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.