By MADISON KANE and WILLA LEFKOWICZ
From teaching global history, U.S. history, 8th grade social studies, being certified to teach AP courses , and serving as assistant director of Choreo, this year’s newest addition to the social studies department Ms. Alyssa Lionetti seems to do it all.
Ms. Lionetti has been interested in social studies ever since she was a student. She said, “I just always looked forward to going to social studies every day because it’s just like one big story. Like, how did we get to where we are today?”
Ms. Lionetti attended St. Joseph’s College where she earned her bachelor’s degree in history and adolescent education, as well as a master’s degree in special education and severe and multiple disabilities.
Ms. Lionetti’s passion for history seeps out in her lessons, which helps keep her students attentive and interested. “It’s really important, especially with history, to keep it engaging even if it’s playing one of those silly history song parodies,” she said.
Sophomore Emma M. enjoys Ms. Lionett’s curriculum. “I love Ms. Lionetti’s class. She is so nice, and I love global history. She makes it so easy and fun,” she said.
Waking up at 4:50 a.m., Ms. Lionetti prioritizes productivity. She enjoys walking her 9-year-old Shih Tzu Roxy, shopping, hanging out with friends and family and working out in her free time. The newly engaged teacher is planning her wedding along with her fiancé who she met at the school she worked at previously.
Social Studies Curriculum Associate Dr. Sundberg was impressed in part with Ms. Lionett’s technology skills. “The lens we were looking through for the past two years definitely included a technology skill set. Ms. Lionetti becomes another one of these people who also has the technology chops to work in a more hybrid world that we’re still in, and will be in forever,” he said.
Ms. Lionetti has had a passion for dance since a young age, and was the assistant director of the St. John the Baptist High School’s dance program. Following the path of her past jobs, she is the new assistant director of Choreo. Jericho’s Dance Director Ms. Corbett said, “I am so excited to be working with Ms. Lionetti this year. She will be a great addition to our dance department and I look forward to having her as my assistant director for Choreo.”
Ms. Lionetti values integrity, honesty and a strong work ethic in her students.
Ms. Lionetti gravitated towards the Jericho School District due to its outstanding reputation. She has heard such great things about not only the abilities of the students, but the staff members here. Her transition to Jericho went smoothly, even though she did not know anyone prior to coming. “Overall, I’ve just heard such positive things about the Jericho School District,” she said.
Students seem to love the energy that Ms. Lionetti brings to the classroom, and they are looking forward to continuing learning from her. “She talks to us and helps us with questions we have,” said sophomore Ari L.
Forging relationships with her students and co-teachers is part of why Ms. Lionetti is thriving in the Jericho community.