Reed Welcomes Daniel Leonard

Introducing Mr. Daniel Leonard, Jr., Ralph G. Reed Middle School's newest 8th Grade History Teacher. Mr. Leonard earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree with a dual major in History and Adolescence Education, Social Studies, from SUNY Cortland. He received his Associates Degree in Liberal Arts from Suffolk County Community College.  

Mr. Leonard brings a wealth of professional experience into his classroom. He was a student teacher at Dawnwood Middle School and Newfield High School, both located in the Middle Country School District. While at Newfield High School, Mr. Leonard observed how the History Department prepared for upcoming Regents Exams with their students. While attending SUNY Cortland, Mr. Leonard assisted numerous classes at Cortland Junior/Senior High School in Global I, Global II, Psychology, and AP Economics classes. He additionally took a leadership role in organizing and modeling the Psychology lab. During his Fall 2021 Semester, Mr. Leonard reviewed and gained knowledge in U.S. History, Economics, and Global 10 courses at the McGraw Junior/Senior High School in McGraw, New York. Here, he also facilitated a lesson with twenty Global 10 students about the scramble for Africa.

Mr. Leonard is a member of the Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society, and was on the Dean's list in the Spring 2023 Semester. He served as a Track & Field Volunteer Coach for Sachem East High School in 2020-2021.

Mr. Leonard most recently served as a long term substitute teacher at Central Islip High School from September 2024 through the 2025 Academic Year.

Asked to share his thoughts about his new appointment as a Reed Middle School History Teacher, Mr. Leonard commented: "I'm just very excited and feel very lucky just two years out of college to have my own classroom. As a History Teacher, I favor U.S. History, post-Civil War and current events which I taught as a long-term substitute at the high school, and I am ecstatic to have kept the same content area going to the Ralph G. Reed Middle School. I am excited to bring a younger perspective of U.S. History and to be a positive role model for my students. I'm also looking forward to seeing my seniors during the Senior Walkthrough next year."

Mr. Leonard is enthusiastic about the upcoming school year and is prepping for his new classes. During his free time, Mr. Leonard enjoys spending time with his family, hanging out with friends, and making the most of the summer engaging in outdoor activities. He enjoys traveling, reading books, watching the news and keeping up with current events. He has a sister, and is very close with his father, aunt and especially enjoys outdoor activities with his younger cousins. 

The Board of Education, Administration, Faculty, Staff and Community extend a warm welcome to Mr. Leonard!