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New Science, Tech Director Named In Greenburgh

HARTSDALE, N. Y. -- The newly appointed director for science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics in Greenburgh Central Schools said he is looking forward to building partnerships with local organizations to help deliver real-world education to students.

Todd Mensch

Todd Mensch

Photo Credit: Contributed

Todd Mensch, of Beacon, is set to take over in Greenburgh after working for eight years as district coordinator for mathematics, science, technology and business at Wappingers Central School District. 

A 22-year educator with degrees in math, teaching and administration, Mensch said he was attracted to the so-called STEAM program in Greenburgh because it connected traditional STEM education (science, technology, engineering and math) to fine arts, music and language arts.

"Education has become very singular in the way learning is set up," he said. "And a STEAM education helps students to think about how all the subjects they study interact with one another."

Bringing the arts into STEM education allows students to learn about context since many of the subjects overlap. It encourages students to consider the influence of artistic design into problem-solving, officials said.

“Every single bridge in the world would look the same if we didn’t have a design process and the arts,” Mensch said.

While working in Wappingers, he was responsible for overseeing the four departments, making teacher evaluations and appraisals, initiating changes in the district’s curriculum and running professional development programs.

Before joining Wappingers, Mensch spent 13 years with the Haldane Central School District in Cold Spring, including years as a math teacher, dean of students, and math department chair.

In Greenburgh, Mensch said he hopes to hold some district-wide and regional STEAM events, including a STEAM Career Fair and some weekend academies for students. He also intends to create a STEAM Team in the district with teachers interested and trained in the curriculum.

Mensch and his wife, Rebecca, an attorney and college professor, live in Beacon, and have three sons. He earned his bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Mount Saint Mary College, a master of science degree in secondary education from Western Connecticut State University, and a professional diploma in educational administration from Columbia University Teachers College.

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