Morning Warrior, as he volunteered thousands of hours to this project.”
WHS senior Ellis Nichols appreciates the way Mr. Slater makes a deep connection with each student, affirming, “Mr. Slater is someone who strives to be a mentor and positive role model for so many students. He excels at taking students under his wing, letting them into his thought process, and making them feel respected and connected to the learning process. He encourages people to push past adequacy and pursue mastery. He is also a great friend and storyteller.”
Mr. Slater makes a good impression on parents, too, with Lara Paschalidis lauding, “Kevin Slater is not only an amazing teacher but also a wonderful human. He is very good at seeing a student for what they are and what they need because of that he is able to draw them out of their shell and believe in themselves. While directing, he encourages students to have their own vision of their character and their actions, giving them confidence in their art and ability. Both of my children truly appreciated being seen by him and given the chance to have their ideas listened to and expanded on. Wilton High School is lucky to have Mr. Slater as a teacher and theater director.”
Students, staff, and parents have constantly looked to Mr. Slater as an example of what makes Wilton High School special. He has a genuine passion for teaching and fostering relationships with his students, and he’s always eager to share a story that will have even the most reserved students cracking a smile. The Wilton community is so lucky to have Mr. Slater as a teacher and role model because of the positive impact he’s made on years worth of students’ creativity, passion, and confidence.
