Long Island Teacher Of The Week: Lisa Nowakoski

LONG ISLAND, NY — Every teacher deserves praise. They work tirelessly and do so much more than just educate students. They can be role models, leaders, therapists, confidants and more.

Some teachers really go above and beyond, though. One teacher that deserves a special shout-out is Lisa Nowakoski, a health teacher teacher at Hicksville High School.

Nowakoski was nominated as Teacher of the Week by Carmen Bell. Here's what she had to say:

I have been a teaching assistant at Hicksville Public Schools for 15 years now. I have seen teachers go above and beyond many times, but I feel the need to let someone know about a Health Education teacher at the High School. Her name is Lisa Nowakoski.

At the beginning of the school year I was assigned to a student. The student has difficulties in many areas. The student is extremely bright, but will do no school work at home. I learned this pretty quickly so whenever we had any free time during the day, I would encourage him to do his homework, and he would, no questions asked. He has high standards for himself and wants to do well in school. He can’t handle it when he doesn’t do his homework and his grades drop. He starts to hit himself or act out erratically. He has been given ideas how to seek help when feeling overwhelmed, but he just can’t do it. That is where this wonderful teacher comes in.

She has offered to stay after school for him, whether he needs help in her class or any other class. She has witnessed his outbreaks and she said, "Oh,I can help him." She is so caring and attentive to him in class or in passing in the hallways. It has made such a difference in this child’s life. And my only hope is that he continues to follow her advice and seek her help for the next two years as well.

She really listens to him and understands him. I am just amazed because Ms. Nowakoski looks like she never has a bad day or never has anything go wrong. Well it’s not true. She is just very good and knows how to deal with stress and difficult situations. She even uses examples from her own personal life to teach her students all about life in general. She covers such important things all that has to do with health. From body image to social media to nutrition and the environment that we create for ourselves.

Ms. Nowakoski creates a sense of belonging for each and every one of her students in our diversified population of students. She believes that when students feel like they belong, they can achieve even more.

Congratulations to Lisa Nowakoski! Thank you for all that you do!

Do you have a special teacher you think deserves a shout-out for Teacher of the Week? Email alex.costello@patch.com to nominate your favorite teacher.