Curriculum Vitae

Curriculum Vitae

John J. Gallagher, Ed.D.

Long Island, New York

631-294-2279


SUMMARY

Dynamic, versatile, collaborative, leader with an entrepreneurial spirit, and a sense of humor. Relationship builder with the ability to engage internal and external stakeholders. Experience in corporate public relations, marketing, and journalism provides a foundation to collaborate with others to strongly advocate for students and families from diverse cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds. 

Compelling national-level speaker with knowledge and skills in all facets of arts education, curriculum and assessment, student leadership, event planning and implementation, human resources, technology, financial management and facilities operations; and public, government and media relations.

Built relationships within and outside of our school community to promote the quality, sequential arts education offered to our students by leveraging strong personal connections in professional associations and with government officials on the local, state and national levels.

Lead administrator who ensured the safe continuation of an award-winning fine & performing arts program during the COVID-19 era.


FORMAL EDUCATION

Ed.D. Educational Administration - Dowling College – Oakdale, NY (2007)

P.D. School District Administrator – SUNY Stony Brook – Stony Brook, NY (2003)

M.S. Music Education – Long Island University – Brookville, NY (1999)

B.S. Communication Arts – St. John’s University – Jamaica, NY (1992)


NON-DEGREE EDUCATION & TRAINING

Leadership, Governance and Strategy in Organizational Management - Glenn Tecker (2023, 2012)

Security Awareness Training Knowb4 by Kevin Mitnik, Virtual Learning (2021)

Restorative Practices International Institute for Restorative Practices (2020)

Cognitive Coaching Thinking Collaborative, LLC. (2019-20)

The New NYS Learning Standards in the Arts (Trainer) (NY State Education Department & NYS School Music Association. 2017)

Advanced Issues for Student Activity Funds (J. Merrins. February, 2015)

All State Brass Adjudicator (NYS School Music Association. April, 2014)

Brass Adjudicator (NYS School Music Association. March, 2004)


PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE IN SCHOOL DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION

LONGWOOD CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT, Middle Island, New York (January, 2006 – Present)

Director of Music & Fine Arts

Member of superintendent’s senior leadership team responsible for supervision and management of a K-12 fine & performing arts program that serves a mixed socio-economic school community of 9,000 students in seven buildings. Increased responsibility included supervision of secondary-level family & consumer science and driver education programs, and liaising with internal auditors on finances of student clubs. 

District received the New York State School Music Association's Award of Excellence for its outstanding music program [that is] seen as a model for music education programs in New York State in providing students with a well-rounded music program at all levels.

Proudly implemented Long Island's first school-based Harp curriculum.

Approved by NYS Department of Education to pilot the Individual Arts Assessment Pathway (IAAP) to graduation in Visual Arts.


ROCKY POINT UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, Rocky Point, New York (September, 2004 – January, 2006)

Music Teacher/Department Chairperson; District Coordinator for Public and Community Relations

Similar duties and accomplishments as listed above in a smaller educational environment.

 

HICKSVILLE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, Hicksville, New York (May, 2003 – June, 2004)

Administrator for Community Services

Writer, editor and distributor of all public relations and information materials. Maintained community support for nine schools, shared and released information with all concerned. Acted as media contact for emergencies/closings/budget results.


PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE IN K-12 TEACHING

Music Teacher/Band Director

2000 - 2003 - Deer Park School District, Deer Park, NY (2002 USSBA Marching Band Champions)

1999 - 2000 - Sachem School District, Holbrook, NY

1997 - 1999 - Archbishop Stepinac High School, White Plains, NY

1996 - 1997 - Long Beach Catholic Elementary School, Long Beach, NY


PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE IN COLLEGIATE EDUCATION

Adjunct Professor - University at Stony Brook. CEQ 555 – Supervision of Instruction

Adjunct Professor – Dowling College. EDU 8722 Supervision of Instruction

Adjunct Professor – Dowling College. EDU 8701 Educational Administration

Adjunct Professor – Dowling College. Introduction to School District Public Relations (Proposed Course)


PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP

Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD)

