"The
secret of education lies in respecting the child ."
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
It gives me great pleasure to write
this letter on behalf of Professor Cohen. As you are aware, this summer I
found myself in a very precarious situation where I had to take an
independent study course for Child Development EDU703.
Professor Cohen was warm and
receptive in helping me meet this challenge. The course curriculum and
instruction was very labor intensive, and I really had to apply myself in
order to learn about the extensive information she administered on the
development of children and the various educational theorists.
Good student/teacher relationships
are an integral part of any educational institution. Ms. Cohen is truly an
asset to C.W. Post. Her professional demeanor, follow-up and intense
curriculum were surely reflected in my academic achievements.
I would like to dedicate the
following poem by Ralph Waldo Emerson to Professor Cohen:
Success
To laugh often and much; to win
the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn
appreciation; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the
betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in
others; to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a
garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has
breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.
We always here about the complaints
but it is critical for every educational institution to be reminded that
what makes great students are great teachers.
A Masters Degree in Early Childhood
Education will be a second master program for me. Through collaborative
efforts and perseverance the path for making this goal a reality has been
established. I must say thank you to Professor Cohen for a job well done,
I really had to work hard to earn that A. Sincerely,
- Michelle Martin
There are no words
sufficient to express my appreciation for assigning Professor Nancy
Cohen as my Childhood Ed. student teaching supervisor. Her
compassion and support has been overwhelming. Additionally,
her feedback regarding both her observation of my classroom teaching and
my portfolio were positive and constructive. She was
honest with me always and I respect her for that. She
was consistently professional and my cooperating teacher at Old Bethpage
elementary school commented on how wonderful she was and how lucky I was
to have been placed with her. There is a reason for
everything, my experience with Professor Cohen will make me a better
teacher and as she guided me to express who I am in my portfolio. From
this I will guide my students to express themselves in their writings. Teaching
children is not about what I know it is about what the student knows and
how the student feels. Professor Cohen proved this
when she reviewed two teaching philosophies I had written and
immediately knew which one was coming from my heart and really reflected
why I chose to teach and how I feel about teaching and teachers that
have had significant influence on me and drove me to pursue my degree.
Professor Cohen is an asset to C.W. Post and a woman who cares about the
students she teaches. It was my pleasure to know her
as a teacher and as a person. She was truly a mentor
to me and I will never forget her for that. So thank
you again for affording me this wonderful experience. My Kindest
Regards,
- Michelle Matathia
I write this letter in
sincere appreciation for my experiences as a student in two classes
taught by Professor Nancy Cohen. I was fortunate to have Professor
Cohen as my instructor for both Creative Expressions in Early Childhood
and for Methods in Early Childhood for Summer Session I.
I found Professor Cohen to
be the epitome of professionalism at all times. Her genuine interest in
the subject matter she taught clearly came through to the class and
myself. Her daily enthusiasm for the classes she taught, coupled with
her obviously high level of competency in the field, engendered in me a
deep appreciation for the subjects Professor Cohen taught.
Professor Nancy Cohen at all
times was accessible to her students and always ready to explain
something further if the need arose. I was always able to contact her
with any question I may have had and always received a prompt reply,
which dispelled any confusion. To me, Professor Cohen is a role model,
and the image of a teacher I would like to emulate in my professional
career.
I once read that a great
teacher is someone who can enkindle in their students not only a desire
to thoroughly master a specific subject matter but also become the very
best person that can be for themselves and others. I know I have met
such a teacher in Professor Cohen and I am very glad she is on the
faculty of C.W. Post/Long Island University. Very Truly Yours,
- Tara Minkel
Professor Cohen is an exceptional educator. She
possesses the virtues of dedication, tolerance and patience. I had
Professor Cohen for Edu 41 as well as being fortunate enough to have her
as my supervisor for student teaching. She has been an invaluable mentor
and had shown me various techniques and recommendations in preparing
lessons for young children. Her knowledge and expertise have shown me
how to become a motivated educator. Sincerely,
- Maria Rizzuto
I enjoyed having Professor Cohen as a teacher. She taught
with a "hands-on" approach and was always willing and eager to help her
students. I learned a lot from Professor Cohen and will miss having her
as a teacher. She shows her students that she cares and she is a
wonderful role model. I just wanted to express my gratitude for allowing
me to be a part of her wonderful classroom experience. Sincerely,
- Maren Karp
Thank you for
all your help. You have made my student teaching experience exciting and I
always felt comforted knowing you were there to guide me. I think you're a
wonderful person and sincere in your thoughtful actions. I was very
nervous the first time you came to observe me at school, but when you
walked into the room, I immediately became calm. You are an enthusiastic
and caring professor and I feel extremely lucky to have been in your
seminar.
