Marsha Wilsker Iverson

Associate Professor Hofstra University

Her family says the only thing she’s ever failed at is retirement. After 38 years in education, Marsha Wilsker Iverson’s passion for students is so ingrained that sharing her knowledge is almost as natural as breathing. “Just wind her up and watch her teach,” they say.

During her years in education, Iverson moved from classroom teacher to high school principal to college instructor. Currently director for business education programs at Hofstra University, Iverson also serves as an adjunct professor with the College of St. Rose and The College of New Rochelle in the teacher education and school administration programs, respectively.

In addition, she is a consulting partner with Nassau BOCES, conducting workshops for school districts on career development, occupational studies and career planning.

Iverson spent the bulk of her career in the Valley Stream Central High School District, where her impact on students continues to be felt. Whether at the grocery store or on vacation thousands of miles away, she invariably runs into former students who delightfully say, “You were my teacher” — and then share stories about lessons she taught them that helped guide their lives.

As an educator, Iverson took her commitment to students beyond the classroom, participating in every club or extracurricular event at the school. And she was always looking for ways to continue her own learning. One year, she even traveled to Russia to study its educational system. When asked about the teaching profession, she said, “It’s the best, most wonderful career that you could ever have.”

Iverson has co-authored textbooks, held professional development workshops throughout the country and consulted for New York State Education Department and National Business Education Association. She has received several awards, including New York State Business Educator of the Year.