Special Ed Teacher Dennis Wickes Jr. Honored For Creating 'Safe Space'

Smithtown High School West teacher honored for creating ‘safe space’ environment 

Dennis Wickes Jr., a special education/English teacher at Smithtown High School West, has been recognized by The Long Island Coalition Against Bullying for demonstrating “exceptional commitment” to creating a safe and inclusive school environment.  

“Dr. Secaur let me know and I was in awe for a minute,” Wickes Jr. said. “I try and treat the kids the way I’d want my kids to be treated. I try and create an environment where they know I generally care, I have their best interests and it’s a safe environment.  

Wickes said he was “shocked” when he first found out, particularly because he still does not know who nominated him.  

“It’s cool not knowing who nominated me because it leaves the door open that it could be anyone that I had an impact on. Someone who felt safe, heard and respected in the classroom.” 

 Smithtown High School West teacher Dennis Wickes Jr., pictured with student Ronald Munoz, was recognized by The Long Island Coalition Against Bullying for demonstrating “exceptional commitment” to creating a safe and inclusive school environment. Ronald Munoz, a sophomore at High School West, had Mr. Wickes as an English teacher last year. Munoz’s father serves in the armed forces, and while he was deployed overseas, Munoz said Wickes made an impact. 

“I felt he was just there for me,” Munoz said.  “He was more like another father figure, more than just a teacher.” 

Mr. Wickes is one of 21 Long Island educators who are being recognized and will be celebrated Oct. 21 at a Long Island School Hero Awards reception at the Stonebridge Golf & Country Club in Hauppauge.

“I’m humbled and appreciative that my work is being recognized. The students see I have a mutual respect for them,” Wickes said. “Their success is my success.”