Catskill High School chemistry and physics teacher Stefanie Loomis has been named one of New York’s Master Teachers. On October 18, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the selection of Loomis and 213 other teachers from around the state for the New York State Master Teacher Program, overseen by the State University of New York (SUNY).
SUNY officials selected Loomis to become a New York State Master Teacher based on her commitment to excellence in education and demonstrated expertise in the classroom. The selection process required Loomis to take content-area tests, provide personal statements and letters of recommendation from educators and former students, and undergo a set of extensive interviews that included teaching an advanced lesson to a panel of master teachers and SUNY professors.
“The reason I was interested in becoming a Master Teacher was to be able to have more opportunities to meet with and learn from other teachers and other experts in my field,” Loomis said. Now, she is part of a network of over 900 outstanding STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math) educators who, throughout their four-year participation in the program, attend regional meetings, engage in intensive content-oriented professional development, share best practices, and mentor up-and-coming teachers in their field – all for the betterment of STEM education within the state.
“I congratulate all 214 educators who have joined the program during this latest round, and look forward to their success as they continue to shape and inspire the next generation of Empire State leaders,” Governor Cuomo stated in a release announcing the new Master Teachers.
Please join Governor Cuomo and Catskill Central Schools in congratulating Ms. Loomis on this great honor, which highlights her dedication to our students and her commitment to providing an excellent academic program here in Catskill. Cats Can, and Cats Will!