Elizabeth Duberstein Wins A 2013 Blackboard Award For Teachers

What are some of the key joys or challenges of being a guidance counselor?

Every day, a sixth grader comes into my room to say “good morning.” When he first started at our school, he was nervous and spent most days crying and leaving school early. It brings me great joy to know that I am a welcome face to this student (and to all the students) and that I have helped him feel comfortable in school.

It’s challenging when I want to assist [students] with their difficulties and there are obstacles that are beyond their control. My most important job is to teach them to self-motivate and strive to improve their situation.

Tell us about any special projects or initiatives you are most proud of this year.

Hurricane Sandy devastated my school. While we were displaced for an entire month, I was informed of two Brooklyn teachers who wanted to donate presents to our students. I compiled a list of 200 students who were displaced from their homes, and they received presents during the holiday season. After we returned to our school, I formed a hurricane relief team. We were able to match our students with organizations that wanted to help their families. Currently, this team is in the process of giving thousands of dollars in gift cards to needy families.

Over the course of your career, what do you consider some of your greatest accomplishments to date?

I was able to assist numerous families in getting back on their feet and be part of a welcoming school environment when we finally returned to our building post-Sandy.

I currently sit on the school leadership team and work closely with the PTA. I organized the morale team to enhance student involvement in school.

What drives you and keeps you motivated to continue your hard work as a guidance counselor on a daily basis?

When I first became a guidance counselor, my mom—who is a retired guidance counselor—gave me the best advice I could have ever received. She told me that every day when I walk into my school, I should treat my students as if they were my own. This advice keeps me motivated because every student, no matter how upset they are or how mad they get, deserves to be treated with empathy and compassion.

For more information about the Blackboard Awards, visit blackboardawards.com

Belle da Costa Greene: A Librarian's Legacy

The Morgan Library &amp; Museum will present a major exhibition devoted to the life and career of its inaugural director, Belle da Costa Greene (1879&ndash;1950). Widely recognized as an authority on illuminated manuscripts and deeply respected as a cultural heritage executive, Greene was one of the most prominent librarians in American history. The exhibition will trace Greene&rsquo;s storied life, from her roots in a predominantly Black community in Washington, D.C., to her distinguished career at the helm of one of the world&rsquo;s great research libraries. Through extraordinary objects―from medieval manuscripts and rare printed books to archival records and portraits―the exhibition will demonstrate the confidence and savvy Greene brought to her roles as librarian, scholar, curator, and cultural executive, and honor her enduring legacy.

Bay Ridge Prep

An Independent K-12 College Preparatory School. With a student-centered environment and fresh approach to education, the school provides an enriching academic experience in a socially mature environment.

Sylvan Learning Center

We know how hard you're working to help get your child's skills and grades up. If you aren't seeing a difference, turn to Sylvan. They can help you get beyond the symptoms and find out what's really going on. Sylvan offers support in reading, writing, math, and SAT Prep. Their assessments pinpoint exactly where to focus to make the biggest difference and their teachers are experts in today's teaching methods. They can guide your child through his or her own learning plan, so you see a change quickly. You aren't in this alone! Sylvan is here for you. Call them today. Your Child Is Unique. With Sylvan, You&rsquo;ll Get Personalized Tutoring to Match.&nbsp; If you&rsquo;re like most Sylvan families, you don&rsquo;t believe that education should be &ldquo;one size fits all.&rdquo; You want learning to be personalized to your child&rsquo;s talents and needs. At Sylvan, it is. You&rsquo;ll find the right program for exactly where your child is in the educational journey &mdash; whether you want help catching up, honing skills, taking on advanced classes or getting ready for big college dreams. At Sylvan Learning of Mineola, they&rsquo;re focused on building academic confidence, igniting intellectual curiosity, and inspiring a love for learning &ndash; all of which make a big impact in school and in life.&nbsp; This school year, you don&rsquo;t have to go it alone. Getting tutoring support from Sylvan&rsquo;s education experts can help immensely! Think: Less pressure on you, less frustration at home and more success in school! Their caring teachers are experts at encouraging and motivating kids to learn, grow and flourish. They&rsquo;ll help your child not only grasp tough concepts, but also improve self-esteem and spark a desire and eagerness to learn.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;