New Social Studies Chair at Roslyn School District

Roslyn School District has officially named Joseph Van Wie as the new Chairperson of the Social Studies Department. Bringing nearly fifteen years of experience in education and the social sciences, Van Wie joins Roslyn with a proven track record of academic excellence, curriculum innovation, and student mentorship.

"We are delighted to welcome Joseph Van Wie as the new Chairperson of the Social Studies Department,” said Superintendent Allison Brown. “His extensive background in curriculum innovation and his dedication to student mentorship perfectly embody our district’s mission of Excellence. Elevated. We are confident that his leadership will inspire our students to achieve their full potential and support our faculty as we continue to provide the highest standard of education here in Roslyn."

Van Wie most recently served as the Social Science Research Coordinator at George W. Hewlett High School and Assistant Principal for the Hewlett-Woodmere Summer Program. During his tenure, he pioneered Long Island’s first Syracuse University Project Advance (SUPA) Social Science Research course, helped establish Hewlett’s Seal of Civic Readiness, and mentored students to top national honors in prestigious competitions—including the Regeneron Science Talent Search, the High School FED Challenge, and the EURO Challenge.

“As an educator, I am completely dedicated to the success of our students,” said Mr. Van Wie. “I believe that each student is unique with specific needs, strengths, and aspirations. I look forward to working with our students and teachers to ensure a successful environment, where each student can thrive and grow academically and personally.”

Van Wie holds New York State Certifications as a School District Leader (SDL), School Building Leader (SBL), and 7-12 Social Studies Teacher. His extensive credentialing includes advanced certifications in Advanced Placement (AP) World History, AP Research Capstone, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, and adjunct status with Syracuse University.

Throughout his career across Long Island school districts—including Hewlett-Woodmere, Long Beach, Lynbrook, Smithtown, and Hicksville—Van Wie consistently achieved outstanding student outcomes, maintaining a 90%+ pass rate on AP and Global Regents exams while active in regional curriculum initiatives, such as the Nassau County Council of School Superintendents’ Civil Rights Movement Curriculum project.

Van Wie earned his Master of Arts in History from Queens College (CUNY), a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education and History from Hofstra University, and Post-Graduate Advanced Certificates in SBL and SDL from Molloy University. He is also a co-author of the book Landmarks of Hempstead Town.