The high school’s Mary Kroll was recently named a New York State Master Teacher by Gov. Cuomo’s office. The Master Teachers program recognizes outstanding teachers for their dedication to providing the most innovative science, technology, engineering and math education to their students, as well as displaying commitment to professional growth and enthusiasm for sharing their professional skills with colleagues.
Kroll was accepted after a rigorous application and interview process that required her to demonstrate knowledge of STEM content, pedagogy, and students, their families and their communities.

“This is my 20th year teaching here,” said Kroll, who began her career as a science teacher at West Islip High School.  “I am humbled every day by the incredible students I get to work with in the research program.”

She earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from St. Joseph’s College, and a master’s degree in liberal studies from Stony Brook University. She currently mentors students in the Barcode Long Island program through Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, is a synchrotron beam line user at the National Synchrotron Light Source-II at Brookhaven National Laboratory, and serves as an executive committee member of the Long Island Science Congress.

“This honor will afford me greater opportunities to continue my own education through professional development in STEM topics,” Kroll said. “I hope to be able to use the knowledge I gain and the relationships I develop with other Master Teachers in order to unlock even greater opportunities for my students. I also plan to share what I learn with my colleagues in order to reach the greater student body at West Islip’s schools. As part of the Master Teacher program, I look forward to joining the Research Teacher Professional Learning Team and hope I can contribute to improving the quality of research that our students are able to conduct.”