Mr. Joseph Giacalone

Mr. Giacalone has been teaching Fine Arts at North High since 2003, where he is the Lead Teacher of Fine Arts in the Fine and Performing Arts Department, and Chair of the Technology Committee. After receiving a BFA at Purchase College, he earned his MA in Art & Art Education at Columbia University Teachers College. In addition to teaching, Mr. Giacalone is the faculty co-advisor of Epiphany, the school’s art & creative writing publication. He lives in  Nassau County, L.I., with his wife and daughter.

Ms. Emily Man

Ms. Emily Man has been teaching Fine Arts at Great Neck North since 2007. She teaches courses in Studio Arts, Sculpture & Ceramics, Digital Art, and Digital Photography. She founded the AP Art History program at North High in 2010 and has been teaching it since. Ms. Man is also the advisor for the Art Club, Digital Arts Club, and Art History Club. 

Ms. Man loves working with young people and is passionate about nurturing their creativity, innovation, and imagination. “I love the energy of the classroom, seeing creative voices and ideas come to life, imagining possibilities, and the process of creating and making- each day’s work is exciting, new, and important.” Inspired by her students, she is constantly exploring new medias, new ways of working and always seeking the next creative adventure.

Ms. Man received an MA in Art and Art Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, an MST in Elementary Education from Pace University, and BA in Political Science & Art History from Mount Holyoke College. She is also a Teach For America alum (2003) and a proud graduate of LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts. 

Outside of school, Ms. Man enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, traveling, hiking, yoga, and of course- museum hopping. Her latest hobby is arranging insta-worthy charcuterie boards!

Mrs. Christine Hakanjin

Mrs. Hakanjin received her degree in Art Education from Penn State University, and a Master of Arts from LIU_CW Post. She has been teaching at North High since 2009, after beginning her career in the Lynbrook and Bellmore-Merrick school districts. Mrs. Hakanjin teaches a multitude of classes, including studio art, sculpture, digital design, fashion illustration, architecture, and classes for students with special needs. She loves working with students of all grades and abilities, and believes that everyone is an artist. Since starting at North, Mrs. Hakanjin has served as an advisor for the Advisory program. Earlier in her career, she coached varsity volleyball and lacrosse. In her spare time, Mrs. Hakanjin enjoys spending time with her husband and twin boys, watching and playing sports, and going to the beach.