Mastic Beach, NY - February 5, 2015 – Three William Floyd teachers, Anne Ippolito, Luisa McHugh and Martin Palermo, are among the second class of 237 educators statewide to be selected for the New York State Master Teacher Program, in which outstanding science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) teachers are chosen and recognized for providing the most innovative STEM education to their students, for their commitment to professional growth and for their enthusiasm for sharing successful practices with their colleagues. These three Master Teachers join a network of more than 550 STEM educators from across New York State, including past selections from William Floyd, Kristen Drury and Christine Rosado. William Floyd teachers now account for five of the 70 Master Teachers in the Long Island region.
“I would like to congratulate the three new Floyd educators chosen for the New York State Master Teacher Program,” said Dr. Paul Casciano, Superintendent of Schools, William Floyd School District. “These fine teachers, along with last year’s selections, represent the outstanding education that is offered every day in classrooms throughout William Floyd.”
Anne Ippolito, a Regents Earth Science and Environmental Science teacher at William Floyd High School, was honored by the selection. “STEM education helps students become effective problem solvers while making meaningful interdisciplinary connections between the disciplines,” she said. “This helps to develop a foundation for student success as well as college and career readiness. By participating in the Master Teacher Program, I will have the opportunity to work in partnership with a community of STEM educators to enrich my instruction and share my passion for learning.”
Luisa McHugh, a Living Environment teacher (Regents and Honors) at William Floyd Middle School, said that she also felt honored to be designated a Master Teacher by New York State. “I know there is no shortage of Master Teachers in the William Floyd School District. Every day we commit ourselves to doing whatever it takes to provide each student with the very best education possible. The sentiment of ‘the more you learn, the more you can teach’ will guide my participation in the NY State Master Teacher Program, which will afford me the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues across the state and bring the very best teaching practices back to our district's schools. Research has shown that middle school is a time when students lose interest in academics especially in the STEM subjects. It is my sincere hope to inspire my students to identify this experience as one of their most significant academic endeavors, and encourage them through inquiry and critical discussion to master the skills and knowledge necessary for success in the STEM disciplines.”
Martin Palermo, a Chemistry teacher (Regents and Honors) at William Floyd High School, also expressed his gratitude for being selected. He said, “Occupations in STEM-related careers are some of the fastest growing and best paid of the 21st century. Moreover, they have the greatest potential for job growth and yet we are seeing a decline in the number of students pursuing the STEM disciplines. The Master Teacher Program will provide me with the opportunity to collaborate with teachers from different disciplines in order to become a more skilled and effective STEM educator and motivator for my students.”
These recipients will work with fellow Master Teachers at Stony Brook University for the next four years where they will engage in peer mentoring and intensive content-oriented professional development.
The three new teachers joining the rank of NYS Master Teachers (left to right) Luisa McHugh, Martin Palermo and Anne Ippolito.
