A Manhasset High School science teacher has been named a “Distinguished Teacher of 2013” by the Harvard Club of Long Island.
Terese Keogh, who has taught at Manhasset High School for 13 years and currently teaches physics at the AP and regents levels, is one of a dozen teachers across Long Island to be honored each year with the award, according to a release from the Harvard Club.
Keogh was nominated by Harvard freshman Olivia Henry, who described her former teacher as “by far the best teacher I had all through high school.”
“She had a tremendous impact on me by teaching me lessons in and out of the classroom,” Henry wrote in her nomination essay. “AP Physics was one of the most challenging science classes in our school, but many students opted to take it, just to have Mrs. Keogh as a teacher.”
“Mrs. Keogh always emphasized to her students that learning was not just about grades on tests, but about how what we learn can be observed in the real world and how we can use our knowledge beyond the classroom.” Henry added. “Mrs. Keogh always went above and beyond in her teaching by offering extra help and always finding interesting examples to get her students involved and enthusiastic about physics.”
Keogh will receive her award at the Harvard Club’s annual University Relations Lunch April 7 and learn whether she has been awarded a scholarship for a “Harvard Experience,” a customized visit to the university that would allow him access to the same resources as Harvard students. Included would be a meeting with faculty and visiting the school’s research laboratories and rare book archives.
“Our awards recognize people who transform the future,” said Dr. Judith Esterquest, a Long Island Harvard Club board member, in the release. “Dedicated teachers like Mr. Mumma expend unfathomable amounts of time and energy on our Long Island teens, day after day and year after year. Their efforts inspire students to dream dreams, to work to accomplish those dreams, and to think rigorously about what they want their future to be.”
This year’s Distinguished Teacher Award winners were selected by Harvard students as well as Harvard Club of Long Island members, and teach history, math, English, science, music, and physical education.
“Mrs. Keogh is the personification of Manhasset High School‘s philosophy that the combination of high standards and excellent teaching ensures that all students can and will succeed,” Mineola Superintendent of Schools Charles Cardillo said. “Her upbeat and enthusiastic demeanor, combined with her expertise in physics, creates a wonderful learning environment.”
“Mrs. Keogh’s engaging presentation and lecture style, combined with her warm, supportive and humorous nature, connects very well with students,” Cardillo continued. “She successfully responds to student inquiry with challenges, requiring students to reflect upon prior content, or to think more deeply into the topic at hand. Encouraging such higher-level thinking supports the more advanced learners in the class, while still engaging and effectively challenging students across the full spectrum of academic levels.”
Past winners of the award from the Manhasset district include middle school English teacher Eric Shapiro, who won the award in 2010; AP history teacher David Dorman, who won in 2009; and AP English teacher Joseph D’Angelo in 2009, who was also named an honorary fellow of the Harvard Club of Long Island and received a scholarship to attend a program at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
“These teachers inspire excellence – nurturing our Long Island students both to thrive at rigorous universities and to recognize their obligation to nurture others” said Susan Novick, president of the Harvard Club, in the release. “We are proud to honor them.”
According to the release, Harvard University has approximately 160 undergraduate students from Long Island and received close to 700 admissions applications for the coming school year.
