Feature Stories
‘To teach is to touch lives forever’
As part of the union’s Passion and Promise in Our Public Schools campaign, teachers, students and parents thank educators who have inspired them,guided them and changed their lives
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Jonathan Fickies
Gary Kutchmister has truly changed my son’s life for the best. My son was going down the wrong path, not making the best choices. After he got involved with Mr. Kutchmister’s Council for Unity class at Forest Hills HS last year, I saw a major change within weeks. My son went from cutting class and not caring to getting many awards, including for perfect attendance. Mr. Kutchmister has changed many students’ lives for the better. My son now has a job, volunteers, helps others and wants to go to college.
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Miller Photography
Last year, which was my senior year at Newtown HS, I was in Meny Beriro’s creative writing class and I didn’t know what to expect. After a while, I realized that I never had so much fun in a class before. Mr. Beriro was always so welcoming and had such passion for writing that every Tuesday and Thursday I would always show up to his class no matter how tired I was at the end of the day. That class truly inspired me to write, to reach out into places I could never imagine, yet they were there in the grasp of my hand. I felt like I was a creator of worlds. I gave life to characters and gave them any form I wanted. I gave them a life that we could never probably live in reality. Even after I graduated from Newtown, I still am able to enjoy the wonders of writing and saying what I feel.
It is very scary and hard to have a special needs child. There is always concern as to whether or not the child is getting what she needs. I never had to worry when my daughter was with Jessica Ginzberg, her 5th-grade teacher at PS 18 in Queens, because she helped my daughter define herself as special and made the need part seem so matter of fact. She made a difference in my daughter’s life by accepting her unconditionally and encouraging her to grow as a person and academically at school. She did everything she could to prepare my daughter for middle school by telling her that the worst thing that could happen is that she would have to “try again.” My daughter won academic awards at 5th-grade graduation because of Ms. Ginzberg’s efforts.
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Miller Photography
I worked as a substitute paraprofessional in Denise Roberts’ classroom for most of the previous school year. I have never before seen such a dedicated, loving teacher. She not only cares about academics, but cares to get to know each child personally, and she disciplines them according to their personalities. These students fell in love with Ms. Roberts. They used to beg for lunch dates with her in the classroom. They would rather miss recess to be with her. She would bring snacks for the students, share her lunch and talk to them with such kindness. She took her time with the students who were struggling academically or socially. Her students love and respect her.
Joann Vitale captivates each child in her 2nd-grade integrated co-teaching class by being engaging, silly and fun. Her instruction is driven by her desire to engage, enrich and enlighten her students. She makes children smile, laugh and want to come to school every day.
Arnold Mansdorf, my son Steven’s social studies teacher at the HS of American Studies in the Bronx, had such an impact on him. Mr. Mansdorf not only taught him well, but he also mentored him. He made sure that Steven focused not only on social studies, but on the future as well! Steven is a school administrator today. He is the borough instructional lead for Bronx High School Social Studies. Thank you, Mr. Mansdorf, for helping Steven to succeed. You’re the best!
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During the four years that we have worked together as co-teachers, Marta Aegondizzo (left) has consistently shown me and our students great understanding, care and professionalism. She is a talented, seasoned teacher who has welcomed collaboration from the onset and makes both our teaching environment and the students’ learning environment successful. Marta is progressive and engaging and has taught me many things about being an educator and colleague. She has rekindled my belief that integrated co-teaching can really work when professional, like-minded teachers work together. Marta, it is a true pleasure to educate kids alongside you!
Thank you, guidance counselor Ernest McDuffie, for always having an open door, open heart and receptive ear. You embody poise, professionalism and compassion in the service of our students. You are my mentor in all things college, my confidante, a role model and an inspiration. Throughout the past eight years, you have never turned away a student or staff member who needed help because you were too busy. I see you take work home, give kids relevant information to help them progress and slip colleagues cash for their kids’ fundraising efforts. Thank you on behalf of all the students, families and colleagues who benefit from working beside you.