Garden City Public Schools

The Long Island Coalition Against Bullying has named Mrs. Elizabeth Dukeman, a general education teacher at Locust School in the Garden City School District, as one of this year’s Long Island School Heroes.

The award recognizes K-12 educators and school community members across Long Island who go above and beyond to support kindness, inclusion and safety, leaving a lasting and positive impact on students and families. Honorees are nominated by parents, peers and students who see firsthand their commitment to supporting children in meaningful and life-changing ways.

Beyond celebrating the impact of these individuals, the Long Island School Hero Awards also serve as a reminder of the ongoing challenges schools face around bullying, mental health and student well-being — and the difference that one dedicated person can make in addressing them.

Mrs. Dukeman has been teaching for more than 20 years and has both her bachelor’s and master’s degree in special education. She has worked in general education as a classroom teacher in Garden City since 2007 and while there has taught first, fourth and fifth grade. She was nominated by Dr. Lisa Pasch, the parent of a student in Mrs. Dukeman’s class last year.

As a child psychologist with a strong background in bullying prevention, Dr. Pasch has worked closely with schools and community organizations on this important issue.

“In my 20-plus years in the field and around countless educators, I had never felt compelled to submit a nomination until Mrs. Dukeman,” Dr. Pasch shared. "Throughout the year, Mrs. Dukeman showed both her dedication to the students as well as being an anti-bullying warrior. While there had been some instances of bullying or potentially bullying behaviors, Mrs. Dukeman's responses all came from a place of kindness and wanting all students to feel safe and secure in and out of the classroom. I believe she truly helps children at a very vulnerable age.”

“I was honored when I was nominated, and even more honored to have been chosen for this award,” said Mrs. Dukeman. “It’s always been a goal of mine to be an advocate for others. Whether someone needs me to be their voice or simply hold their hand for a minute, I’m all in — everyday.”

“We are so proud of Mrs. Dukeman for being named a Long Island School Hero by the Long Island Coalition Against Bullying,” said Dr. Kusum Sinha, superintendent of Garden City Schools. “Her compassion, empathy and commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment have made a lasting difference in the lives of our students through the years.”

Mrs. Dukeman will be honored at the Long Island School Hero Awards ceremony, presented by the LICAB on Oct. 20.