Matthew Hubbard traveled more than 250 miles to get to his new desk at Herricks Middle School.
The new assistant principal, who assumed his role on July 1, previously served in positions in Virginia’s Arlington Public Schools.
Hubbard was born in New Mexico and raised in Colorado. He’s also taught in Maryland and Pennsylvania. He and his family are excited about their move to Long Island.
“My beautiful wife, Adrienne, grew up on Long Island and we still have a lot of family in the area that we look forward to spending more time with as we settle down,” Hubbard said in an interview. “Even though we are so close to the largest city in America, Long Island maintains a small town feel and has wonderful communities that we look forward to becoming a part of.”
Hubbard’s four children, 5-year-old twins Matthew and Madeline, 3-year-old Evelyn and 1-year-old Samuel, are making the northward move, too.
Hubbard won’t be the only new face at the school this year. Former Middle School Principal Joan Keegan, who moved up to serve as high school principal, was succeeded by Brian McConaghy.
Loren Borgese is Denton Avenue School’s new principal and Diana DeGiorgio is now in charge of Searingtown School.
Hubbard said his first goal in his new position is “to not mess anything up.”
“By that I mean that Herricks Middle School is already a fantastic school in a fantastic school district and I plan to be a part of upholding that tradition of excellence,” Hubbard said. “After that, I hope that my prior experiences and expertise will be a value added to the school district and that my contributions will only serve to enhance an already excellent place to live, work, and raise a family.”
Hubbard was a specialist in the Arlington Public Schools’ Department of Teaching and Learning, first as a science specialist and then as a secondary teacher specialist.
He has two master of arts degree, one in math and science education from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and another in administration and supervision from the University of Virginia
He received his bachelor’s degree form Pennsylvania State University.
Hubbard comes from a family of educators, but specifically pursued science education based on great teachers in middle and high school, he said.
Hubbard was hooked on teaching after presenting a project on DNA as a seventh grader to a group of younger children from a neighboring elementary school, he said.
“The challenge of trying to consider how to take a concept such as DNA, engage the audience in a conversation, use examples that children … could understand, and help them to grasp an abstract concept of something they could not see or touch was thrilling,” Hubbard said.
Hubbard’s enthusiasm, along with his knowledge and experience, is what impressed the district, Superintendent Fino Celano said in a district release.
“We are excited to have him join our leadership team and believe that he will contribute to the excellent initiatives taking place at the middle school,” Celano said.
Years after that first go at teaching kids not much younger than his seventh grade self, Hubbard still loves the field.
He said his favorite part of his job is building relationships with the children and their families.
“There is nothing better than seeing the smile on the face of a young person because there is so much potential behind that smile,” Hubbard said. “I am one of the lucky few that can help that student realize their own potential and get to observe them grow as individuals.
