One graduate, five questions, go…
Dr. Lynnda Nadien ’89 (Childhood Education)
Principal, Smith Street School, Uniondale, New York
How did your education prepare you for what you are doing today?
My educational career began at Nassau Community College and my interest in children’s literature and art flourished. I decided to pursue a degree in education and earned degrees in liberal arts, early childhood/elementary education, reading, administration and a doctorate in leadership and accountability. These degree programs fully prepared me for my current position of elementary school principal, in addition to working as an adjunct professor in higher education.
What is your greatest professional accomplishment or recent professional accomplishment to date?
Being a published author has been an incredible accomplishment and this includes having two articles published last year in a major educational journal.
What programs do you support at SUNY Old Westbury, and why?
Supporting the Alumni Association of SUNY Old Westbury is meaningful, as the college did enable me to meet with success in my field. Additionally, supporting the School of Education by recruiting students, and mentoring students, to become teachers is rewarding. Many of the students I meet will say that SUNY Old Westbury enabled them to thrive in their chosen career path.
Do you have advice for current students?
Working hard and building a strong sense of efficacy is instrumental in your success as an educator. Be sure you have strong content knowledge and if you don’t know something, you can always learn more. Think of the one characteristic that does set you apart from others and why you will be a successful teacher.
What is your favorite memory and/or spot on campus?
I love the old academic building and have some wonderful memories of completing course work there. Many of my professors were so encouraging and dedicated to teaching that I will always remember them, as passionate and well planned. One unusual aspect of the campus that I truly love are all the trees as you drive into the campus. I remember coming to campus after Super Storm Sandy, so many of the trees were bent and knocked down, but they still looked so beautiful! As the leaves change in the fall you will see the beauty of the campus and I always enjoy that ride in up and down the hill to the parking lot!