Teachers of Color: Mr. O’Neal and Ms. Abamwa

In Honor of Native American History Month with Connor Michael Crawn

In recognition of Native American History Month, we have special guest, Connor Michael Crawn. Connor is an impressive 21 year old alumni from the Indian River School District in Northern NY. He is a current Active Duty Senior Airman having served 3 years so far in the United States Air Force. His current duty position is “Convoy Team Leader” with the 341st Security Forces Group, 341st Missile Security Operations Squadron, Convoy Response Force, Malmstrom AFB, Montana.  He is half Native American (Mohawk tribe), and half white, he grew up in Indian River, right along the Canadian border, and he is one of the first Native American Service Members to fight and win the right to regrow his hair in uniform under female hair standards.  Connor is extremely passionate about Native American culture and spreading awareness. He weaves his culture into almost every aspect of his daily life. From his respect for the earth, animals, and for people around him of all backgrounds. He is the primary Military liaison between 7 tribes in the state of Montana and his duty station.  He actively engages in the local community, as well as the surrounding Native communities.  He  supporting people in the VTC and various AA meetings, and he has learned, practices, and respects the difference and similarities between the tribes and customs in Montana.  Connor’s culture means the world to him. He has grown up walking two worlds being a bi-racial person. However his fathers teachings and customs have always been the most imperative teachings in his life. In the darkest of times he has thrived and persevered off of his fathers teachings.

Ladies & Gentlemen...your president: Patrick Brady

Today we meet our BTA President, Patrick Brady. Pat is a jack of all trades. He has dabbled in so many different kinds of work and activities, that I can safely say he is one of the most well rounded people I know. Andrew and I had a blast talking with him and we hope you enjoy getting to know your BTA union president, Pat Brady.

A Legend Departs: The Matt Feddern Story

Today we speak to one of our retirees from Bellport High School, Matt Feddern. He shares his words of wisdom and stories of his time with us here since his arrival in 1991. Listen closely to the fun fact Andrew has about our next senior rep, John Romashko!

Teachers of Color: Ms. Grunenberg, Mrs. Garcia & Ms. Escobar

On our last episode of our Teachers of Color mini-series, we introduce you to 3 lovely female teachers-which coincides perfectly with Women's History Month. Ms. Grunenberg is one of our Orchestra teachers, and Mrs. Garcia is a Spanish and ENL teacher at Bellport High School. Ms. Escobar is a Speech teacher, currently working in Frank P. Long. On this episode we get stories of a Chinese-American teacher who also identifies as Irish, a Guatemalan mestiza and an Afro-Latina. Their experiences may sound familiar to you. Their stories will inspire you. All of our teachers of color have made us proud and will continue to do so.

Teachers of Color: Mr. O’Neal and Ms. Abamwa

For this Teachers of Color Mini-Series episode, we highlight Mr. Rodney O'Neal and Ms. Nefe Abamwa. Mr. O'Neal is a Special Education teacher at Bellport High School and Ms. Abamwa is a Social Studies teacher in the same building. We hope you enjoy their stories.