The 2026 LISTEMELA STEM Star Teacher Award

The Long Island Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Educational Leadership Association (LISTEMELA) recognized 22 teachers at their annual STEM Star Teacher Award Ceremony. The STEM Star Teacher Award was created to recognize educators who serve as a beacon of light for our students. The STEM Star recipients were selected for their exemplary commitment to LISTEMELA's vision of equitable student access to high-quality STEM learning experiences.

Our STEM Star teachers represent all grade levels, K through 12. The stories shared by their administrators described vibrant, robust, creative, and engaging opportunities taking place in classrooms all across Long Island. These educators are described as innovative, student-centered leaders who bring STEM learning to life through creativity, inquiry, and authentic real-world experiences. Across classrooms, labs, and school communities, they foster curiosity, critical thinking, collaboration, and confidence while ensuring all students feel supported, challenged, and capable of success. Their work reflects a deep commitment to equity, hands-on learning, and the New York State Science Learning Standards. Furthermore, they passionately mentor colleagues, lead schoolwide initiatives, and expand opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Whether through robotics, research, environmental science, mathematics, healthcare, engineering, or technology education, these teachers inspire students to become problem-solvers, innovators, and lifelong learners while making a lasting impact on their schools and communities. Congratulations and thank you for your ongoing support of STEM teaching and learning!

• Joanne Ahern (Northport-East Northport)
• Kim Baccarella (Farmingdale)
• Brianna Castagna (Great Neck)
• Liz Correll (South Huntington)
• Donna D’Auria (Middle Country)
• Rachel Delaney (Smithtown)
• Dina Ditrano (Hicksville)
• Jennifer Fitzpatrick (Plainview-Old Bethpage)
• Hannah Gallo (Long Beach)
• Derek Gerardi (Malverne)
• Lori Jackson (Sewanhaka)
• Lisa Jones (Seaford)
• Betsy Luna (North Babylon)
• Emanuela Matthews (East Rockaway)
• Katherine O’Callaghan (Hauppauge)
• Sherry Ostroff (Carle Place)
• Luigi Papasidero (Huntington)
• Adam Parente (Comsewogue)
• Katarzyna Sawicki (Freeport)
• Samantha Sforza (Jericho)
• Dawn Thompson (Baldwin)
• Ron Weber (West Islip)
• Matt Zausin (Levittown)