Council of Administrators and Supervisors (CAS), Long Island, NY

Empire State Supervisors and Administrators Association (ESSAA), Syracuse, NY

Middle Island Administrators Association (MIAA)

National Art Education Association (NAEA), Alexandria, VA

National Association for Music Education (NAfME), Reston, VA

New York State Art Teachers Association (NYSATA)

New York State Council of Administrators of Music Education (NYSCAME)

New York State Council of Administrators of Music Education / Suffolk County Chapter (NYSCAME/Suffolk)

New York State Council of Educational Associations (NYSCEA)

New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA), Westbury, NY

Suffolk County Art Leaders Association (SCALA)

Suffolk County Music Educators Association (SCMEA)


PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION SERVICE

CONN-SELMER DIVISION OF EDUCATION, Elkhart, IN

Educational Clinician

Serve as part of a team of educational leaders to support school music programs across the United States.


GIVE A NOTE FOUNDATION, Indianapolis, IN

Ambassador/Advisory Council Member

Invited to bring expertise, credibility and network to support Foundation's mission of equitable access to music education for all students. Respond to board and/or staff when advice and/or assistance is needed.


LONG ISLAND ARTS ALLIANCE, Long Island, New York

Long Island Scholar Artist Program - Creator and Education Committee Chairperson

Since January, 2007, collaborate with the Long Island Arts Alliance and Newsday to produce a monthly venue promoting the artistic and academic successes of Long Island’s twelfth grade students. Liaise with students, parents, school officials, media representatives. PBS documentary found here.


LONG ISLAND ARTS EDUCATION COALITION, Long Island, New York

Invited by New York State Regent Roger Tilles to join a coalition of state-wide advocates to ensure an equitable and accessible arts education for students.


MIDDLE ISLAND ADMINISTRATORS ASSOCIATION

Unit Secretary (2019-Present)

Unit Delegate (2012-2017)


MR. HOLLAND'S OPUS FOUNDATION

Holland's Heroes (2021 - Present)

Invited to join a national collaborative group of experienced, passionate leaders in arts education to bridge the country and empower students through arts education. 


MUSIC FOR ALL, Indianapolis, IN

Faculty Member - Summer Symposium

Present session on Public Relations, Advocacy & Leadership to five hundred (500) students from across the country

Founding Member, Advocacy in Action Committee & Scholarship Application Adjudicator (2018-Present)

Adjudicate applications from school music programs across the country for recognition of advocacy efforts

Winners presented at Grand National Championship, November, 2019


NEW YORK STATE ALLIANCE FOR ARTS EDUCATION (NYSAAE)

Executive Board Member; Communications Chairperson 2008 - 2010


NEW YORK STATE COUNCIL OF ADMINISTRATORS OF MUSIC EDUCATION (NYSCAME)

President (January, 2022 - December, 2023)

  Represented approximately 250 members across New York State who have leadership responsibilities of school music programs

  Secured Federal 501(c)3 and New York State Charity statuses

  Confirm and Coordinate Session Presenters for NYSSMA Conferences in Summer (Albany) and Winter (Rochester)

  Re-Organized duties of Executive Board

President-Elect (2020 – 2022)

Vice President (2018 – 2020)


NEW YORK STATE COUNCIL OF ADMINISTRATORS OF MUSIC EDUCATION / Suffolk County Chapter (NYSCAME/Suffolk)

Past-President (2020-2021)

President (2019-2020)

Vice President (2018-2019)

Secretary (2017-2018)

Director of Professional Development (2015 – 2017)


NEW YORK STATE COUNCIL OF EDUCATION ASSOCIATIONS (NYSCEA)

Member-Delegate as President and President-Elect of NYSCAME 2019-Present

While representing administrators from New York school music and arts programs, delegates collaborate with members from thirty-eight (38) other organizations advocating for education across the State.


NEW YORK STATE SCHOOL MUSIC ASSOCIATION (NYSSMA), Westbury, New York

State Chairperson for Public Relations and Information (January, 2002 – Present)

Maintain Press Room to gather and share information as primary state-wide contact for all media inquiries.

