Master Teacher

recognizing the best STEM teachers across the state

Each winter, Jim Panzer asks his environmental physics students to spend a night outdoors, in the safety of their own backyard, and create a short video explaining the physics involved in mitigating thermal losses. He also participates in the assignment!

Engaging, effective teaching and a commitment to keep learning are just some of the reasons that John Jay High School physics teacher Jim Panzer has been named a New York State Master Teacher. The program, run by the State University of New York, recognizes the best science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) teachers across the state, and offers them opportunities to join colleagues for professional learning and collaboration over the next four years.

The goal is to inspire and prepare the next generation of STEM leaders.

Jim Panzer

  • Jim Panzer, master teacher

committed to positive change on enviromental issues

“Please join me in extending our deepest congratulations to Jim Panzer,” said Dr. Steven Siciliano, principal of John Jay High School. “He joins his colleagues Frank Noschese and Ann Marie Lipinsky in receiving this prestigious honor from this most rigorous and innovative program.”

Panzer teaches AP Physics and Environmental Physics. This year, he also became the district’s first Sustainability Curriculum Integration Leader for the high school and middle school, a natural integration with his personal commitment to being a force for positive change on environmental issues.

Three Master Teachers at JJHS!

  • master teachers

    Frank Noschese, Jim Panzer and Ann Marie Lipinsky with Principal Steven Siciliano

an honor and an opportunity

Pierce Berke, a junior in Panzer’s AP Physics class, describes him as friendly, welcoming and encouraging. “Mr. Panzer makes it easy to visualize difficult concepts,” said Pierce. “He checks in with us while we finish assignments or thoroughly re-explains problems to make sure each and every student grasps the concepts.”

"Being selected as a Master Teacher is a tremendous honor and opportunity," said Panzer. “I am excited to learn more, I am excited to do more, I am excited to inspire more young lives because of this opportunity.”