John Bligh
- Retired teacher
Howard Rotterdam, who brought an unflagging sense of curiosity and determination to high school and adult education, was a highly regarded teacher, UFT staff developer and teacher trainer who taught at the city’s Special Education and Training and Resource Centers for teachers in District 75 schools. He died on March 30, 2024, at age 76.
Howard, a Brooklyn native who retired in 2003, was known for his commitment to special education and especially to older students who had struggled in school. His philosophy was “everyone can learn – you just have to find the right pathway,” said his wife, Ellen Rotterdam. He was always eager to learn new pedagogical philosophies and brought that enthusiasm to his work as an adjunct professor at Mercy College, teaching UFT-approved courses to teachers earning continuing education credits. “He kept an open mind,” said Rotterdam, and his willingness to investigate new strategies made him a popular and effective teacher and staff developer.
Howard began his career in 1976, teaching high school, and transitioned to the outreach program in Flushing, Queens. At Hillcrest HS, he ran an independent learning program for students who had fallen behind. He met Rotterdam, his second wife, when he was teaching professional development classes for teachers at Hillcrest in the evenings.
He was an active member of the UFT, teaching college courses throughout the city for teachers in District 75 schools. He loved sharing his expertise with fellow pedagogues, whether through the college courses or workshops developed through the Special Education and Training and Resource Centers. Former students who attended his shivah following his death spoke highly of how he had helped them refine their own teaching skills. His colleague Steven Weinrich said Howard showed his commitment to the city’s most vulnerable students by ensuring their teachers were well trained. He made frequent return visits to confirm that teachers had the skills to continually adapt curriculum based on students’ needs and city mandates. “How to think on your feet – that was Howie’s area,” said Weinrich.
Howard was raised Jewish but not Orthodox. However, when he married Rotterdam, he embraced an Orthodox Jewish tradition. He enjoyed studying the Torah with the rabbi and “he liked the socialization of the Orthodox community,” she said. “He did his best to learn all the rules, but I never let him in my kitchen!”
Howard moved to Hollywood, Florida, after his retirement but continued teaching online courses at Touro College and in-person classes at Touro College South. In retirement, he enjoyed taking cruises and indulging his grandchildren with frequent gifts. “He always said he had to make them happy – read: buying presents – because there were two more grandfathers in competition,” said Rotterdam. He had an extensive stamp-collecting hobby, went to stamp shows and displayed part of his collection.
In addition to his wife, Howard is survived by his children, Curt and Lisa; his brother, Steve; a stepson, Ari; a stepdaughter, Stacey; two nieces; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Condolences can be sent to:
Ellen Rotterdam,
3601 North 47 Ave.
Hollywood, FL, 33021.
