Suffolk Reporter

Brian Heinz has been recognized as the William Floyd Alumni Association's Outstanding Educator for 2024. Heinz, a renowned author with 20 children's books to his name, is celebrated for his contributions to literature and education. His works span fiction and non-fiction, encompassing various genres from true-to-life narratives to humorous tales, often reflecting the natural world's grandeur. His dedication to authenticity in storytelling is evident as many of his titles are based on extensive location research.

Heinz's teaching career includes roles at John S. Hobart Elementary School and Nathaniel Woodhull Elementary School, where he instructed students in language arts and science. He has also shared his expertise at the Hofstra University Summer Writers Conference for a decade, focusing on writing for children.

In addition to writing and teaching, Heinz actively engages with educational communities through presentations at schools and conferences across the country. His literary work has earned numerous accolades from prestigious publishers such as Doubleday, Creative Editions, Dial, Millbrook, North Country Books, 4RV Publishing, Chronicle, among others.

Reflecting on his time with William Floyd schools, Heinz remarked: “During my years at William Floyd, I was fortunate to have worked with intelligent, energetic, and dedicated educators who taught with passion and empathy; and, to have shared in the lives of wonderful families. I can only hope my students learned as much from me as I have learned from them. They are with me always.”

Heinz divides his time between Long Island and the Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York.

For more information about Brian Heinz and his work visit www.brianheinz.com.