Dennis Petercsak, a science teacher at Hauppauge High School, was honored with the 2024 STEM Star Teacher Award from the Long Island STEM Education Leadership Association. Petercsak has been teaching at Hauppauge High School for 15 years and has taught a wide range of courses including biology, IB computer science, regents physics, AP physics 1, and AP physics C: electricity and magnetism. He is known for developing a project-based physics course that focuses on big ideas rather than mathematical equations, making it accessible to a wider range of students.
In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Petercsak serves as one of the advisers to the Science Olympiad Team at Hauppauge High School. Under his guidance, the team has made it to the state competition for the past five years. He also plays a key role in hosting the Eastern Long Island Regional Science Olympiad Competition at the school.
Director of Science and Research Dr. Robert Wankmuller praised Petercsak for being a “beacon of light for his students” in a news release announcing the award. Petercsak’s dedication to STEM education and his innovative teaching methods have earned him recognition as a STEM Star Teacher.