Abid Choudhury, a math teacher at Townsend Harris High School, has taken on the role of Interim Acting Assistant Principal of STEM for the 2024-2025 school year, replacing retired Assistant Principal Susan Brustein.
Mr. Choudhury taught math for the past nine years. He began working at Richmond Hill High School, where he taught regents-level math. He started working at THHS in 2019 and taught classes ranging from Algebra 1 to Pre-Calculus.
Previously, he taught five classes annually— however, now as Assistant Principal, he will only teach two classes. “The priority shifted a little bit, and not away from teaching. Before it was really making sure [that] the students in my classroom are successful in their math classes […] but now my priority has shifted [and] we need all of our students doing well in math and science,” he said.
He explained his desire to continue to teach, even as he takes on a larger role in the school. He said, “I could relate to the experience of a teacher in a classroom, so I’m not losing touch with what’s actually happening on a day-to-day basis […] it keeps [me] in tune with what students need as well.”
Mr. Choudhury acknowledged the effort teachers put into their classes to allow students to have a thorough comprehension of the material. “Our teachers always strive to do their best to make sure all students learn in our classes. I do think that they make that effort every single day.” He spoke about his values as a teacher. “I think being a strong teacher first is really important to become a strong administrator because it informs all your experiences and all your decisions,” he said.
“Sometimes [STEM] can be a discouraging experience, and most students want to fade into the background thinking math and science isn’t for them. [So] I really believe it’s us [teachers] making the effort to bring them along and show them that they can be successful in these subjects. I think that goes a long way,” he said.
Some of his students reflected on him as a teacher. Senior Julie Remache, one of Mr. Choudhury’s former AP Pre-Calculus students said, “Most students have said that they’ve felt comfortable around him and have been able to approach him if they were having difficulties with the class.”
Junior Ananna Ali, one of Mr. Choudhury’s current students said, “This year, I’m expecting AP Pre-Calculus to be challenging but also a great opportunity to strengthen my math skills. Since I’ve had Mr. Choudhury as a teacher before, I’m comfortable with his teaching style, so I feel good about the class.”
With the shift in management over the STEM Department comes newfound expectations relating to courses and activities. Math and science teachers at THHS explained their thoughts about their hopes and expectations for the department and the student body.
Dina Inoyatov, a Geometry and Calculus teacher at THHS said, “The STEM departments at Townsend are well developed. Many science programs, including courses and extracurriculars such as robotics, are offered. I hope that we can expand the math department in the coming years, including the offered electives and math-based activities such as Pi Day. I would like to see some more emphasis on our math programs.”
Sarah Loew, Biology and Science Research teacher, expressed similar opinions adding that STEM-based field trips may enhance students’ interest in the courses they take. She said, “I would love to go on more STEM field trips and bring students out of the building to experience things firsthand. In the past, we have taken trips to the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge and the Cold Spring Harbor DNA Learning Center. These experiences were wonderful opportunities for students to connect with STEM in our communities.”
Brian Condon, principal of THHS, expressed his excitement as to what the STEM department has to offer, while complimenting Mr. Choudhury’s teaching techniques. He said, “[Mr. Choudhury is] just dedicated to make sure that every single student in his class learns. And he’s willing to do whatever it takes to reach every student.”
He expanded on the importance of having a still composure, especially when taking on a leadership position. “I’ve never seen Mr. Choudhury panicking, I’ve never seen him in a tizzy, so I know he has a calm demeanor and that’s important for leadership,” he said.
Mr. Condon described the hiring process, which included some of his “teacher leaders.” He said at least one teacher from every department at THHS—except for World Languages—makes critical decisions with him during important events throughout the school year.
He highlighted some of the requirements teachers needed to meet during the hiring process. He said, “Through my interactions with them, I get to assess their ability to make leadership choices, engage in the desired leadership behaviors, and [see if] they have an appropriately developed vision about where they’re going. […] I think [Mr. Choudhury] has a vision for where he wants things to go. He is as committed to the advanced curriculum as Ms. Brustein was or as any of the teachers are.”
Mr. Condon briefly stated what “good teaching” looks like to him in six words. He said, “Student-centered, document-based, discourse-driven.” Under Mr. Choudhury’s leadership Mr. Condon said he wants math, science, and engineering teachers to pique students’ curiosity to learn even more.
Mr. Choudhury said, “I want everyone to stay curious and stay interested. There is room for you here and if you are struggling, there are ways for you to improve. Struggle is supposed to happen. Struggle isn’t supposed to prevent us from improving. If you give it a chance, then there is space [and] you’ll be afforded the opportunities to improve.
“I’m super excited to take on this role. I want all of the students to feel like they can succeed, even in the little victories,” said Mr. Choudhury.
