Baldwin High School Teacher Earns STEM Star Award

Ms. Michelle Gambino, a dedicated teacher at Baldwin High School within the Baldwin Union Free School District, has recently been honored with the Long Island Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics Educational Leadership Association (LISTEMELA) STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) Star Award. Her nomination came from the district's science supervisor, Ms. Susan Ferrigno.

“The STEM Star Teacher Award was created to honor educators who serve as a guiding light for their students, and Ms. Michelle Gambino exemplifies that ideal,” said Ms. Ferrigno. “What truly sets her apart is her exceptional ability to engage students in thinking routines that foster deep, analytical thought and a genuine love of learning. She has cultivated a classroom environment where inquiry thrives, questions are welcomed, and students are continually challenged to think critically and solve complex problems. We are incredibly proud to see her hard work and dedication recognized with this well-deserved accolade.”

LISTEMELA established the STEM Star Award to honor educators who act as a “beacon of light” for students. This award recognizes those who exemplify a strong commitment to the organization's vision of enhancing science education on Long Island by fostering leadership and ensuring equitable access to high-quality learning experiences for all students.

“We are incredibly proud to see Ms. Michelle Gambino honored for her significant contributions to our STEM curriculum and science programs,” stated Dr. Shari L. Camhi, the superintendent of schools for Baldwin UFSD. “As an exemplary educator, her commitment and diligence toward innovation and all that affords her students and department are genuinely commendable. On behalf of the district and the community, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to her for this remarkable achievement.”

Ms. Gambino was presented with the award, along with the 13 other recipients, at the LISTEMELA recognition ceremony in May. This is the third consecutive year a Science teacher in Baldwin has received this award.