Congratulations to Countrywood’s Teacher of the Year Ms. Jessica Escalante-Rodriguez. Ms. Escalante, as she is known to colleagues and students, is part of Countrywood’s mental health support team serving as the primary center’s social worker. Ms. Escalante joined Countrywood in February of 2020, just a few short weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic began. It was certainly a challenging time to start a job, and principal Mitch Levy remembers how Ms. Escalante "jumped right in” those first weeks after she was hired. “Despite barely knowing our staff, students, or families, she was right there making phone calls, conducting outreach, and offering support and resources during this unanticipated crisis. Ms. Escalante made herself available to our families at all hours. I knew right then and there that we had found ourselves a winner!” 

School social workers play a crucial role in the educational setting by providing a “safe space” for students and parents. They serve as a link between home, school, and community to remove any barriers to a student’s academic success. They help with emotional and/or behavioral issues, physical challenges, family issues, and any acute situation, by providing counseling, crisis intervention, resources, and follow-up. For example, Ms. Escalante has set up a “boutique” where families and students can access clothing and other necessities, and she has helped coordinate food assistance for those in need. 

One Countrywood parent thanked Ms. Escalante for her “integral role” in making her child’s transition to kindergarten “seamless.” “What truly sets Ms. Escalante apart is her willingness to go above and beyond for her students. She not only addressed any social or emotional concerns I shared, but also took the time to be physically present to observe [my child] at lunch and recess to make sure she had friends to play with and felt included. These small, thoughtful acts had a huge impact on [my child’s] confidence and happiness at school.”

 

Ms. Escalante completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Queens College before moving on to Columbia University to earn her Master of Science in Social Work. She is also a New York State Licensed Social Worker (LMSW). She spoke with us about her career and what being named Teacher of the Year means to her.

 

 

Q & A

 

 

What inspired you to pursue a career in school social work?

My inspiration for entering school social work was the belief that every student needs a consistent advocate in their corner. I wanted to create a safe space for all students, especially those dealing with 'unseen' struggles, helping them turn those challenges into strengths. By providing the right tools to build their self-esteem, I hope to motivate them to grow into whoever they wish to be. It is my goal to ensure that every family I serve knows they have a partner who sees them and hears them.

 

What is your favorite part of the school day?

Choosing just one favorite moment is difficult for me because my days are filled with small, meaningful favorites. Often, it happens in the quiet, intentional space of my office—the exact moment a student’s shoulders drop, they exhale, and they are safe. Being the person who provides that 'emotional exhale' is a profound honor. Other times, the best part of my day is silent: a quick 'check-in' wave in the hallway, or a student yelling my name down the hall to simply say hi, or a student who stops by just to sit in peace for five minutes. These small gestures of trust are my favorite parts of the day. 

 

What have your students taught YOU?

The students are some of my greatest teachers, especially when it comes to resilience. While my goal is to provide them with tools for self-awareness and confidence, they constantly teach me the importance of humility and grace. They challenge me to view the world through their lens and remind me everyday of what it means to be a compassionate human being.

 

How do you show your Wildcat Pride? What makes the South Huntington School District special to you?

For me, school pride means being there for my students beyond the typical school day. I love representing South Huntington, whether through our school colors or by sharing with others I meet where I work. The heart of this district is the unique sense of community. Our district makes an impactful effort to be diverse and that in itself brings community. 

 

What does being named Teacher of the Year mean to you?

To be named Teacher of the Year as a social worker means the world to me—it validates that the emotional and social well-being of our students is at the very heart of their success. To me, it isn't an individual honor; it is a collaborative honor; a reflection of all my colleagues. It means that the love and hard work I pour into my work every day has made a meaningful ripple in our community. I am truly humbled to have been recognized as teacher of the year for Countrywood!

 

(this interview has been edited and condensed for clarity)
 

 

 

Countrywood principal, Mr. Mitch Levy (right) and assistant principal, Ms. Kellie Njenga (left) join in congratulating their building’s Teacher of the Year, Ms. Jessica Escalante-Rodriguez (center).