Crossing paths with the right teacher when you’re a student can have the kind of positive effect that has repercussions for the rest of your life. For me, it was my third-grade teacher Mrs. Packer, who not only made the transition easy for the new kid in the class who transferred in the middle of the school year, but fostered and reinforced my love of reading. For hundreds of Garden City High School students, that educator just might be Michael Stano, who was recently named a New York State Master Teacher by Governor Andrew Cuomo. To give you an idea of the prestige behind this honor, only 215 educators were selected from around the state to take place in this program. Part of the responsibilities for this position involves helping mentoring other teachers and help create an environment that supports both STEM education and teachers in the field. Being as this is something that Stano does on a day-in, day-out basis with his charges, he was a natural fit to be chosen. And for many students whose lives he’s effected in an undoubtedly positive fashion, it’s a honor both fitting and long overdue.
—Dave Gil de Rubio
