There is something special about each of the faculty and staff who work in the Greenburgh Central School District. And for a certain section, there is something uniquely special: the schools in which they educate are those in which they were educated.
In his new role as a social worker at the Lee F. Jackson School, Ian Staley knows that early childhood experiences have the power to shape the future profoundly. It’s not just his degrees or professional training that underscores his knowledge, it’s his personal experience. Mr. Staley is one of several faculty members in the District who once called Greenburgh home.“I was raised in Greenburgh and attended Greenburgh schools from grades K-12. There has always been a long-standing culture in Greenburgh; one of family, faith, diversity, excellence, pride, and giving back,” he said. “I will always cherish the life lessons and fun times I had at Theodore D. Young Community Center, joining the school band, wrestling practices, and the diverse group of friends I’ve made here - many of whom I’m still close with today.”
Mr. Staley earned his undergraduate degree from Iona College and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Fordham University. Additionally, he is certified by New York State as a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and a School Social Worker for grades K-12. Mr. Staley credits two of his professors for the inspiration and confidence to pursue a career in social work. “One of my professors at Fordham, Dr. Janna Heyman planted and watered many seeds of encouragement and wisdom that helped me to know that I could achieve my counseling goals,” he said. “Another Professor, Dr. Roger Ball, who is also a supervisor of school social workers for NYC Schools, helped to provide more insight into how impactful a school social worker could be in the life of a child.”
After his graduate studies, Mr. Staley started his career in the New York City school system. However, the tug to come back to Greenburgh was always there. “I always wanted to come back and serve the community I grew up in, a place that gave and taught me so much,” he said. “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to do the same for others."
In this position, Mr. Staley will provide individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, and parent and community outreach. Additional responsibilities will include IEP formulation, social-emotional learning, and working with the administrators on district-wide initiatives. At the heart of the scope of work, Mr. Staley acknowledges what matters most - the students. “I have always had a passion for working with young people. It may sound cliché, but the children really are our future,” he said. “I view school social work as a vehicle to help young people find the best version of themselves, be successful in school, find happiness, and be successful in life.”
As Mr. Staley reflects on his time in the Greenburgh Central School District, he has many positive memories to share. Not surprisingly, one of his fondest recollections involves a teacher who impacted him. “I remember how my second-grade teacher, Ms. Galdau, treated every student with love and respect, and would work hard to get the very best out of them. She would put on these neat class plays, which served as a creative outlet for us," he said. "One year my brother Liam and I had our tonsils removed and had to be hospitalized. I will never forget when she came to visit us at the hospital. She talked with us, sang with us, shared a few laughs, and gifted us with stuffed animals. She went above and beyond her role as a teacher, and it meant the world to us.”
Mr. Staley now finds himself in a place where he can not only pay it forward, but he can continue to have the support and guidance he remembers so well from his days as a Greenburgh student. “I love building relationships with my students and seeing them be happy and successful in school. It brings me a level of joy that is hard to quantify. I am also very grateful to have the support of Principal Simone and all my colleagues,” he said. “I hope that my work as a school social worker will help students to achieve personal, classroom, and life success. I hope to support their families. I want to be the person to help promote the next generation of Falcons to go out and fly to the highest heights!”