Congratulations, 2026 BHS Retirees!
1. Number of Years in Education (For Teachers: Subjects and Grade levels taught):
34 years; Art for grades 6-12.
2. Number of Years at Brentwood (and in what buildings if multiple):
34 years in Brentwood; 7 at North Middle School and 27 at Brentwood High School.
3. What inspired you to become a teacher (or counselor, custodian, clerical staff member or administrator)?
I was inspired to become a teacher by the many people who influenced me when I was younger—especially my Brentwood High School Art Teacher, Mr. Olshlager. I was even lucky enough to eventually teach alongside him, and I continue to keep in touch with him today. My experiences working at summer camps and in college art studios also played an important role in shaping my path.
4. What has been the most rewarding part of your career?
I love seeing students become successful after high school—building careers, starting families of their own, and finding their place in the world. Knowing I might have played even a small role in helping them get there is incredibly fulfilling.
5. Do you have a favorite memory from your time at Brentwood?
The moments I treasure most are the everyday ones: laughing with students and colleagues, as well as sharing in the small, meaningful experiences that made each year special. I also deeply cherish the thank-you notes I’ve received from students over the years, which have meant more to me than they may ever know.
6. What is one piece of advice you would give to new teachers (or other members in the field of education)?
Teaching is something you grow into, and you’re not going to get everything right away—and that’s okay. Give yourself the grace to learn from your mistakes and keep moving forward. I’d also encourage new teachers to learn from veteran educators. Their experience, support, and guidance are invaluable, and you don’t have to figure everything out on your own.
7. What’s next for you in retirement? Any exciting plans, hobbies, or adventures ahead?
Definitely sleeping in and waking up when it’s light out! It will be nice to have a permanent summer vacation.
8. Is there a message you’d like to share with your colleagues and students?
I just want to say thank you—to my former and present colleagues and my students—for making these years so meaningful. To my colleagues, I’m truly grateful for the friendships, support, and the kind of laughter that brings you to tears. You’ve made even the toughest days easier and the best days even more special. I will truly miss you! To my students, thank you for bringing so much energy, creativity, and joy into the classroom. You’ve taught me just as much as I’ve taught you. I’m so proud of all of you and everything you will go on to accomplish. I want to give a special thank you to Mr. Mark Nizewitz who gave me a chance at just 21, and helped make possible a wonderful 34-year career that shaped my life.
1. Number of Years in Education (For Teachers: Subjects and Grade levels taught):
32 years; 5 years as an elementary teacher and the rest as a Guidance Counselor.
2. Number of Years at Brentwood (and in what buildings if multiple):
24 years in Brentwood. 12 at North Middle, 4 at Freshman Campus and 8 years at Sonderling
3. What inspired you to become a teacher (or counselor, custodian, clerical staff member or administrator)?
Both of my parents were educators, it was what I grew up with. I was always intrigued with listening to all their stories and attending the events at their schools.
4. What has been the most rewarding part of your career?
Watching the students grow each year and then even seeing them after high school and college and hearing about their successes.
5. Do you have a favorite memory from your time at Brentwood?
There is not one favorite, there are many memories that I have made along with many lifetime friendships.
6. What is one piece of advice you would give to new teachers (or other members in the field of education)?
Try to be patient and understanding that things don’t always go as planned and that is ok. Just keep doing what you do best and always ask for help and advice.
7. What’s next for you in retirement? Any exciting plans, hobbies, or adventures ahead?
I have a trip planned to Greece in September and then looking forward to not having to get up with an alarm clock!
8. Is there a message you’d like to share with your colleagues and students?
Thank you for all the great times, laughs, support and friendships!
1. Number of Years in Education (For Teachers: Subjects and Grade levels taught):
21 years
2. Number of Years at Brentwood (and in what buildings if multiple):
36 years coaching in the district. In the classroom 2 years West Middle, 19 years in Sonderling.
3. What inspired you to become a teacher (or counselor, custodian, clerical staff member or administrator)?
My career began at an insurance company, but I quickly realized that this was not the right path for me. Subsequently, I returned to my former high school to serve as a drug educator. I then enrolled in college to pursue a major in Early Childhood Education. For 15 years, I worked as a Head Start Director, which eventually lead me to Brentwood.
