2 Westhampton Beach Educators Named 'Master Teachers' By NY State

WESTHAMPTON BEACH, NY — Two Westhampton Beach educators have earned a prestigious honor: Math teacher Kerri Grunenwald and science teacher Jeanne Lotito have both been named Master Teacher by New York State.

To earn the distinction, instructors are required to have at least four years of teaching experience, with at least 60 percent of that experience in STEM courses, the district said. They must also earn high scores on their annual professional performance reviews, have letters of recommendation submitted on their behalf, take a Praxis content exam, participate in individual and panel interviews, and submit a demonstration lesson, the district said.

Once accepted, teachers must accrue a minimum of 50 hours in the New York State Master Teacher Program each year.

“It was a long process, but completely worth it,” said Grunenwald. “The Master Teacher Program is an amazing program that gave me the opportunity to collaborate with other STEM educators from across New York State. We focus on expanding our knowledge in the areas of content, pedagogy, and students' families and communities. The connections I have made through this program are invaluable.”

The program, she said, has also helped her to develop new strategies and techniques for challenging her students to become critical thinkers, something that affords success not just in the classroom but in the real world.

Lotito reflected on the recognition. “I am very grateful to have been accepted into the New York State Master Teacher Program, and I feel very lucky to be able to connect with my colleagues from across Long Island and New York State during various professional development opportunities,” she said. “I know that these connections have helped to make me a better teacher and to provide the highest quality education for my students."

Grunenwald has been teaching mathematics in the Westhampton Beach School District since 2008. She holds a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering and a master’s in secondary education, both from Hofstra University.

Lotito has been a chemistry teacher in the district since 2016. She holds a Bachelor of Science in chemistry education from the University of Connecticut and a Master of Science in education from St. John’s University.