Islip Middle School science teacher Ashley Bloch has been selected as a New York State STEM Master Teacher for the Long Island region. Ms. Bloch will work with 41 other teachers across Nassau and Suffolk counties to improve the science, technology, engineering and mathematics education of students and teachers across the state during the next four years.

“I teach science because I have always had a natural curiosity about the world around me, and I really enjoy sparking that curiosity in my students,” said Ms. Bloch. “Seeing my students become motivated about learning really inspires me to push myself and be a better teacher. I’m also lucky that I get to work with so many wonderful people – there’s a lot of positive and productive energy here!”

The Master Teacher program encourages educators to mentor their peers and deepen their own scholarship and professional development in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.