Kay Rothman Wins A 2013 Blackboard Award For Teachers

What are some of the key joys and challenges of being the director of College Counseling?

The joys in college counseling come daily by way of interacting with students on the verge of transitioning into a life with a myriad of possibilities. My challenge is reducing and managing the stress and allowing students to experience the joy of possibilities.

Tell us about any special projects or initiatives you are most proud of this year. 

Most importantly: helping my students learn about who they are now and who they want to become. I have worked hard to devise a college advisory course based on researching themselves, including how to choose a college. We have continued hosting over 100 college representatives at the Unique NYC College Fair, which we started six years ago in consortium with seven other small public high schools.

Over the course of your career, what do you consider some of your greatest accomplishments to date? 

When I taught my sixth-grade humanities course, I developed my own curriculum over nine years. Even now, six years later, the humanities department still uses many of my materials.

What drives you and keeps you motivated to continue your hard work as a teacher on a daily basis?

Externally, a lot of students depend on me. Internally, I feel a huge responsibility to do as good of a job as I possibly can. As a teacher, you can always improve—everything informs your teaching. I never let myself off the hook.

For more information about the Blackboard Awards, visit blackboardawards.com