Congratulations to the South Huntington School District Teacher of the Year and Stimson Middle School Teacher of the Year Mr. Justin Gravina! Mr. Gravina joined the South Huntington family in the fall of 2013 as a special education teacher. He has been at Stimson Middle School his entire district career teaching math and science to students with learning, hearing, and speech disabilities. He is also the vocational teacher for children with learning disabilities in the sixth to eighth grade Life Skills program. Stimson principal Mr. Michael Duggan says Mr. Gravina’s approach to teaching is clearly “student-centered.” “He places the needs, well-being, and growth of his students at the forefront of every decision he makes, both inside and outside the classroom. His lessons are thoughtfully designed, engaging, and inclusive…[Mr. Gravina’s] ability to connect with students–academically, socially, and emotionally–sets him apart as a truly transformative educator,” said Mr. Duggan.

 

Colleagues and parents speak highly of Mr. Gravina’s ability to connect with his students beyond academics, helping to build character and social emotional resilience. One parent shared her gratitude for Mr. Gravina’s help during a difficult time for her children due to a family illness. “He was a steady, compassionate constant who kept my children on track with their assignments and academics while also guiding them through their grief and emotional upheaval. Mr. Gravina did far more than fulfill the responsibilities of a teacher, he showed up for my children in a way that encouraged them to maintain their routines, responsibilities, and sense of normalcy.”  

 

For Mr. Gravina, teaching extends beyond the typical classroom. He is a Project Excel mentor, a  teacher and tutor for homebound students, the SADD Club Advisor, and the Cooking Club Advisor. His love of cooking and baking has led to the success of his signature project, “Brewing the Future Cafe.” This coffee shop runs out of Stimson’s special Life Skills classroom which is fully equipped with a beautiful kitchen. It not only offers teachers a caffeine boost and a menu from which they can order, but also provides the Life Skills students with vocational training in a real world setting. Students learn about inventory and financial management, and practice their customer service and communication skills under Mr. Gravina’s leadership. 

 

Mr. Gravina graduated from St. Joseph’s College with a Bachelor of Arts in Child Study. He continued his studies at Touro University where he received a Master of Science in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). He holds various New York State teaching certifications in Early Childhood and Childhood Education for the primary grades, and Special Education for both primary and secondary grades. Mr. Gravina spoke with us about his teaching career and what being named Teacher of the Year means to him.

 

Q & A

 

What inspired you to become an educator?
I spent much of my childhood helping my younger brothers and cousins with their homework, and I always loved the sense of fulfillment that came from teaching them something new and useful. That early experience planted a seed, but it was during my freshman year of high school, when I joined the Mock Trial team, that my passion for teaching truly took shape. Our coach, a first-year teacher who had just started the program, showed us what genuine dedication looked like. Watching Ms. Acierno—now Mrs. Lester—pour her love for teaching into each of us was incredibly inspiring. Her impact was lasting, and I knew then that I wanted to make the same kind of difference in the lives of others. I’m grateful that I’m still in touch with her today.

 

What is your favorite part of the school day?
It’s hard to choose a single favorite part of the day because each class I teach has its own unique personality. What I enjoy most are the brief moments of non-instructional time, when I get to chat with my students and hear about how their day is going. It’s in those small moments that I get to know who they are beyond academics, and those connections are what make teaching so meaningful.

 

What have your students taught YOU?
Through my students, I have learned that hard work and determination can overcome any learning disability. I have witnessed firsthand how perseverance, resilience, and a belief in oneself can transform challenges into achievements. Their dedication reminds me that progress is not defined by limitations, but by the effort, commitment, and courage to keep trying, even when learning feels difficult.

 

How do you demonstrate your Wildcat Pride? What makes the South Huntington School District special to you?
Even though I am not a resident of South Huntington or the greater Huntington area, I have become deeply connected to both the community and the school community during my time here. I want to be present, involved, and invested beyond the classroom. That commitment has led me to serve as the advisor for the SADD and Cooking Clubs, mentor students through Project Excel nearly every year, and come in early or stay late whenever possible to support school events and activities.

You always make friends at work, but the people of Stimson and this district are truly something special. Being here feels like being with family. From the moment I turn onto Oakwood Road and receive a friendly wave from Val, our crossing guard, to walking into the building and being welcomed by a team of passionate, dedicated professionals, I feel a genuine sense of belonging. My colleagues support one another, celebrate successes together, and show up for each other during challenges. That sense of connection, trust, and shared purpose is what makes Stimson more than just a workplace—it’s a community where I feel valued, supported, and proud to belong.

 

 

What does being named Teacher of the Year mean to you?
When I first learned that I was named Stimson’s Teacher of the Year, I honestly thought my building administration was pranking me. I was truly speechless and deeply honored that so many of my colleagues think so highly of me. I give my best each day, then wake up and do it all again—just like the incredible colleagues I’m fortunate to work alongside.

 

When I found out that I had been named District Teacher of the Year, my first reaction was nerves—especially at the thought of giving a speech at the ceremony, as public speaking has never come easily to me. Once again, however, I felt deeply honored, speechless, and overwhelmed. After a few days, when everything had time to settle in, I began to feel an overwhelming sense of pride in my accomplishments.

 

I graduated from college during one of the largest teacher layoffs in New York State history and spent nearly five years trying to secure a tenure-track teaching position. There were many nights when I lay awake questioning my career path and considering other options. I am incredibly grateful that I chose to persevere, as my career has proven to be both meaningful and rewarding.

 

I was unaware of the impact I had on my students, their families, and my colleagues until I was asked to collect letters as part of the nomination process. Reading their words was truly humbling and reaffirmed that I am exactly where I am meant to be.

 

 

(this interview has been edited and condensed for clarity)
 

 

 

Stimson Middle School principal, Mr. Mike Duggan (right) and assistant principal, Ms. Beth Keating (left), join in congratulating their building’s and the South Huntington School District’s 2025-26 Teacher of the Year, Mr. Justin Gravina (center).