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 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4
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
Week 2
Meet Ms. Jones
4th Grade Teacher at Watervliet Elementary School
A familiar face in Watervliet, Ms. Beth Jones has been a Cannoneer for more than 20 years!
Born and raised in Watervliet, Ms. Jones is a graduate of The College of Saint Rose where she studied Childhood Education. She now teaches 4th Grade at Watervliet Elementary School. Inspired to teach at an early age, Ms. Jones says that while teaching can be demanding, it is the most rewarding job you can come across.
“I have known since 8th grade that being a teacher was the job for me,” Ms. Jones said. “There hasn’t been a day where I haven’t loved what I do. There is never a dull moment!”
She says she looks forward to seeing the students every day and creating strong bonds with them as the school year goes on.
“Those bonds and seeing their faces after an “ah-ha” moment are what motivate me every morning.”
Motto:
There is one quote I have lived by for a long time which is:
“Don’t let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.”
Just because something looks hard or seems scary, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try! Overcoming those fears makes achieving that goal that much more rewarding! Your mind is your biggest obstacle. If you tell yourself that you can’t, you’re probably right – but if you go into the situation with an optimistic outlook, the outcome is more likely to go your way!
Favorite Book/Movie/Hobby:
I can’t choose a favorite book, but my favorite author is Harlan Coben. My favorite movie is A Cinderella Story, which is where my favorite quote comes from! My favorite hobbies are spending time with my friends and family, coaching here at WJSHS and my travel team Collar City Fastpitch, and going to camp!
Meet Ms. Kurtz
Special Education Co-Teacher at Watervliet Elementary School
Morgan Kurtz is one the newest faces to join our team as a Special Education Co-Teacher at Watervliet Elementary School.
Ms. Kurtz grew up in the Southern Tier and moved to the Capital Region to pursue her education. She attended the University at Albany where she studied Human Development with a concentration in Special Education before earning her master’s degree in Special Education and Literacy.
Ms. Kurtz has worked with students in a variety of roles, working in general education classrooms as well as self-contained special education classrooms. She is looking forward to stepping into this new role as a co-teacher and supporting students in new ways.
“The students are ready to learn and enjoy their days at school,” Ms. Kurtz said. “Watching my students grow and learn new concepts… Having topics click and seeing their exploration and understanding… It’s the best part of my day!”
Motto:
“Always try your best!”
Favorite Book/Movie/Hobby:
I love Marvel movies and crafting! Painting is one of my favorite things to do!
Meet Mr. Vasquez
ENL Teacher at Watervliet Elementary School
A familiar face to the district, Mr. Jason Vasquez officially joins Watervliet Elementary School as our newest ENL Teacher.
Originally from Long Island, Mr. Vasquez moved to the Capital Region to attend The College of Saint Rose. Vasquez has previously spent some time in Watervliet as a student teacher and later as a building substitute.
“I loved my experience here,” Mr. Vasquez said. “I loved working with all the different grade levels and getting to know our diverse student population, especially our ENL population which I have always gravitated towards.”
Mr. Vasquez describes himself as very passionate and energetic, but also patient. He looks forward to building strong working relationships – with both students and other teachers – in order to ensure the success of his students.
Motto:
“If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at will change.”
Favorite Book/Movie/Hobby:
I love soccer. I’ve played it and watched it my whole life basically.
Meet Ms. Lennon
K-1 Teaching Assistant at Watervliet Elementary School
Returning to her roots, Aaliyah Lennon is one of the newest Teaching Assistants to join our Watervliet Elementary School team.
Ms. Lennon grew up in Watervliet and is an alumni member of the Class of 2022. She went on to attend HVCC where she received her A.A.S. in Early Childhood Education. While working toward her degree, she spent time working at the Watervliet Civic Center.
“I love the community aspect of our city and being in our elementary school full time feels amazing!” Ms. Lennon said.
Lennon is not only looking forward to bringing her positive outlook and energy to work each day, but she’s also eager to foster great relationships with others.
“I look forward to being helpful and present to both the students and staff in our building – whether it be preparing materials for an activity, working with a small group at centers, working with a child individually, or helping students who need a break or reset from a classroom environment.”
Motto:
“Your direction is more important than your speed.”
Favorite Book/Movie/Hobby:
I enjoy being outdoors in nature and exploring. My favorite book is The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green.
Meet Ms. Rollin
Teaching Assistant at Watervliet CSD (EVOLVE Program)
Ms. Susan Rollin joins our Watervliet EVOLVE Program as a Teaching Assistant, bringing 20+ years of experience with her.
