An Air of Excitement Among Massapequa’s Newest Educators

When the new school year begins in September, there will about three dozen new faces at the front of classrooms across the Massapequa School District. New teacher orientation, a thorough, four-day affair, helped first-year faculty members prepare for opening day and beyond.

New teachers gathered at the Teacher Learning Center in McKenna Elementary School on the morning of Aug. 20 for introductions from board of education President Kerry Wachter and Superintendent Dr. William Brennan. Ms. Wachter explained that Massapequa schools reflect the values, needs and expectations of the community. She also reminded them that teaching is a challenging but rewarding profession, and educators can make a positive difference in the lives of their students every day.

Dr. Brennan spokes about the district’s vision and mission, and also explained the work being done to develop the Profile of a Massapequa Learner and Leader. In talking about the “Massapequa experience,” he noted the district’s emphasis on providing multiple opportunities and pathways for students, so every learner can go on his or her own personal journey to success.

Being flexible and adaptable is crucial to success as a teacher, Dr. Brennan said, noting that they are preparing students for jobs that don’t exist yet. This year’s incoming kindergartners will graduate high school in 2037, meaning they will be in careers until the 2070s, he added.

Other aspects of new teacher orientation, which concluded on Aug. 23, included overviews of the business office, curriculum, instructional technology, professional resources, special education and teaching strategies. There were also breakout groups and time allotted for teachers to visit their buildings.