Dix Hills, NY - October 5, 2018 - The Half Hollow Hills Central School District is proud to announce that Brian Strack, a math and computer science teacher at Half Hollow Hills High School East, has been selected as one of 275 educators from across the state to join the New York State Master Teacher Program. The 275 new Master Teachers join a vibrant network of nearly 1,000 outstanding public school teachers throughout the state who share a passion for their own STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) learning and for collaborating with colleagues to inspire the next generation of STEM leaders.
Throughout their four-year participation in the program, Master Teachers receive an annual stipend while engaging in peer mentoring and intensive content-oriented professional development opportunities throughout the academic year. Master Teachers also work closely with pre-service and early career teachers to foster a supportive environment for the next generation of STEM teachers, and participate in and lead several professional development sessions each year.
“I'm genuinely excited and humbled by my selection into the New York State Master Teacher Program,” said Strack. “I appreciate the chance to work with the best STEM teachers throughout the state in order to continue to develop personally. But more importantly, I embrace the opportunity to enhance the STEM experience for all students in the Half Hollow Hills community.”
Strack is a classroom teacher with 13 years of experience who teaches Introductory and Advanced Placement Computer Science at Half Hollow Hills High School East. He engages his students in active learning through collaborative problem based learning, and learning groups. His professional interests focus on the integration of technology in the classroom, developing a growth mindset in students, and expanding participation in higher-level STEM courses to all student populations.
“STEM education is such a vital component of preparing our students in Half Hollow Hills to be well-prepared and skilled members of the 21st century workforce,” said Dr. Patrick Harrigan, superintendent of schools in Half Hollow Hills. “We are very proud of Mr. Strack for being selected as a Master Teacher, and look forward to the new ideas and programs he will bring to our students and faculty.”
Strack was one of two teachers who helped bring AP Computer Science Principles, a computer science class for all students, to Half Hollow Hills when the College Board first offered the course in 2016-17. Enrollment in AP Computer Science Principles has more than tripled in the 3 years since it began in the district. In preparing for the course, Strack and other Half Hollow Hills teachers were trained through Project Lead The Way, a nonprofit organization that provides a transformative learning experience for PreK-12 students and teachers through pathways in computer science, engineering, and biomedical science. The training with Project Lead the Way has led to the district expanding course offerings to include additional classes in cybersecurity and engineering.
ABOUT HALF HOLLOW HILLS
An education-oriented community with high academic expectations, the Half Hollow Hills Central School District is located in a residential area of 50,000 people in the central part of Long Island, approximately 40 miles from New York City. Providing for the education of almost 8,000 students, the school district has five elementary schools, two middle schools and two high schools. Half Hollow Hills High Schools are fully accredited by the New York State Department of Education and the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. The district is committed to providing all students with opportunities to excel in academics, athletics and the arts.