Letter to the Editor: Don't Slash Peekskill High School Technology Teacher Position

Peekskill Superintendent and School Board,  

I am writing in reaction to the news that the Peekskill School district will be ending the Technology Education program at the high school. I’m a 1999 graduate of Peekskill and have taken most if not all technology class offerings while a student. I went on to gain an Associates in Communications and Media arts, a Bachelors in Technology Education and a Masters of education in Technology as well. The reason I point this out is simple. My high school Technology experience was a stepping stone into a field that I truly love and has become my lively-hood. I am currently enjoying my 6th year teaching middle school technology at the Bronxville School District. Had it not been for the mentorship of Mr. John Testa I can say with confidence that I would not have the quality of life I enjoy today.

Feedback of this sort is few and far between. As a teacher I see this point all the time. One thing I have come to know is that the impact of courses in technology can be long lasting. Those in decision making positions should educate themselves on the direction Technology education has taken in the last 15 years. I fear that decisions of value have been made through the lens of dated experiences. I encounter comments on back to school night that reflect this point. Countless parents have commented on how different the class is compared to years past.  And how happy they are that experiences like my class are still around. The Peekskill school district has eroded the presence of the technology department in both middle and high schools over the past 15 years. 

The economy of today and tomorrow is in need of thinkers that know how to do. The lines between blue and white color jobs is all but gone. By asking BOCES to set up shop in Peekskill high school as a replacement for technology education sends several signals. First, Peekskill schools are unwilling to take responsibility for the quality and direction of education, BOCES are out sourced contract educators. Second, Peekskill schools are having math and science teachers take on the responsibility of teaching Technology Education courses. These teachers are not qualified to do this. Not one of them knows the standards and bench marks that guide the direction and quality of technology as a subject. Third, Peekskill schools are placing budgetary issues ahead of the students and that is simply wrong. 

The Peekskill schools superintendent and school board need to educate themselves on what the grand possibilities of a well developed technology program could yield. Make a trip to Oswego State University (the birthplace of Technology Education) and have a look around. You will walk away with an energized sense of what could be offered in Peekskill High School. The leaders of the Peekskill School District have been hired or elected to represent the best interest of all students. Please put in work deserving and expected of your responsibility. 

Regards, 

Greg J. Di Stefano 
Technology Teacher 
Bronxville Union Free School District
Peekskill High School Alumni, 1999