ADMINISTRATION

Mr. Nelson began his tenure as Principal of North Middle School in August of 2024.

Mr. Nelson’s career in education spans 21 years as a teacher, school counselor, and building administrator. He served 3 years as a high school social studies teacher in the Sewanhaka and Rye Neck school districts before becoming a school counselor. He served as a middle school counselor for 11 years — including 8 years in the Rye Neck school district and 3 years at Great Neck North Middle School.  Throughout his time  as a teacher and counselor, Mr. Nelson coached football, baseball, and basketball.  He served as assistant principal at North Shore Middle School from July 2018 through August 2023.  In late August of 2023, Mr. Nelson returned to North Middle School, serving as Assistant Principal during the 2023-2024 school year before being appointed as Principal beginning with the start of the 2024-2025 school year.

Upon being named the new Principal at North Middle, Mr. Nelson said the following:

“It is with profound gratitude, humility, and excitement that I accept this appointment as principal and servant leader of North Middle. When I returned home here this past August, I dreamed about the possibility of one day leading this great school - and it fills me with a great sense of pride, purpose and dedication to serve our students, staff, and community with energy, humanity, and passion. I am ever-grateful for the invaluable lessons I have learned from Dr. Cozine and Ms. Gunning, whose collective mentorship and guidance has shaped my philosophy of education and my approach to leadership. Together, with our dedicated staff, supportive parents, and engaged community, we will maintain the nurturing environment that exists here - where our young people and adolescents can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. We will be committed to providing them with all that they will need to lead not only lives of success, but more importantly lives of significance. I am eager to collaborate with each of you to ensure the growth and well-being of all of our students. Thank you for entrusting me with this awesome responsibility.”  

Mr. Nelson has loved every moment of his 18 years spent working with middle schoolers. He enjoys the relationships that can be built with young people this age, and he values his responsibility to assist them as they navigate this pivotal time in their life and their development as people.  He holds firm to his personal belief that “how children feel is how they learn.”  With that in mind, he endeavors every day to make his students feel seen, heard, and known - not only by their teachers, but by their building principal as well.  As a former history teacher, he loves stories, and he believes that every one of his students and staff has a story to tell in leaving their mark on people and the world.  He loves hearing his students’ stories, and bearing witness to how they continue to write their story every single day.  Mr. Nelson wants his students to use their time at North Middle to discover who they are and what they stand for, and will frequently urge each of them to, “Remember who you are.”  

Mr. Nelson earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education and a Master of Arts in School Counseling from Manhattan College, and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from American College of Education. He holds New York State Certifications for School Building Leader, School Counselor, and Secondary Social Studies Education.

When not at North Middle, Mr. Nelson enjoys time spent with his beloved family, traveling, coaching youth baseball, and rooting for the New York Mets, Jets, and Knicks.

Contact Mr. Nelson

Email

Phone: 516-441-4500

Summer 2025

Dear North Middle School Community,

As we stand on the threshold of a new academic year, I am filled with immense gratitude and excitement to welcome you all back to North Middle School. Reflecting on my first year as principal, I am overwhelmed by the warmth, support, and trust our community has shown. The relationships we've built with students, parents, and staff have been the cornerstone of our success, and I am deeply thankful for each one of you.

Our school is more than just a place of learning; it's a vibrant community where every individual plays a crucial role. The trust and partnerships we've fostered have created an environment where our students can thrive, explore, and grow. As we embark on this new year, I am confident that this foundation of trust will continue to strengthen and support our collective mission.

At North Middle School, we are committed to nurturing not just academic excellence, but also personal growth and character development. Our dedicated team of educators and staff work tirelessly to create engaging, innovative learning experiences that challenge and inspire our students. We believe in the potential of every child and strive to provide the support and guidance needed for each student to reach their full potential.

This year, we renew our commitment to fostering an inclusive, accepting environment where diversity is celebrated and every student feels valued. Middle school is a time of discovery and self-exploration, and we are here to support our students through every step of this journey. We encourage our students to embrace their uniqueness, to be curious, and to approach challenges with resilience and determination.

