Posted:
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
A Message from Linda Waldbaum Newsletter Editor
The PFT would like to recognize twenty amazing educators who have worked tirelessly for the past few years here in Plainedge. In May, the Plainedge BOE granted tenure to these teachers. This is a significant moment in an educator’s career and involves a rigorous evaluation process by administrators over a four-year period. Although tenure is thought of as a lifelong appointment, nothing could be further from the truth. Tenure is simply the right to due process before being disciplined or terminated from a teaching position. It is hard to imagine this not a right for all employees everywhere! Thankfully, being part of a union, tenure is a protected right for all our members who work hard to be granted this honor. Please join the PFT leadership in congratulating the twenty fellow PFT members who received tenure this school year!
Kathleen Coffey-Cantelmo - Eastplain Elementary
Kathellen Coffey-Cantelmo is the Literacy Coach at Eastplain Elementary with over two decades of experience in education. Before joining Plainedge, Kathleen taught for seventeen years in the NYCDOE working in a variety of classroom settings and grade levels. The move to Long Island led her to her current position at Eastplain. When asked who she would like to thank for helping her achieve this accomplishment, Kathleen replied, “First, my family - they have supported my decisions to reach for new opportunities, especially when it meant furthering my education or doing ‘nerdy’ things.” She also would like to thank her fellow literacy coaches - Danielle, Diana and Alex. “We make a great team, and I could not have asked for a better group to work with.” Most of all, she acknowledges her Eastplain colleagues, “Your professionalism, heart, dedication and warmth are like no other. Eastplain is by far the absolute best place I have had the honor to work.”
Jane DiGerolamo - Plainedge Middle School
Jane DiGerolamo started at Plainedge as a substitute teacher and was then a resident sub at Eastplain Elementary for a few years. She was then hired as a probationary teacher assistant in the Middle School, educating seventh and eighth grade support classes for ELA and social studies, as well as working with students in the life skills classrooms. Jane brings with her ten years of educational experience teaching special education at the preschool level and serving as a resident substitute teacher in the Amityville School District. Jane would like to thank her family and friends for always believing in her and encouraging her throughout her career. She would also like to thank all the staff at the Middle School for their guidance and support with a special shout out to the teachers she has worked with closely: Suzzane White, Jennifer Pesale, Kristina Fabian and Michelle Soverio. Additionally, Jane would like to thank the students she has had the privilege of teaching these past four years. To celebrate, Jane will be going to dinner with her family in order to commemorate this momentous occasion.
John Dominguez - Plainedge High School 
John Dominguez has been teaching Global History and AP World History at Plainedge High School for the past three years. He also plays an integral role in the High School Research Program, guiding students in independent scholarly research. Prior to joining Plainedge, John spent six years teaching history and computer science in Queens. John would like to thank his wife whose “unwavering support and encouragement” have played a crucial role in helping him pursue his goals. John would also like to acknowledge his current and former colleagues, “Their mentorship, collaboration, and shared wisdom have been instrumental in my growth as an educator.” John plans on celebrating his tenure by spending time with his family and reflecting on this milestone with gratitude. John is also eagerly looking forward to representing his fellow high school PFT members as their newly elected building representative.
Nicole Doss - John H. West Elementary
Nicole teaches fourth grade inclusion at John H. West Elementary, where she co-teaches alongside her best friend, Lisa Ambrosio - a partnership that has flourished over the past three years. “She makes coming to work feel like home away from home.” Before joining Plainedge, Nicole taught at Nassau BOCES Jerusalem Avenue School and later held a leave replacement position in a self-contained class at Great Neck North Middle School. These early experiences helped her adapt to a more student-centered approach to teaching. Nicole looks forward to a relaxing summer at the beach following her work with the district’s Summer Enrichment program. Nicole would like to thank all of her colleagues for “a great four years! Here’s to many more!”
Alexandra Duca - Plainedge Middle School
Alexandra currently teaches sixth grade math and science at Plainedge Middle School. She previously taught fourth grade at John H. West for two years. Before joining the Plainedge community, she began her career teaching third grade in Wantagh. Reflecting on her journey that led her to Plainedge, Alexandra shared, “I would like to thank my husband and my family for supporting me over the last few years.” She also expressed appreciation toward her colleagues who have helped her grow professionally. To celebrate, Alexandra plans to enjoy a special dinner with her family and looks forward to many more years in Plainedge.
