Dr. Eliezer Espinosa: World Language Department Chair

Why did you decide to become a teacher?
Teaching was always my calling! I’ve always had a love for both learning and sharing that knowledge with others. Growing up in the Dominican Republic, I was surrounded by rich culture, language, and history, and I knew early on that I wanted to help others connect with that.

How did you decide to teach the subject you are teaching?
Being a native Spanish speaker from the Dominican Republic, Spanish has always been my language, my heart and soul! From the very first time I spoke, I realized the beauty of how language connects us across different cultures and perspectives. After experiencing the richness of my own culture and language, I felt this deep desire to share it with others.

What are you most excited about for the upcoming school year?
I’m so excited to meet my new students and introduce them to the world of Spanish! I love starting fresh every year—it’s like opening a new chapter. I’m especially excited to share the beauty of the Dominican Republic and other Spanish-speaking cultures with them, and I can’t wait to see their faces light up as they start connecting with the language in new ways. I’m also thinking of incorporating some interactive activities, like cooking lessons, to make language learning even more engaging and fun. It’s going to be a year full of exploration, and I can’t wait to dive in!

Jacob Hard: Chemistry

Why did you decide to become a teacher?
My high school chemistry teacher Mr. Tatro [inspired me]. I had Tatro in 9th&10th grade, and was able to help him as a lab assistant during my senior year. He really made me fall in love with the subject and the way he taught the class drove me towards wanting to emulate what he did day in and day out.

What are some of your hobbies outside the classroom?
Outside of the classroom I like to try and stay active. I have been focusing more on going to the gym and hiking the past few years, and recently have taken up yoga and rock climbing. I’m still fairly stiff and inexperienced, but I have a nice group of friends who have been showing me the ropes. Outside of that, When I’m in the house I like to play video games on my PC.

What are you most excited about for the upcoming school year?
What I am most excited about for the upcoming school year is getting to meet and interact with not just my new students, but the community as a whole. I find that one of the most rewarding aspects of being a teacher is getting to be involved with the community both inside and outside of the school, and to establish yourself as a presence that students, families, and colleagues can rely on.

Katherine Constan: Special Education

Why did you decide to become a teacher?
I became a teacher because I was inspired by all the great teachers I had – many of them from growing up in Scarsdale. Len Tallevi at SMS and Werner Feig from SHS were two of my favorites. 

How did you decide to teach the subject you are teaching?
I taught social studies for the first half of my career. I chose this subject because I was consistently drawn to all aspects of the discipline. I majored in Art History and Economics in college, and got a law degree before I started teaching. I have switched over to special education for a new challenge, and because I wanted to work more closely with individual students. 

What are you most excited about for the upcoming school year?
I am so excited to work with such wonderful colleagues and students! I was at SHS last year filling in for teachers who were on leave. This is an amazing place to work, and I am lucky to be here!