Hauppauge High School science teacher Dennis Petercsak has been awarded the 2024 STEM Star Teacher Award by the Long Island STEM Education Leadership Association. With 15 years of experience teaching at the school, Petercsak has taught a range of science courses, including biology, IB computer science, regents physics, AP physics 1 and AP physics C: electricity and magnetism.
One of Petercsak’s notable achievements is his development of a project-based half-year physics course that focuses on big ideas rather than mathematical equations. This approach has made it more accessible to a wider range of students. Additionally, Petercsak has served as an adviser to the Science Olympiad Team for the past five years, helping them make it to the state competition. Furthermore, he plays a key role in hosting the Eastern Long Island Regional Science Olympiad Competition at Hauppauge High School.
Dr. Robert Wankmuller, Director of Science and Research commended Petercsak’s dedication to his students stating that he has been “a beacon of light” for them. The school district also congratulated him on receiving the award recognizing his commitment to STEM education and its impact on students at Hauppauge High School.