Mr. Portuese has been a favorite among students for all the years he’s been a forensics teacher at Bethpage. The Bethpage High School grad, Mr. Portuese was the first forensic science teacher in the school…and he remains the only one.

He was able to find time in his busy schedule to answer some of our questions.  

The Eagle’s Cry: How many years have you been a teacher at Bethpage High School?

Mr. Portuese: 23 years.

The Eagle’s Cry: What made you want to become a forensics teacher?

Mr. Portuese: I was teaching Biology when, in 1998, I was asked by the principal, Dr. McLeod at the time, if I was willing to teach forensics next year.  I could never say no to a blonde!

The Eagle’s Cry: If you could describe your life choices up to this point in one word, what would it be?

Mr. Portuese: Worthwhile.

The Eagle’s Cry: Describe your college experience at West Virginia University.

Mr. Portuese: It was an experience filled with personal growth.  I was lucky to have had great roommates. I’m glad I joined school teams and clubs; they certainly enriched my experience.  Competing on the Woodsmen’s Team was the highlight of my time there. Home football games were not shabby!

The Eagle’s Cry: Did you always know you wanted to be a teacher?

Mr. Portuese: No.

The Eagle’s Cry: When did you become interested in Forensics science?

Mr. Portuese: See question #2.

The Eagle’s Cry: Is there anything you would change about your life?

Mr. Portuese: I would have invested in Apple like Forrest Gump.

The Eagle’s Cry: What’s the biggest obstacle you’ve had to face?

Mr. Portuese: Life throws us all many obstacles. One in particular for me was my stuttering, which still rears its ugly head from time to time.