STEM Teacher Jessica Martino Wins ASSET Bright Light Award

Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School Innovation Lab teacher Jessica Martino is Huntington UFSD’s ASSET Bright Light Award recipient. The faculty member was honored during a ceremony at the Heritage Club in Bethpage.

The ASSET Bright Light Award is presented by ASSET (Association of Suffolk Supervisors for Educational Technologies) to educators and leaders on Long Island who demonstrate outstanding integration of technology in teaching and learning. It highlights innovative practices that improve student engagement and achievement through educational technology.

Ms. Martino was chosen as this year’s recipient for Huntington UFSD for facilitating a project-based learning curriculum for grades 4–6, introducing students to a diverse array of STEM and Computer Science initiatives.

“Under her leadership, students transition from passive consumers of technology to hands-on problem solvers,” said Nancy Allard, director of instructional technology, library media, data privacy and CIO. “Ms. Martino’s passion for integrating technology into every facet of the curriculum is evident daily. She does not just teach students how to use tools; she teaches them how to think like scientists and engineers. Her dedication to fostering the next generation of innovators makes her an ideal recipient of the Bright Light Award.”

A graduate of Marist College in Poughkeepsie with a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology and dual certification in general and special education, grades 1-6, Ms. Martino earned an MSEd degree at Pace University.

At Jack Abrams School, Ms. Martino instructs and manages over 20 classes. She develops computer science and engineering lesson, facilitates and organizes special STEM events and activities such as Lego League and Dash Robot Olympics, employs a variety of instructional media, including iPads, 3D printers, etc. and administers New York State Next Generation instruction through project based learning.