Dimitri Bernadel Becomes Birchwood's New School Principal

Written by Ms. Lea Tyrrell | Jan 18, 2024 7:03:39 PM

Congratulations to Dimitri Bernadel who will now be serving as Birchwood Intermediate School’s new Principal in the upcoming 2023/2024 school year, after serving as Birchwood Assistant Principal for the past year. During this year, he has worked within all facets of Birchwood Intermediate School, creating connections and pathways of communication. He has quickly made a name for himself as someone both faculty and students can rely on. Since childhood, Mr. Bernadel always felt drawn to leadership roles and education. In his youth, he was a camp counselor during the summer for the Coleman County Day Camp. He worked with fourth graders and immediately felt a connection to it, knowing this would be something he would pursue in the future.

His prior experience as a third and sixth grade teacher, along with a District Instructional Coach, has given Mr. Bernadel a well-rounded idea of the curriculum for younger students and to really see how they progress through the years. He continues to push students academically, providing the support and challenges necessary for student growth and success.

In his new position, Mr. Bernadel will continue to ensure that all students and families feel welcomed and included, understanding that they play an integral role in the overall success of the school and school district. He wants students to receive the best education possible, both in and outside the classroom.

Outside of the schools, Bernadel loves to cook and loves sports. He plays soccer, football and coaches for HBC Soccer here on Long Island. He also loves to spend time with his family, including his wife Jillian, a Special Education teacher in Jamaica, Queens, and his two children Oliver and Madeline.

About Mr. Dimitri Bernadel:

Mr. Dimitri Bernadel began his path to education first with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the Harpur College of Arts and Sciences at Binghamton University. He then received a Masters of Science in Curriculum and Teaching in Elementary Education from the Graduate School of Education at Fordham University. Bernadel then received his Post Master’s Advanced Certificate in School Building and School District Leadership from the School of Professional Development at Stony Brook University. He has also received several certifications including the New York State School Building Leader Initial Certificate, the New York State School District Leader Professional Certificate, and the New York State Childhood 1-6 Professional Certification. Among these certifications Bernadel has an array of awards and honors, including the Hinman College Commencement Senior Speaker Award (May 2005), a Fordham University School of Education Commencement Speaker (May 2007), the Kappa Delta Pi, International Honor Society in Education (March 2007), the Elmont UFSD’s Going the Extra Mile Award (June 2020), and most recently the Eastern Suffolk BOCES Regional Equity Champion Award (May 2022).

From August 2007 to June 2009, Bernadel was a 6th and 7th grade math teacher at P.S./M.S. 105Q in Far Rockaway. From August 2009 to June 2021, he was a 3rd and 6th grade teacher at Gotham Avenue School. From August 2005 to May 2007, he was a Resident Director at Fordham University. From August 2017 to now, he is the Director of Girls’ Soccer Program at the Starrs Soccer Academy. From June 1999 to August 2021, he was the Supervisor of Explorer Division for Coleman Country Day Camp. From June 2021 to 2022, he was the District Instructional Coach for the Elmont Union Free School District. Most recently, Bernadel was Assistant Principal at Birchwood Intermediate School for the 2022-2023 school year.

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