Marcus Siotkas's Schools

• Columbia University-Teachers College MA

Marcus Siotkas's Publications

• Marcus Siotkas on Columbia University’s Leadership in Law Program July, 2011 I have served as a program coordinator for Columbia University’s Leadership in Law program for high school students since 2005. With years of experience as a guidance counselor and educator, I am adept at teaching and creating curricula for broad, comprehensive programs as well as singular, specific subjects, and I encourage all of my students to follow their passions and allow their curiosities to lead them in unexpected directions. For students who are interested in pursuing a career in law, the Columbia University Leadership in Law program offers an intensive education on many of its most essential and practical aspects. Students learn about concepts such as legal dispute and reasoning; the court system; judicial decision-making; the balance of power; and the principles of mediation, precedent, and conflict management. In addition to these topics, they also study the kinds of skills necessary to perfect and apply throughout their legal careers, such as oral and written presentations, interviews, and note-taking strategies. One of the most important aspects of the Leadership in Law program is its location. Columbia University offers all of its students the opportunity to live and work in New York City, one of the most exciting and metropolitan cities in the United States, in its various business industries as well as in the lifestyles of its residents. Law students have access to numerous law firms that encompass a wide range of sizes and specializations; in addition to opportunities with private organizations, students can also pursue law careers in government agencies and advocacy groups, from the city court and the District Attorney’s office to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the Legal Aid Society. About the Author: Marcus Siotkas is the founder of FrontBulb , a learning program for children that emphasizes creativity and self-motivation. Siotkas also serves FrontBulb as a Partner and Coach.

• Unusual Kayaking Opportunities around New York by Marcus Siotkas , Marcus Siotkas' Blog on Bigsight November, 2011 As a dedicated athlete and a former member of the Junior Olympic Team for kayaking, I am constantly on the lookout for good sites to practice my watercraft skills. Living in an urban community in New York places some restrictions on my options, but there are a surprising number of accessible venues close at hand for both novice and proficient kayakers. Perhaps the most convenient option of all for Manhattanites without much experience in water sports comes through the wonderful nonprofit organization Downtown Boathouse. This group functions as an entirely volunteer-run establishment devoted to keeping the harbors of New York City open for recreation. Although reservations are not accepted, the Downtown Boathouse provides free equipment and instruction most weekends and several weekday evenings, according to its individual locations along the piers. If you would like to check out the calendar and locations or are interested in becoming a volunteer or donor for the organization, visit the site at DowntownBoathouse.org. Although it is hard to compare to the Hudson River’s grandiosity in terms of history and scale, a much more private experience can be had when exploring New York’s historic Fire Island through sea kayaking. Only 40 miles outside of New York City, Fire Island National Seashore Wilderness serves as home to an astonishing array of wildlife, including a robust community of wild birds. Featuring close-up views of the island’s unique pine forest, this kayak route takes you through invigorating waves on the Atlantic front and extraordinary salt marshes on the calmer interior. For more intrepid aquatic explorers, New York’s Adirondack Park offers an unparalleled cornucopia of kayaking opportunities. For particularly audacious individuals, there are several whitewater kayaking routes along the Sacandaga River. For those looking for a more leisurely approach to the sport, the Adirondack region contains close to 700 distinct lakes and ponds for placid fishing and paddling. Campsites in a variety of denominations are plentiful here, and although they may not be as immediately convenient as less pastoral options, the advantages of kayaking on waterways where no motors are allowed more than compensate for the extra travel. Marcus Siotkas works as a high school guidance counselor in Westchester County, New York. In his free time he kayaks, surfs, snowboards, and works with a number of youth-empowerment groups, including FrontBulb, an organization of his own creation.

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