Meet Oyster Bay's New Teachers: Mrs. Harnick

By Steven Keehner

​    This year has brought us a number of new teachers, one of whom is Mrs. Harnick, the newest addition to the Social Studies Department at OBHS. 
​    Mrs. Harnick grew up in Fresh Meadows, Queens, and she currently resides in Merrick. She went to Benjamin N. Cardozo High School in Bayside, Queens. She went on to attend Brandeis University as an undergraduate, and she attended Hofstra Law School for graduate school before later enrolling at Queens College to receive her teaching certification.

     This year will mark Mrs. Harnick's ninth year teaching social studies. “I taught in a small NYC public high school in Flushing, Queens for eight years," she explained. 
     When asked what made her want to start teaching, Mrs. Harnick explained, “I felt unfulfilled as an attorney, but I started to mentor some younger attorneys in my law firm. That's how I realized that I really enjoyed teaching and helping others.”
  When asked what was her proudest moment as a teacher, Mrs. Harnick said, “My greatest professional achievements are becoming certified to be a teacher and being selected to teach at Oyster Bay High School. I am very passionate about what I do, and I am extremely grateful that I get to work with the students, faculty and parents at Oyster Bay High School. My proudest moment as a teacher is having former students return to let me know what an impact I had on their lives.”
    Mrs. Harnick hopes to achieve many accomplishments here at OBHS. She revealed, "I hope to build professional relationships with students, the faculty and parents, and I hope to inspire students to rise to their potentials. I aspire to be a life-long learner along with my students and to try new methods of teaching and strategies to make social studies accessible and enjoyable for all.”
    Mrs. Harnick also explained that her biggest strengths include being very organized, being a good speaker, and enjoying learning something new.
     Some non-teacher related fun facts about Mrs. Harnick include the following: “I am married to my husband, Thomas, for 19 years. I have two daughters, Jordan, age 16, and Rachel, age 13. When I’m not teaching, I love to run. I have run four marathons, several half marathons and shorter races as well. I am currently training for my fifth marathon in October.”
      Oyster Bay is certainly lucky to have such an accomplished and friendly teacher join the Social Studies team. Welcome to OBHS, Mrs. Harnick!