Suffolk Reporter

Janine Baumiller, a STEM teacher at William Floyd Elementary School and the William Floyd Learning Center, has been selected to join the New York State Master Teacher Program. This program is a professional development and networking community that supports high-performing STEM teachers across the state.

The program includes over 1,700 educators, counselors, and industry leaders. Baumiller is one of 144 educators chosen from New York State this year and one of 17 from Long Island. She is also the only elementary school teacher in this year's class and the first from William Floyd to receive this honor.

"Earning admission into the NYS Master Teacher Program is a gratifying result after years of dedication to the sciences and the craft of teaching," said Mrs. Baumiller. "To be recognized for not only my content knowledge but also for my ability to adapt my instruction continually to have the biggest impact on all levels of students is a true honor."

Baumiller's interest in science began in high school when she earned a Project WISE scholarship promoting "Women in Science and Engineering." She holds a BA in child study with a concentration in science from St. Joseph’s College and an MA in liberal studies from Stony Brook University. Over her 24-year teaching career at William Floyd, she has chaired the Elementary Science Expo, coached sports teams, and developed an elementary STEM program serving over 850 students.

Outside her teaching role, Baumiller contributes to environmental efforts by working with South Fork Sea Farmers and East Hampton Hatchery to build oyster reefs. She also mentors aspiring educators through the Master Teacher Program.

Governor Kathy Hochul congratulated the new Master Teachers: “Here in New York, we are incredibly grateful for our teachers’ and counselors’ dedication to inspiring and shaping the minds of our students – the next generation of leaders in our state.”

As part of her role as a Master Teacher over the next four years, Baumiller will engage in peer mentoring, professional development opportunities, support early-career teachers, attend regional meetings, and lead professional sessions. These activities aim to enhance teaching practices within her district and foster collaboration among educators.

Mrs. Baumiller joins eight other colleagues from William Floyd who have previously been honored as New York State Master Teachers.