Ms. Doyle 

Ms. Doyle Steps In: A Bright Future for Our School District

Madelyn Tonyes '26

Ms. Beth Doyle’s early years provided the foundation for her career in education. School was always a safe place for her, offering stability and security, which was in contrast to the challenges of her personal life. 

As a child, she moved a lot and transitioned to different schools, which wasn't easy. Despite these hardships, her experiences within the school system offered her a sense of safety, and she came to realize the importance of having supportive adults around her during difficult times. 

She began her educational journey at Bethpage High School in Nassau County, where she developed a strong foundation in her studies. After high school, she attended SUNY Farmingdale, where she pursued an associate's degree in business. 

Initially, she was focused on a business career, but it was during her time at Hofstra University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in business administration. She later earned a master's degree from Queens College.

Early Inspiration 

Her brother and best friend, both of whom were teachers,had a profound impact on her. They shared a love for teaching and showed how deeply fulfilling the profession could be. This inspired her to pursue a career that would allow her to give back to others, something she had been passionate about since childhood. 

The caring adults she encountered in school became her role models, motivating her to pursue a path in education where she could offer the same support and stability to others that she had received. 

A key turning point in her educational journey was the influence of her 8th-grade English teacher, Mr. Taravella. His passion for teaching and his genuine love for the content helped her navigate the challenges of middle school. He not only kept her engaged in literature but also nurtured her love for the subject. His support and enthusiasm showed her the power of an educator to make a lasting impact on a student’s life, and this experience became a significant source of inspiration for her own teaching career. 

Sometimes You Need a Sign

After completing her education, she initially worked in finance in New York City. However, she realized that it wasn’t fulfilling her passions. One day, while waiting on the subway, she noticed a sign advertising a fast-track teaching program aimed at people looking to switch careers. The sign grabbed her attention and she decided to apply.  

She got accepted into the program and she started a new journey as a teacher, beginning in a 5th-grade classroom in Queens. It was during her first day in the classroom that she recognized her passion for educating and inspiring young minds. 

Finding her Calling

What she loves most about working in education is the opportunity to interact with students. She values the connections that can be made with children and the role education plays in helping them grow and develop. 

She knew she wanted to be a superintendent, but she didn’t want to work in a large district. Greenport’s community-oriented environment, where she could work with students from Pre-K through 12th grade, was the perfect fit. Being able to see students grow and develop over the years made Greenport feel like the right place for her.

Worth the Squeeze

Throughout her career, she has had numerous rewarding experiences, but one stands out as particularly memorable. On her last day as a teacher before transitioning into administration, one of her students, who had kept her on her toes throughout the year with his humor, gave her a pencil as a parting gift. This marked a special moment in her teaching career and she still has it to this day. 

Another moment that holds great significance is when she was the principal of an elementary school in East Hampton. There, she had the opportunity to start a dual language program, allowing students to learn multiple languages. This program, which continues to benefit students today and stands as one of her proudest achievements in education. 

Words of Wisdom

Reflecting on her own high school experience, she states  “Seniors should make the most of their time in school by getting involved and enjoying the unique opportunities that high school offers I regret not engaging more during my own years and I urge students to seize every opportunity, reminding them that high school is a once in a lifetime experience and that you should have fun.”  

Her priority at Greenport is to build strong relationships with students, staff, and families. She wants to get to know as many people as possible. Since arriving at Greenport, her favorite part of the experience has been the warm welcome she has received from everyone. The community’s friendliness and openness have made her feel right at home. 

For students considering a career in education or school leadership, her advice is practical and valuable. “I recommend finding opportunities to work with children whether through camps, after-school programs, or babysitting to gain a better understanding of whether this is truly a passion.” She also suggests gaining experience in other areas, such as working in a restaurant, where skills like multitasking, public speaking, relationship building, and hard work can be traits that are essential for leadership roles in education. 

Her journey into education highlights the profound impact that early life experiences can have on shaping one’s career. From personal challenges to the guidance of caring mentors, she has built a career dedicated to supporting and inspiring the next generation of learners.