H-ton’s Thomas Van Bell Named Master Teacher Emeritus

Huntington High School science teacher Thomas Van Bell has been named a Master Teacher Emeritus by the State University of New York. He is among just 147 educators to earn the Master Teacher and Master Counselor designation. There are more than 200,000 teachers in the state.

Mr. Van Bell came to Huntington in September 2014. He obtained an undergraduate degree in chemistry and a Master of Arts in Teaching Chemistry at Stony Brook University, where he was an American Chemical Society-Hach Scientific Foundation scholarship recipient for pursuing science teaching certification. He completed a post-masters Certificate in Educational Leadership at Stony Brook in June 2022.

Prior to working at Huntington, Mr. Van Bell served as chemistry and science research teacher in the East Williston and North Babylon school districts. He said he’s proud to have experience working in different high schools and serving an extremely diverse population of students.

“Mr. Van Bell has been working toward the Master Teacher designation for some time and it is wonderful to see that his efforts have come to fruition,” Huntington Principal Brenden Cusack said. “He is part of a very small number of teachers to have achieved this prestigious title and we are all fortunate to have him as a member of our faculty. His collaboration with others both within and beyond Huntington High School, his work with students and his dedication to the craft of teaching are all worthy of high praise. We are truly very proud of Mr. Van Bell.”

Established in 2013, the New York State Master Teacher program recognizes outstanding K-12 public school STEM teachers and counselors and sustains a statewide professional network of educators dedicated to professional growth and development.

“I would like to congratulate Mr. Van Bell for being recognized as a New York State Master Teacher and highlighting our amazing teaching staff,” Huntington Superintendent Christian Bowen said.

Master Teachers and Master Counselors are educational leaders committed to sharing best practices and to creating engaging and inspiring learning environments for all K-12 students as well as support for teacher and counselor preparation programs.

“Our teachers and counselors have the vital responsibility of educating and supporting New York's future leaders,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “I’m proud to celebrate the New York State Master Teacher program and the hardworking educational leaders who are helping us build a world-class education system here in New York. We are incredibly grateful for our educators and counselors for their dedication to inspiring and shaping the minds of our children.”

Mr. Van Bell has been teaching science since 2008 and currently teaches Honors Chemistry. Living Environment and Forensic Science at Huntington High School, where he has served as faculty advisor to the Quiz Bowl team.

The Huntington faculty member spends summers immersing himself in authentic science research programs and engaging with students. He has been involved in research programs at Brookhaven National Laboratory and Stony Brook University.

Mr. Van Bell is a member of the National Science Teachers Association and the Science Teachers Association of New York State. He said he looks forward to collaborating with other master teachers to deepen his knowledge of content and pedagogy, as well as to make deeper connections with the school community.

“New York’s Master Teachers are the vanguards of our education community, exemplifying excellence, innovation and dedication in the classroom,” State Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa said. “Their expertise and passion for transformative learning experiences are the catalysts that will inspire and shape the future of education in our state.”