Hauppauge High School science teacher Dennis Petercsak has been awarded the 2024 STEM Star Teacher Award by the Long Island STEM Education Leadership Association. This recognition comes after 15 years of teaching at Hauppauge High School, where 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 innovative approach has made the course more accessible to a wider range of students and has helped Petercsak stand out as a dedicated and passionate teacher. In addition to his work in the classroom, Petercsak has also been an adviser to the Science Olympiad Team at Hauppauge High School for the past five years. Through his guidance, the team has made it to the state competition each year.
Petercsak plays a key role in hosting the Eastern Long Island Regional Science Olympiad Competition at Hauppauge High School. His commitment to STEM education and his impact on students have not gone unnoticed by Dr. Robert Wankmuller, the Director of Science and Research at Hauppauge High School. Wankmuller commended Petercsak’s dedication to his students, stating that he has been a “beacon of light” for them. The school district also congratulated Petercsak on receiving the award, recognizing his outstanding contributions to STEM education and his positive impact on students at Hauppauge High School.