4. What has been the most rewarding part of your career?
Seeing the student athletes I have coached over the years come back to visit as successful adults.
5. Do you have a favorite memory from your time at Brentwood?
Coaching in Brentwood for over 30 years my fondest memory, as a female coaching Varsity Boys Team was winning the County Championship, all the support and warm congratulations from everyone in the building.
6. What is one piece of advice you would give to new teachers (or other members in the field of education)?
I advise you to be different and make a difference and absorb the Brentwood experience requires compassion, commitment and cultural competency.
7. What’s next for you in retirement? Any exciting plans, hobbies, or adventures ahead?
To continue learning the nature of the world, coaching and traveling.
8. Is there a message you’d like to share with your colleagues and students?
My quote” Dare to be different and make a difference. It has been a pleasure to share so many wonderful years with faculty and staff. I plan on continuing to coach so I’ll be around for a few more years.
1. Number of Years in Education (For Teachers: Subjects and Grade levels taught):
30 years as a Library Media Specialist at South Middle School, the Freshman Center, Ross and Sonderling.
2. Number of Years at Brentwood (and in what buildings if multiple):
South Middle School Library from 1995-1997; Freshman Center Library from 1997-2000; Ross Library from 2000-2004; Sonderling Library from 2004-2026.
3. What inspired you to become a teacher (or counselor, custodian, clerical staff member or administrator)?
I wanted to be a teacher since the first day I walked into Kindergarten at Southwest Elementary School. Almost every teacher I had in my Brentwood school years was an inspiration!
4. What has been the most rewarding part of your career?
The relationships I have formed with students has been the most rewarding part of my career. When people ask my husband how many kids we have he says 4, but my wife has another 4,000+ kids every year!
5. Do you have a favorite memory from your time at Brentwood?
I also would include All of my years as a student council advisor, as well as the many students whose lives—and my own—have been enriched through involvement in student government events and the meaningful connections we built from 2001 to 2026. These experiences include organizing and participating in events such as Homecoming, the Talent Show, Read Aloud, Brentwood Idol, and Senior Field Day. I also count our Brentwood Boys Basketball/WOODNATION years as the most fun!
6. What is one piece of advice you would give to new teachers (or other members in the field of education)?
Get to know your students’ interests and strengths personally to foster a safe, inclusive environment. Let those relationships be your foundation. Teaching is all about the relationships you develop both for you and your students.
7. What’s next for you in retirement? Any exciting plans, hobbies, or adventures ahead?
My youngest children play college football and lacrosse so my Fall months will be football travel on weekends and my Spring months will be lacrosse travel weekends. In addition, I will begin writing my book/books. Many of my colleagues will recognize themselves as the inspiration of my characters. 🙂
8. Is there a message you’d like to share with your colleagues and students?
“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” – Maya Angelou
1. Number of Years in Education (For Teachers: Subjects and Grade levels taught):
Library Media Specialist, 24 years in education, Kindergarten-12th Grade
2. Number of Years at Brentwood (and in what buildings if multiple):
I have always been a Ross Librarian and have been working in Brentwood for 17 years.
3. What inspired you to become a teacher (or counselor, custodian, clerical staff member or administrator)?
I had an undergraduate degree in child studies when the education field was quite flooded and job outlook was poor. I started working part-time as a circulation desk page at Sachem Public Library and some of the the librarians there thought that I would be a really good librarian. Reluctantly, I took their advice and started to pursue my Masters in Library and Information Sciences at Queens College. It has been over thirty years since I made that decision and hands down it was the best career advice I have ever gotten.
4. What has been the most rewarding part of your career?
Working with the staff and students but, if I am being totally honest, mostly working with the students! (Sorry BHS faculty and staff) I have had the pleasure of meeting some of the most amazing young adults and I am always so excited to see them and hear about all of the wonderful life experiences they have during their high school years. The ultimate bonus is when they come back later in life to visit and share all of the wonderful life experiences they have had since leaving Brentwood High School.
5. Do you have a favorite memory from your time at Brentwood?
honestly don’t think I have one favorite memory. I have had a wonderful fulfilling career of watching both staff and students grow, laugh, and learn.
