Pictured: Massapequa Superintendent of Schools Dr. William Brennan, left, and Board of Education President Kerry Wachter, second from left, welcomed the district’s newest educators at the beginning of the four-day new teacher orientation program on Aug. 22.
Photos courtesy of the Massapequa School District
As Massapequa’s nine schools were being prepped for the start of the 2023-24 year, more than 40 new teachers gathered at McKenna Elementary School for the start of a new chapter in their careers.
For some of those educators, it marked the beginning of their career, while several arrived with teaching experience in other districts. The four-day orientation program gave teachers an extensive overview of Massapequa Public Schools. From Aug. 22 to 25, they learned about the district’s curriculum, instructional technology resources, special education program and professional development opportunities.
Board President Kerry Wachter addresses the new faculty members in McKenna Elementary School’s Teacher Learning Center.
Bob Schilling, assistant superintendent for human resources and general administration, said the new staff this year includes 34 probationary teachers and eight part-time teachers. Several new teachers are Massapequa High School graduates, as recently as 2019.
Board of Education President Kerry Wachter welcomed them to the “big small town” that is Massapequa, a tight-knit community where people come together to ensure student success. She congratulated the teachers on earning positions in the district following a rigorous hiring process.
“Remember the excitement of starting your career, setting up your classrooms and getting to know your colleagues,” she said.
Several of the new teachers are also Massapequa High School graduates and are returning to their roots.
Superintendent Dr. William Brennan, recounting his own beginnings as a middle school science teacher, said to the new teachers that they will always remember the students from their first year. He explained that getting to know students on a deeper level is what keeps the joy in teaching.
“This is an awesome, awesome moment right now,” he said, reminding the new teachers about the profound impact they can have on their students and even their colleagues. “The years ahead are going to be so exciting.”
Dr. Brennan added that the board of education and administration provides great support to help teachers grow in their craft.
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