Wantagh welcomes 15 new teachers

The administration and Board of Education of the Wantagh Union Free School District welcomed 15 new teachers to the district for the 2013-2014 school year. These talented new staff members were required to report to the administrative offices for a weeklong orientation program that began Aug. 26.

“After a rigorous interview and selection process, we are pleased to welcome these new teachers to our school district and community,” said Superintendent of Schools Maureen Goldberg.

After being introduced to the administration and staff, the new teachers were paired with mentors and received an overview of the district’s technology program from Penny Curry, the director of information systems and instructional technology. District administrators and directors also provided information on classroom preparation, instructional initiatives and pedagogy, the district’s philosophy about special education, and the Annual Professional Performance Review and teacher evaluations.

The orientation allowed for building meetings and ample classroom preparation, as well as independent work with the district’s directors. In addition, a bus tour of the community was held to better acquaint the new staff with the community and the district. The Wantagh United Teachers Association also provided lunch one afternoon to make the incoming staff feel welcome.

The new teachers and their assignments are as follows:

Susan Babcock – Music, Wantagh Middle School

Rebecca Canosa – Special education, Wantagh Elementary School

Robin Conte – Kindergarten, Forest Lake Elementary School

Samantha Dolley – Science, Wantagh High School

Angela Luciano – Third grade, Wantagh Elementary School

Renee MacDermott – Gifted elementary Education, Mandalay Elementary School

Angela Morgan – Fourth grade, Wantagh Elementary School

Marylou Nilsson – Kindergarten, Forest Lake Elementary School

Diane O’Shea – Kindergarten, Wantagh Elementary School

Erin Piersa – Art Education, Wantagh Middle School

Mark Rotella – Math, Wantagh High School and Wantagh Middle School

David Sposito – Physical education, Forest Lake Elementary School

Katina Sullivan – Elementary education, Forest Lake Elementary School

Darlene Thompson – Special education, Kindergarten, Wantagh Elementary School

Jyllian Vecchio – Special education, Wantagh Elementary School