Best Of The Best Join Bethpage Faculty

As the sun shined bright during new teacher orientation in the Bethpage School District on Aug. 24, administrators spoke about the bright futures ahead for its newest faculty members. They gathered for a welcome breakfast in the high school senior courtyard before diving into the nitty-gritty of Bethpage schools.

BethpageNewTeachers 091021A — Bethpage Superintendent of Schools David Schneider (left), welcomed newly-hired faculty members during new teacher orientation on Aug. 24 at Bethpage High School.
(Photo courtesy of the Bethpage School District)

The 16 new teachers were hired for their knowledge, skills and potential in a variety of areas including elementary and secondary education, library media, literacy, music and art, world languages and pupil personnel services. They will work at the high school, middle school and the three elementary schools, striving to make a difference in the lives of their students.
“You are the best of the best, and you are in one of the best places to work,” Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Caroline Lavelle told the new teachers during her welcoming remarks, noting the rigorous hiring process they went through to make it to new teacher orientation.

BethpageNewTeachers 091021B — Director of Technology Andrew Choi (left), a Bethpage High School alumnus, greeted new teachers who are also Bethpage High School alumni, Anthony Regateiro, Amanda Gherardi, Rachel Heym and Cristin O’Neill. (Photo courtesy of the Bethpage School District)

Superintendent David Schneider spoke about the strong partnership between the community and the district, as well as the “kids first” philosophy of a very supportive board of education. He wished the new teachers long and healthy careers in Bethpage. There were also remarks from Board President Michael Kelly and the directors of several departments.

BethpageNewTeachers 091021C — Caroline Lavelle, assistant superintendent for human resources, welcomed new teachers and spoke to them about the great district they are now working in.
(Photo courtesy of the Bethpage School District)

After the breakfast, teachers learned about the district’s vast array of instructional technology resources. Later in the day, they had a chance to get acquainted with their new schools.
New teachers this year are Kayleigh Alonso, Brian Arcari, Diana Easteadt, Amanda Gherardi, Stephanie Gould, Rachel Heym, Maria Kambouras, Margaret Kammerer, Cristin O’Neill, Anthony Regateiro, Ashley Scotto, Adrienne Sodano, Amanda Tepedino, Heather Tullo, Nicole Turano and Erin Zassman. The district also welcomes Valerie Filbry as director of ELA and literacy and Chris Pallatos as director of science to the administrative team, as well as teaching assistants Diane Fierro, Darlene Happel and Sandra Hoffman.

—Submitted by the Bethpage School District