From teacher-candidates new to their studies to those engaged in student teaching, practical advice geared to bridge the gap between their educational experience and what awaits them in their professional careers was the focus of “Teachers’ Panel: A Conversation with Regional School Teachers,” a discussion held recently by the School of Education.
Teachers working in Baldwin, Islip, Jericho, North Babylon, Uniondale and the Bronx took part, offering insights, stories, and guidance gleaned from their professional experiences.
"Our panel was designed to inspire, inform, and prepare you for the realities of the profession while highlighting the voices of those who are making a meaningful impact in schools every day," Diana Sukhram, dean of the School of Education, told the students in attendance.
The panel featured:
- Amanda Callahan, North Babylon High School, North Babylon, New York
- Lauren DeMarinis, Jackson Elementary School, Jericho, New York
- Courtney Nelson, Baldwin Middle School, Baldwin, New York
- Roderick Peele, Northern Parkway Elementary, Uniondale, New York
- Kerri Schmalacker, Islip High School, Islip, New York
- Chavonne E. Toussaint, International School of Liberal Arts, The Bronx, New York.
Toussaint, brought a very fresh perspective to the discussion have graduated only in Fall 2024 from the campus’ Bachelor of Arts in Adolescence Education: Social Studies program.
“It felt amazing coming back to Old Westbury as a graduate,” said Toussaint. “I hope that students took away from our panel is to just go for all opportunities so you can to start your career.”