Q&A: Nicole Pollina is New Suffolk's New Teacher

Nicole Pollina, 27, is newest addition. Pollina, who studied special education, is the third teacher in the tiny antique two-room schoolhouse normally occupied by only two teachers. But this year, with the school'sstudents, Pollina's services were very much-needed. She works with all children, but also has the skills to help those with special needs.

An energetic multi-tasker with a knack for organization, Pollina is a Cutchogue resident and has lived on the North Fork for the past 14 years. She spends her weekends helping out at in Southold with her husband's family, who owns the winery. 

We got to chat with Pollina while her first year at New Suffolk is still in full swing.

Q: When did you know that you wanted to be a teacher?

A: In second grade I had my favorite teacher, Mrs. Alexander. She was just so wonderful and caring and kind. I loved the way she made me feel and I wanted kids to feel that way too. And then she moved to sixth grade, so I had her for sixth grade too. I struggled a lot in that grade and she really supported me. She made me feel just as special and smart as everyone else.

Q: What brought you to work in special education?

A: My sister was a special ed student, and she struggled all throughout high school. She had a lot of great teachers and they were really supportive of her. I just felt compassionate towards people with special needs.

Q: What was your favorite subject in school?

A: English and all my art classes. I loved art. I'm very hands-on, creative, crafty. I had a really, really great art teacher in high school … and she was my favorite teacher. She was just so positive and so encouraging that she just kept reinforcing my wish to be a teacher.

Q: What were you like in elementary school?

A: In fourth grade, I was the quiet girl because my teacher was mean. I accidentally called her mom once and she screamed at me. I was a very good student and always got good grades. I definitely fooled around with my friends, but when it came time for work I was a serious student.

Q: Did you want to take on a different career path when you were younger?

A: For a small period of time I wanted to become a veterinarian. But when my mom told me that sometimes people's pets will die, and I decided didn't want to be a part of that sadness. I can't handle that. I said I'll stick to teaching.

Q: As an educator, what do you value in the classroom?

A: Respect and effort. Because when there's a level of respect between the teacher and the student it brings on trust, it brings honesty, and it's just an overall better relationship and every child is successful if they try their best. When I was student teaching, my cooperating teacher told me a great quote and I live by it:

"Children learn on different days and in different ways."

And it's totally true, especially with special ed students.

Q: Did you ever think that you would end up at an antique, two-room schoolhouse?

A: No. I used to drive by all the time and wonder what it was like inside and how the school was so successful. I'm very, very excited to be a part of that school, and now people are asking me the questions I always wanted to know.

Q: What's different about working in such a small community compared to larger districts?

A: It's different. There's a stronger community feel to it. The parents and the teachers have a really good relationship, they're really supportive of each other not just parent to parent, but parent to teacher. You really get into the individual needs of each student.

Q: What is your favorite aspect of New Suffolk School?

A: My biggest thing is the tight-knit community. I love how the parents support each other and support each other's children. I love that the board members are really active within the school, and they're very supportive. In New Suffolk, I like that as soon as there is a need, or a child has a need, they do everything possible to meet that child's needs. That's hard to find.