Art and Math Departments Welcome New Teachers to the Hive
Mr. Mei Shi Hong, a CTE media arts teacher, is a former Midwood student himself. Photo: Kevin Shust
By KEVIN SHI and KEVIN SHUST
The art and math departments have brought two new teachers on board this year: Mr. Mei Shi Hong and Mr. Oleg Leocumovich.
Mr. Hong, a student-teacher who teaches Career and Technical Education (CTE) Media Arts, is a former Midwood student himself. He got his start in teaching with an apprenticeship after his high school graduation.
“Given that I did not know what to expect, nor had I taken any education courses before, it was a daunting experience,” Mr. Hong said. ”But I have remained in the classroom since.”
CTE programs are only available at the New York City College of Technology (City Tech), a part of CUNY.
“There are a number of reasons why I started teaching, but the simple answer is that teaching chose me," Mr. Hong said. "There is something special about working with young people and making a difference in their educational careers that makes teaching a fulfilling job.”
“It definitely felt weird at first – calling my former teachers my colleagues and not being that much older than my students,” he said. “But overall, it has been a great experience. I also get to work alongside my former video production teacher and support the Media Arts program that I was part of as a student.”
When Midwood students return as teachers, it also contributes to a representation that reflects the student body, he said.
“The students in a New York City public school classroom today are so diverse that it only makes sense for teachers to be, too,” Mr. Hong said. “I think it is important for students to have teachers that look like them, to not only show that representation matters, but also to have a role model that they can look up to and connect with.”
Mr. Leocumovich, a new face in the math department teaching Algebra II and Calculus, once planned on becoming a dentist. But after completing an Associate Degree in Dental Technology, his desire to spend more time with his family sealed his decision to switch directions and become a math teacher instead.
“I chose to get married and have a family over trying to become a dentist,” Mr. Leocumovich explained.
Mr. Leocumovich was a student teacher at Midwood while attending Brooklyn College years ago, but until recently, Midwood did not have a need for an additional math teacher. He has a high opinion of the Hornet student body, which he described as more professional in their behavior and “hardworking.” He most recently taught for five years in downtown Brooklyn at Science Skills Center High School before arriving at Midwood.
“I always wanted to teach at Midwood,” Mr. Leocumovich said. “It took me 15 years to finally have my dream become a reality.”