Massapequa Teacher Earns Statewide Honor

MASSAPEQUA, NY - From Massapequa School District: Amy Curry, a sixth-grade teacher at Berner Middle School in the Massapequa School District, has been chosen to receive the Outstanding Social Studies Elementary Classroom Teacher Award by the New York State Council for the Social Studies.

Ms. Curry, the daughter of a former Massapequa teacher, has worked in the district for two decades and presently teaches English language arts and social studies. Prior to coming to Berner for the 2017-18 school year, she taught several grades at Unqua Elementary School, including sixth grade for the past 15 years.

“It is always an honor to be recognized for the work you do,” she said. “So many people in Massapequa School District, during my 20 years of teaching, have helped and influenced my teaching in their own special ways. I work with a diverse group of talented, creative and hardworking individuals.”

She was nominated by Brian Dowd, a retired Massapequa and former curriculum associate for social studies. The statewide recognition acknowledges Ms. Curry’s strong grasp of the sixth-grade social studies curriculum, which focuses on ancient civilizations. She said that the topic lends itself to fun and engaging lessons and she takes pride in allowing students to learn through hands-on activities. During the study of India, she incorporates meditation and yoga.

As a teacher, Ms. Curry said her favorite moment is “the look you see on a child's face when you know you have captured their attention and you see a student invested, captivated and eager to learn more.”

She received the Margaret Simon Award for Excellence in Elementary Social Studies Education by the Long Island Council for the Social Studies in 2015. Ms. Curry was also contributing author to the book “Growing a Growth Mindset” by Kevin Sheehan and Jessica Ryan.

Ms. Curry will receive the award at the NYSCSS luncheon on March 8 in Albany.

Photo courtesy of Massapequa School District