Q&A with Richard Mangeri ’93Ed, ’99GEd, ’17Ed.D., LEAD Honoree

The School of Education at St. John's University celebrates our outstanding alumni and faculty at our annual Leaders in Education Awards Dinner (LEAD).

Q&A with Richard Mangeri ’93Ed, ’99GEd, ’17Ed.D., LEAD Honoree

Richard Mangeri ’93Ed, ’99GEd, ’17Ed.D., Assistant Principal, Woodmere Middle School, Hewlett-Woodmere Public School District, will be among several alumni honored by The School of Education at the 14th Annual Leaders in Education Award Dinner (LEAD) on April 10 at the Stewart Manor Country Club in Stewart Manor.

Congratulations! What does it feel like to receive this award?

I am humbled by this experience of being recognized for the work I have contributed to the field of education, but this award is a testament to the collective efforts of the influences I have had along the way. I’m grateful for the supportive and inspiring mentors and colleagues, and most importantly, the encouragement and love of my friends and family. Their wisdom, guidance, expertise, and belief in my potential have contributed greatly to my journey and fueled my passion for education. 

I am honored to be recognized with this prestigious award and remain dedicated to making a positive impact in the field of education, both now and in the years to come. I am truly grateful to be acknowledged among so many dedicated educators who are committed to making a difference in the lives of others.

Please tell us a little about yourself and your current profession.

With more than 32 years of dedicated service in education, I have been a passionate advocate for student success, leadership development, and educational excellence. I spent 20 years as a coach and social studies teacher before transitioning into administration. I served as a dean for three years, followed by 11 years as a high school assistant principal. Currently, I bring my experience to middle school leadership, where I continue to foster a positive learning environment for both students and staff.

How has a degree from The School of Education impacted your career path?

As a proud triple alumnus, I received invaluable advice and guidance from my professors. Their mentorship equipped me with the skills and tools necessary to be an effective educator and leader in the field of education. The hands-on learning opportunities and rigorous coursework have equipped me with the skills and confidence needed to be successful dealing with never-ending changes in the world of education. The emphasis on creating a community of lifelong learners has instilled in me a passion for continuous growth and professional development.

Were there any professor(s) in The School of Education who influenced your life?

Absolutely! Rene S. Parmar, Ph.D., former Professor, Department of Administrative and Instructional Leadership, was instrumental in my journey, offering steadfast support and invaluable advice as I completed my dissertation. Her dedication made a lasting impact on my career.

What are your most cherished memories from your days as a student in The School of Education?

The incredible professors that I learned from and the strong sense of family and community that was instilled in me have shaped my path in life. The meaningful relationships that I built along the way with professors and students made my time at The School of Education truly special.

What wisdom would you like to share with the next generation of alumni?

What I have learned over the years that I can share with the next generation of alumni would be to build relationships first because education is about people. Establish meaningful relationships with students, colleagues, and parents. A student who feels valued and understood is more likely to engage in learning.

Be flexible and adaptable due to the landscape of education constantly evolving. Make sure to foster a growth mindset because failure is part of learning, not the end of the road. Use technology as a tool, not a replacement for great teaching. Integrate it meaningfully, but never let it replace human connection.

It is very important to meet students where they are because every student learns differently. Lastly, never stop learning. Great teachers remain students forever. Read, attend professional development, and learn from your students.