Barbara Meskill

Regional Certification Officer,
Nassau BOCES

If there is one person whom Nassau County teachers — especially those who began their careers in the last two decades — are all familiar with, it’s Barbara Meskill. Even if they have not met her, they’re sure to recognize the impact she’s had on their lives.

As regional certification officer for Nassau BOCES, Meskill is the “go-to” person for those planning a career in education or looking for information about the process as she oversees certification for all 56 Nassau County school districts. Since participating in the development of the Nassau BOCES Regional Certification Office in 1990, Meskill has mastered the art of educational certification, helping thousands of teachers and administrators — including legislators, parents, attorneys, physicians and those thinking about changing careers — through the laborious certification process.

But what makes Meskill so special is her need to do more than ensure that all the “i’s” are dotted and “t’s” crossed on the proper forms. She works hard to help candidates understand just what is required to be a great teacher, serving as an impromptu mentor and advisor. She finds helping “change-of- career” candidates the most rewarding, as she knows these teachers will bring a wealth of experience to today’s classrooms. In addition, Meskill shares her expertise with school personnel administrators and new teachers during informational workshops at local colleges and school districts that offer teacher education programs.

Her dedication has been recognized by many education organizations, including the Nassau County Council of School Superintendents, Long Island Association of School Personnel Administrators and New York State Association of School Personnel Administrators.

In the late 1970s while still a graduate student at C.W. Post. Meskill served as an advisor for the School of Education. In fact, many of Meskill’s former students are now serving as administrators and superintendents on Long Island.