 Steven Askinazi had a long and successful career association with the New York City public schools and the City University of New York. As a student attending PS 75 in the Bronx, Campbell Junior High School and John Bowne High School in Queens, he knew early on that teaching was going to be his chosen career. After receiving a BA and MS in Education, with a minor in Spanish language at Queens College, Steve became permanently certified to teach in grades seven through twelve. Having spent a year studying and living in Spain under the sponsorship of the City University of New York Study Abroad Program, his newly acquired linguistic skills prepared him for a career working in the South Bronx and East Harlem. His entire work experience was invested in two heavily populated Spanish-speaking environments, which always made him feel at home. After teaching for twelve years in middle school as a teacher of Spanish and Bilingual studies, he received a transfer to The Manhattan Center High School for Science and Mathematics. Having completed a second master’s degree in Supervision and Administration from Hofstra University, Steve became certified as an assistant principal. He served as a teacher of Spanish and English As A Second Language at Manhattan Center while taking on the additional position as a supervisor of Humanities at the school. Twelve years later he became the principal of the school overseeing the River East Elementary School, Isaac Newton Junior High School and Manhattan Center High School all housed in the same building. Steve also worked as an ESL instructor in the evenings at Rockland Community College for several years. After retirement, Steve became a consultant for the National Academy Foundation, serving as a mentor to principals in the Miami public high schools. He worked with the foundation for seven years. With over 40 years in public education Steve’s greatest sense of satisfaction came from his twenty-one years at Manhattan Center High School. The tremendous experience of working with a dedicated team of educators who took total responsibility for the success of their students as if they were their very own cannot be overstated. The kids and their parents, even after so many years, continue to post on social media sites their praises, accolades and appreciation for all those professionals who worked tirelessly to improve lives and futures. What greater take-away could anyone wish for after a long career than to be told, over and over again from the kids that you made a difference? Thousands of youngsters continue to be lucky enough to have the chance to attend Manhattan Center, but Steve was the most fortunate one of all to have had the opportunity of a lifetime to spend his career in paradise. Steve is married to a former teacher who is also a product of the NYC public schools and the City University system. He has two daughters living in New York, one who teaches Special Education in Queens and one who is the director of Global Alumni Relations for a law firm. Steve always reminds us to pay it forward by continuing to give back to communities of underserved populations. |
