Hauppauge High School science teacher Dennis Petercsak has been honored with the 2024 STEM Star Teacher Award by the Long Island STEM Education Leadership Association. After teaching at Hauppauge High School for 15 years, Petercsak has developed a reputation for his innovative approach to science education, creating a project-based half-year physics course that focuses on big ideas rather than mathematical equations.
Petercsak’s project-based physics course has been widely praised for its accessibility to students of all backgrounds and abilities. It has also earned him recognition as an adviser to the Science Olympiad Team at Hauppauge High School, helping them make it to the state competition for the past five years. Additionally, Petercsak plays a key role in hosting the Eastern Long Island Regional Science Olympiad Competition at Hauppauge High School, further demonstrating his commitment to promoting STEM education on a regional level.
Dr. Robert Wankmuller, Director of Science and Research at Hauppauge High School, commended Petercsak’s dedication to his students and his impact on their lives. “Dennis is truly a beacon of light for our students,” said Dr. Wankmuller. “His passion for science and his ability to connect with students of all backgrounds and abilities make him an exceptional teacher.”
The school district also congratulated Petercsak on receiving the award, recognizing his commitment to STEM education and his positive impact on students at Hauppauge High School. The 2024 STEM Star Teacher Award highlights the importance of teachers like Petercsak who are dedicated to inspiring future generations of scientists and engineers through their innovative approaches to teaching.