Building the Future of Science and Technology at Jericho
BY LOGAN FULLER ’28
Jericho is excited to welcome Dr. Janna Ostroff to the community as the new Science and Technology curriculum associate. Dr. Ostroff’s journey to Jericho has been impressive, and she has a great deal of knowledge and experience to bring to the community.
Prior to Jericho, Dr. Ostroff worked at Long Beach City Schools as the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction for three years. Before Long Beach, Dr. Ostroff worked in a curriculum leadership role at the Oyster Bay East Norwich school district for almost a decade.
Dr. Ostroff became an administrator because she believes strongly in supporting and empowering educators to help the entire community grow. She was inspired by her time in Jackson Heights, Queens, where she witnessed the benefits of strong student-to-teacher relationships in impacting academic growth to help improve the school and local communities.
Dr. Ostroff entered the science field because she herself was inspired by an excellent teacher. Dr. Ostroff’s second grade teacher, Mrs. McCarron, exposed a young Dr. Ostroff to the magic of exploratory learning. In Mrs. McCarron’s class, Dr. Ostroff bred butterflies and even began her first research journal. “Mrs. McCarron made me feel like a true scientist when I sat down after recess one day and ‘discovered’ how to get a light bulb to turn on–I was hooked!” said Dr. Ostroff. “A sixth-grade regional science fair win on the effect of microwaves on algae growth also inspired me to seek more complex explorations, eventually leading me to major in both Chemistry and Education. In both college and graduate school, I learned how to apply for grants to travel and do field work, intentionally pursuing research that absolutely required travel, with Geochemistry being one of those areas,” said Dr. Ostroff. It’s clear that Dr. Ostroff’s experience with exceptional science teachers helped guide her toward a bright future in science.
Dr. Ostroff’s favorite thing about Jericho is its welcoming environment that values the importance of teaching and learning. She also loves the rich culture of Jericho, including its variety of clubs, fundraisers, the NEST program, and teacher mentorship. “The Jericho community’s commitment to each and every student’s success is something special that I value,” said Dr. Ostroff.
As a curriculum associate, Dr. Ostroff has busy days full of visiting classrooms, meeting with students and teachers, and facilitating programs, events, and trips throughout the district. Among days full of reviewing lessons, units, new curricular materials, and more, Dr. Ostroff makes it her goal to support the growth of the Science and Technology department’s program. Dr. Ostroff said, “my main goal is to support the continual growth of our program, our hard-working faculty, and ultimately each and every student in Science and Technology.” Dr. Ostroff’s favorite part of her job is learning from and alongside Jericho’s students, teachers, parents, building and district leaders, and her fellow Curriculum Associates. Dr. Ostroff said, “I feel very proud to be a Jayhawk!” and as a community, Jericho is proud to welcome her.