About AMP:  Molloy College's Alumni Association began the Alumni of the Month Program (AMP) in 2005. Each month, the Alumni Relations Office of Molloy College features a story about one of our alumni. The program is designed to recognize exceptional alumni who make a difference, either by making achievements in his/her chosen field; philanthropy; balancing work and life; or showing a true commitment to the community and is thereby living the Dominican Tradition of Molloy College and the Alumni Association.

Antoinette Blanck
French Major
Class of 1988

Antoinette has been working in the Northport-East Northport UFSD for the past 18 years and has been very active in the UTN (United Teachers of Northport). In fact, she is currently on a 2-year leave from teaching to serve as President of the teachers union in Northport.  "As president of the United Teachers of Northport, a local in NYSUT (New York State United Teachers),” Antoinette says “I serve as a delegate to the NYSUT RA (Representative Assembly) and attend the annual convention, this year in Buffalo, next year in DC, as well as monthly ED (election district) meetings and quarterly contiguous ED meetings, where we discuss not only issues relevant to the locals, but statewide issues as well (i.e. budgets, legislation).  Separate from that, I am also a District delegate to NYSTRS (New York State Teachers Retirement System). I am also a member of LIPC (Long Island Presidents Council), the group responsible for the ‘Education Is...’ public service announcements."

Through her work in the union, she represents over 750 employees in 10 buildings in the Northport School District, including teachers, nurses, counselors, social workers and teaching assistants.  The per diem substitutes are also an umbrella unit under the UTN.

As President, Antoinette also serves as Chief Negotiator, negotiating the collective bargaining agreement between the teachers union and the district.  The current contract expires in June 2010 and she, along with her team will begin shortly the negotiation process for the subsequent agreement.  Antoinette is also actively involved in contract maintenance and with all grievances and actions of improper practice.  Additionally, she maintains an ongoing, open line of communication with members of central and building level administration, trustees of the board of education, as well as unit members.  She also develops the UTN budget and has oversight of the Union’s finances.

As a language teacher Antoinette loves working with 7th & 8th graders, teaching French and Spanish at Northport Middle School from 1996 through 2008.  She has brought middle school French students to Quebec, several times, for a lingua-cultural experience.  She has also accompanied groups of high school students to Paris twice for home-stay experiences.  As part of these home-stays, Antoinette was also given the opportunity to teach Parisian students at the Lycée Rodin in southeast Paris.

Antoinette earned her Masters Degree in linguistics and second language acquisition from SUNY Stony Brook in 1992 as well as a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Educational Administration from Hofstra University in 2001.

Molloy College bestowed the Veritas Medal on Antoinette in 1996.  Antoinette is also very active in her parish, Saint Anthony of Padua, where she is currently in her 28th year as a catechist.  In recognition of these years of service, Antoinette has received the Pius X, John XXIII and Elizabeth Ann Seton Medals from the Diocese of Rockville Centre.

Antoinette has been very active in the Molloy Alumni Association and is dedicated to keeping it going.  For a time she served on Molloy College Alumni Board, one term as Representative-at-Large, one term as Secretary, two terms as Editor-in-Chief of the Alumni Newsletter, one term as President.

Describe your career/life choices and how you came to be doing what you are now.

I earned a BA in French with a concentration in secondary education from Molloy in 1988 and began my teaching career shortly thereafter.  I have been working in the Northport-East Northport School District since 1991, first as a substitute teacher and since 1996 as a full-time teacher of World Languages.  Currently I am on full-release as the President of the United Teachers of Northport.  I also hold an MA degree from Stony Brook University in Linguistics and Second Language Acquisition as well as a CAS in Educational Administration from Hofstra University.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

As a teacher of French and Spanish, I gain great satisfaction in seeing my students develop an understanding not only of the language but of the people and culture of the countries where those languages are spoken.  I have had several opportunities to lead students on lingua-cultural tours and study programs in both Paris, France and Quebec, Canada.  There is no greater reward than to experience these cultures for the “first time” through the eyes of my students.  I thoroughly enjoy sharing my love for languages and foreign cultures with my students and encouraging them to develop that same passion.

Who are your role models?

From an early age, I have always considered my mother to be my greatest role model.  She was a generous and caring individual who would always do for others, even if it meant making personal sacrifices.  Throughout her life, she embraced the ideal of “service above self.”  She was faithful and faith-filled.  Many of my personal philosophies are founded on her many positive qualities and attributes.

How do you balance work and life?

I find the balance between life and work to be inherent, as my career is so much a part of my life and vice versa.  As both a teacher and union leader, my personal philosophies and belief system have played an integral part in my professional life.  So much of who I am manifests itself in what I do. 

What advice would you give to current students?

Whatever your career choice, be sure that you remain true to yourself.  Like it or not, what you do will be a tremendous part of who you are.  Conversely, it is vital that who you are be incorporated into what you do. 

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If you know a Molloy Alumna/Alumnus who you believe has a story to share and deserves recognition, include his/her name, class year, and a paragraph explaining why you think he/she should be nominated and send it to Dr. Marion Flomenhaft.  Or you can mail recommendations to the Molloy College, Office of Alumni Relations, 1000 Hempstead Avenue, P.O. Box 5002, Rockville Centre, NY  11571.