6. What is one piece of advice you would give to new teachers (or other members in the field of education)?
The field of education is ever evolving, keep a growth mindset. Know when to dig your heels in but also know when to view your struggles as opportunities to learn more about you and your students. Focus on the power of “Yet”, model opportunity to reflect and refine.
7. What’s next for you in retirement? Any exciting plans, hobbies, or adventures ahead?
Honestly, I love my career, I am just ready to work less and live and explore other passions a little more. I am so excited to be a Grandma!!! I plan to spend a great deal of my time with my new grandson. When I am not with him, I plan to take my own advice and continue to evolve. I am always looking for opportunities to experience and learn new things. I am currently taking an online course to get my Real Estate License. I am learning quilting (Thank you Mrs. McDermott).
8. Is there a message you’d like to share with your colleagues and students?
Some of my most memorable moments in life have been spent with all of you! You have been with me through the good, the bad and at times, the ugly. You are my friends who have become family and I am eternally grateful to have had the pleasure to work alongside of you.
1. Number of Years in Education (For Teachers: Subjects and Grade levels taught):
36 years in education: 6 years at School for Language and Communication Development (PK-4th) 30 years at Brentwood High School
2. Number of Years at Brentwood (and in what buildings if multiple):
My entire career in Brentwood has been in Ross as a Special Education Resource Teacher.
3. What inspired you to become a teacher (or counselor, custodian, clerical staff member or administrator)?
I was inspired by my 4th grade teacher and my love of learning. I had such respect for education as a child. I always wanted to teach elementary students, but my journey ended me in the high school with a certification in Elementary Education, Special Education and Reading.
4.What has been the most rewarding part of your career?
The resource setting has allowed me to build relationships with many of my students. The privilege of having students for three years-seeing them mature, discover their strengths and succeed-has filled me with so much joy!
5. Do you have a favorite memory from your time at Brentwood?
Thirty years filled with memories! While I cherish every moment and event with my students, what shines brightest are the friendships I’ve built and the joy my colleagues have shared with me. These relationships will carry on far beyond my years in Brentwood.
6. What is one piece of advice you would give to new teachers (or other members in the field of education)?
Each day is a new beginning, so start with a smile and find the good in each day! Don’t let the minutia of the system get to you, in the end, what matters most is each student whose life you touch. Get involved with the union, it matters! Remember Brentwood students rise when you raise the bar!
7. What’s next for you in retirement? Any exciting plans, hobbies, or adventures ahead?
OHHH….the opportunities are endless! I can’t wait to travel off peak, see the world and fill my days with laughter alongside family and friends.
8. Is there a message you’d like to share with your colleagues and students?
To my colleagues…enjoy each day, it goes by real fast! I am proud to have been a part of the Brentwood community; it will live on forever in my heart. A shout out to Brentwood’s Finest! To my students…thanks for trusting me and making me smile every day, go out and be the best version of yourself!
1. Number of Years in Education (For Teachers: Subjects and Grade levels taught):
I have been teaching for 30 years in the United States. My first job was in New York City as a substitute teacher. Later, I obtained a full-time position at Bushwick High School, where I began teaching Chemistry and Earth Science, and eventually Biology.
2. Number of Years at Brentwood (and in what buildings if multiple):
I started in Brentwood in 2005, working at both South Middle School and West Middle School. In 2008, I moved to Ross High School, where I have been ever since.
3. What inspired you to become a teacher (or counselor, custodian, clerical staff member or administrator)?
Everything began in 1978 when I enrolled in an institute to study Agronomic Sciences. It was a boarding school—three years at the secondary level and five years at the university level. After the second year, students were required to go into nearby communities to teach pest-control methods and agricultural practices aimed at improving productivity. That experience awakened in me a passion for teaching. Being able to share knowledge and see the results made me realize that, one day in the near future, I wanted to become a science teacher.
4. What has been the most rewarding part of your career?
It brings me great satisfaction to see that some of my students have gone on to pursue college careers. The other day, I was driving in Bay Shore when a police officer pulled me over. I didn’t understand why I had been stopped—what a surprise when I realized the officer was one of my former students who simply wanted to say hello. At that moment, I understood that being a teacher has an impact far beyond the classroom.
