About Me

Hello, and welcome to the class!  As we begin to embark on a new school year, I would like to share with you a bit about myself.  

I began my teaching career in September 2001 as a leave-replacement teacher in Syosset, and within days of my first teaching position I learned that teaching is much more than simply delivering instruction.  I had two students (twins) who lost their father that first week of school in the September 11th terrorist attacks.  In the weeks and months that followed, we learned that as teachers, the curriculum is not always the priority.  I have spent my career attempting to truly learn who my students are, and to reach them in ways that connect on a personal level.  My first position led directly to my current position as a teacher at Salk Middle School, where I have been since September 2002.  

Throughout my tenure at Salk, I have taught all three grade levels, providing me with a "complete" Salk experience, from 6th grade to 8th grade regents courses.  I feel extremely fortunate to work in such an amazing building with incredible students, supportive colleagues and administrators, and a parent community that are active advocates for the students' educational experience.  

In addition to teaching math, I have coached football, baseball, and for one season, volleyball.  I have served as an advisor to Salk G.O., Salk Mathletes, and the Visual Communications Club, in addition to working on many Salk committees.  

My educational career contained many stops along the way.  I started at NYIT majoring in Computer Graphics and Art History, and after 3 semesters transferred to Hofstra University.  After changing schools and majors, I received my Bachelors Degree from Hofstra in Elementary Education and Art History.  I continued at Hofstra to complete my Masters Degree in MST (Math, Science, and Technology).  Following the completion of my Masters Degree, I continued taking math courses at Nassau Community College, Suffolk Community College, and Farmingdale State University to obtain my license to teach secondary math, grades 7-12.  Once I became certified in secondary math, I continued my post-graduate studies and obtained my building and district level administration certifications through the College of St. Rose.  

Outside of Salk, Mrs. Kind and I stay very active with our three sons who range from 6th grade to college freshman.  Having children go through the same experiences that many of you are going through is a tremendous help.  We feel it helps us understand the "whole" student, beyond the classroom walls.  Our family loves the beach, bike riding (except Mrs. Kind - she's afraid of bikes!), traveling and going on day trip adventures, fishing, and we really enjoy quiet family time.  We love that we live minutes from the Levittown School District because we have an opportunity to interact with many of our students and their families outside the school day, whether it's seeing people in the supermarkets or on the ballfields.  

Hopefully that gives you an idea of who your new math teacher is :-)  I am looking forward to an amazing year!

~ Mr. Kind