Finley’s Dana Rogan Stives to Make Math Easy for Students

Dana Rogan strives to make math as easy as possible for her students at J. Taylor Finley Middle School. She works hard to take the fear and intimidation out of the subject.

Mrs. Rogan has worked at Finley for the past seven years. She has taught Math 8 and Algebra 1, served as a Response to Intervention teacher and also worked as an instructional coach with her colleagues.

Mrs. Rogan attended Walt Whitman High School. “I worked at the Huntington YMCA as a swim instructor and lifeguard when I was a teenager,” she said. “That is where I learned that I wanted to work with children and be able to teach, especially with my love for math; it was the perfect pathway for me.”

The Finley math teacher is the third faculty member to be profiled as part of a new “Huntington Highlights” initiative that provides community members with insight into teachers and support staff members who toil at the district’s eight individual school buildings.

Outside of the school day, Mrs. Rogan enjoys pursuing some of her passions. “I love to be with my family, especially my two children,” she said. “I love being on the boat, at the beach or any outdoor activity.”

Mrs. Rogan obtained a Bachelor of Science degree at SUNY New Paltz and a Master of Arts in Math Education at City College of New York. She went on to garner a post-masters advanced certificate in educational leadership at Molloy University in Rockville Centre.

Prior to coming to Huntington UFSD, Mrs. Rogan had a five year fellowship with Math for America and worked at Urban Assembly for Media Studies High School.

“I love working here,” Mrs. Rogan said. “I feel like I leave my home to come to my second home. Finley is truly a family and I love the people I work with. Growing up in Huntington and being able to work in a town and community that I feel so close to is a blessing. The Huntington community is one unmatched. We stick together and are always there for one another. In Huntington, I feel supported, respected and know we all want the best for our students. What more could you ask for?!”

Mrs. Rogan is highly regarded by her colleagues at Finley as well as her students. They know she is “all in” for Huntington as she typically goes over and above the usual expectations.

“Dana has been instrumental in the successful implementation of the Reveal Math program at the middle school level,” department Director Theresa Grossane said. “She collaborates consistently with elementary instructional coaches to share best practices and deepen program understanding. In addition, Dana has taken a leadership role in integrating the Desmos graphing calculator, providing workshops that empower teachers to confidently use this digital tool. Her ongoing mentorship of new teachers—supporting lesson planning, classroom management, and the adoption of innovative technologies—continues to strengthen the department and elevate instructional practice.”