NYSUT visits Babylon School District

In a special and unique visit, New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) Vice President Maria Neira visited the Babylon School District to conduct a daylong observation of the district's instructional programs and course offerings, and interact with members of the staff. With the help of Babylon Teachers Association (BTA) President Dennis Lally and social studies teacher Dr. Mark Malaszczyk, Neira, accompanied by NYSUT Labor Relations Specialist for BTA, William Oquendo, the group spent the day touring each of the district's three school buildings.

Beginning at the district office, Neira had the chance to meet with Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ellen Best- Laimit and other members of the central office staff before embarking on a tour of the high school. With stops in the guidance and special education departments as well as several classroom visits, Neira was able to see firsthand the use of SMARTBoards in the school's classrooms and the collegiality of the staff.

"This is a great opportunity not only for the district but also for NYSUT," stated Lally. "Visits like these are not common, but when they do occur it is an excellent resource to use - both to gather information about things happening at the state level and also to enhance the support network the district has."

Following their visit to the Junior-Senior High School, Neira also toured the grade and elementary schools. In the grade school, she was impressed as she watched students in grades first and fourth work on a team project as a part of the cross-school buddy project, and the use of professional development.

"I am very impressed with the district's ability to maintain a teaching philosophy centered around the whole child and how they have not let regulations under No Child Left Behind stand in the way of providing a quality education," stated Neira. "The professional staff development model and the implementation of it is truly remarkable. That, coupled with the district's ability to meet the needs of inclusion classroom students, is very impressive and not something that you see in schools throughout the state. Babylon is a great example for other schools to follow." The information and observations Neira made during her visit will be shared with the Board of Regents as well as the Education Commissioner.

Reader Comments

No comments have been posted. Be the first!

Other Stories With Comments:
Article	Comments
Editorial	1
West Babylon Alumni Foundation installs new officers	1
Heard It On The Grapevine	1