Michael Ferris, a technology teacher at East Syracuse Minoa Central High School, has earned an Empire State Excellence in Teaching Award from Governor Andrew M. Cuomo. Ferris is one of just 60 honorees in the state selected as representative of the more than 200,000 teachers across New York for this inaugural award.
The Empire State Excellence in Teaching Program recognizes outstanding individuals who exemplify the highest standards of teaching; who foster creativity, instill a love of learning and inspire independent thinking and student initiative.
“I am humbled to win such an award,” Ferris said. “It is really a testament to the type of students I have been able to work with. They drive me to be an educator.”
Awardees receive $5,000 to use for professional development activities, including coursework to enhance expertise, attendance at a state or national education conference or enrollment in a summer institute or certification program. In addition, winning teachers will also serve as Teacher Ambassadors who will be invited to share insights and knowledge with university, workforce and policy leaders around the state.
“The East Syracuse Minoa Central School District congratulates Michael Ferris on receiving the Empire State Excellence in Teaching Award,” said Dr. Donna DeSiato, ESM superintendent. “Mr. Ferris is an exemplary educator who has positively impacted the lives of many students and educators in New York State and beyond. As recognized by this award, Michael exemplifies the highest ideals of teaching by fostering creativity, a love of learning and critical thinking in all of his students.”
The teachers honored with this award represent .03 percent of New York’s educators, according to Cuomo. “This is the handful of the best of the best teachers and we wanted to say ‘thank you,’” he said.
