West Babylon's Durbin Named Master Teacher

From West Babylon School District: West Babylon Senior High School educator Andrea Durbin has been named a Master Teacher as part of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s New York State Master Teacher Program. Durbin, who has been a science teacher in the district for the past 15 years, joins the 908 educators across New York State who teach science, technology, engineering, and math courses including advanced placement, honors, Regents and International Baccalaureate levels.

All Master Teachers are active beyond their classrooms, serving as curriculum department leaders or on district committees. The Master Teachers hold leadership roles in New York State STEM professional associations, and many have received awards and public recognition for their teaching from their peers and communities.

During their four-year participation in the program, Master Teachers receive a $15,000 stipend annually; engage in peer mentoring and intensive content-oriented professional development opportunities throughout the academic year; work closely with pre-service and early career teachers to foster a supportive environment for the next generation of STEM teachers; and attend required regional cohort meetings, participate in and lead several professional development sessions each year.

Photo courtesy of West Babylon School District: Andrea Durbin (left), a science teacher at West Babylon Senior High School, has been named a Master Teacher as part of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s program. She is pictured with West Babylon Senior High School Principal Dr. Ellice Vassallo.