Newton Public Schools

Howie Landau

Howie Landau is a 6th, 7th & 8th grade Health Education teacher at Day Middle School in the Newton Public Schools. He also coaches basketball, lacrosse and soccer at Newton North High School. After growing up on Long Island, he came up to Boston for college and became a Double Terrier, completing his undergraduate degree in English and Graduate Degree in Health Education from Boston University in 2013. He was also the student manager of the women’s basketball team at BU. Over the past 5 years of teaching, he has served in both an official and unofficial mentoring role for the 5 different Health teachers he has worked with.

Howie has always loved the possibilities for extracurricular connections in schools, including athletics, clubs, activities and performances. He currently coaches three high school level sports and facilitates two clubs at his middle school. As such, he would like to explore the mentoring possibilities of those who work with students outside of the classroom, as he sees real potential in the opportunities for educators to work with students in genuine ways outside of school time. Coaches and activity directors have a significant opportunity to connect with students while engaging them in their interests, but too often school districts don’t adequately prepare and support these individuals. As such, time for coaches and club administrators to meet and discuss best practices, learn from each other, and provide feedback would seem to be a great investment for a school community. For many students, clubs, sports and activities are what keep students coming to school and invested in their education, and we must work to provide quality instruction even outside the classroom environment.