Committee Memberships - Government Relations; Diversity, Equity & Inclusion


SUFFOLK COUNTY MUSIC EDUCATORS ASSOCIATION (SCMEA)

Advocacy Committee Co-Chairperson (2022 - Present)

Social Media Coordinator (@SCMEA_NYS Twitter & Instagram) (2018 - Present)

Elementary School Music Program Recognition Award Committee (2018-Present)

Government Relations Co-Chairperson (2018 - 2021)

Commercial Membership Chairperson (2014 - 2018)

Public Relations Chairperson (2000 - 2002)


WESTHAMPTON BEACH PERFORMING ARTS CENTER, Westhampton Beach, NY

Member – Arts Education Advisory Board (2014-2018)


SCHOOL DISTRICT SERVICE AWARDS

Administrator Service Award – Suffolk County Organization for Promotion of Education (SCOPE). (March, 2018)

Honorary Life Membership - Longwood Council of PTAs. (2014)

Honorary Life Membership - Tri-M Music Honor Society, Longwood High School Chapter. (May, 2007)


SCHOOL DISTRICT COMMITTEE ACTIVITY

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Walk for Peace (2019 - Present)

Individual Arts Assessment Pathway to Graduation (IAAP) Lead Administrator (2022-2025)

Re-Opening Task Force (2020)

Legislative Committee (2006 – Present)

School-Business Partnership – Charter Member (2010 – Present)

Professional Development Committee – Charter Member (2015 – Present)


ORIGINAL RESEARCH


Leading Longwood Central School District's Fine and Performing Arts Program during COVID-19 (July, 2020)


Irving Berlin's Yip! Yip! Yaphank (2018) – Produced during Centennial of original work. Research completed at Library of Congress and with local historians.


NYSSMA's Advocacy and Media Relations Handbook (Edited from 2007 doctoral dissertation).


The Attitudes of Music Administrators and Music Educators in Their Role as Advocates for K-12 Music Programs in Selected Regions of New York State.


LONGWOOD'S ARTS EDUCATION PROGRAM HONORS

Advocacy in Action Gold Award (Student Recruitment, Engagement, & Retention category) "Creating a Harp Program" (Music for All, 2024)

Advocacy in Action Honorable Mention (Pandemic Perseverance category) for "2020 Re-Opening Suggestions" (Music for All, 2023)

Award of Excellence - New York State School Music Association (2022)

Best Communities for Music Education - North American Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation (2008 - Present)

U.S. Congressional Art Show (NY District 1) 2022, 2019, 2016 and 2014

Advocacy in Action Gold Award (Marketing & Promotions category) for "Media Relations Materials" (Music for All, 2019)

Elementary Music Program Excellence Award (2018, 2016) - Suffolk County Music Educators Association (SCMEA)

Long Island Music Hall of Fame (2019). Longwood High School Music Program inducted

NYS Art Teachers Association (2024). VIrtual Legislative Exhibit, Albany, NY

Featured Article: Poliniak, S. (2016, October). The Advocate. Teaching Music (National Association for Music Education. Circulation - 70,000)

Suffolk County Anti-Bias Task Force for promoting tolerance & inclusion through the Arts, 2014

Best Acting and Production Awards (2010 - Present), East End Arts Council Teeny Awards


PERSONAL ENSEMBLE PERFORMANCES

Nassau Pops Symphony Orchestra (Trombone)

Perform with 60-piece ensemble in annual Outdoor Summer Concert Series, and for Christmas. Charity Benefits include those starring impressionist Bob Anderson, television's Tony Danza, Broadway's Linda Eder, Joe Piscopo's Evening with Sinatra, songwriter Jimmy Webb, The Cast of BeatleMania, Led Zepplin Goes Symphonic, Let's Hang On (Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons Tribute), and The New York Bee Gees.


Northport Community Band (Trombone/Euphonium)

Perform with 50-piece concert band in annual weekly Concerts in the Park each July since 1986.

