Walt Whitman HS Educator Named Master Teacher In NYS

SOUTH HUNTINGTON, NY — John Karavias, an educator at Walt Whitman High School, was named a New York State Master Teacher, the South Huntington School District announced.

The state's Master Teacher network features educators "recognized for their dedication to providing the most innovative STEM education to their students, their commitment to professional growth, and their enthusiasm for sharing their successful practices with colleagues in their schools, districts, and regions," according to The State University of New York.

Karavias has taught research and marine biology for more than 22 years, calling Walt Whitman High School home for his entire career. For him, the distinction is the result of many years of hard work and consistency.

"I’m very proud of it," Karavias said via news release. "It's been over a 20 year project for me to become someone considered to be a master teacher."

Karavias has had his research published, including climate change research he pursued in Alaska. His research experiences with Columbia and the University of Rhode Island, along with traveling abroad on educational excursions, allowed him to gain scientific knowledge he uses in his teaching.

"I don’t just teach science, I like to do science," Karavias said of his teaching style.

He finds that the best way to teach new material to his students is by bringing firsthand experiences into the classroom and bringing real world applications to what they are learning.

While spending his entire career teaching at Walt Whitman, Karavias has also worked as an adjunct professor teaching biology at CW Post, as well as teaching online courses for the American Museum of Natural History in New York City.

His knowledge of marine biology and fish diversity, to ecology and the solar system, makes his lessons interesting and engaging for both his students and colleagues, according to the school district.