Originally from Albany, NY, Ms. Rollin graduated from Albany High School before continuing her education at Sage Junior College of Albany, The College of Saint Rose and then NYU, where she studied Special Education.
Prior to joining the Watervliet School District, she worked nearby in the Albany City School District as a Teaching Assistant. She also spent a period of time working as a Medical Transportation Dispatcher. Ms. Rollin describes working in education as both challenging and uplifting.
“After 20+ years of working in education, I have come back to do what I love most and that’s to educate, support and ensure academic success for the students I work with. I look forward to seeing them walk across the stage at graduation.”
Motto:
“Be the change you want to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi
Favorite Book/Movie/Hobby:
I love cooking and learning new recipes, and scary movies. My current favorite book is The NO Complaining Rule by Jon Gordon.
Week 3
Meet Ms. Santuccione
Occupational Therapist at Watervliet Elementary School
Ms. Shawna Santuccione joins Watervliet Elementary School as our newest Occupational Therapist.
Santuccione grew up nearby in Colonie before attendingRussell Sage College where she studied Occupational Therapy. For the past nine years, she has worked in the preschool setting as an Occupational Therapist, and was looking for a change. She is looking forward to bringing a positive attitude and upbeat personality to work each day.
“I am very excited for this new chapter,” Santuccione said.
Santuccione approaches her work with a positive attitude and an upbeat personality. She works with students to reach goals and developmental milestones that will help them improve their daily life. Much of that work focuses on how a child moves, plays and communicates with the world around them.
“We work on fine motor skills, such as handwriting, and also on sensory processing difficulties,” she said. “I look forward to helping students achieve their goals and have fun while doing it.”
Motto:
“Helping little hands do big things!”
Favorite Book/Movie/Hobby:
I love to play outside with my son.
Meet Mr. McLaughlin
Earth Science Teacher at Watervliet Junior-Senior High School
Mr. Luke McLaughlin is one of the newest faces to join our Watervliet Junior-Senior High School team as an Earth Science Teacher.
McLaughlin grew up in Rochester, NY, where he says he fell in love with sports and science. During his senior year of high school, he served as the captain of both his varsity volleyball and tennis teams.
He went on to further his education at SUNY Fredonia, double majoring in Geology and Earth Science Education. At Fredonia, he was the president and captain of the Volleyball Club and also took coaching classes.
After graduating, Mr. McLaughlin moved to Long Island with his (now) fiancée and started his career in teaching. He spent nearly 3 years substitute teaching, covering leave replacements and in other part-time roles.
“I was excited to find a full time position in an area that is much more affordable,” he said of the change. “I am much closer to my family and where I grew up.”
McLaughlin looks forward to building relationships with his students and says his work extends beyond teaching science. It is also about teaching students how to be good human beings.
“I want them to find something they’re passionate about and interested in… to become a hard working member of society doing something they enjoy.”
Motto:
“Just keep swimming.”
Favorite Book/Movie/Hobby:
I enjoy drinking tea and reading a good book. I am currently on book 4 of the Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan.
Meet Mrs. Berman
Speech Therapist at Watervliet City School District
Mrs. Cassandra Berman officially joins the Watervliet City School District as our newest Speech Therapist.
Originally from Fort Ann, NY, Berman attended the College of Saint Rose where she studied for both her bachelors and masters in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She spent several years working for different BOCES throughout the state – Capital Region BOCES most recently.
“Last year, I was itinerant full-time in Watervliet through Cap Region BOCES,” Berman said. “I really enjoyed it, so when the opportunity arose to stay with the district, I jumped at it.”
In her work, Berman helps students with a variety of needs, including difficulties producing speech sounds, acquiring, understanding, using language, stuttering, auditory processing, and hearing. She is looking forward to watching her students grow and learn.
“Nothing makes me happier than when a lightbulb goes off and a student is able to make a connection or master a skill that has been challenging for them for a long time.”
Motto:
I once read that “children who are loved at home come to school to learn; those who aren’t, come to school to be loved.” I carry that with me every day.
Favorite Book/Movie/Hobby:
I love the Harry Potter series, books and movies! My all time favorite movie is Beauty and the Beast. In my spare time, I enjoy crocheting.
Meet Ms. Rodriguez
Library Aide at Watervliet Elementary School
A familiar face in Watervliet, Ms. Margarita Rodriguez is the newest library aide at WES.
Rodriguez graduated from Watervliet High School in 2008 and most recently worked as a lunch monitor at Watervliet Elementary School from 2021-2024.
“I would say that I am a hard worker and I am always willing to learn new things,” Rodriguez said. “I look forward to seeing the kids happy!”
Ms. Rodriguez wanted to work in education because she loves working with kids and watching their growth. She also is involved with youth sports in the City of Watervliet.
