Dierdre Hayes said that her nine years with the Herricks School District served as a memorable conclusion to her career in teaching.
“Herricks is such a progressive district,” Hayes said. “It’s so dedicated to excellence in education and exceeding expectations.”
Hayes, who is retiring as assistant superintendent of curriculum and Instruction at the end of the month, said she did not take her decision to leave Herricks lightly.
“It was a difficult decision,” she said. “My husband retired a year ago and the time is right.”
Hayes, 63, started her career in 1972 after earning a bachelor’s and master’s degree in English from Queens College. She began teaching English in New York City schools as a secondary school teacher and later became an administrator when she was asked to fill in for a woman on maternity leave.
“I realized how much I like working in curriculum and working with other people,” she said.
Hayes said she took time off to raise her children but later went back into teaching as an adjunct professor at St. John’s University where she earned her doctoral degree in administration.
She spent seven years working in the New York City school system before continuing her career in East Meadow as chairperson of English and social studies, finally moving on to director of English and social studies in the Lynbrook School District before coming to Herricks in 2005.
“I’ve always been deeply involved in curriculum and education,” she said.
Herricks Superintendent of Schools John Bierwirth said Hayes’ work has benefitted the district, citing the implementation of the Columbia Teachers College Writing program about six years ago, a literacy development program to help teachers better educate their students.
“She made it a smooth and effective transition,” Bierwirth said. “She’s really just done a tremendous job.”
Bierwirth, who will be retiring in June, said that he and Hayes complemented each other well.
“I was always math and science attuned,” he said. “She was did a fantastic job with reading and writing.”
Hayes said her partnership with Bierwirth is one she will remember.
“I’ve enjoyed partnering with him for all these years,” she said. “It’s been a wonderful experience and a pleasure.”
School Board President Jim Gounaris said Hayes’ contribution to her work went beyond her career.
“She was a fantastic assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction,” he said. “She was an ever better human being.”
Gounaris said Hayes’ contribution to the students of Herricks never fell short.
“She always put her best foot forward,” he said. She really cared about the students.”
Hayes said the feeling was mutual.
“I feel very fortunate to end my career in a school district as wonderful as Herricks,” she said.