Guest Conductor (2023, 2009)


FEATURED PERFORMANCES WITH STUDENTS

2021 New Year's Eve Longwood Junior High Students-Wonderama & HealRWorld Streaming Performance

St Patrick’s Day Parade (New York City) Longwood High School Marching Band (2008-2011)

Walt Disney World (Orlando, FL) Longwood High School Marching Band (2024, 2021, 2017)

 Sachem High School Marching Band (1999)

 Archbishop Stepinac High School Jazz Ensemble (1996)

Tuba Christmas (Rockefeller Center, NYC) Longwood District Tubists & Euphoniumists (2008-2019)

Rep. Timothy Bishop Longwood High School Jazz Ensemble (2007)

Jingle Ball Madison Square Garden (NYC) Deer Park High School Marching Band (2000)


OTHER PERFORMANCES WITH STUDENTS

2006 NYSSBA Conference, USS Intrepid, Empire State Plaza, Madison Square Garden, Shea Stadium, Waldorf-Astoria Hotel.

Joined with Town of Brookhaven, NY for arts advocacy project spotlighting student achievement in the arts.

Commissioned composer Carl Strommen to write Longwood Celebration for District’s Golden Anniversary (2009).

Coordinated Mark Wood’s Electrify Your Strings for 400 district orchestra students for day-long clinic and concert (2017, 2012, 2010).

Conceived of Long Island Trombone Day enabling Long Island students to perform with trombone masters including:

     Dr. Denson P. Pollard, Metropolitan Opera (2010)

Ray Anderson, Jazz Artist (2009)

Joseph Alessi, Principal, NY Philharmonic (2008)


PUBLISHED ARTICLES & INTERVIEWS

2024, March - The Importance of Music In Our Schools Month 103.1 WGY Radio / iHeart Media

2020, July. Leading Longwood Central School District's Fine and Performing Arts Program during COVID-19.

2017, May. The Art of Public Relations. The Instrumentalist, 71 (10), pp. 8-10.

     2016, October. Poliniak, S. The Advocate. Teaching Music (NAfME). Circulation - 70,000 (Featured Article)

2013, January. The Arts are Important for Sciences. Newsday.

2012, June. Advocacy Manual for NYSSMA membership.

2007, January. Seventy-Five Years of Music Education in New York State. The School Music News.

2005, February/March. Misinformation in a Crisis Can Spell Disaster. The School Music News.

2005, May/June. NYSSMA Members Serve Our Country. The School Music News.

2004, October. New York’s Idol: The Music Education of John Stevens. The School Music News.

2004, February. Why Your Music Program Needs Public Relations and Advocacy. The School Music News.  


MEDIA PLACEMENTS - NYSSMA

NYSSMA Hosts 2023 NAfME Eastern Division (All Eastern) Conference in Rochester

WHAM (ABC) TV - Channel 13

WHEC (NBC) TV - Channel 10

WROC (CBS) TV - Channel 8

WXXI (NPR) Radio

Vocalist Renee Fleming Keynotes NYSSMA Cyber Summit 2020

Daily Messenger, Canandaigua, NY

Livingston County News, Batavia, NY (Quoted)

NYSSMA Cancels 2020 All State/Winter Conference Due to Pandemic     

     Daily Messenger, Canandaigua, NY

     Evening Tribune, Hornell, NY

     Finger Lake Times, Geneva, NY

     Fox40 WICZ-TV, Vestal, NY

     Monroe County Post, Canandaigua, NY

     WENY-TV, Horseheads, NY

     WHEC-TV, Rochester, NY

     WSYR-TV, Syracuse, NY

Music In Our Schools Month (2020, Albany Times Union)

Rochester Readies for NYSSMA All State Conference (2019, Spectrum News, Rochester)

Long Beach Sixth Grader Youngest to Perform at NYSSMA Piano Showcase (2018, Newsday - Quoted)

Michael Salzman Assumes NYSSMA Presidency (2018, Newsday)

NYSSMA All State Conference (2016, Monroe County Post)

Top Music Students Perform at NYSSMA All State Conference (2016, Rochester Democrat & Chronicle)

Music In Our Schools Month (2020, Albany Times Union)

Michael Brownell Strikes Chord with State Officials (2016, Cortland Standard)

NYSSMA All State Conference (2015, Spectrum News, Rochester)

