Written by Carol P. Bartold

Sep. 10, 2014: Editor's note: An article last week in MyhometownBronxville.com included a write-up on six of the ten new teachers at The Bronxville School. This article catches up with three of the teachers not included last week.

Summer hasn't completely slipped from memory but, one week into the 2014-2015 academic year, teachers and students at The Bronxville School have turned their attention to classroom routines and getting to know each other.

Arsalan Habeeb, new to the faculty as fifth grade science and technology teacher, begins his first year as a faculty member following his participation in the Long Island University internship program last year. As an intern, Habeeb taught second grade, served as a leave replacement teacher for fourth grade, and worked in fifth grade skills. This year Habeeb will be a part of three departments--science, mathematics, and the library.

A graduate of the University of Buffalo with degrees in political science and sociology, he earned his graduate degree in childhood education and special education from Long Island University. Prior to joining the Bronxville faculty, Habeeb taught in a preschool classroom for severely autistic children.

This year, he will be providing one-on-one math skills to help fifth graders who feel challenged or shy in a larger group setting. He will also introduce students to the new Chromebook technology, a web-based system of applications that allows students to collaborate on projects and share them on the web.

"I'm a huge tech geek," Habeeb said, "so I'm excited to teach the students all about Chromebook and how to use the various applications." He plans to show students that what they learn in technology they can apply to other classes, such as English language arts and social studies. "It's a great web of connections," he said.

Lynne Torrey, middle school computers teacher, has a background in fine art and general education. The Philadelphia College of Art graduate has worked for Apple Computers as well as several major publishers. In the publishing world, she produced textbooks and supplemental materials.

When the focus of educational materials shifted from print to an online platform, Torrey devoted serious thought to her future direction. "Truthfully," she said, "there is such a worldwide issue with education and I wanted to understand more about it, and that's what pushed me into teaching. I wanted to do something more."

Torrey earned her master's degree in education at Lehman College and is currently pursuing her instructional technology degree at New York Institute of Technology. "I love seeing my students get excited and make connections with other parts of their day here at school," Torrey said.

Samantha Post, first grade teacher, comes to Bronxville from the New York City Department of Education. Last year she taught at a charter school in Harlem and before that at a public school in the Bronx.

As a sophomore history major at Williams College, Post took advantage of a winter study program that offered the opportunity to teach at a local school. "I hadn't wanted to be a teacher," she said. "Both of my parents were New York City public school teachers and I wanted to be different." However, her winter study experience changed her mind. "I had so much fun I started to pursue teaching." Although she didn't do student teaching at Williams College, Post took education classes and observed elementary classrooms at a school close to campus. Post earned her master's degree in education at the University of Pennsylvania.

Being part of the significant growth that first graders' experience is the most enjoyable aspect of teaching. "They come in as babies and by the end of the year they're reading, and they're adding and subtracting double digits. You get a real sense of pride."

High school special education teacher Patrick Clarke was not available to be interviewed.

Pictured here: The façade of The Bronxville School.

Photo by A. Warner