New York Islanders November 2023 Teacher of the Month

Future GoalsTM Program

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New York Islanders November 2023 Teacher of the Month

Name:

Jennifer Buck

School:

South Middle School

Classroom Team:

Tell us about yourself!

Pridefully, I am a sixth grade teacher at South Middle School in Brentwood for the past 24 years. As a young person, I loved school and everything about it. From the relationships I established with my peers, teachers and coaches to all the fond memories I created. I was fortunate to have many great experiences throughout my school years and I knew that it shaped me into who I am. Being a teacher, I know I have the opportunity to have that impact on other children. Prior to having children, I coached and volunteered in the Brentwood School district where I work. Now with children of my own, I have been an active member of my local community as a local and travel youth coach throughout the years. My many roles have included fundraising for our teams as well as running high school booster clubs to create positive experiences for our student athletes.

What is your favorite part of the Future Goals™program? How do you see STEM in the game of hockey?

My favorite part of Future Goals is how it captures student interest through the lens of hockey. Using the game of hockey to demonstrate math and science concepts in a real life scenario helps students see how math and science affect the world around them. Students love computer programs and many love sports so this program is something they enjoy and are excited to use!

Who is your favorite NHL® player and why?

Ilya Sorokin is my favorite current Islander. Not only is he a very talented goalie, he is an even better person. He is humble and caring. As a teacher of students who are learning the English language, I understand how hard it is for someone to come to a new country and to learn a new language. Sorokin has impressed my not only in goal but how he pushes himself to continue to learn English and how he takes risks to do interviews. I find that to be very inspiring to others learning a new language.

If you played hockey, what position would you play?

If I played hockey, I would love to play center. I find face offs thrilling. For years, I enjoyed watching my son play hockey. I admired the skill he had while taking a face off. The face off sets the tone of the game and of a play and provides your team an opportunity to score!