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Fair An educator with impact
Dr. Ann Pedersen is the new Lawrence superintendent
In Room 12 at the Number Four School roughly 20 years ago, Inwood native Julian McBride was a kindergarten student. Since then he has graduated from Lawrence High School, served in the Marines, earned a degree from Adelphi University and become a forensic anthropologist.
McBride, 26, who lives in Freeport, said he believes that the lasting influence his kindergarten teacher had on him — throughout his years in the Lawrence School District and beyond — helped make him the person he is today. His Marine Corps unit nicknamed him Mr. Personality.
“Dr. Ann Pedersen has always had a positive impact of my life,” McBride wrote in an email from Greece, where he is on an archaeology dig as part of an Adelphi program. “Not only was she a teacher to my colleagues and I, she was like a second grandmother to me, as she worked alongside my actual grandmother [Loretta McCullough], who worked at the Number Four School as well.
“My experience with her didn’t just end there,” McBride added, “as she always looked out for me from grades one through 12 after kindergarten, and to this day is a close family friend. Whenever I needed guidance or assistance from Dr. Pedersen, she was always one phone call or letter away.”
On July 1, Pedersen, 59, will become the new Lawrence schools superintendent, succeeding the retiring Gary Schall.
Her career in Lawrence began with a one-year replacement appointment as a kindergarten teacher in 1992, and blossomed as she conducted teacher evaluations, handle conflicts between educators and students. Eleven years ago she was named principal of the Number Four School, which is now the Lawrence Early Childhood Center at the Number Four School.
Pedersen is also the assistant superintendent of instruction and curriculum, and added the title of deputy superintendent after Schall announced his retirement last year. Frank Zangari will replace her as principal at Number Four.
Making a career choice
“I was choosing between being a nurse or a teacher, and in reflection realized education is what I really wanted to do,” said Pedersen, who grew up in Wantagh and now lives in Freeport. “I love kids and always, while growing up, played teacher. I was the voice of reason between three brothers, told them what to do, and whether they liked it or not, they followed me.”
After her husband, Carl, was diagnosed with hereditary kidney disease in 1990, Pedersen returned to school, finished her bachelor’s degree at Adelphi University, earned a master’s from the Garden City school and completed a doctorate at North Central University in Minneapolis.
In 2001, Carl had a kidney transplant. “We take that as a blessing,” Ann said. Her husband remains disabled while on dialysis.
As a result of that family crisis, Pedersen embraced the concept of paying it forward. She said she was “the recipient of other’s people kindness” during that time. “This family [at Lawrence], teachers and staff helped take care of my family,” she said. She and Carl have three grown children, Kevin, Eric and Tara.
Her concept of family extends to the students she has educated throughout her career. Her years in the classroom and as principal were accompanied by animals in residence, from beta fish to a cockapoo named Obie, and former students fondly recall them, she said. “We’re a family of learners, and we’re on this journey together,” she said. “We’re doing this on behalf of other people’s children, and within that we take care of each other.”
Speaking for her peers, Lawrence High Principal Dr. Jennifer Lagnado said that district administrators are “very happy to see Dr. Pedersen at the helm of the Lawrence School District.” “She is well respected for her knowledge and insight regarding teaching and learning,” Lagnado added. “We have no doubt that more success will come our way under her guidance and leadership.”
McBride said that Pedersen’s unselfish manner and enthusiasm for her profession have had an impact. “Dr. Pedersen’s selfless actions and passion for students is the reason why many students [taught by] her have gone on to have great careers,” he said, “and I can truly say the Lawrence School District will have a great experience with her leadership.”