Karin Fey - Eastplain Elementary School
Karin Fey is the Library Media Specialist at Eastplain Elementary School. She joined the educational field after having worked in magazine publishing as a writer and editor in New York City. “It had always been a dream of mine to become a children’s librarian because of my deep love of books and how much they meant to me as a child.” After raising her sons, she pursued a Master’s in School Library Media and Education. She credits her family for their unwavering encouragement. “Their faith in me made all the difference, and I couldn't be more thankful for where I ended up…right here in Plainedge!” Karin is also deeply grateful to Principal Mark Coccarelli, her amazing Eastplain colleagues, and the many educators across the district who inspire her every day. “I feel fortunate to be in a place where curiosity
and growth is always ongoing - for the kids, and for teachers like me.” Karin looks forward to many more rewarding years in this “wonderful school community.”
Jennifer Flaherty - Plainedge Middle School 
Jennifer Flaherty has helped educate children as a teaching assistant at Plainedge Middle School in various areas. She has worked in multiple support classes, algebra and earth science, as well as extension classes. Prior to coming to the Plainedge School District, Jennifer taught in both Uniondale and Roslyn. Jennifer says that her time here at Plainedge has been wonderful because of the amazing faculty and staff she works with at the Middle School. “It is such a great place to work and learn.” Jennifer looks forward to celebrating this great achievement with her friends and family this summer.
Eden Fuchs - Charles E. Schwarting Elementary
Eden Fuchs is successfully completing her fourth year as a teaching assistant at Schwarting Elementary in a fourth and fifth grade self-contained classroom. She taught for several years in the Massapequa School District before coming to Plainedge. Eden would like to thank her family for all their support as well as her “school family” for encouraging and helping her reach this milestone. Eden plans on celebrating her accomplishment with family and friends “reflecting on everything these past four years have taught” her. She looks forward to being part of the Plainedge family for many more years to come.
Haley Joyce- Charles E. Schwarting
Haley Joyce started her career teaching kindergarten in Levittown. She then came to Plainedge where she taught fourth grade at Schwarting. For the past three years, however, Haley has been a kindergarten inclusion teacher. Reflecting on those who supported her, Haley shared, “A big thank you to my family and my fiancé for supporting me these past few years.” She also expressed heartfelt gratitude to her school community. “I would love to thank the people at Schwarting who have been a shoulder to lean on and a helping hand, especially my co-teacher Tami Rupertus.” She added, “Working alongside the people at Schwarting makes coming to work fun and exciting every day. I am grateful and honored to continue my career teaching in Plainedge.” To celebrate, Haley is heading to Hilton Head for some well-earned sunshine and relaxation.
Kristina Lazarus - Charles E. Schwarting Elementary
Kristina Lazarus began her career at Plainedge as a fourth grade ICT teacher at Schwarting. After two years, she moved to John H. West to teach in the resource room. Kristina then returned to Schwarting this past year to work with second and third grade students as a special education teacher. Prior to coming to Plainedge, Kristina worked for several years at the Hagedorn Little Village, a school that provided educational and therapeutic services to children with developmental disabilities. Kristina is very grateful to her colleagues and principals for their guidance and support. She would like to thank her family for all of their help over the years. On the evening of the Board of Education recognition of tenure teachers, Kristina celebrated with her family by going out to a nice dinner. Kristina is looking forward to many more years at Plainedge, working alongside “wonderful teachers.”
Tracy Meyers - Plainedge High School
Tracy Meyers started her career in education as a high school mathematics teacher in Brooklyn. She temporarily left teaching and stayed home to raise her children when she moved to Long Island. Tracy eventually came back to teaching when she was hired as a teaching assistant at Plainedge High School, where she has worked in many areas, including Life Skills, self-contained, and foreign language. Tracy says she has “worked with many great teachers at Plainedge and has enjoyed hanging out with the teachers during her lunch.” According to Tracy, “They make coming to work fun and easy.” Tracy would like to specifically acknowledge Debbie Marchiafava for showing her “the ropes” as a TA and Claudia Laplante for welcoming her and treating her as “an equal” from day one. Tracy looks forward to celebrating her accomplishment with her family, who have always been by her side.
Anderson O’Keeffe - Eastplain Elementary
Andie began her teaching career in New York City Public Schools. For the past several years, she has been working as a first-grade teacher at Eastplain Elementary. Andie loves working alongside her colleagues and is grateful for their support. Andie would also like to thank her family and friends who helped her achieve this milestone. She looks forward to relaxing over the summer and preparing for the upcoming school year.
Kevin Pastier - Charles E. Schwarting School
Kevin Pastier came to Plainedge after a one year leave replacement as a fourth-grade teacher in the Plainview Old Bethpage School District. Kevin has found a home with his third-grade team at Schwarting Elementary, as they have “become like family to me.” He is thankful to his parents, Lisa and Paul, brothers Chris and Joe, and especially his wife Victoria for their unwavering support. Kevin looks forward to a long career here as he said, “There is truly no place like Plainedge. It is a privilege to work here.”
