Getting to Know New LOTE Supervisor: Dr. Bel

By Ava Aschettino

OBHS proudly welcomes new Supervisor of LOTE (Languages Other Than English), Dr. Marisa Bel. 

​Hailing from Albany, New York, Dr. Bel attended the University of Albany and graduated with a degree in Politics and International Relations. She then attended the College of Saint Rose for her master’s degree and after graduation made her way back to Albany to obtain her doctoral degree in administration. She taught for 10 years as a middle school Spanish teacher and later served as the Supervisor of ENL in the Bethlehem Central School District, which had an immense student body of 6,000 to 7,000 kids.

Dr. Bel says that she has always been intrigued and excited about foreign language. “I started learning Spanish in 9th grade. It was easy for me. I was born in Spain, and I learned Spanish from my nanny,” she explains. 

Dr. Bel also shares, “Language class was always the most fun for me, and I love to travel and explore new places. I spent a semester abroad in Spain.” Her love of language and travel inspired her career path.

So far, Dr. Bel loves Long Island and the Oyster Bay community. “People here are really nice and really authentic. They fully embrace who they are. It took a long time to get to know people in Albany. I love the smaller community here.”

Dr. Bel reflects on her new position by saying, “World language is about to undergo a monumental change, and much is changing throughout the language program. There is a huge influx of newcomers from around the globe, coming from all different backgrounds. I have a lot of challenges, but I am ready for what lies ahead!”

​OBHS is both proud and excited to welcome Dr. Bel to the Oyster Bay community!