By LILLY MARK
After a childhood of feeling like he was a poor student, newly hired social studies teacher Dr. Brian Dussel is passionate about making his students feel just the opposite.
Dr. Dussel was inspired to become a teacher after coaching swimming for years and thoroughly enjoying it. He strives to make learning exciting for students who feel disconnected like he did. “When I inspire people to actually want to learn, I feel proud,” he said.
Dr. Dussel was an undergraduate and graduate student at Boston College. He majored in history and secondary education. He also worked there for his masters in the topic of curriculum and instruction. Later, Dr. Dussel earned his doctorate from LIU Post. He said, “I published a dissertation on museum field trips and even led a school through Washington D.C. as the main tour guide.”
Dr. Dussel has been working in education for 13 years. Before teaching at Jericho, Dr. Dussel worked at two schools in Jackson Heights, Queens. He said, “Being in the field for 13 years I still feel like a new teacher. I always have something interesting and new to learn from my students.”
This year’s homecoming had a special meaning for Dr. Dussel and his family. He said, “I read a story with my daughter every night about a fair. She says she has been to the most amazing fair and then says Daddy’s school fair. It was so wonderful being able to share my school with my family.”
Outside of school, Dr. Dussel loves spending time with his family, especially taking his wife Kate and children Sienna and Finn to the park. Dr. Dussel also enjoys watching soccer, drinking coffee, and going on long walks.
Curriculum associate Dr. Sundberg praised Dr. Dussel. “Dr. Dussel is very charming and enthusiastic. He is very strong and passionate when it comes to teaching and he really does get students excited about learning,” he said.
Dr. Sundberg has received outstanding feedback from colleagues about Dr. Dussel, who is known as a strong team player in the department. Dr. Sundberg said, “Teachers are getting COVID and Dr. Dussel is jumping in because he has the ability to work with new students and help out.”
Students also have positive thoughts about their teacher Dr. Dussel. Freshman Sadie K. said, “Dr. Dussel’s teaching style is unlike any of my other teachers, which makes his class exciting to go to. He is an amazing teacher.”
Freshman Emma G. added, “He is very flexible and fair. He always makes sure everyone is engaged. He even has a new student come up every day to tell a joke.”
Dr. Dussel has already had a significant impact on students and faculty, who are excited to see him continue in Jericho.