Robert FitzGerald, Jr./Sr. High School Band Teacher
How many years have you been in the field of education?
This year will wrap up my 21st year of teaching, having started in the spring of 2001!
What is your current position, and what other roles have you had?
I currently teach high school and middle school band in New Lebanon, but over the course of my career, I’ve taught general music, music theory, and college level courses, as well as performing professionally over 100 times a year with bands in the Capital Region.
How long have you been at NLCSD in your role?
This is the end of my third year with New Lebanon as the band teacher.
What does it mean to you to be working at NLCSD?
Having come from a district that had many challenges, New Lebanon has been an oasis of sanity and professional freedom for me, and I can honestly say that I’ve never been more happy and supported in the history of my career. New Lebanon has an enormous wealth of talented students and teachers, and it’s a joy to come to work each day!
What is one of the goals you have for your years ahead at NLCDS?
One of the goals I have for the rest of my career here in New Lebanon is to take an ensemble of students abroad – hopefully to Europe!- to perform for as many people as possible. The world should see just how talented our students here are!
Amanda Starks, Jr./Sr. High School ELA Teacher
How many years have you been in the field of education?
I have been working in schools for 16 years, and have had my own classroom for 10.
What is your current position, and what other roles have you had?
I currently teach grades 9 and 10 ELA, plus 7,8, and 9 AIS. I have also acted as a librarian and tech coach in other schools.
How long have you been at NLCSD in your role?
I started here on March 29, 2019, so I recently celebrated 3 years!
What does it mean to you to be working at NLCSD?
Working at New Lebanon has given me roots to grow as an educator within the school and community. It has been a chance for me to become a master of my craft, a chance to build relationships with staff who love teaching and students who are learning to self actualize and adapt to the world, and, most importantly, it means family.
What is one of the goals you have for your years ahead at NLCDS?
I have actually achieved one of my goals, which was to help create a credit recovery program for students- however I definitely hope the program continues so it will continue to be a goal I have to help it grow!