Two Long Island Teachers to be Honored

Two distinguished Long Island teachers will be honored this May with the Long Island University Secondary School Teacher of the Year Award. Marilyn Maxwell, an English teacher at Hewlett High School, and Vincent Zangrillo, an English teacher at Southampton High School, will be honored for their outstanding performance as teachers. "Both teachers have enjoyed successful careers and are exemplary educators," said Jeffrey Kane, Vice President for Academic Affairs at Long Island University.

Marilyn Maxwell of Great Neck will receive her award on Sunday, May 9, 2004 at graduation exercises at the C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University in Brookville. Vincent Zangrillo of Hampton Bays will receive his award on Sunday, May 23, 2004 at Southampton College’s commencement ceremonies. The award carries a $500 honorarium for the teacher and $1,000 for the school district.

About Marilyn Maxwell: Dr. Maxwell’s love of teaching and learning not only is evident in her stimulating discourses with her high school English students but also in her own professional aspirations. Graduating with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Bucknell University, she went on to earn three additional master’s degrees in philosophy and education, as well as a doctoral degree in English/American literature.

An English literature educator, Dr. Maxwell has been honored by President Clinton and by The New York State English Council. Noted in Who’s Who Among American Teachers for four years, her published works include a book on women and violence and several articles that range in topic from censorship to women in literature.

At Hewlett High School, where she has taught for the past 25 years, Dr. Maxwell played an instrumental role in developing the Poetry Club, the Book of the Month Club and "Vintage," the school’s award-winning literary magazine. In 2002, she founded the Gay-Straight Alliance, a student club that fosters tolerance and understanding. Her innovative teaching style is geared to create an environment that is conducive to intellectual growth and stimulation. Book Trials, an annual spring event, which she established at the high school, provides her students with the opportunity to participate in mock hearings that explore literary censorship issues.

About Vincent Zangrillo: Vincent Zangrillo, an English teacher at Southampton High School, offers his students a seminar-like classroom to encourage the sharing of ideas and points of view. Zangrillo’s approach to teaching literature encourages students to explore problems in society and has revitalized many of the students’ interest in reading.

Recognized and praised for his creativity and originality in his curriculum, he demonstrates his enthusiasm for teaching by sharing stories of his personal life - including travel, books and art interests - and shows a mutual respect for his students. As one of his former students remarked, "Possibly the most valued aspect of a teacher is his or her opinion. It is sought on various topics, expected on returned papers. Zangrillo tells it how it is. And his students respect that."

With an undergraduate degree from SUNY Albany, an M.A. from Adelphi University and post-graduate work in the fields of drama and literature under his belt, Zangrillo continuously gives his students the highest caliber of materials to challenge and shape their young minds.

Long Island University instituted the Secondary School Teacher of the Year Award in 1991. The school superintendents nominate distinguished teachers for this award and then a committee of faculty members from Long Island University review the applications and letters of nominations. Long Island University offers one of the widest ranges of teacher training, counseling and administration programs in the region.

For more information call the C.W. Post Public Relations Office at (516) 299-2333 or e-mail pr@cwpost.liu.edu or call Southampton College Public Relations Office at (631) 287-8313 or e-mail pr@southampton.liu.edu.