David Gaines Begins NYSSMA Presidency (2014, Newsday - Quoted)

Sacred Music in the Public Schools (2005, NY Times - Quoted)


MEDIA PLACEMENTS - LONGWOOD ARTS

We Did It (How Arts Programs Survived in Schools) (June, 2021, Newsday - Quoted)

School Arts Programs will Continue with New Technologies and Guidelines (September, 2020, Newsday - Quoted)

Irving Berlin's Yip! Yip! Yaphank! (November, 2018, Newsday - Quoted)

Property Tax Cap Will Hinder Arts Education (2011, Newsday - Letter to the Editor)


SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS

Advocacy and Music Education: Working Hand-in-Hand

Presenter - Dallas Baptist University (Virtual) - April, 2018

Presenter - NYSSMA Winter Conferences, Rochester, NY – December, 2018, 2015, 2010. 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2002, 2000

Presenter - Balanced Mind Conference, Brookville, NY – November, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005

Presenter – Long Island Symposium for Arts Administrators – October, 2007

Presenter – Westchester County Art Leaders Association – September, 2007

Presenter - CMENC/NYSSMA Winter Conferences

                     Eastman School of Music – April, 2008; Ithaca College – March, 2006

Presenter - MENC Eastern Division Conference, Providence, RI – March, 2009; Pittsburgh, PA - March, 2001

Presenter - NYSBDA Winter Conference, Syracuse, NY – March, 2001

 

Advocacy: Be Proactive Rather than Reactive

Presider - VH-1 Advocacy Seminar, MENC Eastern Division Conference Hartford, CT – March, 2007

 

Are Schools Preparing Students to be Tomorrow’s Arts Consumers? 

Guest Lecturer - Florida State University. Dr. Anthony Cuyler, professor. March, 2020. 

 

Building Arts Partnerships in Your Community

Panelist – NYS Alliance for Arts Education Conference, Bard College, Annandale, NY – January, 2008

 

Creating a Scholar Artist Program

Facilitator & Presenter, Roundtable Discussion – NYSSMA Winter Conference, Rochester, NY – December, 2008


Developing Positive Relationships with the Media

Facilitator & Co-Presenter – NYSSMA Winter Conference, Rochester, NY – December, 2018

Joined by Maureen McGuire, WROC-TV News Anchor

Joined by Dick Moss, News Director, Rochester Democrat & Chronicle


     Entrepreneurial Skills in Music Education

Panelist, Virtual Discussion - NYSSMA Collegiate Members and Business Owners - August, 2021


     The Future of School Arts Administration: Why YOU Matter

Presenter - NYSCAME/Suffolk - Symposium Day - November, 2022

Lecturer, SUNY Fredonia SDL Students - March, 2022

Facilitator, Live Panel Discussion - NYSSMA Winter Conference - December, 2021

Facilitator, Virtual Panel Discussion - New York State Summer Music Conference - Virtual - August, 2021

Facilitator, Virtual Panel Discussion - NYSSMA Cyber Summit/Winter Conference - Virtual - December, 2020


Get On a Substitute List - Music Teachers Get Sick, Too!

     New York State School Music Association Winter Conference - Rochester, NY - December, 2021

     Presented to NYSSMA Collegiate Members - Virtual Lecture at Nazareth College - May, 2021


How School Arts Programs are Faring During COVID-19

Suffolk NYSCAME Virtual Symposium for Long Island Educators - November, 2021


How Student Leaders Can Work With Educators to Promote the School's Music Program

     Music for All's Summer Symposium, Muncie, IN - June, 2022


Leading a School District Music Program

Guest Speaker - SUNY Fredonia SDL Students - March, 2022


Marketing Your Music Program (Podcast Interview). March, 2016

 

Media Relations and Advocacy in Music Education

                Presenter – MENC Webinar – March, 2007


Money: You Can’t Live With It and You Can’t Live Without It

Presenter - NYSCAME Panel Discussion at NYSSMA Winter Conference, Rochester, NY – December, 2006

Presenter - NYSSMA Summer Conference, Buffalo, NY – August, 2006


The New NYS Learning Standards in the Arts Turn-Key Trainer for Long Island School Districts including:

