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Faculty - Social Studies

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Photo of Mr. John Andriaccio John Andriaccio:
Classes:
Economics, Participation in Government, U.S. History (Grade 7)
Education:
Bachelor's Degree - Stony Brook University; Master's Degree - Stony Brook University
Favorite Historical Quote:

John Andriaccio came to Oyster Bay in 1994 after teaching in New York City. He is currently teaching 7th grade Social Studies and co-advises the Be the Change Club and Student Council.
Photo of Mr. Anthony Caputo Anthony Caputo:
Classes:
Global I, Global II, U.S. History & Government, U.S. History (Grade 8)
Education:
Bachelor's Degree - SUNY Oneonta; Master's Degree - Dowling College
Favorite Historical Quote:

Mr. Caputo began his career in teaching at the Developmental Disabilities Institute as a Community Integration Specialist. From there, he became a teacher of students with Autism for Southern Westchester Boces. He began his career at OBEN in 1996 as a Special Education Teacher. He holds dual permanent certification in both Special Education and Social Studies. He is the advisor for the Interact Club.
Photo of Mrs. Lauren Harnick Lauren Harnick:
Classes: AP Government/Economics, Criminal and Civil Law, Global History through Film, American History through Film, AP Psychology
Education: Bachelor's Degree - Brandeis University; Master's Degree - Queen's College; Law Degree - Hofstra Law School
Favorite Historical Quote: "Believe you can, and you're halfway there." - Teddy Roosevelt

Lauren Harnick came to OBEN for the 2016-2017 school year after teaching social studies in New York City for eight years. As a teacher, she taught 9th and 10th grade Global History I and II. During her final two years in New York City, Mrs. Harnick also served as an Adjunct Professor for Criminal Law and Criminology in conjunction with Queensborough Community College. Prior to teaching, Mrs. Harnick practiced as an attorney for ten years.
Photo of Mrs. Keegan Harris Keegan Harris:
Classes:
Advanced World History, AP World History, Global History 2
Education:
Bachelor's Degree & Master's Degree - Oswego State University
Favorite Historical Quote:
“Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.” - Socrates

Keegan Harris has been an educator for over 15 years. Mrs. Harris taught for eight years at Half Hollow Hills Central School District before moving to Syracuse, NY. While in Syracuse, Mrs. Harris taught pedagogy and technology integration at a nuclear power plant. In the summer of 2020, Mrs. Harris’ family settled back on Long Island where she was thrilled to become part of the Oyster Bay-East Norwich community. Courses that she has taught include Global History I and II, AP World History Modern, Pre-AP World History, US. History, Participation in Government, Economics, and Ethics. Mrs. Harris has also had over 10 years of coaching experience.
Photo of Mr. David Pontillo Dave Pontillo:
Classes:
AP U.S. History, Social Studies 8
Education:
Bachelor's Degree - Stony Brook University; Master's Degree - Stony Brook University
Favorite Historical Quote:
"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same." - Ronald Reagan

D
avid Pontillo has been working at Oyster Bay High School since 2000. Mr. Pontillo has taught Advanced Placement United States history for over a decade. Mr. Pontillo is the co-advisor for our Model UN club and the Rho Kappa National History Honor Society.
Photo of Mr. Dennis Ruthkowski Mr. Dennis Ruthkowski
Classes: College Psychology, Global History I, Participation in Government, Economics, Sociology 
Education: Bachelor's Degree - SUNY Albany University; Master's Degree - Dowling College
Favorite Historical Quote: "Common sense is not so common." - Voltaire

Dennis Ruthkowski came to OBEN in the 1999 school year after working in the private sector for 3 years. During his time as a teacher, he has taught Global History I Honors and Regents, Global History II Honors and Regents, U.S. History Regents, 8th Grade Social Studies, 7th Grade Social Studies, Participation in Government, Economics, Facing History and Ourselves, Psychology, Sociology, AP Psychology, and Global History through film 
Photo of Mr. Brian Soper Brian Soper:
Classes: Social Studies 7, Social Studies 8, AP Human Geography
Education: Bachelor's Degree - University of Massachusets - Amherst / Adelphi University; Master's Degree - Adelphi University
Favorite Historical Quote: “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”- FDR

Mr. Soper came to Oyster Bay in 2006 after teaching at East Rockaway High School. In his seventeen years at Oyster Bay, Mr. Soper has taught a wide range of classes. He has taught AP classes such as World History, European History and currently Human Geography. He has also taught Regent's level US History and Global, as well as both seventh and eighth grade. During his time at Oyster, Mr. Soper has also had the opportunity to coach Boys' Lacrosse, Middle School Football, Intramural golf and basketball. He is a graduate of Hicksville High School.