E.M. resident named ‘Distinguished Teacher’

Betsy Siegelaub, resident of East Meadow and teacher at  W.C. Mepham High School has been named a “Distinguished Teacher of 2011” by the Harvard Club of Long Island.  

One of a dozen teachers from across Long Island to receive this award — from across the 120 school districts on Long Island — Siegelaub will be honored at the Harvard Club’s annual University Relations Lunch on March 27. 

“These Distinguished Teacher Awards honor extraordinary people,” explained Dr. Judith Esterquest, a board member of the Long Island club. “In our national conversation about where America should make investments, we on Long Island need to remind ourselves of the importance of recognizing and supporting our teachers like these — teachers who continue to influence our lives for decades after we sat in their classrooms.”

Siegelaub, who has taught all levels of French and Italian for the past 29 years in the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District, always wanted to be a teacher.  When asked, she explained that as a child, she “played” at being at school and teaching others. She also serves as advisor to the French Honor Society and the Italian Honor Society.  Between 1988 and 1993, she advised the Language Express, the Mepham foreign language magazine, which won several Columbia Press awards.

Other honors and awards she has received include the “Senior Recognition Award,” given by graduating seniors in 2007, 2009, and 2010; the PTA Founder’s Award in 2006; “Outstanding BMUST Professional” (Bellmore-Merrick United Secondary Teachers) at Mepham in 1986; Herman Tenant award for “Outstanding Female Teacher” at Mepham in 1983; NYSAFLT grant for summer study in Avignon, France in 1983 (NY State Association for Foreign Language Teachers); and a Fulbright Grant for summer study in Perugia, Italy in 1981.

When not working with her students, Siegelaub spends considerable time each year writing recommendations for them — dozens of short essays for each of about 25 students per year, and perhaps 500 over the years — although only about five have been for students applying to Harvard College.

Michelle Dimino, a former student who is now a member of the Harvard College Class of 2014, nominated Siegelaub for this award. “Numerous students she has never taught know her and feel comfortable going to her for advice,” Dimino said. “Mrs. Siegelaub’s enthusiasm is contagious; and she is always available to students during her free periods or after school.”