BMUFSD: Q & A With Retiring Teacher David Golod

Press release from the Briarcliff Manor Union Free School District:

2024-05-24

Todd Elementary School and Briarcliff Middle School math teacher David Golod is retiring this year. We talked with him about some of his most memorable experiences in his 30 years in the district, his ongoing pranks and his plans for retirement.

Q: How long have you been a teacher at the school, what grade/subject and where did you teach before?

A: I came to Todd School in 1994 on Halloween. I have taught grades three, four, five, six and eight (that was scary). I have had 12 classrooms at Todd and five in the Middle School.

Q: What are some memorable moments from your career at the school?

A: Laughing with colleagues and students for over 30 years.

Q: Can you share a funny incident that happened while teaching?

A: Way back when, I borrowed Ms. Linville’s glue gun. She wanted it back and I held it for ransom. She sent a plastic pumpkin on a cafeteria tray with some glitter. Well, that was not deemed good enough, and another ransom note was sent. Ms. Linville and my class spent the rest of the day pranking each other. When I brought my class back from Related Arts, my classroom door was covered in cardboard and duct tape, the room was “ransacked,” and the glue gun was gone. The day inspired the short story: “The Ransom of Gluey.”

Q: Do you have any advice to offer to a teacher starting out?

A: I am at heart an elementary school teacher and I recommend that new teachers take the time to be silly, go out for extra recess and enjoy the students for the people they are.

Q: What are your plans for retirement?

A: Turn off the alarm clock, find new adventures, learn new things, make new friends. Fly my plane whenever I can, expand my garden, bake more bread and enjoy time my friends and family.

Q: If you can pass any wisdom to your student’s what would it be?

A: Remember the power of YET.

Q: What is your favorite quote?

“Collect memories, not things.” – Akash Lakhotia

This press release was produced by the Briarcliff Manor Union Free School District. The views expressed here are the author’s own.