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Portraits of New York City Educators After School
Emma Fryer: Middle School Special Education Teacher at P.S. 363 in the Bronx.
What was the highlight of your day? “There was a really good flow today in one of the struggling classes. It’s really nice when everyone is working at their fullest capacity. I’ve been working really hard developing a new lesson plan template.”
After the bell has rung and students vanish in a blaze of noise, Brooklyn-based Aliza Eliazarov captures New York City educators in the quiet after the chaos. A former teacher of eight years, Eliazarov describes this time as a poignant moment in each day, the silence flooded with a range of emotions. Posing a series of simple questions, Eliazarov allows these teachers for once to turn the attention to their own personal musings and burdens. Whether the response is pensive or anxious, content or exhausted, each teacher endures with an unceremonious bravery and resolve. Honoring those seldom thanked, See Me After School is a glimpse into the everyday triumphs and trials of today’s resilient educators.
Belina David: Fashion Design Teacher at The High School For Fashion Industries in Chelsea.
How do you feel right now? “Tired. My son wants to go home but I can’t because there’s too much to do. We are getting ready for a fashion show.”
Ariel Polonsky: Preschool Teacher at Brooklyn Heights Synagogue Preschool.
What was the high point of your day? “There were lots of little high points. The room was humming. We let our butterflies go today. That was nice!”
What was the low point? “I forgot my lunch.”
Francesca Leibowitz: Middle School English Teacher at Poly Prep, Dyker Heights, Brooklyn.
What was the high point of your day? “I’m currently doing a poetry unit. Students were enthusiastic, and inspiring. I’m thinking about wrapping up, cleaning my desk and getting organized. I have to say I have the best job. I love, love, love what I do.”
Jeremy St Romain: Middle School Technology Teacher at M.S. 343 – The Bronx School of Applied Mathematics and Technology in the Bronx.
What was the high point of your day? “I had a good time with my 6th graders. Right now they’re doing Google presentations. Even some of the knuckleheads were engaged.”
Kate Louis: High School English Teacher at Urban Assembly For Green Careers on Manhattan’s Upper West Side.
How do you feel right now? “Accomplished, proud of students who stayed late, and overwhelmed because I still need to make lesson plans for tomorrow.”
Josina Reaves: High School English Teacher at Poly Prep in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn.
How do you feel right now? “Exhausted.”
What was the highlight of your day? “I read some fantastic student poems—some were really thoughtful, well done and revealing.”
What do you like most about teaching? “Picking kids’ brains apart to find the best way for them to access the curriculum.”
Maddie Sage-El: High School Special Education Teacher at Urban Assembly for Green Careers on Manhattan’s Upper West Side.
How do you feel right now? “Exhausted.”
