Congratulations to Silas Wood’s Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Elaine McEntee! Mrs. McEntee has been an educator since 2009, and for the last ten years the Silas Wood Sixth Grade Center has been her teaching home. She joined the South Huntington School District as a permanent substitute at Silas Wood in 2015. Two years later she became part of the sixth grade center’s tenured staff teaching English Skills and Science. Both her students and their parents credit her with nurturing a love of science in all those who spend time in her classroom. She even makes homeroom fun, according to her students. Silas Wood principal Stephen Toto says she consistently demonstrates her deep commitment to her students’ academic growth and personal development. “Her passion for teaching, combined with her innovative, creative, and engaging instructional methods, has created a classroom environment that fosters both learning and curiosity,” said Mr. Toto.

Education is Mrs. McEntee’s second career. After graduating from Fordham University with her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Marketing, she held several high-level marketing positions and traveled often for work over a period of twelve years. “When my children began school, I started going into their classes annually to teach about Chinese New Year. I would do a read aloud, we would look at traditional decorations, sample chinese food and work on a craft. I loved being in the class and it was so much more fulfilling than my [marketing job]. I had always wanted to give back and try to make a difference,” explained Mrs. McEntee. 

Inspired by her husbands’ parents, who were both teachers, and her children’s teachers, Mrs. McEntee made the challenging decision to return to college to get her education degree. “With an infant and two toddlers, I took my books everywhere, and graduated within 2 ½ years,” said Mrs. McEntee. “Although it was not an easy decision to make, going back to school with a family, taking on a financial commitment for my masters and trying to get a position at my age, becoming a teacher and being able to make a positive impact was extremely important to me.” She graduated from Hofstra University with a Masters of Science in Education with Distinction, and holds New York State Professional Certification in Childhood Education, Grades 1 - 6.  “It was the best decision I made for me as an individual and as a parent,” said Mrs. McEntee.

South Huntington is more than just where Mrs. McEntee works! Her love of our district runs generations deep. She and her husband both graduated from Walt Whitman High School, and their three children are alumni as well! She’s always been an active member of our schools and community through numerous events and organizations including PTA Council, the Wildcat Booster Club, SEPTA, SBM, putting together yearbooks, doing fundraising, and volunteering for pretty much everything! She is the Silas Wood STEAM Fair coordinator and her colleagues say she goes “above and beyond to ensure students understand the process, guiding them to pursue projects that ignite curiosity and foster critical thinking.” This exemplary educator can be found both before and after school ready to offer extra help to any student who needs it. One of her former students who is graduating from Whitman this year said she acts as a role model for all and shows her love and passion for teaching. “I will always cherish my year with Mrs. McEntee and the unforgettable memories I had with her.”

Being recognized by her peers as Silas Wood’s Teacher of the Year means something very special to Mrs. McEntee. While she focuses on her students, she also always wants to be there for her colleagues to mentor, share and collaborate. “As a member of the South Huntington community and an alumni, being able to contribute not only as a parent but as an educator to impact the students that live in my community has been so meaningful to me. I love not only teaching my students the curriculum but teaching them life skills to help them as they grow, navigate middle school and become more independent is very gratifying. I bring my business and parenting experience into the classroom and have tried to make a positive impact on my students. I’m very fortunate to be part of this diverse wonderful community!” said Mrs McEntee.

Silas Wood principal Mr. Stephen Toto (right) and assistant principal Mr. Adam Obletz (left) join in congratulating the sixth-grade center’s 2024-25 Teacher of the Year.