I want to share with you a message that I say to our students every day on the morning announcements: "Be good to one another. And remember who you are." These words encapsulate our school's philosophy. We believe in the power of kindness and the importance of staying true to oneself. By treating each other with respect and compassion, and by embracing our individual identities, we create a community that uplifts and empowers everyone within it.

As we look ahead, I want to express my unwavering confidence in our team - our teachers, administrative staff, and support personnel. Their dedication, expertise, and passion for education are the driving forces behind our school's success. Together, we are committed to always acting in the best interest of our students, supporting their growth as learners and as individuals.

To our students: embrace the opportunities that lie ahead. Challenge yourselves, support one another, and remember that your middle school years are a time for exploration and growth. To our parents and guardians: thank you for your continued support and partnership. Your involvement is crucial to our students' success.

Let's make this year one of remarkable achievements, meaningful connections, and positive growth. I am honored to lead this exceptional community and look forward to the amazing things we will accomplish together.

Here's to a fantastic year ahead at North Middle School!

Warmest regards,

Brendan Nelson, Principal

With 25 years of teaching experience, Mrs. Booth has had the privilege of working with students ranging from kindergarten through 8th grade in various roles.  She has been fortunate to be part of the Great Neck Public Schools for the past 17 years, starting at Saddle Rock Elementary School as a Special Education teacher. Then in 2009 she joined North Middle as a Special Education Teacher and later became Dean of Students in 2017.

Mrs. Booth received a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from SUNY Oneonta, a Masters of Science in Special Education for School Age Learners from Adelphi University, and a Post Masters in Educational Leadership from Stony Brook. 

Mrs. Booth is honored and thrilled to be a part of the administrative team.  She is committed to upholding our tradition of academic excellence while providing a nurturing environment that supports students’ academic, social-emotional, and personal growth.

Mr. Corrao is excited to return to the Great Neck community as the Assistant Principal at North Middle School. With 18 years of experience as a high school English teacher, including five years at Great Neck North High School where he also coached boys and girls winter and spring track, moderated the Project Earth Club, and served as the proud Advisor for the Class of 2022. After transitioning into school leadership, he served as an Assistant Principal in the Three Village School District at Paul J. Gelinas Junior High School and Ward Melville High School before coming back to Great Neck.

Mr. Corrao holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from St. John's University and a Master’s in Adolescent Education - English from Adelphi University. Additionally, he earned advanced certifications in School Building and School District Leadership, as well as Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from Adelphi.

Beyond the classroom, Mr. Corrao has coached volleyball for over 20 years at the high school, club, and collegiate levels and continues to work with young athletes at summer volleyball camps. 

Mr. Corrao is passionate about helping students grow both academically and personally and is looking forward to a fantastic year at North Middle School where he hopes to add to the well-established culture of excellence, positivity, and collaboration.

Mr. Paul Reilly began teaching in Great Neck in 2015 as a social studies teacher.  He has taught in Great Neck at both the middle and high school level. He became a dean at North Middle school in 2020. Mr. Reilly received his undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland and a master’s degree from Hofstra University.

Mrs. Christine Sposito began teaching in Great Neck in September 2012 where she has served as math teacher and team leader.  As Dean at North Middle, she is responsible for day-to-day disciplinary events that occur.  Mrs. Sposito received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 2010 and her Masters of Art in Teaching Elementary Education and extension in Mathematics in 2011 from Sacred Heart University. In 2018, she earned her Administrative certification from The College of St. Rose.  In her free time, Mrs. Sposito enjoys spending time with her family. During the summer they like taking camping trips to explore different parts of the country. 

Mrs. Zwick began teaching in Great Neck in September 2007 where she served as a teacher of health and physical education. In September 2010 she assumed the role as Health Education Department Chairperson. As Dean of North Middle, she is responsible for day-to-day disciplinary events that occur. Mrs. Zwick received a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Hofstra University in 2006 and a Masters of Science in Health Education in 2008 both from Hofstra University. In 2010, she earned her Administrative Certificate from The College of St. Rose. In her free time, Mrs. Zwick enjoys spending time with her family. During the summer she enjoys going to the beach, hiking and traveling the world.