With the 2024-25 year underway, we are excited for our community to meet some of the newest faces in Vliet. Check back each Wednesday as we introduce you to new teachers and staff members from around the district. We look forward to seeing the difference they make in our community!
Week 1
Meet Mrs. Liggett
5th Grade Teacher at Watervliet Elementary School
This year, Amanda Liggett officially joins our Watervliet Elementary team as a 5th Grade Teacher.
Amanda Liggett grew up in the Capital Region, graduating from Shenendehowa High School and the College of Saint Rose. While completing her studies, she student-taught at Watervliet Elementary. Over the last decade, she has been a building substitute, teaching assistant and long-term leave teacher.
Liggett is married with a one-year-old and two rescue dogs. She is very excited to be teaching her favorite grade this year.
“I look forward to helping children reach their full potential and be their best selves both in academics and in the community.”
Motto:
“Never let anyone dull your sparkle.”
Favorite Hobby:
I enjoy volunteering and am the non-profit coordinator for Capital Region Toys for Tots.
Meet Mr. Gorman
Band Teacher at Watervliet Junior-Senior High School
Band Teacher Andrew Gorman is one the newest faces to join our team at Watervliet Junior-Senior High School.
Mr. Gorman grew up nearby in Wynantskill, NY and studied Music Education at the Crane School of Music. While studying for his undergraduate degree, he held various substitute positions.
“I love this area and community,” Gorman explained. “I also love both middle and high school, so I felt it was a perfect fit!”
Mr. Gorman describes his work as very challenging but extremely rewarding. He looks forward to connecting with his students so that he can help provide them the best education suited to their needs and talents.
“Making music with students offers many new perspectives I would not have otherwise.”
Motto:
“Practice makes progress.”
Favorite Hobby:
My favorite hobby is kayaking in the many lakes in Rensselaer County.
Meet Mrs. Zumpano
Art Teacher at Watervliet Junior-Senior High School
Mrs. Zumpano is the newest Art teacher to join our team here at Watervliet Junior-Senior High School.
When asked about her work, Zumpano said, “I am pretty good at all types of art, but I’m really good at drawing and painting.”
Zumpano studied for her B.S. in Art Education at Buffalo State and then spent some time living in Buffalo. She now lives in Saratoga and is a mother to three girls. Prior to coming to Watervliet, she worked as an elementary teacher within the Shenendehowa School District.
“I look forward to having new relationships with my students. Older kids are more complex and more fun to get to know than the littles,” Zumpano said.
Motto:
“Stay positive. Together we can see it through.”
Favorite Hobby:
I love to cook.
Meet Mr. Ferris
Teaching Assistant at Watervliet Junior-Senior High School
Mr. Jack Ferris is a new Teaching Assistant at Watervliet Junior-Senior High School.
Ferris graduated from nearby Shaker High School in 2022 and recently started attending Hudson Valley Community College where he is studying for his Associate’s degree in Education & Teaching.
A familiar face in the district, he has been working as a member of Watervliet’s Maintenance team for the past two years. Ferris says he is looking forward to making connections with other staff members and helping the students progress in their education in his new role.
“Working here put my mind into perspective and made me push towards a career in teaching.”
Favorite Book:
Scythe by Neal Shusterman
Meet Mrs. Callagan
Teacher at Watervliet CSD (EVOLVE Program)
Mrs. Alison Callagan officially joins our Watervliet City School District team this year. Callagan recently student-taught in the district and also taught students in the EVOLVE Program last year.
“I student-taught with Mr. Emerson last year,” Mrs. Callagan said. “The support and care he gave me made me realize that this is an amazing school to work in.”
Callagan graduated from Mahopac High School before continuing her education at SUNY Plattsburgh, where she earned her bachelor’s degree. She later earned her master’s degree from SUNY Albany. Prior to working at Watervliet, she worked as a teacher for many years at the St. Anne’s Institute in Albany.
Callagan describes herself as a very passionate person and says she looks forward to forming new relationships with others and working with new students.
“I’m very passionate, sometimes loud… and I love the Jonas Brothers.”
Motto:
“Every student can be successful!”
Favorite Book/Movie/Hobby:
My favorite book is Twilight. My favorite movie is Love Actually. My hobbies are going to concerts, shopping, and being a dance mom.
Meet Mr. Van Vliet
Technology Teacher at Watervliet Junior-Senior High School
Mr. Bryan Van Vliet joins Watervliet Junior-Senior High School as our newest Technology teacher.
Van Vliet received his undergraduate degree from the University at Buffalo before receiving his master’s degree from Canisius College. Prior to working at Watervliet, he worked at nearby Shaker Middle School.
Van Vliet describes his coursework as a hybrid of old school woodshop and computer aided manufacturing.
“I met Mr. Foust in June and he convinced me how great it is to be a Cannoneer and I couldn’t be happier making the move to Watervliet,” Van Vliet explained. “I love giving kids the opportunity to make things they can’t make anywhere else but in my classroom.”
Motto:
“There are two types of countries, those who landed on the moon and those who use the metric system.”
Favorite Movie:
Top Gun: Maverick