- Alison
McCoy
I am a recent graduate of the
Childhood Education/Literacy Masters Program at C.W. Post, and have had
the good fortune of working in both Jericho School District as a
substitute teacher and Syosset School District as a Reading Remediation
Tutor. Many of the strategies that I acquired during my methods courses
and literacy practicums have helped me become a very effective teacher.
Although I never enjoyed my math
studies as a child and it was not my finest subject, I have been
successful in teaching it to many elementary students by using fun
hands-on activities. I must admit that many of the valuable strategies
and creative activities that I modeled and implemented were based on
ideas learned in Professor Nancy Meryl Cohen’s EDU 713 class (Teaching
Math in Elementary School).
Professor Cohen brought an enthusiasm
to her class that was truly contagious. I never believed that I could
have possibly enjoyed math as much as I did in her classroom.
Thankfully, she proved to me that math can be taught in a fun, creative
and challenging way. I now am confident that I will instill a love for
math in students that never enjoyed it before. Best regards,
- Donnamaria Bellocco
Nancy Cohen is a wonderful
tutor/teacher who was always available to work with my daughter - and who
improved her English SAT score - where a prior tutor failed to help. My
daughter's score improved approximately 100 points! With Nancy's help, my
daughter was accepted to her "first choice" college.
- Steve Morse
Nancy Cohen has tutored
my son Andrew since June of 2003. He joined her program working in a
summer reading group and in October 2003, she began working with him
individually to help prepare him for the fourth grade ELA.
What I love
about Nancy is she doesn't waste time. Other tutors we worked with took
months to evaluate my son. Nancy saw his weakness immediately and went to
work. Andrew's writing has improved dramatically over the past 4 months.
It was one of the first things his teacher said to me when I met with her
in December for his report card.
Nancy is more than just a great tutor. As a mom, she
understands the pressure our children are under with endless projects,
homework and tests. She had been there for us countless times and is
always available to answer my questions or help me deal with a school
problem. I am so glad we found her!
- Toni Vatelli
Thank you for assisting with
the Portfolio Workshop for Student Teachers held on March 4 at Long Island
University/C.W. Post Campus. The Workshop supported students' development
of a teaching portfolio within the structure of the student teaching
semester. The Department appreciates your contribution to the student
teaching program. Thank you, again. Sincerely,
- Dr. Karleen Goubeaud
Director of Student Teaching
C.W. Post Campus/Long Island
University
I am a former student of Professor
Nancy Meryl Cohen and would like to take this opportunity to express my
gratitude for a wonderful learning experience.
I was fortunate to have taken a math
methods class and a social studies methods class with Professor Cohen. I
found her to be creative, energetic and personable. Whenever I need to
prepare a lesson plan, I find myself reflecting on what I learned from her
classes. She left quite an impression on me. Professor Cohen has a
remarkable ability to bring out the best in her students.
I appreciate the efforts of
Professor Cohen to provide me with such an exceptional learning
experience. Sincerely,
- Donna M. Romano
When I began
my studies at C.W. Post, I was unsure that I would be able to handle the
course work and program, but this course helped me to build confidence in
my abilities. Professor Cohen, you are a professional, enthusiastic,
compassionate and educated teacher who brought extensive knowledge of
children and education to the class. You encouraged an open, supportive
and friendly learning environment where my fellow students and I could ask
questions and discuss our ideas without reservation. I feel that you are a
fantastic educator who should be congratulated and praised for her
teaching methods and nurturing attitude towards her students. I can
honestly say that this has been the most helpful, enlightening and hands
on course I have taken in my time at C.W. Post. From the textbook
selection to the written assignments, this course has prepared me for the
classroom environment. Sincerely,
-
Lauren Foster
I am a graduate of C.W. Post in the
curriculum area of Early Childhood Education. The education I received
at Post has been a great experience and I would like to commend
Professor Cohen.
