North Bellmore School District

Educational leader, coach and author Dr. Mary Hemphill was the keynote speaker for North Bellmore’s Superintendent Conference Day on Aug. 28, reminding the district’s educators to be the stewards of joy. She provided words of inspiration and motivation to approximately 350 administrators, teachers and paraprofessionals in the Newbridge Road Elementary School auditorium. 

Superintendent Marie Testa opened the program by reminding the district’s educators that they are the “heart and soul” of North Bellmore, and encouraging them to go into the new school year with love, hope, kindness and promise. 

“We’re all educators,” Mrs. Testa said. “We all teach. We all model. We all set an example. What the world needs now is educators, all of us.” 

Mrs. Testa noted that the incoming kindergartners will be graduating from high school in 2038, and what’s most important is to teach them lifelong skills that will be applicable in any profession. They need to be thinkers, be curious and show love to others.  

Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Janet Pollitt cited a phrase that captures the importance of education: “Teaching is the profession that leads to all others.” 

Dr. Hemphill, who spoke in North Bellmore at the June Superintendent Conference Day, returned to the district to support the implementation of the Portrait of a Graduate blueprint. She noted that district’s mission statement shows that North Bellmore is already a model, as its references to confident, passionate learners, leading lives with integrity, and contributing to the global community with creativity and compassion reflect the pillars of Portrait of a Graduate.  

“You’re already doing the work,” she said. “The foundation has been laid.”

Her presentation, “The Blueprint Within: Future-proofing Our Classrooms, Teams and Culture” served as inspiration to teachers to be adaptable to changes in education to help students prepare for various life pathways. She cited 14 in-demand jobs that didn’t exist 10 years ago.  

Educators are architects of learning and transformation, she said. They must be there to guide children who are navigating the world for the first time, and looking for ways to be seen and heard. When students demonstrate a skill, educators should look for outside-of-the-box ways to nurture it and channel it into a positive and productive outcome.  

Dr. Hemphill also spoke about the importance of human-centered leadership and shared “helping influences” that contribute positively to a school’s culture. She also reminded teachers to surround themselves with people who are positive and share their vision for growth. 

Following her presentation, teachers and staff attended various workshops throughout the day, and are now ready energized and ready to begin the 2025-2026 school year.