Leave Replacement English Teacher Makes a Difference

Adriana Cruz has been filling in as a Huntington High School English teacher since October. She is covering the classes of tenured faculty member Kristina Morell who is out on a leave through February 14. Over the past four months, her students say that Ms. Cruz has really made a difference in the academic lives of the teenagers.

“For the short while that Ms. Cruz has been at Huntington High School, she has already become a shining, positive light in the community,” senior Lily Tierney said. “She has quickly become admired by students and teachers alike for her friendly disposition and kindness. She quickly became a student favorite, even with other English classes.”

Ms. Cruz obtained undergraduate and graduate degrees in English and Teaching English Language Arts, 7-12, respectively, as SUNY Old Westbury.

She completed her student teaching requirements in Central Islip and Huntington UFSD. Ms. Cruz has also worked as a private English tutor.

The teacher’s favorite aspect of teaching in Huntington has been working with students and building positive classroom environments and connections.

Ms. Cruz has taken delight in assisting AP Research classes with their papers and students have enjoyed working with her, too.

“Ms. Cruz is an amazing teacher who has been nothing but helpful and immediately stepped in to fill the role of Mrs. Morell,” AP Research student Jack Ruthkowski said. “Everyone’s projects are moving in the right direction and we all owe her for helping us get there.”

“Lord of the Flies” was the teacher’s favorite book to cover with her sophomores. Masks were created for characters of their choice or for a theme along with different symbols and quotes. There were creative lessons, too. Ms. Cruz loves hands-on learning experiences, stating that students are “never too old to have a little bit of fun and get their hands dirty in the classroom.”