Miller Place Union Free School District - April, 2018

Patchogue-Medford Union Free School District – April, 2018

Port Jefferson Union Free School District - April, 2018

Eastern Suffolk BOCES - March, 2018

Sewanhaka Central High School District - March 2018

NYSCAME-Suffolk Superintendents Luncheon - February, 2018

Longwood Central School District - September, 2017

NYSCAME-Suffolk Symposium Day - November, 2017


Peer Review Session - Doctoral Research Presented - MENC Eastern Division Conference, Providence, RI. March, 2009


Preparing for a Successful Career as a Music Educator

    Music for All's Future Music Educators' Experience - BOA Grand Nationals, Indianapolis, IN - November, 2022


Public Relations, Advocacy and Music Education: Working Hand-in-Hand

Midwest Clinic - Chicago, IL - December, 2023

Conn-Selmer Institute - Indianapolis, IN (Virtual) - April, 2022

Recorded Panel Presentation - NAMM, Anaheim, CA - January, 2018

Midwest Clinic - Chicago, IL - December, 2016

Southern Methodist University (Virtual) - 2016

NAfME Eastern Division Conference - Providence, RI, 2015

 

Public Relations and Advocacy in the Non-Profit Setting

Presenter - Estee Lauder (through St. Joseph’s College) February, 2005

Presenter - Symbol Technologies (through St. Joseph’s College) October, 2004


Public Relations for Future Music Educators (Presented to Collegiate Students)

     Hartwick College (Virtual) - April, 2021

     NYSSMA All State Conference – December, 2019

 

Usable Public Relations Techniques to Promote Your Music Program

Presenter - NYSSMA Winter Conferences, Rochester, NY – December, 2017, 2015, 2011, 2007 - 2000

Presenter - CMENC/NYSSMA Winter Conference, Eastman School of Music -  April, 2008

Presenter - Long Island Symposium for Arts Administrators – October, 2007

Presenter – Westchester County Art Leaders Association – September, 2007

Presenter - Balanced Mind Conference, Brookville, NY – November, 2007, 2006, 2005

Presenter - CMENC/NYSSMA Winter Conference, Ithaca College - March, 2006

Presenter - MENC Eastern Division Conference, Pittsburgh, PA - March, 2001

Presenter - NYSBDA Winter Conference, Syracuse, NY – March, 2001

 

Tri-M Music Honor Society (Keynote) – Sewanhaka Central High School District (March, 2015)

Tri-M Music Honor Society – Longwood High School (Annual)

National Art Honor Society – Longwood High School (Annual)


CHARACTERISTICS

Project Implementation and Leadership

Implemented the first school-based Harp curriculum on Long Island.

Led district through 2.5-year cross-curricular project of Irving Berlin’s 1918 production Yip, Yip, Yaphank! written within current school district boundaries.

Successfully advocated for the 2015-16 return of fourth grade beginning music program after losing it to 2010 economic downturn.

Spearheaded creation of Long Island Arts Alliance’s Scholar Artist program. Serve as Education Committee Chair.

Social Media Coordination for NYSSMA, NYSCAME, SCMEA on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter. 

 

Leader in Education and Arts Advocacy

Work with senior leadership on curriculum reviews, student development, arts advocacy, and arts-related technology & initiatives.

Ed.D. Dissertation: The Attitudes of Music Administrators and Music Educators in Their Role as Advocates for K-12 Music Programs in Selected Regions of New York State.


Exceptionally Strong Interpersonal and Communication skills to deal with Internal and External Target Audiences

Built and maintain relationships with State and Local Leaders, Board of Education members, Superintendents, Teachers, Parents, Students, Staff.

Chairperson for Public Relations and Information (Media Spokesperson), New York State School Music Association’s 3,700 members & 100,000 students.

 

Proven capacity to effectively operate in large and small institutions

Recruit, Interview, Hire, Manage and Evaluate Teaching, Substitute, and Clerical Staff


Champion of Teamwork

Believer in supporting staff and allowing them to flourish in their positions


REFERENCES

Available Upon Request