In this article, let’s throw it back and shed some light on 3 of our teachers who have been here that you may not know about: Mr. Zwerling, Ms. Iovino, and Mr. Bueno.

Mr. Zwerling

What do you teach?
“I teach Intermediate Algebra, Algebra 2, and other math classes.”

What are your goals for your students?
“To improve their math skills and get them ready for Regents-level work the next year.”

What is your method of teaching? How do you teach?
“I show work and explain it, then model it, which means to show examples of how to do it. Then I have the students do work independently with assistance. I allow my students to work together or independently with my assistance. Lastly, I allow them a chance to teach it to see if they understand it.”

Where did you get your education?
“I went to college as an undergraduate at The University of Buffalo, then graduated and went into a job in finance in the city. The most fulfilling part of the job was training new employees.” Realizing his passion for teaching, he went back to school at Hofstra for a master’s in education. His first interview was at AMHS, and he got the job in 2009.

How would you describe your personality in/out of school?
“I believe I’m pretty much the same. I’m really laid-back and a jokester. I’m also really caring toward my students.”

Ms. Iovino

What do you teach?
“I teach math, specifically Algebra.”

What are your goals for your students?
“My goal is for them to leave my classroom loving math a little bit more and pass the Regents.”

What is your method of teaching? How do you teach?
“I like to do 5–10 minutes of me talking and giving the rest of the period for them to do what they just learned. Kind of an ‘I do, you do’ system.”

How and why did you become a teacher?
“Personally, I had friends who hated math, so I wanted to be different and make kids like math, or at least like it a little more than they don’t, and change their perspectives. I went to Connetquot High School, then went to Long Island University and became a math teacher.”

How would you describe your personality in/out of school?
“I’m really laid-back all the time and always cracking jokes.”

Mr. Bueno

What do you teach?
“I teach Spanish 3.”

How and why did you become a teacher?
“I became a teacher older in my life. I went back to school when I was around 26 or 27. I was working at the barber shop at the time, so I was teaching people how to cut hair, and I was like, I can be a teacher in a school. So I went back to school, and here we are.”

What are your goals for your students?
“It’s not just about teaching them lessons in Spanish; it’s about teaching them life lessons as well, because when they leave here, yes, whatever I teach can help them out, but life lessons are big, and that makes the kids stand out.”

How would you describe your personality in/out of school?
“I’m the same person in and out of school. I’m that funny guy that’s always trying to make jokes. You know, I’m always giving high fives to kids that take a liking to me, and that is something that I take dearly and appreciate. That makes me feel not only welcome, but also that kids trust me. I keep my expectations high but also try to keep the class as fun as possible so they are not only successful in the classroom but in life as well.”

What is your method of teaching? How do you teach?
“I like to keep it student-centered. Sometimes I have to take over the class just to make sure that my lessons are clear, and if they aren’t clear, I do whatever it takes to make sure all my students understand the lessons I am providing them because I just want to make sure they pass the class at the end of the year. My assignments are pretty easy and straightforward, and I try to make sure everybody understands.”