Gail J. Weintraub
Student Teaching Coordinator, Health, Physical Education and Movement ScienceVisiting Professor of Health, Physical Education and Movement Science
B.S., Indiana State UniversityM.A., Adelphi University
gail.weintraub@liu.edu
Description
Upon graduating from college, I taught physical education in the Lynbrook public schools and coached eight sports. During my child care leave, I accepted a position at Brooklyn College as a physical education instructor. After the birth of my second child, I felt the need to be close to home, so I started the first “Mommy and Me” gymnastics program at a local gym, where I also coached the competition team and instructed future Olympians.
As the children started school, I went back to work full time as the athletic director of a private school. That position took me to Hewlett High School, where I served as the coordinator of the health education program. I established the HIV/AIDS curriculum for the district, and I was called in as a consultant to neighboring schools. I spoke on “World News Tonight,” “20/20,” “ABC News” and “Nightline” about teaching HIV/AIDS in the high school. I coached the gymnastics team and the girls and boys varsity tennis teams. Many of my former players competed at Division I schools, and one student played in the U.S. Open.
My responsibilities at Hewlett were numerous and rewarding. I developed and directed the first Sports Night, coordinated the wellness day each year; organized the largest fundraiser in the history of the school; and coordinated a fashion/variety show for breast cancer research, which raised $132,000 for the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratories.
After my retirement from public school, I became an adjunct at Nassau Community College and C.W. Post. During the summer months, I developed and taught life skills to disadvantaged minority students in a program funded by the Town of Hempstead.
In August 2009, I was appointed visiting professor in the Department of Health, Physical Education and Movement Science. I am the coordinator for the Department’s Teacher Preparation Program and the adviser for the Majors’ Club. During my non-teaching hours, I exercise, aqua jog, use my carving trike, do calligraphy, babysit for my grandchildren and travel.
Specialties
Human Sexuality, Teacher Preparation, Health Methods, Fitness/Wellness
Exhibits
- Calligraphy Exhibit for Swarovski Crystal, Saks Fifth Avenue
- Wedding Showcase, Macy’s
Honors/Awards
- Listed in Who’s Who Among America’s High School Teachers
Affiliations
- Member, American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance
