Honor Top NY Teacher

Senate Resolution No. 209 BY: Senator DEFRANCISCO HONORING Amy Hysick upon the occasion of being selected as the 2017 New York State Teacher of the Year WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor and recognize those dedicated individuals, who strive to enhance the quality of education for our students, and whose accomplishments, character and community commitment inspire all citizens of this great Empire State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Amy Hysick upon the occasion of being selected as the 2017 New York State Teacher of the Year by the New York State Department of Education for her excellence in the classroom and her contributions to her community; and WHEREAS, Amy Hysick is now the New York State nominee for the 2017 National Teacher of the Year Award; and WHEREAS, After graduating from Cicero-North Syracuse High School, Amy Hysick earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the State University of New York at Binghamton in 1997; she then received her Master of Arts degree in Secondary Education in 1999; and WHEREAS, In addition, Amy Hysick earned permanent New York State Certifications in Biology and Chemistry for grades seven through 12; and WHEREAS, A lifelong Syracuse-area resident, Amy Hysick has taught in the North Syracuse Central School District since 1999; she first served as a substitute teacher, then as a teacher for various science concentrations at her alma mater; and WHEREAS, Currently, Amy Hysick teaches Regents Living Environment at Cicero-North Syracuse High School; and WHEREAS, As a knowledgeable, highly skilled, and dedicated teacher, Amy Hysick has improved the quality of education at Cicero-North Syracuse High School by leading and supporting staff with enthusiasm, cultivating a positive and stimulating school environment for her students, and by creating a greater sense of community; and WHEREAS, Amy Hysick impacts students' lives daily in the classroom through hands-on learning as well as by playing a key role in her school in developing instructional strategies for reaching at-risk students who benefit from different learning styles; and WHEREAS, At Cicero-North Syracuse High School, Amy Hysick is best known for her classroom's impressive collection of snakes and lizards, her dragon and castle dungeon decorations, and the costumes she designs and sews by hand each year for Spirit Week; and WHEREAS, In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Amy Hysick has been involved with numerous committees at Cicero-North Syracuse High School and the North Syracuse Central School District, including the Graduation Rate Improvement Plan (GRIP) Committee, the Student Planner Committee, the Regents Appeals Committee, and the Grading Committee; furthermore, she is a participant of the district's Strengthening Teacher and Leader Effectiveness (STLE), Healthy Classroom PLC, and building-based Differentiated Instruction subgroups; and WHEREAS, Amy Hysick has held membership in various teachers' associations including the Science Teachers Association of New York State (STANYS) and the National Science Teachers Association; and WHEREAS, Moreover, this remarkable educator volunteers at her church and participates in a variety of professional learning communities designed to increase student achievement including an online forum of science educators from the United States and Canada; and WHEREAS, In recognition of her hard work and professional achievements, the North Syracuse Central School District selected Amy Hysick as the district's 2015 Teacher of the Year; and WHEREAS, Upon being named the 47th New York State Teacher of the Year, Amy Hysick received a certificate of recognition from New York State Board of Regents Chancellor Betty A. Rosa and from New York State Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia; and WHEREAS, As the 2017 New York State Teacher of the Year, Amy Hysick will serve as an ambassador for teachers throughout the State; this auspicious honor represents teaching excellence and helps speak for

220,000 New York State public school educators by engaging in presentations, attending meetings, and participating in professional development at the local, state, and national levels; and WHEREAS, Throughout her career, Amy Hysick continues to ensure that her students have the best possible educational experience; her latest accomplishment presents a model of educational leadership and achievement which merits the admiration and appreciation of the people of the State of New York; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Amy Hysick upon the occasion of being selected as the 2017 New York State Teacher of the Year by the New York State Department of Education; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Amy Hysick.