5. Do you have a favorite memory from your time at Brentwood?
If I had to choose a favorite memory, it wouldn’t be fair, because to me, every day is unforgettable. The opportunity to interact with my students in different settings gives me a deep sense of fulfillment. Each day is like a box full of surprises, offering me the chance to help shape my students’ futures. For me, teaching is more than sharing knowledge—it is about love, patience, and the ability to listen while remaining calm. It is about listening and providing meaningful, thoughtful responses.
6. What is one piece of advice you would give to new teachers (or other members in the field of education)?
One of the best pieces of advice I would give to new teachers is to build genuine relationships with their students. Beyond academic content, students learn better when they feel that their teacher cares about them, listens to them, and respects them. It is also important to be flexible and patient. Not everything will go perfectly, especially at the beginning, but every experience is an opportunity to improve. Seeking support from colleagues, continuing to learn, and remembering why you chose this profession can make a big difference in the long run.
7. What’s next for you in retirement? Any exciting plans, hobbies, or adventures ahead?
I have so many plans that I feel time won’t be enough. Someone once told me, “Mr. Reyes, don’t commit to teaching for at least a year after you retire.” Honestly, I’m thinking about visiting countries that interest me, such as Greece and Denmark. In addition, I am an active firefighter in my community, so I will stay busy responding to calls. I am also considering returning to the field of aviation.
8. Is there a message you’d like to share with your colleagues and students?
I would like to thank my colleagues and students for being such an important part of my journey. Teaching has been more than a career—it has been a meaningful and rewarding experience because of all of you. To my colleagues, thank you for your support, collaboration, and dedication. To my students, keep believing in yourselves, work hard, and never stop learning. You all have the potential to achieve great things. Even though I am retiring, I will always carry these memories with me. I wish you all continued success and happiness in the future.
1. Number of Years in Education (For Teachers: Subjects and Grade levels taught):
31 years as a full-time teacher and 6 years as an instructor for the Green Machine prior to being hired in Brentwood.
2. Number of Years at Brentwood (and in what buildings if multiple):
31- 15 at West Middle 16 at Brentwood High School
3. What inspired you to become a teacher (or counselor, custodian, clerical staff member or administrator)?
I was originally a political science major when Dennis Dewey invited me to help teach the Green Machine how to march their drill. That experience changed everything for me. After just one season, I realized I had found something far more meaningful, an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of others. That moment inspired me to change my major to music education, setting me on the path to a lifelong career in teaching.
The most rewarding part of my career has been the opportunity to make music with some of the best kids around. Being able to showcase the talents of these incredible young people throughout our community, across the state, and around the country has meant far more to me than any awards we’ve received. It’s the impact on their growth, confidence, and sense of pride that truly defines the success of our work.
5. Do you have a favorite memory from your time at Brentwood?
There are so many memories that stand out. From being hired in 1995 and working my way up through the marching band staff, to witnessing the moment a student realizes they’ve accomplished something they once thought was impossible, those are the moments that stay with me. While winning four New York State Championships and working alongside incredible colleagues have been highlights, it’s the growth, excitement, and pride I’ve seen in our students that will always stand out.
6. What is one piece of advice you would give to new teachers (or other members in the field of education)?
No matter how many kids you have on your class lists, they all deserve your A game, always. Anything else is unacceptable.
7. What’s next for you in retirement? Any exciting plans, hobbies, or adventures ahead?
In retirement, I’m looking forward to being a stay at home/class dad for my two younger boys, and I’m equally excited to spend time on the golf course with my two older sons. I also plan to stay connected to music education by doing some consulting in the band and marching band world. And of course, I’m looking forward to finally tackling those long overdue home projects, with the time to actually finish them.
8. Is there a message you’d like to share with your colleagues and students?
As I look back, I’m filled with gratitude for the people who made this journey so special. To my colleagues, thank you for your support, your friendship, and for always working together to do what’s best for our students. To my students, you are the heart of everything we do. Watching you grow, not just as musicians, but as people has been the greatest privilege of my career. I hope you always remember what you’re capable of, and never be afraid to push beyond what you think your limits are.
