By Laura Lane
Ruiz sees her first year in the district as a "transition year" during which she'll become familiar with the district as she evaluates current instruction and intervention programs. "Merrick has a wonderful reputation," she said. "We need to value those things that are in place. My focus will always be on student achievement."
Ruiz is no stranger to the community, having worked in Bellmore as an assistant to the principal and as a resource room teacher for 13 years at the Shore Road Intermediate Center and Reinhard elementary. She also taught special education at Reinhard.
Ruiz recalls working on some programs with the Merrick school district during that period. "There were similarities between the two districts," she said. "The parents were supportive of all of the initiatives and involved in education. I felt like I was coming home when I interviewed in Merrick - very comfortable."
Ruiz has been the director of pupil services in Levittown since 2001. She is looking forward to working more closely with Merrick parents and children, which was difficult for her in Levittown, where she was responsible for some 8,000 children. "I like the idea of a smaller district because I like to get involved, work closely with parents, build a trust with them," she said. "I think I can get a better outcome for students this way."
Two years ago, Ruiz received an award from the Nassau Suffolk Society for Autism for her work with autistic children. "Many districts are beginning programs in autism, but our program in Levittown had students affected severely by autism," she explained. "What made the program so good ... was that we integrated the children back into their home school so they had peers as role models. We integrated them for specials and lunch ..."
Ruiz has been involved in special education her entire career, with the exception of her two years as principal of Abbey Lane Elementary School from 1999 to 2001. She is committed to keeping pace with the profession, attending conferences and keeping abreast of current research and practices in special ed.
She is also an adjunct professor at Long Island University, in the Department of Special Education and Literacy at the graduate level.
"When I interviewed [teacher candidates] I found a disconnect between what colleges are preparing students to do and ... what we think teachers need to have," said Ruiz, explaining why she decided to teach. "It's important to identify where the deficiencies are and tailor the best instructional approach to meet that child's needs, not give generalized instruction."
Ruiz earned her undergraduate degree from Queens College and a master's in special education from St. John's University. She is married and the mother of three sons, ages 21, 17 and 12.
The new assistant superintendent hopes to bring her philosophy to the Merrick elementary district, a place where she says she believes she can make a difference. "Special education isn't separate," said Ruiz. "I think of kids as just kids - how what we're doing can benefit all students."
Comments about this story? LLane@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 236.