A great resource during my
education, Professor Cohen not only taught the fundamentals of
education, but encouraged her students to develop their own teaching
philosophies. She always stressed the importance of the personal and
professional development of her future teachers and because of this, her
students are truly prepared to student teach.
As a teacher, I feel it is
important to allow children to make choices, when able, in their
educational process and how they approach assignments. I learned this
first-hand as a student; Professor Cohen used this approach with her
students, as well. This ability to allow students to make determinations
about his/her learning requires an organized and confident teacher. It
is a technique I hope to utilize in the classroom. Again, I would like
to thank the department - but in particular, the dedication of Professor
Cohen. Sincerely,
- Cecilia Stella
Nancy Cohen is always right
on the money when it comes to elevating her students who she tutors.
I have found that Nancy tells me things
about my children way before my school tells me .
- Linda Nissan
Testimonio Isabel Delgado (mamá de Laura I. Negrón – Kindergarten Mi
Casita)
“Creo
que el trabajo que se está realizando en el Kindergarten es excelente,
de calidad y sobre todo divertido para los niños.
Laura
llega feliz todos los días y todos los días canta una canción nueva que
ella disfruta y yo me doy cuenta de que está aprendiendo muchísimo.
Todo este éxito se debe a una visionaria como tú, a un equipo de
maestros (Yaren, Claribel y Michelle) que comparten esa visión y la
ponen en práctica día a día.Maestra Yaren es una profesional en su
trabajo y los niños la adoran y la respetan muchísimo.
Una
vez más, las felicito por su dedicación y trabajo con los niños. Laura
es una niña feliz gracias a todo el amor que recibe del Centro Mi
Casita. Atentamente,
-
Isabel Delgado
Testimonio Millie Robles (mamá de Wilfredo E. Bobé – Kindergarten Mi
Casita)
“Mi
hijo de cinco años ha adquirido gran madurez y amor hacia el
aprendizaje gracias al método de aprendizaje Clevertutor”, antes de
estar expuesto al método se aburría en el salón de preescolar y se salía
del mismo buscando otras actividades más entretenidas, al comenzar
Kindergarten en Mi Casita dónde se incorporó Clevertutor, nunca sale del
salón, siempre está contento con lo que está practicando o explorando y
a la hora de irnos a casa muchas veces pone resistencia para irse y me
pide que le de un “ratito” más y que él me avisa cuando nos vamos.....
Como
madre me siento muy feliz y satisfecha de tener estos resultados en
Kindergarten para mi hijo ya que atesorará el Amor al Aprendizaje que
lo llevará con él el resto de sus años escolares y una vez bien
aprendido lo hará parte de él y será muy existoso también en sus
estudios universitarios. Fomentar el Amor al Aprendizaje es uno de los
fundamentos básicos de Clevertutor y si esto es logrado exitosamente es
mucho lo que académicamente un estudiante puede lograr.
-
Millie Robles
Having just completed my Masters Degree in Early
Childhood Education and I just wanted to let you know that my
supervisor, Professor Nancy Meryl Cohen was wonderful. She was
very patient, caring, encouraging and a positive role model.
Professor Cohen always made time for her student teachers. She
made herself available to us via telephone and through e-mail. I
learned so much from her. She told us real stories about her own
experiences and told us what to expect when we begin our search
for employment. Professor Cohen gave me the confidence I needed
to know that I will be a great teacher and the love I have for
children shows in the work that I do for the classroom.
Professor Nancy Meryl Cohen is a wonderful supervisor,
professor, and friend.
Dear Professor Cohen,
I wanted to thank you for one of the most pleasurable learning experiences I have encountered in my educational career. Your class was a sheer joy to attend. You allowed us to grow as individuals, learn from our peers and ourselves by simply guiding us through the process. I just reviewed my portfolio and I was astonished to see in actuality just how much I have truly learned. This portfolio was a brilliant idea because as a future teacher I will use this to guide me. Out of all my classes that I have taken thus far in my graduate program this is the first class where I learned how to write a lesson plan and how to teach children from a creative standpoint. Once again thank you and please let me know what future classes you will be teaching.
