Matthew Pidel has firmly settled into his role as the Resilience Academy’s first Dean of Students and has already developed a strong rapport with the students encouraging them to grow.
“I’m really grateful to be here,” Pidel said. “I feel like it’s a place where I can really make a difference and be a good support in the community.”
Responsibilities for this role include focusing on culture and safety, working with students on their individual needs, implementing behavioral interventions when necessary and managing the new cell phone policy.
Pidel chose BOCES for its diverse community and the chance to help students with varied needs. His goals include being a strong support for Principal Kiesha Tillman and continuing to build relationships with staff and students which has come easily.
“The kids have been pretty peaceful, they’re kind and they’ve been welcoming,” Pidel said. “The smaller population makes it easier for me to get to know the kids.”
Knickknacks and posters from pop culture franchises including Harry Potter and the Marvel Cinematic Universe decorate the walls, shelves and desk of Pidel’s office which he uses to empower students to persevere when times get tough. One story he relays is a scene from “Avengers Infinity War” where the character Thor visits his mother and reaches out for his hammer realizing he still is worthy despite previous mistakes.
“I try to use that to tell the kids that no matter what happens, we all make mistakes … You can always choose to do better regardless of what happened in the past and you’re always still worthy,” Pidel explained. “I like the kids to have the opportunity to see themselves as heroes in stories … a school is a story and every person in it can be the hero for their own story where they get to grow and overcome.”
Pidel previously worked as a teacher at schools in the Bronx and Newburgh and served as a principal at Ulster BOCES for one summer. He holds a master’s from Empire State College in secondary teaching and an advanced educational leadership certification from SUNY New Paltz. Outside of work, Pidel enjoys kickboxing, writing songs and spending time with his husky Rowdy Boy. He also keeps busy by working in his family’s business, Locust Grove Fruit Farm, and is something of an entrepreneur.
“I’m building a greenhouse and planting thousands of flowers so I can hopefully have my own flower stand at the farmers markets,” Pidel said. “I work all the time.”