“Working at the school and being involved with youth sports has given me the opportunity to not only watch them grow, but be a part of it.”
Motto:
“Find a way, not an excuse!”
Favorite Book/Movie/Hobby:
My favorite hobby is spending time with my children and I enjoy reading anything written by Colleen Hoover.
Meet Ms. Farook
Special Education Teacher’s Assistant at Watervliet Junior-Senior High School
A familiar face in Watervliet, Teacher’s Assistant Zainab Farook comes to our Watervliet Junior-Senior High School team from our elementary school.
Ms. Farook is originally from Sri Lanka, where she worked as a preschool teacher. She completed her high school education and higher studies in Sri Lanka, receiving her undergraduate in Liberal Arts & Science in 2005. Her interest in Early Childhood Education led to her decision to pursue her certification in Early Childhood Education with Psychology.
In 2013, Farook moved to the United States and started working as a Teacher’s Assistant at Albany Medical Center. In 2018, she began working with the Watervliet Elementary School UPK program.
“I believe I will be an effective Teaching Assistant because of my deep passion for supporting students,” she said. “I am very excited to be a part of Watervliet team.”
Motto:
“In a world where you can be anything, BE KIND.”
Favorite Book/Movie/Hobby:
I enjoy traveling and camping. I also like thriller movies.
Week 4
Meet Mrs. Khawaja
Administrative Assistant at Watervliet Elementary School
Mrs. Afia Khawaja is one of the newest faces to join our Administrative team at Watervliet Elementary School.
Khawaja received her Bachelors in Education at the University of Karachi and then worked as a Montessori Directress for two years. After immigrating to the United States, she completed her Teaching Assistant Certification at Hudson Valley Community College and then worked in the nearby North Colonie Central School District as a Library Assistant and Interpreter for three years.
“My work is fulfilling and exciting, with something new happening everyday,” Khawaja said. “I look forward to solving problems and helping students everyday.”
Motto:
“Do good and good will come to you!”
Favorite Book/Movie/Hobby:
I enjoy reading mystery and realistic fiction books.
Meet Ms. Durham
Library Aide at Watervliet Junior-Senior School
Ms. Bailey Durham is the newest library aide to join Watervliet Junior-Senior High School.
Ms. Durham grew up in St. Lawrence County and studied History at SUNY Potsdam where she earned a bachelor’s degree. Prior to working at Watervliet, she worked in the library at both SUNY Potsdam and SUNY Adirondack.
“I have always loved reading and history! Working in a library is an opportunity to do research for work,” she explained, “and I get to help other people discover new things as well.”
Durham says that libraries offer so much more than books, and that’s another reason she loves it.
“The library is a point of access to so many different resources and services including technology access, building information literacy skills, free ebooks/audiobooks, and a physical place to host programs for the community.”
Motto:
“If the wind will not serve, take to the oars.”
Favorite Book/Movie/Hobby:
Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien – both the movies and the books! I also have various types of reptiles as pets including Blue-tongued Skinks, Kenyan Sand Boas, an African Fire Skink and Crested Geckos.
Meet Mr. Hoffman
7th Grade Social Studies Teacher at Watervliet Junior-Senior School
Mr. Andrew Hoffman is the newest Social Studies teacher to join our instructional team at Watervliet Junior High School.
Mr. Hoffman grew up nearby in Clifton Park and continued his education at SUNY Cortland where he majored in Economics. He earned his degree in 2014 and went on to pursue a career in sales, selling building materials for various companies.
Now, Hoffman works in what he would describe as “the most fun job in the world.”
“I wanted to become a teacher because I love social studies and love working with kids. I really enjoy seeing kids get excited about social studies.”
Motto:
“Laziness today creates hard work tomorrow.”
Favorite Book/Movie/Hobby:
I love cooking and spending time with my family.
Meet Ms. Lammon
Art Teacher at Watervliet Elementary School
Ms. Abby Lammon is one of the newest Art Teachers to join our Watervliet Elementary School instructional team.
Lammon grew up nearby in Troy, NY and went to Russell Sage College where earned a B.F.A. in Interior and Spatial Design. After graduating, she spent time working as an Interior Designer at C.S. Arch, an architecture firm that focuses on designing K-12 classrooms and other learning spaces for higher education schools.
“I always loved art and creating things,” Ms. Lammon said, “and I enjoy working with kids, so I decided to go back for my masters to teach.”
Each day, Ms. Lammon looks forward to seeing the smiling faces of her students.
“I love seeing the excitement from students when we work on a project that they are interested in and proud of.”
Favorite Book/Movie/Hobby:
I love painting!