Luigi Papasidero Named Star Teacher Award Recipient

Huntington High School science teacher Luigi Papasidero was recently honored by the Long Island Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics Education Leadership Association The longtime faculty member was presented with the STEM Star Teacher Award during a recognition ceremony late last week.

The STEM Star Award was created to recognize “teachers who serve as a beacon of light for our students,” according to the organization. Mr. Papasidero earned his BS degree in Adolescent Education and Biology and his dual MS in Literacy 5-12/TESOL K-12 at St. John's University. He also holds an AMS Datastreme Post-Baccalaureate Certificate from PennWest, which helped him earn additional certification in Earth Science.

Mr. Papasidero is currently enrolled in the Stony Brook University educational leadership cohort. He began his career teaching at a New York City Department of Education middle school, where he taught seventh and eighth grade science and served as the recycling coordinator.

As a teacher at Huntington High School, Mr. Papasidero has taught ENL Living Environment, ENL Earth Science, and Anatomy & Physiology—the last of which is a dual-credit program in partnership with SUNY Farmingdale, a program he designed.

In addition to his teaching duties, Mr. Papasidero serves as the program liaison for SUNY Farmingdale STEP (Science & Technology Entry Program), which provides STEM research opportunities for underrepresented groups. He is a New York State Educational Consultant in Earth Science and serves on the advisory board for the SUNY Farmingdale STEP program.

“Luigi consistently goes above and beyond for all students at Huntington High School, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to their academic success and personal growth,” Principal Rochelle C. Brown said. “He dedicates significant time and energy to supporting students who are struggling to pass their Regents Exams, ensuring they receive the guidance and encouragement they need to succeed. At the same time, Luigi challenges and inspires high-achieving students by creating access to extraordinary, college-level experiences. His students have participated in unique opportunities such as a live virtual open-heart surgery and a sports medicine autopsy—experiences that ignite curiosity and deepen their understanding of STEM fields.”

As a bilingual educator, Mr. Papasidero plays a vital role in supporting Huntington High School’s Hispanic community. His ability to communicate effectively with students and families strengthens connections and ensures that all students feel seen, supported, and empowered.

“Luigi is also deeply committed to expanding access to STEM education for underserved students,” said Danielle Raguzin, the district’s coordinator of science, 7-12. “Through grants secured with the Farmingdale STEP program, he provides enriching opportunities such as Saturday STEM programs, Gingerbread engineering races, and hands-on experiences raising quails. These programs foster creativity, critical thinking, and a passion for learning among students who may not otherwise have access to such resources.”

Not only does Mr. Papasidero look for way to enhance his students, he consistently seeks out opportunities to improve his craft and hone his skills as an educator, by attending a variety of workshops on Long Island and the broader New York State. He is a member of STANYS and has also been named a Master Teacher for New York State and serves as a mentor to new teachers within our district.

“Luigi is a remarkable educator who truly embodies what it means to go above and beyond—for every student, every day,” Ms. Raguzin said.