John Bligh
- Teacher, Newcomers HS
Miguel Pineda was a dedicated math teacher and one of the founders of Newcomers HS in Queens, a school created to support newly arrived immigrants.
He “went above and beyond to help his students and his school community,” said Chapter Leader Nina Kramer, his friend and longtime colleague at the Long Island City school.
Miguel died on March 1, 2021, of COVID-19. He was 54.
Kramer described Miguel as “an extremely generous person who was cool headed, calm and an amazing problem solver.” A teacher for 31 years, he was “ahead of his time with technology and used it to keep his students interested and engaged in school,” Kramer said. He also helped his colleagues stay up to date with new programs and software. “His school will forever be grateful to him for keeping things running smoothly,” Kramer said.
Miguel was also the school’s testing coordinator, served for many years on the consultation committee and was an active member of his chapter.
James Vasquez was a teacher at Newcomers HS before becoming the UFT district representative for Queens high schools. “I taught at Newcomers HS for 23 years and have known Miguel my entire career,” Vasquez said. “He was a pioneer in so many ways. We all feel the tremendous loss of this educator and humane leader. He is so missed.”
Grief counselors from the union helped the school community process its shock and bereavement, Vasquez said.
Miguel loved the outdoors and traveled extensively with his family. He enjoyed camping and hiking and relished the family’s pop-up camper. He was a devoted husband and father, and he was active in his church, Nueva Esperanza Seventh-Day Adventist Church in the Woodhaven section of Queens.
Miguel is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, and sons Michael and Esteban.
I was there in 1998 to 2000 in Newcomers HS. He was my math teacher as well. RIP. My condolences to his family and school family
Miguel, I think about you all the time. I also think about your wife and kids. There are so many people missing you everyday. Your family, your friends, your colleagues and your students. Miguel you will never be forgotten. You are with your Lord and Savior and I know that you’re looking out for them from up above. Yvonne
So very sorry for your loss, my condolences to your family and your school family
Mr. Pineda was one of the most important teachers in my life. I do not have enough words to thank him for all that he did for me. Thanks to him I had the opportunity to go to college. He encouraged each one of his students to be better, and he had such a special way of teaching that made you like math. It is a great loss for our kids and our community.You will never be forgotten. Thank you all you did for me and for always believing in us.
Antes que nada mis condolencias para la familia de Mr Pineda Un gran maestro , yo soy de la clase 1998 , aún recuerdo las clases de el enseñándonos matemáticas en su projector y ala misma vez enseñándonos inglés siempre saliendo con esas frases célebres que solo el inventaba , también me recuerdo que el era uno de los encargados en ese entonces de dar los famosos LUNCH BOOKS , el siempre atento a que cada alumno tuviera acceso al lunch gratis , Dios lo tenga en su santa gloria y de resignación ala familia .
May Miguel rest in eternal peace. To Elizabeth, his wife, and my best friend and his sons, Miguel and Estevan, may you find comfort and inner peace to continue your lives, Miguel would have desired it for you. Cherish and hold on to all the beautiful and unforgettable memories. May peace be with you.
Vesla Ramkalup and family