Thursday, October 1, 2026
Joanna McCloskey, Seaford High School’s librarian, has been recognized for her innovation and leadership in education, receiving a NASTAR Award for her work incorporating technology into student research.
McCloskey was among 26 educators presented with the award by the Nassau Association of School Technologists at a ceremony hosted by Nassau BOCES earlier this month. She was nominated by Dr. Nicole Culella, the executive director for STEM and instructional technology at Seaford Schools.
McCloskey, who has worked as a librarian for 27 years, including 26 in Seaford, was recognized for her longstanding commitment to helping students develop research skills while adapting her teaching to the evolution of technology.
In her remark at the awards ceremony, Culella highlighted McCloskey’s dedication to developing her students’ research skills and providing them with meaningful and relevant experiences with technology.
“Joanna McCloskey is an innovative, dynamic and dedicated educator,” Culella said. “She is the epitome of a lifelong learner by constantly remaining curious and reflective regarding her pedagogical practices. Joanna is a tremendous asset to Seaford schools, and works tirelessly each and every day to ensure robust, critical thinking, technology-enriched learning opportunities for all Seaford scholars.”
McCloskey’s teaching reflects technological developments and gives students meaningful experience with new tools and resources. Most recently, she has focused on incorporating artificial intelligence into research instruction, helping students understand how to use A.I. while continuing to evaluate information critically.
Earlier this year, McCloskey presented at the A.I. in Education Showcase, hosted by the Nassau County Council of School Superintendents and Molloy University. Her presentation, “Curriculum Design: The Future of Work Isn’t Humans Versus AI – It’s Humans with AI,” focused on the role of artificial intelligence in education and curriculum development.
Over the course of her career, McCloskey has served as library chair, curriculum support specialist and AP research and science research mentor. She is a Seaford High School Teacher of the Year winner and holds Wilson Reading certification and school district administrator certification.
She also was the first school librarian to receive the New York Librarian Association’s Sustainability Certification, and went on to become a sustainability mentor.
McCloskey served as the Seaford Harbor Elementary School librarian from 2000 to 2002 before moving to the high school. Technology has been an integral part of her library program since the early 2000s, when the internet and the increased use of online databases began transforming how students accessed and evaluated information.
“From the beginning, I have sought to help students navigate the ever-changing world of technology while demonstrating the value of both print and digital information,” she said. “I have also made evaluating the accuracy, credibility and reliability of information an essential part of every aspect of the library program.”
As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into how students seek, evaluate and synthesize information, McCloskey said, she has worked to make sure students understand both its potential and its limitations. “I strive to teach students how to use this powerful tool thoughtfully and responsibly while keeping the student in the driver’s seat,” she said.
McCloskey said she was humbled and honored to receive the NASTAR Award and grateful for the support of Seaford’s leadership team.
For her, however, the personal recognition is secondary to the skills students are gaining as they navigate an increasingly complex world of technology and information.
What matters most, she said, is seeing her students develop the confidence and skills necessary to approach that landscape with curiosity, discernment and independence.
