New York Islanders December 2021 Teacher of the Month

Future GoalsTM Program

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New York Islanders December 2021 Teacher of the Month

Name:

Michael Palermo

School:

Oaks School #3; Oceanside UFSD

Classroom Team:


Tell us about yourself!

I currently teach 6th grade math and science. I have been teaching for 26 years. After graduating from college with a finance degree and working in investment banking, I decided it wasn’t rewarding enough. I became a teacher to make a difference in childrens’ lives. The thing I love most is making a connection with my students and seeing the light bulb go on when they connect to something I am teaching them. In addition to teaching I am a wrestling coach in Oceanside. In my local community I coach my son’s little league team.

Who is your favorite NHL® player and why?

Bryan Trottier is my favorite all time hockey player. I loved his leadership and the fact that he was a tremendous two way player.

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

My favorite part of the Future Goals program is how it allows my students to see the connection between math, science, engineering, and technology concepts and the real world. There is such a connection to STEM and the game of hockey. As a math teacher I love the connection of angles and passing the puck off the boards.

If you played hockey, what position would you play and why?

I love the center position as I feel that the center is the leader of the offense.