The district would like to congratulate Oakdale-Bohemia Middle School social studies teacher Carmela Gustafson for earning her doctorate in education from the Columbia University Teachers College.

Due to her rigorous years of study, Dr. Gustafson was awarded her doctorate on Feb. 13 after defending her dissertation, “It’s Like a Puzzle in a Million Pieces, the Productive Possibilities of Conflict in a Teacher Inquiry Group.”

According to Dr. Gustafson, pursuing a doctorate has been a dream of hers since before she started teaching. While her parents never had the opportunity to finish high school, she believes it was as a result of their struggles that they instilled in her a strong sense of the importance of education.  

“My decision to pursue a doctorate specifically in education was simple - to me, there are few professions as important as teaching,” said Dr. Gustafson. “Continuing to grow as an educator helps me to offer the best of myself to students. Above all, I strive to be a role model who shares at least a bit of my love of learning with my students, who themselves teach me something new every day.”

Dr. Gustafson has been teaching social studies in OBMS for the past 12 years, along with a seasoned total of 21 years within the district.