Based on her incredible ability to both teach and connect with students in her classroom, Connetquot High School earth science teacher Stephanie Burns was recently recognized by New York State Sen. Phil Boyle as a “Teacher of Excellence.”

Utilizing her background in meteorology, Ms. Burns recently developed a new weather unit that her students used to gather and analyze data. Additionally, Ms. Burns extends her expansive knowledge to benefit students at the collegiate level, as she is also an instructor at Stony Brook University, teaching a course titled “Foundations of Earth Science.” Not only is she an expert in her field, but she also possesses an innate ability to mentor her students.