The Best Part of Guidance Director Kitty Klein’s Job
Kitty Klein loves coming to work every day. The Huntington School District’s director of guidance and testing, she enjoys the challenges that come with her job. Surprises abound and there’s rarely a dull moment.
Appointed to her position in August 2010, Ms. Klein has since assumed responsibility for home instruction and alternative education programs. She earned an undergraduate degree in psychology at Long Island University in May 1993 and obtained a master’s degree in education in January 1995 at St. John’s University, where she also received a professional diploma in educational administration and supervision in June 1997.
“I remember when I first arrived and many of the students and parents came to meet with me,” Ms. Klein said. “Everyone was so friendly and warm, as well as eager to let me know what it is that they needed. This truly helped me better understand the needs of our schools and what we could do as a counseling department to deliver informative programs in our community.”
Since beginning work in the district, Ms. Klein has become a familiar face to students and parents. “I truly love it here and the families that make up this wonderful community,” she said. “Honestly, Huntington has become my second home.”
Ms. Klein is president of the Suffolk Directors of Guidance Association. “It’s a non-for-profit organization that I helped set-up earlier this school year,” she said. “Our current membership consists of 45 administrators in the counseling profession. We have grown as an organization in just a few short months and I am humbled by the thought that they chose me to be their president and head-up this esteemed group of professionals.”
The guidance directors group also includes executive board members from the Commack, Smithtown and Bellmore-Merrick school districts. “We meet several times a year to discuss various topics ranging from college admissions, scholarships, NCAA, SAT, ACT and accelerated programs to student social emotional needs and overall development,” Ms. Klein said. “We engage in dialogue regarding regulation changes and updates that impact K-12 schools.”
When classes are in session, Ms. Klein rarely has any down time. “Unquestionably, there are many things that I’m involved with on a day to day basis and whether it’s behind the scenes in reviewing student programs, scheduling concerns, college admissions, home tutoring, career exploration, alternative education or being at the forefront when conducting meetings with families and scholarship donors, I love it all,” she said.
Ms. Klein came to Huntington from the Garden City School District where she was director of guidance. Prior to that she worked as a guidance counselor (later promoted to department director) at the Academy of Environmental Science in Manhattan, assistant principal of personnel and guidance at Norman Thomas High School in Manhattan, director of guidance for the Locust Valley School District and director of guidance and counseling for the Manhasset School District.
“There’s not really one part of the position that I like most,” Ms. Klein said. “It’s just knowing that ‘what’s best for students’ is at the heart of the conversations and decisions that take place. Being involved in many aspects of the curriculum is important and I am always looking for ways to enhance communications between the schools and the community so that families are informed and stay involved.”
There’s really never a quiet time around the guidance offices. There’s plenty to keep everyone busy and that suits Ms. Klein just fine. She likes lots of activity and to interact with as many students as she can each day.
“I have always believed in Harvey MacKay’s quote, ‘Find something that you love to do and you’ll never have to work a day in your life,’” she said. “I am lucky to say that having met a few wonderful mentors along my way, has helped me become the person I am today. Everyone needs a mentor, a role model, a hero and I was fortunate to have met a few. ‘Paying it forward.’ I hope to serve in that capacity; to some if not all and to give back to our future generation.”