My name is Judy Eisman and I am a 38 year Great Neck resident.
In 2009, I retired from the New York City Department Of Education. My career included many years as a classroom teacher of Common Branches K-6.
The last 13 years as an educator, I taught gifted and talented students in grades 2-6 and was the arts coordinator for my school. During all of those treasured years, my students became avid readers, prolific writers and proficient in mathematics. They also became critical thinkers, problem solvers and risk takers.
Through interdisciplinary studies, research and hands-on experiential programs, my students developed their skills, self-confidence and self esteem. Former students are in challenging fields of medicine, engineering, information technology and the arts.
Statewide assessments did nothing to contribute to their success. In fact, Common Core Learning Standards and “teaching to the test” would have seriously jeopardized these positive outcomes. The latter is already sucking the life out of students and educators alike.
Our children need to have an array of cultural arts experiences that are the vehicle to developing listening skills, oral communication skills and writing skills. An academic priority must be to have our students develop a global awareness and appreciation of different cultures, peoples and institutions.
Through currents events discussions and activities, our students need to understand and appreciate how the larger world affects each and every one of us and how we influence the world. It is our responsibility to encourage our children to participate in community affairs and become service oriented.
Only well-trained and dedicated professional educators, given the green light to motivate, inspire and share their passion for learning can make a difference for each and every child.
Bravo to the Great Neck School Board for telling Albany our children deserve the best education possible. Great Neck has a proven track record for knowing and meeting the needs of our students.
Judy Eisman
Great Neck
