By Jonann Brady
It's all in a day's work for Riess, a science teacher in the Baldwin School District for the past 26 years, the chair of the high school science department, advisor to the Leadership Council, and Hofstra University-News-12's Educator of the Month for December.
Riess was nominated and chosen for the honor based on her outstanding work and dedication both in and out of the classroom. Neither her colleagues nor her students can say enough about her.
"It's been a privilege to work with her," said Prinicpal Susan Knors. "She's the epitome of professionalism, and when it comes to being dedicated to students, she's top-notch. For her it's regular business."
Knors added that in the classroom, Riess is "amazing to watch....Kids are pushed and they love it."
Her students second that assessment. "She's fair and honest and very in tune with what students are doing," said senior Juliana LaRossa, an AP physics student and member of the Leadership Council.
For Riess, though, the honor is somewhat embarrassing, simply because she believes there are so many excellent educators at Baldwin. "I'm not that special at Baldwin High School," she said. "There are teachers who do so much more. I feel like I accepted this for all of us."
But it's hard to fathom a teacher doing much more. Besides teaching seven of nine periods and taking over the science department chair this year, Riess has been a varsity field hockey coach and advisor to a host of student clubs -- the Physics Olympics Team, the Girls Athletic Association, the Science Club and, currently, the Leadership Council.
"If you're going to be a teacher in today's world," she said, "you can't walk away at 2:35 in the afternoon."
Her student club advisees say that Riess offers them ideas and guidance but then gives them the freedom to carry projects out on their own. In the classroom, Riess turns sometimes daunting scientific concepts into play, using toys in the classroom and turning students into lab equipment in her experiments. Each spring she takes her classes to Great Adventure, where students can experience the concept of friction first hand on roller coasters and other rides.
Riess, who still keeps in touch with some of the students from her first year of teaching, gives credit to the kids and the support of the community for her longevity and continued enthusiasm for the job.
"I never wanted to work anywhere else," she said. "The kids make you better. [Other teachers] may complain, but I wouldn't do anything else."
To view a videotaped clip of Riess in the classroom, visit www.hofstra.edu.
