CUTV News Radio spotlights Joyce Sattler Howard

Massapequa NY - Joyce Sattler Howard is a retired teacher who taught for over twenty years at Park Avenue School in North Bellmore.

“Teaching became a part of who I am,” says Joyce. “While I may no longer physically be in a classroom, the neighborhood children still reach out to me when they need help with their school lessons. Teaching was so tremendously joyful and rewarding, I could never fully give it up.”

During her youth, Joyce’s parents were extremely active in her school functions, which played a part in inspiring her to seek a career in education. Eventually she pursued her Masters in education.

“My first priority was to ensure my students were in an atmosphere they felt protected and safe,” says Joyce. “We often practiced fire drills and the children learned how to behave very efficiently in an emergency. I would also invite parents to sit in my classroom and observe.”

One of Joyce’s fondest memories was when she created “Stranger Danger” to guide children to be cautious of strangers.  It was a video produced collectively with the children and their parents and every student was overjoyed and excited to play a role. The video is still being used in classrooms 20 years later.

“If you choose teaching as a career do it because you’re passionate about working with kids,” advises Joyce. “If you do it just for the perks like summers off you will regret your career choice and it wouldn’t be fair to the children. I get numerous wedding invitations from my students, that’s how meaningful our relationships have been.”