Eight days before students were set to arrive, a group of Wantagh School District educators had a milestone moment. New teacher orientation took place on Aug. 25 in the middle school library for more than 20 first-year faculty members, giving them a comprehensive overview of the curriculum and the community.

The group of new teachers, hired over several months to fill openings for the 2025-2026 school year, officially began their journey. In opening remarks from Superintendent John McNamara, he welcomed them to a great community with terrific students and supportive parents. He noted that students in Wantagh achieve success because of the collective K-12 effort of its educators. 

“We want to set you up for success,” he said, noting that the two-day orientation program was only the beginning. “There are plenty of supports in place.”

Mr. McNamara said that each new teacher will be assigned an experienced teacher as a mentor. He also encouraged them to always ask questions and take advantage of the expertise of their grade-level and department colleagues.

The new teachers represent all five schools, and multiple subject areas. Among the newcomers are eight elementary teachers, seven special education teachers and three music teachers. Over the two days, they attended presentations on curriculum, communication, lesson planning and instructional technology, took a bus tour of the district and spent time at their new schools.