-Kelly Lampropoulos
I enjoyed Professor Nancy Meryl Cohen's class! I had to write a paper to put in our final project and I choose to write about what I learned from the class instead of what I learned from observing. Since I just took this class to add to my certification and was not mandated to observe a class I figured it would be okay. I can say some classes I didn't get my money's worth, but this time I defiantly did.
Different techniques I liked & learned:
This class has taught me so many different techniques I am honestly amazed.
Normally you learn from the textbook and the teacher, but we also got to learn from one another, which I think helped me, the most. I have learned how differante a lesson plan so that you can reuse you it to fit your grade level. For example: Google Earth, I learned how to implement that in any grade I teach or various different topics that I will teach. Not only that, it helped me learn that using technology is not as hard as it looks.
Another important thing I learned from this class was how to implement music and art into your curriculum. Being that I am not familiar with those subjects as much as I would like to be (music & art), it showed me how to make different subject intertwine. For example: Tissue Box guitar can be used for the topic of recycling and made into something fun as an assessment. I loved that.
Another major learning experience was “Greenie.” It not only showed me how to show how bullying can play a part in your classroom but a major way how to prevent. I loved how it showed the students at the end that the scares never fully heal. This would make it easier for them to see the effects of making fun of someone who is different than them. It also helps considering many schools in the tri-state area are extremely diversified now. It shows the student’s that it is okay to be different.
Just learning from other peoples past experiences and how to expand on different ideas was one of the biggest things I will take with me from this class.
Overall I also learned how to teach and implement different topics that I was unfamiliar with and learned how to combine different things to make lessons more fun filled.
e with such an exceptional learning
experience. Sincerely,
- Maria Guarisco
I write this letter in
sincere appreciation for my experiences as a student in two classes
taught by Professor Nancy Cohen. I was fortunate to have Professor
Cohen as my instructor for both Creative Expressions in Early Childhood
and for Methods in Early Childhood for Summer Session I.
I first met Nancy Meryl Grohman Cohen when she was a student of mine at Adelphi University. From that point forward, I watched her develop from an eager student of Education to a superb educational professional. Several years ago, she was a Visiting Professor at my University where she taught in the C.W. Post School of Education. Her student evaluations were exceptional. Students found her not only knowledgeable and responsive to their questions, but filled with enthusiasm for teaching and always accessible to them. Of particular note, she brings a personal depth to her teaching that reflects the kind of unique cognitive ability that Howard Gardner would describe as an existential intelligence—the ability to see life in context and to integrate the events of daily life within a broader framework of meaning and purpose. At the same time, Nancy clearly is a hands-on person with practical skills and interest. I would unreservedly recommend her for any teaching position for which she might be considered.
-Jeffrey Kane
Vice President of Academic Affairs
Long Island University
Ms. Cohen supervised student teachers in the Department of Curriculum & Instruction at Long Island University where I was the Coordinator of Student Teaching. Ms. Cohen was a wonderful mentor to our pre-service teachers, drawing from them their best efforts as they developed their teaching skills. She always displayed professionalism in working with students and faculty. It was a pleasure to have Ms. Cohen as a colleague. She is an outstanding educator.
- Karleen Goubeaud
“In this course, I truly learned to think outside of the box. One of the very first in class, creative projects we did was to throw out an assortment of materials onto bulletin paper and we were instructed to use our imaginations........
With that, the door to my imagination was thrown open and I have been inspired by that to go through an assortment of projects and activities that have passed before my eyes in my daughter's classes.
Being a teacher, I do not always get a chance to truly LOOK at every detail of my daughter;s art projects. Now, I have taken the time to do so and have marveled at how fun these projects are and how nicely they turned out. Throughout the year, there are a selection of ideas I found to be interesting, educational and fun!
They cover counting, literacy, color identification and seasonal items. Enjoy.
-
Kristen
Special thanks must go to Professor Cohen for her continued support and guidance during my first semester. Being new to the school, the field of education, and the country was daunting, but Professor Cohen made me feel welcome and gave me the confidence to express myself, allowing me to settle quickly. I would also like to thank my class peers of whom I have learned so much, and have provided me with some great memories and potential lessons for the future. This portfolio can contain only a small portion of what I truly learned and will carry with me in the future.
-Patrick