Jenna Pironi - Schwarting First Grade Teacher 
Jenna Pironi’s Plainedge career began as a student, stating, “It has always been a dream to teach in the district I graduated from!” Jenna’s first job was teaching fourth grade at Schwarting Elementary. After one year, she began teaching first grade and she “absolutely loves it.” Jenna credits her students for reminding her daily why she loves her job. “Their drawings, love, silly jokes make my day!” Jenna would like to thank her principal and first grade team for their constant support, as well as her husband and family for being her biggest cheerleaders - especially when it comes to helping her decorate her classroom. Jenna plans on celebrating this milestone with her husband by taking a trip over summer vacation.
Emily Sammartino - Eastplain Music Teacher
Emily Sammartino worked as a substitute teacher in the Three Village School District prior to accepting her first full-time position here in Plainedge. Emily would like to thank her wonderful colleagues at Eastplain, the supportive administrative team, and the PFT for helping her reach this important milestone. Plainedge has become her “second family”. In addition, Emily would like to acknowledge her fiancé Dylan and her family for always supporting her. Her future husband is also a music educator, and she feels incredibly blessed to venture into this career with him. Emily would especially like to thank her mother, a former public-school teacher, who has been her “greatest inspiration”. Emily will be going out with her colleagues who also received tenure and will be celebrating with her fiancé and family this summer.
Danielle Savva - John H. West 
Danielle Savva began her teaching career as a special education teacher in her home district of Lindenhurst. After a successful year in Lindenhurst, Danielle was hired as a teaching assistant at West and Schwarting Elementary Schools, marking the start of her career here at Plainedge. She accepted a leave replacement position in special education before being offered a probationary teaching position at West in a 9:1:3 special classroom. Danielle is grateful for her colleagues - especially her TAs and fellow 9:1:3 teachers. She would like to thank administrators Mr. Maisano, Ms. Murphy, and Ms. Duffy. Danielle will celebrate with her husband and children over ice cream and start counting down to the summer vacation!
Shannon Scarano - John H. West
Shannon began her Plainedge journey as a student teacher at John H. West. After successfully completing her student practicum, she worked as a permanent substitute teacher. Due to her hard work and dedication as a sub, she was awarded a fifth-grade leave replacement before being hired as a probationary teacher in kindergarten at West. When asked who she would like to thank for helping her achieve tenure, she replied, “I would like to thank my amazing students, my kindergarten team, and all of my supportive colleagues.” She shares “a special thank you to my family and friends - I truly couldn’t have done this without their love and support.” Shannon celebrated this milestone with a family dinner and a heart full of gratitude.
Alexa Stola - John H. West (STREAM)
Alexa Stola arrived in Plainedge after spending a year in Oahu, Hawaii teaching kindergarten. Alexa has had the opportunity to teach various grade levels as a STREAM teacher at West Elementary. Alexa expresses gratitude to Dr. DePaola, Mr. Maisano and her STREAM team for helping her achieve this important milestone. She would also like to extend a special thank you to her loving family for their encouragement and support. Alexa plans to celebrate her tenure with a family brunch including her grandparents, parents, brother and boyfriend. She looks forward to a long career here in Plainedge because it is “such a wonderful place to work, learn and grow!”
Brenna Venth - Plainedge Middle School
Brenna Venth fondly remembers the day she signed her contract to teach at Plainedge Middle School - it was her twenty second birthday. For the past four years, Brenna has been teaching eighth grade social studies and STREAM class mock trials. She will also be working in the Summer Enrichment program this year. Brenna would like to thank her family, fiancé, and friends for all their support. “They would always be willing to listen and help over the past four years.” Brenna looks forward to summer vacation and planning for her wedding!
Annemarie Verde - John H. West 
Annmarie Verde currently teaches fifth grade at John H. West Elementary School and is also a proud graduate of Plainedge Schools. Prior to coming to Plainedge, Annie taught pre-kindergarten and kindergarten in private schools, but she found her love for teaching here at Plainedge. “I feel so lucky to be able to teach in a building and district where I found my love for education.” Annie would like to thank her amazing co-teacher and her grade-level colleagues who have supported her throughout her last four years. She would also like to thank her parents, siblings and incredible husband for “always encouraging me to pursue my dreams.” She also is “honored to be a proud member of the PFT,” and she looks forward to a long and fulfilling career here in Plainedge.
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