Thursday, October 1, 2026
Eight teachers in Lynbrook retired recently, allowing them to reflect on their legacy of educating hundreds of students and transitioning with new generations.
The Lynbrook School District honored the retired teacher, who combined have served over more than 200 years, with the longest tenured educator teaching over 30 years.
These teachers have witnessed the explosion of technology in classrooms, changing policies on state testing and uncertainty with funding.
MaryJean LaMarca, a mathematics teacher at Lynbrook High School for 25 years, said her latter years of teaching served as a crash course on technology.
“When I first started, the pinnacle of technology was an overhead projector. Now, every kid has a tablet,” LaMarca said. “It has required me to constantly change the way I deliver the material, manage grades, and communicate with students and parents.”
But, by far, most teachers said the most challenging experience in their decades of service was the pandemic.
Kathleen Schueler, a teacher aide at Marion Street Elementary for 18 years, said the coronavirus pandemic showcased the obstacles of altering the educational systems in place.
For example, switching from desktops to laptops for every student, and making sure the virtual world could transform into a classroom proved difficult.
“This involved making sure over 400 students had access to passwords and Zoom software. This applied to teachers as well. During the Covid time frame I was the ‘first line of defense’ for any issues that came up with the laptops.”
Schueler added that what kept her going was the understanding that children needed her to help them keep their education rewarding.
“The challenges that I faced required patience and understanding from parents, students and school personnel. The cooperation from all three was essential and necessary,” she said.
Rita Callahan, a second grade teacher at West End for 31 years, echoed Schueler’s thoughts, and said witnessing students’ growth rehydrated her love for teaching.
“The wonderful students themselves, their enthusiasm and love of learning and witnessing their academic growth and successes kept me going for my 35 years of teaching,” Callahan said.
Karen Goulet, a family and consumer science teacher at Lynbrook High School for 16 years, said the biggest challenge of her career was the quest to deliver lessons that were meaningful and engaging.
She said she consistently did research to vary the types of projects so students didn't get bored, and they had the chance to find out what they enjoyed doing.
“It was never a question to ‘keep going’—there was so much to do,” Goulet said. “The freedom that I was allowed to create my lessons, kept me moving forward.”
The retirees honored at the last Lynbrook Board of Education meeting also included Mary Prendergast, a teacher assistant who served for 17 years at West End Elementary; Kathleen Freehill, a kindergarten teacher who served for 28 years; Anne Conway, a second grade teacher who served for 30 years at Marion Street; and Robyn Freiman, an English teacher who served for 30 years at South Middle School.
As they enjoy time to relax and appreciate their careers, many teachers said they realized the reason they have taught for so long: Lynbrook Public Schools felt like home.
“I spent the first 16 years teaching at Freeport High School and left because of Lynbrook's stellar academic reputation,” LaMarca said. “Lynbrook has more than lived up to the billing.”
