Rocky Point Teacher Makes History

From Rocky Point Schools: Rocky Point Middle School science teacher Audra Hallock has been selected as a New York State Master Teacher Program, the first in the school district.

The NYS STEM Master Teacher program is a competitive program, and only selects veteran educators who demonstrate a commitment to student achievement, promote STEM inside and outside the classroom, seek out professional development opportunities and work with colleagues to improve STEM instruction. As a STEM Master Teacher, Audra will design, create, facilitate and participate in STEM professional development for the next four years, at Stony Brook University. “Being selected as a New York State Master Teacher in STEM is truly quite an honor and I am excited to begin working with and learning from other master
teachers from the region and state,” said Ms. Hallock. “Learning truly is a lifelong process and I am eager to continue my own learning at this level and to then be able to bring new ideas and techniques into the classroom.”

There are approximately 980 current STEM Master Teachers statewide, and Audra is one of only 93 STEM Master Teachers on Long Island. “We are very proud of Ms. Hallock being selected as Rocky Point’s first ever
NYS STEM Master Teacher, and are looking forward to her sharing new, meaningful strategies and resources with her colleagues, in support of Rocky Point students,” said Aaron Factor, director of math, science and technology. Prior to being selected as a STEM Master teacher, Ms. Hallock had to go through an exhaustive application and interview process, including a demonstration lesson. She also shared information about her work with sixth-grade GATES students and Brookhaven National Laboratory. Through a partnership with BNL, Ms. Hallock has facilitated students’ exploration of plant and animal populations on Rocky Point School grounds. Specifically, she has helped students examine specific changes to Allegheny Mound Ant populations, and the impact of those changes on surrounding flora.

"Education is the cornerstone to success, and it is the brilliant, dedicated teachers in New York who make a difference in countless lives and inspire the leaders of tomorrow," Governor Cuomo said. "Congratulations to the 275 newest members of the Master Teacher Program, who will join the ranks of the top educators in the state as they work to further their skills and their impact on students in every corner of this great state."

Photo courtesy of the Rocky Point School District