Congratulations to Walt Whitman High School educator, John Karavias, on earning the title of NYS Master Teacher! According to The State University of New York website, “The NYS Master Teacher Program network consists of outstanding teachers recognized for their dedication to providing the most innovative STEM education to their students, their commitment to professional growth, and their enthusiasm for sharing their successful practices with colleagues in their schools, districts, and regions.” We are thrilled to have Mr. Karavias join this list of esteemed educators from all across New York State!
Mr. Karavias has taught Research and Marine Biology for over 22 years, calling Walt Whitman High School home for his entire career. To Mr. Karavias, this distinction is the result of many years of hard work and consistency. “I’m very proud of it,” Mr. Karavias expressed. “It's been over a 20 year project for me to become someone considered to be a master teacher.”
Mr. Karavias has had his research published including climate change research he pursued in Alaska. His research experiences with Columbia and the University of Rhode Island, along with traveling abroad on educational excursions, has allowed Mr. Karavias to gain scientific knowledge that he uses in his teaching.. “I don’t just teach science, I like to do science,” is a line Mr. Karavias shared with us in describing his teaching style. He finds that the best way to teach new material to his students is by bringing firsthand experiences into the classroom, and bringing real world applications to what they are learning.
While spending his entire career teaching at Walt Whitman, Mr. Karavias has also worked as an adjunct professor, teaching biology at CW Post, as well as teaching online courses for the American Museum of Natural History in NYC. His wide array of knowledge, from marine biology and fish diversity, to ecology and the solar system, makes his lessons interesting and engaging for both his students and colleagues..
Congratulations Mr. Karavias on this wonderful distinction!