Bethpage Nursery School
Teaching Staff
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Our supportive, dedicated and professional staff is comprised of our director, head teachers and assistant teachers. In addition to either a four year college degree and/or a master's degree, our staff receives yearly professional development for a minimum of two courses and CPR/First Aid Certification. Our teacher / child ratio surpasses New York State Department of Education guidelines.
Joan Story, MS.Ed., Educational Director
Ms. Story graduated Suma Cum Laude from Molloy College. She holds a master of science in education and permanent NYS certification N-6. She has extensive experience in the early childhood field having taught at the nursery, pre-k and kindergarten level. In addition to classroom experience Ms. Story has worked as an ABA therapist in Nassau County. Prior to completing her Master's Degree, Ms. Story graduated from The State University of NY at Stonybrook with a Bachelor of Arts in English and minor in Secondary Education. Ms. Story believes in a program that develops the social, emotional, physical and cognitive abilities of all children. Her staff of NYS qualified and certified teachers and assistants plan activities that actively engage children in the learning process. Emphasis is placed on remaining current in the field of early childhood education standards while balancing and maintaining the developmental needs of young children. All programs encourage social interaction and problem solving skills. Mrs. Story is married to her college sweetheart since 1999. Together they ae raising their amazing sons.
Tammy Verdi, MS.Ed., Lead Teacher
Tammy Verdi is the lead teacher in the Pre-K morning class. She has been teaching at Bethpage Nursery School since 2009. In the past, she taught the Mommy & Me, Three year old Enrichment, K-Readiness and Nursery classes at Bethpage Nursery School. Tammy’s enthusiasm comes from her love of teaching. She enjoys interacting with the children and providing a good, strong foundation for learning. In most cases, this is the child’s first introduction to school. Tammy wants to ensure that the children are able to learn and grow, while still playing and having fun. She enjoys playing a significant role in teaching the children the basic skills of learning to write, recognizing letters, numbers and interacting in a classroom setting. Tammy is married and has three children, who have all attended Bethpage Nursery School. Jackie, attends the University of New Haven in CT; J.T. and Justin both attend Bethpage High School. Tammy is a NY State Certified Special Education teacher. She has an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education (Farmingdale College), a Bachelor’s Degree in Child Study (St. Joseph’s College) and a Master’s Degree in Special Education (Dowling College). She has also worked at Bowling Green Elementary School (Resource Room) and was the lead teacher at Sandcastle Learning Center.​​