When people hear the word “teaming” they often associate it with sports or politics.  However, now the word will be associated with education at Floral Park Memorial.

Beginning this year, the administrative staff has instituted a teaming program for the seventh grade.  Teachers in four core subjects – English, social studies, mathematics and science – share the same class rosters for four of their teaching assignments.  This program allows teachers to communicate about student progress and plan interdisciplinary lessons.  This approach can assist students in better understanding and embracing the subject.  Floral Park Memorial’s principal, Dr. Sottile, believes the general concept of the program is to “increase communication among seventh grade core teachers” for the benefit of the students.

Another goal of the program, creating interdisciplinary lessons, will assist students by reinforcing key concepts in multiple classes.

“If a student is learning a particular skill in algebra and the majority of the class is struggling with it, then the science or social studies teacher can introduce a similar skill in his or her lesson,” said Dr. Sottile.  “The student can receive more reinforcement and observe the algebra being applied in a different way.”

The English and Social Studies Departments have incorporated this model for advanced and AP classes at the high school level for over a decade.  These teachers can serve as a strong resource for the new members of the teaming program.

Teaming is a powerful educational model that has been used throughout the nation. Within the Sewanhaka Central High School District, Elmont and Sewanhaka High Schools have utilized teaming for several years on the seventh and eighth grade levels.  According to Ms. Bowman, Floral Park Memorial Assistant Principal, initiating the program took about a year and involved many people.  Central administrators, the administrative team at Floral Park Memorial and various chairpeople all contributed to the process.  Floral Park is now the third school in the district to arrange this schedule, and Ms. Bowman looks forward to overseeing the growth of the model.

The key component to the success of a teaming model is the teachers.  The seventh grade has been divided into two teams – identified as green and yellow.  The following teachers are part of the program:  Mrs. Fini Jackman, Mr. Wachs, and Mrs. Curcio (mathematics), Mrs. Kasimatis and Mr. Pokojny (science), Mrs. Bellinger, Ms. Bach and Ms. Mosie (English), and Mr. Amato and Ms. Linger (social studies).

The initial reaction from the teachers has been extremely positive. Ms. Pari, Chairperson of the Social Studies Department, believes that teaming is an advantage for both the students and the teachers.

“The staff can work together and share stories about students, creating their lessons according to their student needs, and as a result, certain concepts or skills will be reinforced,” said Ms. Pari.

Mrs. Fini-Jackman, Chairperson of the Mathematics Department, feels that it will enhance communication between the students and teachers.  “The program helps teachers to get to know their students better,” said Mrs. Fini-Jackman.

“Teaming allows for an easier transition for these seventh graders into the high school environment,” said Dr. Sottile.

“The program has great potential,” said Mr. Mezzafonte, Chairperson of the Science Department.  “It provides teachers with the time to collaborate in order to have a better understanding of their students, and to meet or address their academic needs.”

Since there is no middle school in the Sewanhaka Central High School District, teaming allows schools to follow more of a middle-school philosophy according to Dr. Sottile.  “Some seventh graders have difficulty adapting to the high school environment,” said Dr. Sottile.  “This program can help make it easier to make the transition.”

Ms. Bowman has observed some classes and has already witnessed increased communication between students and teachers.  The program is another example of increased educational opportunities at Floral Park Memorial.