Forty Four new teachers began the 2004-05 academic year in the Freeport Schools. They arrived with a great deal of enthusiasm as well as a vast range of past experiences. State mandated mentoring, frequent “How to” conversations with more experienced teachers, help both new teachers and experienced new faculty employees ease their transition into classrooms from Columbus to the HS. Many teachers spoke of bringing their past lives and experiences into the Freeport mix talking about how their past would help enrich the future and enable to attend to Freeport students in the best possible light.

Tom Desmond, (Dodd) when asked how his past experiences could enhance his skills as a new teacher responded, “I feel that my many summers as a head sailing instructor have helped prepare me for the rigors of the classroom. As a teenager I was designing lesson plans and dealing with difficult students. In addition, when my students won the GSBYRA Midget Championships, I saw the incredible rewards teaching can bestow on the educator.”

When asked about mentoring, the new teachers spoke strongly about the value of mentoring. Although some of our new faculty taught in other places previously, all believed that having a heads up on the school’s culture and district procedures could only be positive and beneficial.

Being the “newbie” on the block is not necessarily the most comfortable of situations, our new colleagues are taking this experience in stride and with a great deal of equanimity. Perhaps, the analogy may be made that new teachers, like many of their students also may feel the stress of examination, assessment and introspection. Responding to questions as obvious as “How does it feel to be the “newbie” on the block, Maria Di Blasio (Bayview) commented, “ I am very excited to be working with such a talented group of teachers. Michelle Stanziale (Bayview) agreed.

Another Bayview teacher, Nicole Kliegman added “ although it was tough being new, I have been welcomed with open arms!”

Tom Desmond also reflecting upon being the newbie stated, “I feel like my freshman year of college as the new kid on the block. One day you know everybody and have a great system down then you graduate, go to college, and have to start all over again. In spite of that, this year will be very rewarding and I hope to make friendships that will last a career. Mentoring at some future point, I would stress that the two most important aspects is adapting to the cultural diversity of the facility and student body., as well as the importance of being organized and prepared. Organization and preparedness are key components of a first year teacher.”

Roberta Rizzo, former substitute and now on tenure track said, “With much hard work and support I hope to enrich my students' lives as they have enriched mine, and I look forward to working many years with the children of Freeport.”

All the teachers we spoke to were enthusiastic, optimistic and looking forward to a successful year being mentored by some of Freeport’ s experienced and enthusiastic teachers.